I a couple of days ago a friend mentioned how many times he has heard job seekers describe their interests as “open to anything as long as it’s a job.”
This is a common job-search theme, and it probably has its roots in the notion that if you remain flexible, more jobs will be available to you.
My friend pointed out he had never read a job posting that read, “We are looking for anyone who can do anything.” Postings cite a specific job title and the skill sets the employer is hoping to find. Most job seekers who use the “I will work anywhere” strategy end up going around in circles with their search efforts, feeling drained.
So how do you make your job search more productive? You put your plan into action. Having a plan provides direction, but without action, it’s just a plan.
If you are not accomplishing what you had hoped for in your job search, consider joining a job search group or start a job club. There is power in a group that shares goals and challenges and provides accountability.
If you want to make your job search more productive, here are some tips. Even if you have been searching for a while, it’s never too late to start something new.
1. Keep your focus. Put your plan into action by following through on at least one job-search activity every day. The more action you take, the more momentum you build.
2. Try a new job-search technique. If your job search is not producing results, then your techniques may be the problem.
3. Practice saying your introduction statement aloud. Your It should express what you want people to remember most about you. Aim to keep your introduction 15-30 seconds long.
4. Stay in contact with your networking group. You can do more than call – consider sending cards or interesting articles to those who have helped you. This goes a long way when developing rapport and creating good will.
5. Join a job club or job-search group. There, you can discuss leads, share ideas and find accountability.
6. Keep business cards handy. Job opportunities can pop up when you least expect them, so keep business cards with current contact information handy.
7. Use social networking sites to develop an online presence. Social networking is an excellent way to share information and ask for feedback, and these sites are available at night and on the weekend. The contacts you can make are virtually endless.
8. Beat shyness by taking a friend. If you are going to an event that seems overwhelming, take a friend along to help with introductions and build up your confidence.
9. Prepare questions in advance. This will keep the conversation moving during networking meetings. Learn how to create rapport by discovering what you and your contact have in common.
10. Follow up, follow up, follow up. All your work networking and creating rapport will go by the wayside if you don’t following up with the contacts you made.
Where are you finding most of your job leads?
