SEARCH SKILLS
STOP WHINING ABOUT CORPORATE DOWNSIZING, THE RECENT RECESSION, AND
THE "JOBLESS RECOVERY" FROM IT. SURE ALL OF THE ABOVE HAVE MADE GOOD JOBS
DIFFICULT TO FIND. BUT MOST JOB SEEKERS SUFFER MORE FROM POOR JOB-HUNTING
SKILLS THAN FROM LACK OF OPPORTUNITY, ACCORDING TO TERRY MULLINS, PH.D.,
DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
EVANSVILLE IN INDIANA. HERE ARE HIS 10 TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR ODDS OF
FINDING A JOB QUICKLY.
1. Discover your strengths and learn to talk about them. Since
employers estimate future successes by past accomplishments, learn to
think of your experience in terms of goals achieved, abilities developed,
lessons learned. A cares study of your accomplishments will reveal the
best of your skills.
Most people are uncomfortable promoting themselves or revealing
their ambitions because as children many of us are taught not to brag.
But though self-congratulating may be rude at a dinner party, it's
expected at an interview. So get comfortable telling your "story" by
sharing it with a sympathetic friend, because overcoming an ingrained
reluctance to speak highly of yourself is essential if you hope to
convince an employer to hire you.
2. Prepare a resume that is compatible with electronic data bases.
Many firms rely on computerized resume data bases to generate potential
job applicants. Instead of being screened by a person, your resume may be
scanned into an electronic data base. The data base uses
applicant-tracking software to match key words from a job description
with key words in the resume.
To make your resume compatible, you should use a common typeface,
such as Courier, which is readily recognized by optical scanning
programs. Since some scanning programs have trouble reading italic and
boldface type, use these sparingly.
3. Plan your interview story carefully. Most successful interviews
follow a three-scene script. Cooperate with the script and you increase
your chances of being hired. Fight it or ignore it and your interview may
run aground.
Scene One: Lasting about three minutes, this scene consists of
small talk and is really a compatibility contest. As you shake hands,
make eye contact and smile. Show that you are courteous, friendly, and at
ease with yourself and the situation. These "small" points are not
trivial.
Scene Two: Lasting about 15 minutes to an hour or more, this scene
is mainly you telling your story. You need to explain your skills,
abilities, accomplishments, and ambitions. Emphasize your ability to add
value to the employer. If you can claim credit for increasing sales,
reducing costs, or improving quality, now is the time to do so. If you
have any holes in your experience or blemishes on your record, handle
them now. As you conclude this scene, stress your ability and willingness
to perform at a high level.
Scene Three: Lasting only a minute or two, this scene closes the
interview and sets up the next steps. Do not allow the interviewer to
close with the usual, "We'll be in touch with you when we decide
something." This statement leaves you powerless to influence the
decision. Instead, you should end the interview by saying, "I'll keep you
posted about developments in my job search." This comment keeps you in
control, allowing you to follow up with additional information that may
improve your chance of being hired.
4. Create a network of friendly contacts who can hire you or
recommend you to others who can. Developing a network of contacts is the
single most important task of a job seeker. You need to tell your story
to people who have the power to hire you. In other words, you want a
network filled with potential bosses. This contact can be made in a
letter detailing your interest in the field and your respect for the
person's stature within it. Follow up with a phone call.
When you go in for the appointment, don't ask for a job. If you do,
the person you are networking with may feel tricked. The visit is a
chance to learn from his or her expertise and make an ally in your job
search. If impressed you might end up with some interviews. Remember,
before you leave, ask for the names of others who might be able to help
you out.
Forty or 50 networking interviews should produce several job
offers. If not, you should polish your interviewing skills and begin the
process again.
Don't limit your search to larger firms. Today, small- and
medium-sized firms create the most new jobs. With a small company, it is
easier to get hired and you are likely to receive greater responsibility
sooner. True, small firms traditionally pay less and provide fewer
benefits, but not always. Finally, solid accomplishments at a small firm
can translate into a better job at a larger company.
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