While the basics of finding a job may not seem difficult, the success that you realize while searching for the job is largely dependent upon your organizational skills.
Envision this scenario. You are at home, hard at work, polishing up your resume and the phone rings. It is a prospective employer, but is it the one that was online or the great sounding job around the corner from your home that was just posted a few days ago? Or is the company that you applied to that wanted you to move? Or the one that required traveling? Or could it be one that your former boss was checking on for you that she told you to be prepared for because they would probably call? Oh no! Unless you piece this together rapidly you might be in danger of losing a good job.
The Time for Organizing Your Job Search is Now
When you are actively seeking employment, you will be making use of a large number of opportunities to find a job. If you are concerned with the large number of people looking for jobs who may be just as qualified as you are, you cannot take a chance of making a mistake. Opportunities will be found if you can get your search organized and you’ll ensure that you do not drop the ball on any of them.
The following five steps will help you to get your search for a job organized – success can be yours with the right career advice.
1. Commit Yourself – Even when times are not as tough as they are now, finding a job can be quite a test. Now, with the state of the economy, you have to be more dedicated than ever. When it comes to finding a job, the two major elements you need are discipline and planning. The least amount of effort reaps the least amount of results. The more you set your mind to the job at hand – finding a job – the better success rate you will realize. Act as if finding a job is your job – it is. In fact, you’ll probably work just as hard finding a job as you will spend doing the actual work you are hired to do.
2. A Work Space is Essential – Your own private space is essential to your search. This has to be a place where you can have all the items you need for your search all in one place. If you have a room that you use for a home office, that is fine. The kitchen can suffice if you have the space. Some have even been known to retreat to in their RV if they have one. As long as you have the telephone with a voice mail system, a printer, computer and basic office supplies, you’re ready to search.
3. Setting Goals – Getting your priorities in order and setting the goals you need to accomplish is one of the most important aspects of finding employment. The goals you set help you keep track of what you have accomplished and will keep you motivated and on track. The best way to prioritize your activities is to make a list of things you want to accomplish daily, another one for weekly and the last one for monthly goals. This allows you to track your progress and maintain a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Look at a few of these sample goals for ideas:
Make a list of the companies for which you would like to work List companies that are nearby that you are interested in learning more about Who are the people you know that may have a contact at these companies? Let contacts whom you can trust know that you are looking for another position. Make sure all openings that you would be qualified for get a copy of your resume and the cover letter. Let people you have previously worked for know that you are in the job market. Find the personnel recruiters in your area of expertise and call them. Get your profile out to job boards that post positions in the industry related to your work experience. Manners are important: Don’t forget to send thank you notes to people who you have talked to about your job search. Are there any job fairs in your field being held in your area? If so, plan to attend. Join professional organizations and attend network meetings in your community and field of interest. Brush up on the most common interview procedures Find a practice partner to practice your answers to the most common interview questions. Have them assist as you hone the subtle nonverbal cues as well as your verbal responses. Consider career counseling if you have questions about job direction. Set up informative interviews to jump start your research and build your network. Stay informed about the industry you are in and find the latest news. Meet as many people as possible and either call them or email them to make yourself known and that you are looking for a position.
4. Adhere to a Schedule – When keeping to a schedule, you will need to break up the hours in the day for different tasks. Plan for a couple to three hours at a time and you can even plan your next day the night before. A good routine in the morning is often what you need to get you motivated. Remember to schedule a little time off to keep you from getting too tired.
5. Use a System to Keep Track – The mounds of information you will need to keep handy is going to be quite extensive. The result can be utter chaos if you do not use a system to organize it. The system you use may be a written or a computer system; the one you are most comfortable with is the best. Keep track of everything: jobs you apply for (including the date, company and position), the people you talk to and contacts you make, which resume you sent, the title of anyone you talked with, and the details of conversations – all are things you need to keep track of for future reference.
The need to keep all of this information together is crucial because you simply will not remember it all. The initial interview may be followed by one or two more. This is why you will need to freshen your memory on everything that was said and who you sent thank you notes to as well as what your initial impression was at the time of the interview. Keeping track of all this information as it happens will make things simpler when you are searching for a job.
Organize, utilize your strategy and repeat this process. It will not take long to notice the difference your plan is making. The organization you use is going to be the most important factor when it comes to finding a job. It may only be a part of the overall plan but it is crucial. By being organized and having a plan, you are setting yourself up to be even more successful in your job search!
More Job Fair Articles
Tags: better success, career advice, finding a job, five steps, good job, organizational skills, phone rings, prospective employer, seeking employment, work space