Searching for Employment
Getting the Job you Want Series (part 1)

Over the next few months, I’ll address the issue of “Getting the Job you Want” in a series of articles covering: where to look for jobs, how to apply, and what to do before and after the interview. Each step is critical in the process of getting the job you want.

Searching for employment must be a well thought out plan. Knowing what you want is the most important factor. You must be focused on what you want to do and where you want to work. Merely saying, “I’m flexible and can do anything,” will not lead you to the job you want.

Typically we pick up the newspaper to see what jobs are being advertised. If we don’t see anything we are interested in, we assume there are no jobs available. What we fail to realize is that only 20% of the available jobs are advertised. So, where do we find the others?

The Internet certainly has provided us with a global view of job opportunities around the world. Yet again though, only 20 percent of the current job openings are advertised-even online where we think we can find everything. Mind boggling, isn’t it? So, where do we find the other 80 percent of the current employment opportunities?

NETWORKING! Networking will lead you to the job you want. Networking is the most critical factor in learning about that perfect position; the one you’ve always wanted, but didn’t know existed.

Employers are more leery than ever to advertise because of the bombardment of responses they receive from one ad in addition to the expense of advertising. Budgets are tight and employers are seeking to hire the right candidate while spending as little as possible.

The right candidate is usually viewed as one who has been highly recommended with a personal referral of how she works and would perform for the company.

Before you begin your search, make sure you can effectively answer, “Tell me about yourself.” We are often asked for that information, yet continue to wonder how to answer. Decide on how you will answer once you focus on what kind of job you really desire. The response to, “tell me about yourself” should be broken down in three parts:

1. Describe your experience in a condensed and clear manner
2. Describe three to four strengths
3. Explain what kind of specific job you are seeking.

Write your answers down and practice until you can respond to “tell me about yourself” in one minute. This is key to your success in networking.

So where do you network? EVERYWHERE!

Be prepared to network wherever you go during your day. Each time you cross paths with someone, there is an opportunity to network. Review your personal and professional address book and make sure that everyone you know is aware of your job search. Ask everyone if they know someone you might talk with in the area you desire, then ask them if you can use their name when you follow-up. Using a name (referral) will increase the chance of opening the door faster.

Planning your job search in a detailed manner, preparing your answer to “tell me about yourself”, and taking advantage of every opportunity to network will lead you to the job you desire.