Author: David M. Young
You have decided to look for your next position. It may be you are being forced to look due to layoff, termination, company shutting down/bankruptcy, or life has brought so much change that you need a career change as well. Or, you may be perfectly fine in your current role, but you have decided it is time to see what else is “out there”. So what do you do next?
I firmly believe if you are really going to be effective as you explore for your next position, you must be intentional, process minded, and diligent. If you just wait for the position to come to you, you may or may not ever find that great role you are seeking.
So, let’s explore the basics of the job search process. In the coming months, this blog will expand on these individual components of the job search in much greater detail. Let’s first layout the “roadmap” that you need to follow at a summary level and then we can expand as we move forward:
Email – Yes, email is a standard, common, and easy to use form of communication in the job search. But all too often, it is not used correctly, over or underused, or confused for actual job search efforts. Email makes you feel like to talked with someone, but you never know what happens on the other end or the impression made with your email. So what are good email tips? Should you use email? Come back and we will explore this in more detail.
Networking – Whether in the job search or not, the most effective individuals in the professional world have some sort of network. It may be as simple as a technical expert who is recognized online in various forums as the answer guy. Or you may have a handful of past and present associates that you keep in touch with. Many folks go to work and go home. We will dive in more detail on making sure that your professional reach is much greater than just those you see regularly. The most effective people in their job search have at least 10 people that are not only aware they are open to another opportunity, but invariably, these people in your network are where you will find your next position.
Resume – In today’s day and time, you must have a resume. It may be as simple as a linked-in profile, or as standard as a hard copy resume. But regardless, your resume should not just be a history of where you have worked. A well written and targeted resume makes the difference between you and the next person. Check back in the coming weeks as we discuss resumes, tips and tricks, as well as provide some sample suggestions on how to have a power resume.
Actively and Passively searching – More to come on this, some say they are not really looking, but open to new opportunities, others are in an all intensive search. Regardless, we’ll give some insight on how to pursue the market regardless of where you are in the job search.
Applying/submitting – Should you submit your resume blindly on line? Should you trust your friend who “knows” someone? Good questions and there are definitely some keys to making sure your resume is seen by the decision makers.
Interviewing – It is both an art and a science. Some are not versed on either, while others feel that once they are in front of the hiring manager, they will get the job. Well, in today’s economy, we are seeing that this is no longer holding true. How can you make sure you get a job offer when you walk out of the interview? Future blogging Insight will give you the keys to getting that offer.
Offer Negotiation – You have the offer, but the job search is not over. How to negotiate, and make it a win/win for all involved. Too many times you try to negotiate and it only ends up as a lose / lose.
Acceptance and Pre-start – You’ve accepted the job, w is the time you impress and differentiate yourself to your new boss.
Resigning your old position – Are you ready for a counter offer? Are you ready to be escorted out? Are you ready to give two weeks but be asked to stay on to complete the project? Don’t burn bridges and be ready to resign professionally.
Starting – The job search process is not over. You have a start date, but the shining stars continue to want the job even after they have it. We will blog with some further thoughts on how to be the best employee the organization has. Become irreplaceable so that you will always be paid well, happy with your responsibilities, and never need to look for a job again.
After the start, what next? – is the job search over? We’ll address this,
The above parts of the job search process will be surgically explored. Come back to https://davidyoungdy.wordpress.com and we will provide more insight for you in the job search.
The Job 