The Adage, “If You Fail to Plan, Then Plan to Fail” Also Relates to Initiating a Job Search. Winning Steps You Can Take to Combat Job-Seeker Paralysis

(Part II of II)

Yesterday, I introduced this topic and began providing those in transition who do not yet have a well thought out game plan, with concrete steps to help guide them. Outlined below is Part II of this self-help guide to a winning approach!

6. When you get back onto Linked in (or any Social network that allows you to link companies to people), whip out your target list of companies and begin searching by company for anyone you might know (or have known in the past) who currently works for each company (or who ever worked there, for that matter). You will be VERY surprised at how your connections can
7. Now make a list of the titles of positions that are on interest to you. If you need help with this, spend some time entering keywords and researching positions on www.indeed.com, www.careerbuilder.com, www.yahoojobs.com, www.linkedin.com, etc. There are also many other jobs listing resources including the Department of Labor site that can shed some light on professions that show signs of being in demand. If you are a management professional, you can also consult other resources such as the American Management Association (AMA) list of professions.
8. If you still have energy, make a list of the types of positions that the above positions would report to. This could help you gain entry into a company once you apply for a position. You can call a general number and ask to speak to the hiring manager based on their title, and ask their name. Making an effort to call and express your sincere interest can also improve your odds of being invited in for an interview. All things being equal, employers will invite those who seem genuinely interested in the job.
9. If you get invited for an interview or a telephone screening call, do your homework! Do what it takes to find out about they company, its products and services, current focus/direction, the industry in general (including the company’s competitors), and how the job you are pursuing fits in to the overall “scheme of things.” Whenever possible, weave any relevant information you have found into the discussion so that they will know you’ve done your due diligence. Employers will be very impressed that you put the time and energy into doing this. It can make all the difference! (In fact, I will likely post a dedicated discussion about a job I was fortunate to be offered because word spread among the management team about a rather unique effort I had made in this regard.)

My sincere hope is that these ideas will help you to calm your thoughts and get some clarity. Moreover, my wish is that they will serve as a springboard and propel you to take action. To focus your efforts, if you would like specific ideas and steps to take now that you have solidified your lists, please feel free to write. You can also refer to my blog referenced in Part I, “A Great Networking Strategy That Can Really Open Doors.”

Make your energy work for you!!! Open your mind and it will pay off and start to open doors.