In a recent post, I noted ten important things to do in your job search, regardless of your situation. Here are the second ten things that will ramp up your success:
11. Position yourself as a problem-solver.
When you’re following a job lead, don’t think to yourself, “What can I do to get this company interested in me?” Instead, ask the following questions, “What do I know or what can I do that could help this company be more successful?”
12. Stay positive.
It’s hard sometimes; but resist the tendency to get bogged down in a “poor-me” mindset. Things that can help: Exercise daily (it does wonders for relieving stress). Look to friends, associates, and family for support. Set aside at least one day a week when you don’t even think about your job search.
13. Look your best.
Regardless of what you may be doing related to your job search – meeting networking contacts, doing research on your computer or in the library, or going on interviews – do your best to look your best. Whenever you leave your house or apartment, ask yourself, “Do I look like the kind of person I would hire?”
14. Be specific (and up-front) with the people you’re asking for help.
You will almost always get more from the people you approach for help if you 1) come to them with specific requests; 2) know ahead of time that they’re potentially able to meet those requests; and 3) always convey gratitude.
15. Check out temping.
Working on temporary assignments does more than give you a way to earn money while you’re searching for a full-time job. It can help you develop new skills and get a taste for different types of companies and work environments. It may also lead to full-time work (63% of employers plan to transition some temporary or contract workers into permanent roles in 2017, up from 58% in 2016, according to the Harris Poll).
16. Go online to enhance your productivity.
From social media sites to job boards and online resources, the information highway is an integral part of your search. Decide what online strategies you will use, and implement an action plan to do it.
17. Do your homework before you go on interviews.
Be prepared to spend at least a day finding out whatever you can about the company that’s interviewing you. Be ready to talk about what the company does and connect your skills, qualifications, and traits to the job requirements and the challenges the company is facing.
18. Respect the little things that can make a big difference at a job interview.
Arrive a few minutes early, be impeccably groomed, dress appropriately, handle yourself professionally and politely in the reception room, and make a confident, poised entrance into the interviewer’s office.
19. Express enthusiasm – and sell yourself!
Let the best of you shine through in your interviews. Listen actively. Make eye contact. Be upbeat and sell your strengths and stories relevant to the job at hand. And steer clear of the all-too-common trap of giving prepped and artificial answers to questions. And always end by enthusiastically reiterating your interest in the job!
20. Negotiate the best deal possible.
Get a job offer in writing. When you get it, look carefully at the details of the offer and – without playing hardball and risking losing the offer – see if the company will improve on the less appealing aspects of the offer. It never hurts to ask!
As you conduct your job search, I hope these 20 tips are helpful! And keep in mind that with every call you make and letter you send, you’re getting closer to the finish line. And the more knowledge you gain, the faster you’ll get there! What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you. Please comment below.
