Career mind-set demands that, before we ever look at the job boards, we have a definitive description of the perfect job we are seeking. Conditions, geography, hours of work, type of work, pay and benefits, culture of the employer are all factors that must be carefully described. This also includes a listing of preferred employers and the list of employers that are must-avoids.
Once that is done, a question screen is developed that prioritizes all the elements necessary in a possible job opportunity.
Then the trip to the employment ads can begin. With question screen in hand, candidates can carefully select the best opportunities that complement their desired career path. Picking no more than three, they can spend the six to 10 hours researching the company, customizing letter of application and resume, and preparing their network of people for the “perfect fit” of references they will include in their application.
By this detailed customization, they can get their high-quality resume to the top of the pile. Then they can sell themselves in an interview.
Even now I can’t image the life of my client the eight months before he came to me. Fifty resumes a week. Thirty-five of whom never called him back at all. Fifteen “to bad, so sad” denials. It must have been hell. Don’t waste your time or energy throwing things at the wall to see what sticks. Make an intentional investment in securing a well-fitting job that will guide you down a fruitful career path.
Next week, we will touch a bit on resiliency and keeping your wits about you. As I have been quoted often saying, “when you are under stress, it bleeds out your pores.” You must be at your best to do your best when on the hunt for the perfect job.
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