What do I do?
As a smart and savvy job seeker, I know it takes much to be effective. Think of it as I now have a new employee that I have to manage: Myself
Just like any job, hunting for employment can be broken down into specific areas of responsibility:
Management
- Develop overall strategic plans for the job search
- Set specific, measurable, achievable, and timely goals and deadlines
- Test and find the best working environment, such as time of day or location
Business Development
- Develop a list of potential or target employers
- Set up Google Alerts on target employers
- Conduct outbound calls for informational interviews at target companies
- Network at live events through associations, business groups, or job seeker groups
- Reach out to past or current employees at target companies to conduct in-depth research
- Research and contact managers at target companies
- Follow up on submissions to HR
- Build strategic alliances with recruiters and other job seekers
- Gain referrals/ recommendations from past clients, managers, and fellow employees
- Create and update a database system to track progress on job search
- Foster social media relationships
- Join social media Groups specific to your location, industry, and interests
- Find and apply for jobs on job boards such as Indeed.com, CareerBuilder, etc.
- Search LinkedIn Groups for hidden job postings
- Build social media connections with recruiters
Marketing
- Create professional, perfect resumes with relevant keywords for target jobs
- Write custom cover letters for jobs, both for HR and for specific hiring managers
- Upload a dynamic, keyword-rich LinkedIn profile with high-quality photographs
- Manage or clean up all social media accounts
- Share meaningful content on LinkedIn, especially with Groups
- Practice interviewing techniques
- Evaluate wardrobe to search for potential interview outfits
- Create presentations for interviews (if requested)
Finance and Accounting
- Set a budget for the job search (typically 3-7% of target salary. Typical expenses include resume services, classes, networking events, food/ treats for informational interviews, travel expenses, etc.)
- Track expenses to use as tax deductions
- Find free or affordable fun things to do around town (there’s more to life than just job searching)
Human Resources
- Do nice things for your network to keep their good graces
- Keep track of 401(k)/ IRA from previous employers
IT and Technical
- Ensure proper operation of all equipment, internet connections, and on-location IT operations
- Conduct data backup
- Catalog warranty information
Administrative
- Calendar management
- Data entry, inbound/ outbound mail
- Create email lists to send monthly updates to friends, family, and recruiters
- Generate materials for interviews, including printing high-quality resumes, samples of work, and copies of awards or letters of recommendation
- Organize networking contact follow-up
- Manage office supplies
- Record any necessary documentation for governmental agencies, including Unemployment or Workforce
- Investment Act (WIA) grants
The Business of My Business
In addition to all of these responsibilities, I stay sharp within my own field. This means I am taking classes in the latest software or creating mock projects in my area of expertise.
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