Perhaps you are still in the midst of your last minute Christmas shopping. You are methodically going down the list of all the people that you need to purchase gifts for.
But what will you get for yourself? Would your perfect Christmas gift be a new job?
According to a survey done by Cornerstone, 21 million Americans plan to look for new jobs in 2012. By starting before Christmas of 2011, you can get a head start on those who won’t start their job searches until January.
What will it take to get this gift?
1) A strategic job search plan
A strategic job search plan can help you land a new position more quickly because it outlines your job search tasks and makes them manageable. If done correctly, it can also help you stay focused on those job search methods that have been proven to be most successful so that you are not unnecessarily wasting time. Your strategic job search plan should include a project management schedule and should pinpoint the companies that you want to work for as well as a plan for networking your way into those companies.
2) A dynamic online presence
According to ExecuNet, 86% of recruiters now scour online sources for additional information on candidates. Positive online information about you will improve your job prospects since that is what recruiters will be looking for to determine who they call for an interview. Here are some tips for making sure that you are represented well online:
- Google yourself to see what comes up. You need to see what recruiters will see when they search for you. That way you can make any needed adjustments to your online presence.
- Take charge of your ZoomInfo profile. ZoomInfo is a site that automatically collects data about people online from different sources on the Internet. Some recruiters will check this site for information about candidates. Sometimes there will be erroneous information on ZoomInfo under your name because the site confused you with someone else with the same name. Also, there may be information that is omitted about you that should be included. You can go to ZoomInfo for free and claim your name and correct any mistakes there may be. You can also post your picture to your profile if you choose to.
- Create profiles on social media sites for visibility. LinkedIn is the most popular site for professionals, and there are hundreds of thousands of recruiters on LinkedIn searching for candidates. Make sure your profile is complete and that it represents you well.
3) Polished job search tools
Even though social media is the buzzword for a job search these days, you still need the tried and true job search tools. Make sure you have not overlooked the basics for your job search.
- Have a professional resume that highlights accomplishments. A resume without crisply worded, powerful accomplishment statements is not likely to be noticed. Many job seekers make the mistake of simply listing their duties. But a laundry list of duties makes a job seeker sound like everyone else who has done similar work. Accomplishments distinguish you from your competition. And they show that you have actually made a contribution to the organization’s bottom line.
- Refine your interviewing skills. Practice your answers to commonly asked interview questions so that you come across as a well-prepared candidate. Interviewers usually start with the statement, “Tell me about yourself,” so you should be prepared to speak about your qualifications as they relate to the position. Let the interviewer know from the start that you are right for this position.
- Hone your salary negotiation techniques. You and the employer often have opposite goals when it comes to salary negotiation. You are trying to get the best compensation package possible, and often the employer is trying to pay the least amount possible. (Exception: Companies that consider themselves best in class.)
You should practice your negotiation skills before you get to the salary negotiation process. Practice how you’re going to respond if an employer tries to lowball you.
To find out more about creating a strategic job search plan, call 877-743-9521 to speak to a career coach or send an email to admin@calltocareer.com.
Tags: Employment Agencies, Executive Search, Find a job, Find a job with social media, get a job, Job opportunities, job search



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