Job Search Debugged - Job Search Tools for Executives and Technology Leaders

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH

Do you Email?
How many times has someone told you they didn't get your email? How many times have you said it? Non-delivery messages are sent only occasionally - often enough to make you believe you will get one in every case. Don't depend on email as your only means of communication. For ideas on effective emails, purchase Job Search Debugged. Also, check out the blog.

Dress for Success
Show respect for the process, wear a suit. Don't be put off by the interviewer's comments to the contrary; it is important to dress for the occasion. And never remove your jacket during an interview. For more details on apparel, read Job Search Debugged. More information can be found in the blog.

Fix that Resume
Everyone needs a resume tune up occasionally. Take a look at yours for these common mistakes. For guidelines to a resume that stands out from the crowd, read Job Search Debugged. Don't forget to take a look at the blog, too.

DON'T:

Your resume:

  • Use more than two pages
  • Use fonts ten or lower
  • Use excessive formatting
  • Omit what job you want
  • Include your GPA when you have more than five year's experience
  • Include work experience not germane to the job you want
  • Send without a cover letter

DO:

  • State your brand
  • Include a summary or objective
  • Format dates to include months and years
  • Use quality white paper
  • Include personal email address for contact information

Get Moving
Studies constantly remind us activity results in chemical changes, mostly positive. When endorphins are coursing through the body, anxiety and depression are less likely to occur. It is a way to manage stress. And looking for work is very stressful.

The lay off blues: Get over it.
Whether you are looking for a new spot because it was your choice or someone else's, ending the emotional attachment, including the anger and second guesses, is critical to going forward. Advice: Focus on what you are going towards, not what you are going away from. New beginnings require closure with old business. Feelings don't die because you bury them.

Phone Home
Have you altered your answering machine message? A professional message including your mobile number for immediate response is recommended. If you are expecting a call and won't be there to accept it, leave a voice message on your machine. Treat your home message as you would your office message: Today's date, your availability and other contact information where appropriate. And change it daily. You can put the kids' cute message back on when you get the job. For more guidelines on telephone usage, see Job Search Debugged. Don't forget to read the blog, too.

Revisit the Rolodex
Could you have missed someone? Service providers and vendors who sell into the companies where you want to work like to make referrals. It demonstrates to their clients they are interested in their success. Examine your resources for anyone with contact into your target companies. And don't forget the administrative team. They make referrals, too. More guidelines on effective use of your contacts can be found throughout Job Search Debugged. The blog also covers this topic from time to time.

Using the Job Boards
If you are an Executive or Technology Leader, don't use Job Boards. Most people find using them to be demoralizing and frustrating. They send in resumes to jobs posted and which they believe to be open and never hear back. The more senior you are, the less likely there is a match for you. Statistically, few senior positions are filled from job boards. There are hundreds of applicants from all over the world submitting resumes to the same postings. The probabilities speak for themselves. Job Search Debugged has more detail on job boards and how to get the most from them. As always, the blog is another excellent resource on this topic.

For solutions to specific challenges, see I want a SOLUTION.