Are you in the middle of a job search? While searching and applying for jobs, take some
time to ask yourself these questions, designed to help you focus, re-energize
and move your search forward.
· Is your search organized? It’s helpful to manage your search as you
would any other project; breaking each task into manageable steps with action
items, setting SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely)
goals, and regularly evaluating your activity and efforts.
·
Are you branded?
In simple terms, your brand is who you are and what you have to
offer. It’s the perception other people
have of you compared with similar people.
Assess your skills, values, strengths and weaknesses, and determine what
sets you apart from the competition. Be
sure your brand is consistent throughout all aspects of your search: marketing materials, social media and
interviews. Research your targeted
industry and field, and make sure your brand fits well and matches key
positions.
·
Are your marketing materials complete? Develop an advanced level resume - targeted
to your specific field and each position - that accurately reflects your brand. Include cover letters that match your
qualifications to each specific job, provide appropriate supporting materials,
including portfolios and samples of your work.
Today marketing materials also include LinkedIn and other social media,
so be sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and highlights your
accomplishments and qualifications – you want it to help sell you as the best
candidate.
·
Speaking of social media, are you using LinkedIn
fully? Make sure your profile is 100%
complete, with a professional (yes it’s important) photo, a keyword-rich
summary, recommendations that support your goals, and regular activity status
updates. Join groups, and be active by
starting and joining discussions to demonstrate your expertise. Find recruiters for your industry, apply to
posted jobs, and connect with RIT alumni in your targeted companies. Check out the new University Alumni feature, which
helps you locate alumni easily by location and industry. Don’t forget Facebook and Twitter as well;
Twitter has been described as “the
new resume.”
·
What are you doing to access the hidden job
market? This is the most important, and
least utilized, step of the job search process, and provides the most return on
investment for your time and energy. Create a targeted list of companies, based on
your self-assessment results and research of the industry. Use resources to find contacts within those
companies with whom you can connect.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding key company contacts, and the
RIT Alumni Network will help you connect with RIT alumni in your targeted
companies. Professional associations are
also a good resource for meeting people in your field, who can often lead you
to company connections.
·
How do you present yourself? Here’s another opportunity for honest self-assessment. Have a positive attitude, with no outward
negativity towards your situation or former employer. Be enthusiastic, eager to learn and grow, confident,
prepared, polished and professional.
Make sure your relevant skills are current (take classes or get training
if needed), and that you’re technologically savvy. If applicable, be ready to address questions
related to your age and/or perceived overqualification – remember, value trumps
everything, so know yours and be prepared to present it confidently!
Can we help? Our
office is available to assist with any aspect of your job search; call us at
585-475-2301 to schedule an appointment with your advisor, or email Kris Stehler. Share your thoughts and suggestions below, and
if you have a question you’d like addressed in our blog, let us know.
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