Computer Schools: 7 Steps in Preparing for A Job Search

Seven Vital Steps 
in Preparing for a Job Search

Looking for work is a lonely task.  Other than your family, there are few others who care about your success. To compound the problem, most of us never search for work often enough in our career to become competent at it. 

Job seekers often “put the cart before the horse” in their job search.  We frequently hear about countless hours of ill-prepared networking, lurking on Internet job sites and waiting for recruiters to produce that perfect job.

What will follow is an outline of the steps to take and how to insure your job search success.

Your Resume Comes First!

A common mistake is to envision your next job and attempt to mold your resume to fit that image. The best approach is to create your resume clearing demonstrating your achievements in the best possible light. Your career is exactly what it is. It doesn’t change as you look at different jobs.  A powerful resume speaks in terms of achievements not just responsibilities. A great resume shows prospective employers what you accomplished for others.  Your past successes are the best indicator of the future.

Decide What You Want To Do

Your cover letter will mold your presentation to the specific industry or position you are pursuing. You also need to tell the reader exactly what type of position you are interested in.  Many successful cover letters indicate a second position you would consider. No one cares that you are “looking for a forward thinking company that will allow me to apply the skills I have developed.”

Decide Which Companies (in general) You Want To Do It For

Your next step is to create a “specification list” to select which companies are a “good fit” to be your next employer. Define this specification using industry, primary line of business, sales volume, geography, number of employees, etc. Use this definition to assemble your list of target companies.

Reach The Hiring Decision Makers

Now let’s get your resume and cover letter to the “Hiring Decision Makers” at your list of companies.  You need to select who will receive your resume.  As you view the management hierarchy of each company in your list, determine where you’d fit in the hierarchy and then select who should receive your resume by name and title.  Never mail to Human Resources or “To Whom It May Concern,” otherwise you will be assuring your resume a trip to the human resource department filing cabinet.  By mailing your resume to “Hiring Decision Makers” in your list, you will start the phone ringing with opportunities.

Cast a Broad Enough Net

When you’re looking for your next position, you need to maximize your number of contacts. The higher your desired position in an organization, the greater the number of contacts required.

Contact Recruiters.

At this point you have created a powerful resume and distributed it to a list of companies you feel would have positions suitable for you. Now it is time to contact recruiters. Send an introduction letter and your resume to recruiters who deal with your type of positions. Successful recruiters specialize in certain positions and/or industries. Knowing this can save you lots of time from trying to contact recruiters who will only ignore your information.

Networking.

Now is also the right time to begin your networking options.  You have a great resume and cover letter and you’ve mailed to employers and contacted recruiters. Networking can occur via phone, mail, e-mail, and in-person or on the Internet.

A Way Around the Executive Career Advancement Quandary

Since 1994, Barton Industries has been educating people about career advancement and issues that affect job seekers. Our systems have helped win some of the most lucrative contracts for an ever-growing list of executives, managers and other upper echelon personnel.

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