Three Rules to Land Your Next Job
In today’s tough job market, you need to be diligent, strategic, and thinking outside the box. You can double your opportunities and cut your down time in half by following these three job hunting rules…
1. Think Up, Down and Sideways.
When it comes to getting your next job you need to think outside the box. Since many companies don’t require you to have industry experience, only expertise in a specific job function, you can double your opportunities by applying for jobs in different industries.
For example, if you’ve been working in advertising agencies, then also include businesses that have in-house advertising, marketing, or communications departments. Or, if you’ve been in sales, finance, engineering, or administration in a certain industry (such as health care, high tech, or construction), start applying for those same jobs in other industries.
The biggest mistake job hunting professionals make is looking for a position with the exact same title they had in their last job. Instead, consider looking at smaller companies and going one-level up, as well as larger companies and going one-level down.
Also, it’s not mandatory that you meet 100-percent of the requirements in the job description. Attitude and confidence are also key factors! A good rule of thumb is to have at least 75-percent of the skills and experience required, and express in your cover letter and interviews that you’re a quick learner, flexible, and passionate about the position and the company.
2. Create a strategic job search plan.
You want to fish where the fish are, so find out where your potential employers are by reading trade magazines, industry publications, company websites, and classified ads in your local newspapers. You’ll learn which industries are hiring, which companies are hiring, and what the hot jobs are!
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- Company websites.
- Work your netWORK.
Make it a priority to get connected and stay connected to people who could hire you, or introduce you to others who could potentially hire you. Get re-connected with past employers, customers, and colleagues. Meet new contacts by attending industry conferences, trade shows, business networking events, and association meetings that target the industry (high tech, health care, etc.), or the job role (marketing, finance, management, etc.) you want. Try to attend a couple of events each week.
Also network on-line by joining LinkedIn.com and get connected to networking groups, industry leaders, and company decision makers. Make sure you create a profile that lists your career strengths, results, and successes.Finally, never give the impression that you’re hungry for a job. Instead, you want to be seen as someone who’s resourceful, knowledgeable, and has a wide network. Send out personalized notes and e-mails with links to reports, case studies, press releases, videos, and websites that you think may interest them. Invite them to business networking events, and introduce them to other movers and shakers. Influencers are drawn to those who are resourceful.
The goal is to create a pull relationship with your network so that they are drawn towards you (not running away from you!)
When you’re searching for a new job, remember to stay focused in what you want, stay positive, and believe in yourself. It takes persistence and patience – but you WILL find those companies who jump at the opportunity to have you join their team! J
FollowHOW TO KEEP YOUR JOB in a TOUGH ECONOMY
It’s never a good time to lose your job, but it’s especially tough these days during a down economy. So, if you’re employed, you need to be doing everything possible to keep your job and stay employed.
For some great strategies, check out my latest TV interview on KPNX, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix.
- Exceed expectations. Here are a few career management strategies you can do RIGHT NOW to help you stay employed during this tough economy. Being a good employee in this environment, may not be good enough. A lot of companies are looking at weeding out those employees who may not be performing, so it’s more important than ever to bring your “A GAME” into work every single day, and be viewed as a major contributor. Look for ways you can exceed expectations. That could be finishing a project early, or below budget, or exceeding a goal that you’ve set with your manager.
Make sure you’re focusing on delivering high quality and results, and that includes not only meeting, but exceeding goals.
- Be visible. It’s more important that ever to get face time with your manager! And that means weekly one-on-one meetings to make sure you’re aligned on goals and expectations, and that you’re focusing on the right priorities.
- Grow the money. It’s such a volatile market right now, all companies are scrutinizing over one thing: how to stay in business. So if you can contribute towards growing the money within your organization – then you’ll be more likely to secure your job if downsizing occurs.
Also, keep in mind that should your manager leave the company – you’re going to need other managers in your corner who can champion you. So make sure that you keep department managers and senior leaders updated on your progress through status reports, project updates and presentations.
Focus your attention on helping grow market share, save costs, or generate more money. Maybe you have an idea to tap into a new market, or a way to make a product even better…
It’s really looking at all of your strengths, talents and skills and asking yourself “What can I do to help the organization be even more successful?”
For even more quick coaching tips, follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/SherriThomas
Happy Holidays!
Sherri
How to look for a job while you are employed
I was recently interviewed on Channel 12, KNPX, the NBC affiliate in Phoenix. In the interview, I provided tips on how to look for a new job while you are still employed. Enjoy!
40% off our most popular products!
Happy Holidays from Career Coaching 360!
Want to jump start your career! Right now, get 40% OFF our most popular career CD’s, books, templates, and guides to help you manage, or change your career.
Also, a very special thank you to all of our Career Coaching 360 customers.
A portion of all Career Coaching 360 sales goes to Kiva.org (Sherri’s favorite charity.) View all of the Career Coaching 360 customer sale donations.
P.S. The 40% OFF Holiday Sale ends this Friday, December 5th at midnight! Visit: https://careercoaching360.com/HolidaySale.htm
Happy Holidays from Career Coaching 360!
Happy Holidays!
I wish I could remember the professional football player’s name who said to me while we were both volunteering at the same charity event, “When you’re blessed – you GOTTA GIVE BACK!”
My parents have been my greatest role models in this area which is why I live my life (and have built Career Coaching 360!) based on this principal.
Here are four (4) ways Career Coaching 360 is paying it forward this holiday season.
- Kiva.org -A portion of all Career Coaching 360 sales goes to Kiva.org (my favorite charity!) Together, our proceeds and donations have added up to over $5,000 to help improve the lives of others in third world countries! View all of the Career Coaching 360 customer sale donations.
- Served in Iraq -One of my friends, Ryan, just returned from Iraq serving in the Navy Reserves. He asked for help with his resume which got me thinking – we need to help these guys! Anyone who is serving (or has served) in Iraq gets a deep discount of 70% OFF the Resume Success Toolbox!
- Habitat for Humanity -Last Wednesday, I closed up shop and spent the day volunteering with my parents at Habitat for Humanity (I’m pictured with my Mom in the photo!) We sawed lumber on a cold, rainy day to build a home for a family in Phoenix from Ethiopia!
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Salvation Army – Career Coaching 360 is participating in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Child program and giving toys, clothes, and presents to local children in need of holiday cheer.
If YOU are paying it forward (with time or money) – let me know! Simply send me a photo and a note telling me what you’re doing to help others this holiday season 
If you’d like to expand your professional network, then join me(!) and the Career Coaching 360 community on 
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P.S. “CAREER CHANGE BOOT CAMP” is coming in January! You’ll get loads of strategies, scripts, and examples to fast track your career change! More details to follow in the next newsletter.
Wishing you all the best!
Warmest~
Sherri
