Critical Next Job Tips: Key Job Search Advice -- #2

Q-Tips: Critical Next Job Tips
Key Job Search Advice -- #2

These job and career-related tips -- for all job-seekers looking at changing jobs (by choice or rightsizing) -- have been gathered from numerous sources throughout Quintessential Careers and organized here for your convenience.

Being fired is a problem, but nothing to panic about. Sit down and take a breath. Then evaluate your situation. Do you want the same kind of job, or are you looking for a new challenge? Do you want or need to stay in the same area, or are you willing to relocate? Next, update your resume and contact people in your network and tell them that you are looking for new employment. Read our article, Getting Fired: An Opportunity for Change and Growth.

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The biggest mistake job-seekers make when they decide to change jobs is to just read the classified ads and apply for anything that sounds remotely interesting or within their capabilities, cautioned professional resume writer Beverly Harvey in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "Many people just apply for and accept a position that will pay their bills and provide them with some benefits. Every three to five years they repeat the process and before they know it, they're 40 or 50 years old and find themselves saying, 'I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.' This is why planning your career is crucial. YOU plan your career so YOU end up where YOU want to be, doing what YOU want to do. You may alter career plans as you progress through life, but without some sort of plan you'll just drift along like a ship without a rudder. Opportunities present themselves to people with plans and goals."

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The first step in achieving work-life integration is to become very clear about what you want, career development therapist Janet Scarborough pointed out in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "The second step is to develop very marketable skills so that you have bargaining power. And the third step is to become adept at negotiating, because you won't often get the reward of work-life integration if you aren't willing to ask for it. The more solid are your professional strengths, the better will be your ability to create a life on your terms. If you are employed by an organization and your abilities are contributing to the bottom line in an integral way, they will be much more likely to accept your insistence that you need a schedule that includes telecommuting or flextime. Similarly, if you are self-employed and you have worked to ensure that your skills are top-notch and you can effectively market them to create demand, you have the freedom to put limits on your availability so you can pursue a balanced life," Scarborough advises.

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"In five years it will be normal to always be job-seeking, and it will become a career-management issue how much time one will devote to fielding inquiries from prospective employers and their agents," says author Donald Asher. In the Q&A interview Asher did with Quintessential Careers, he observed that "the early 1990s saw the end of the old covenant between employer and employee, when employers rescinded on their end of the bargain. Now, this action has somewhat come home to haunt them. In the end, however, this new e-based job market is more efficient. And we know from economic theory that more efficient markets usually -- not always, but usually -- result in greater gains for both buyers and sellers. More people will be employed in their highest value capacity, which is ultimately good for us all."

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According to author Donald Asher, today's employers "seem to be driven by two different trends. In the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers, he described those trends this way: "(1) They are not at all hesitant to lay off staff, individually or en masse, and they aren't at all hesitant to close entire lines of business that are not profitable. (2) They are hiring precise skillsets, not bodies. They are desperate for workers, yes, but very specific workers. They will not hire someone who does not match specific criteria, and in the past they would have. This trend could unravel, however, if employees become too spoiled to work. The offspring of wealthy people seldom make wealth, or even retain the wealth they are handed, because they don't feel the need to strive. The same thing can happen to wealthy societies."

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The Web site Jobcircle has a nice article on company research called Ten Things You Should Know About Researching Companies. The article has great advice, such as starting your research early, talking to people who work at the company, checking your facts, getting the scoop from impartial information providers (such as WetFeet) and seeking out media coverage of the firm.

And don't forget two great Quintessential Careers resources:

For company research, it's our Guide to Researching Companies.

And for direct contact with companies, check out our Directory of Company Career Centers.

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If you are a jobseeker who is a little freaked out by the number of interviews required of you in the typical hiring process, be aware that most companies interview candidates two to three and sometimes four times before offering a job. Notes Diana LeGere of Executive Final Copy, "The more money you make, the longer the process. Relax! You should actually do much better on the next two or three. After all, you feel great! Who wouldn't feel magnificent after putting his or her best foot forward? You are being considered for a wonderful new position. The initial screening interviews were just enough practice to get you calm and feeling on top of the world. Go back to your notes, study, rehearse and know your lines. The next opportunity is likely to be in front of the top echelon of the company. That's exciting because he or she is the decision-maker."

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To survive in a more competitive economy, author Donald Asher notes that job-seekers "must be better prepared so as to compete better in the job market. In the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers, Asher said that better preparation means candidates "need to research the careers they are entering and find out what type of skills and qualifications they need for the type of job they seek. Each profession requires certain skills, and they should be certain they are taking the appropriate courses and/or receiving adequate training to prepare them for their career. Then I advise everyone to have some computer skills and good writing skills as these skills are often overlooked, yet necessary for nearly every job. They are basic skills that employers look for when hiring in this day and age but often find lacking in job candidates."

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Ginny Rehberg, a Boston-based career consultant and executive coach, recently listed five ways that volunteering can boost your career and resume:

You can make new contacts -- so important since the majority of jobs come from networking.
You can develop new skills, including the so-called "soft skills," such as teamwork and awareness of diversity.
You can hone your ability to manage time.
You can learn to influence others without possessing and exerting power, which Rehberg cites as an important skill in the less hierarchical workplace of today.
And finally, the bottom line consists of great experience to list on your resume.

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A flood-all-employers, mass-market approach generally doesn't work with job-hunting, cautioned Kate Wendleton and Dale Dauten in their syndicated career column recently. While a broad and comprehensive job campaign would seem to make sense, the opposite is true, say Wendleton and Dauten. Job-seekers need to target the employers they approach, narrowing the field by honing in on:

industry;
job function;
geographic area.

By being targeted and specific about where they want to work and what they want to do, job-seekers show employers they are truly interested and not just willing to do anything, Dauten and Wendleton say.

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Defining "cutting-edge" jobs as those that blaze new trails, Ferguson Publishing's book, 50 Cutting-Edge Jobs lists the following among its trailblazers: benefits administrator, bilingual consultant, biotechnology patent attorney, business valuator, chief information officer, chief knowledge officer, complementary medicine practitioner, computational linguist, computer animator, computer repair technician, computer and video game designer, desktop sound engineer, digital agent, environmental accountant, fiber optics technician, forensic accountant and auditor, forensic psychophysiologist, fuel cell technician, fusion engineer, geriatric social worker, grief counselor, health advocate, horticultural therapist, information broker, interactive media specialist, among others.

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The biggest "reality check" job-seekers face once they successfully make it into the workplace is that that they or their supervisor might be gone within nine months, according to teacher and writer Martin Kimeldorf in the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers. "Therefore, one should keep a portfolio documenting accomplishments and learning on the job. You will profit from taking it to your next employee evaluation -- or your next interview -- whichever comes first," Kimeldorf notes.

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The Occupational Outlook Quarterly is a newsletter with lots of helpful info for job seekers. Check it out

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"The secret to a successful job-search campaign is target marketing," said Debra Feldman, specialist in cyber-savvy strategic job-search consultations, in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "If you can be a marketing whiz, then you can get yourself the job you want by correct positioning, clever promotion, and savvy selling propositions," Feldman points out.

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"In a temporary world of work, think of yourself as a portable container of skills," advised teacher and writer Martin Kimeldorf In the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers. "I favor this image because the word 'portfolio' means a portable collection. I invite people to adopt what I call a "portfolio mindset," which, briefly, means making a portfolio, reading and studying those career books that make sense to you ... then put it all into play! Don't wait by the keyboard or the phone -- go out and hit the bricks!" Kimeldorf suggests.

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It's no longer totally a man's world in information technology. "It is a label that people in information technology (IT) can't seem to shake: the nerd stereotype," writes Sherri Pfeil in Employment Review. "And unfortunately, many girls are still taught early in life that women are supposed to learn how to cook and play with their dolls while boys play with computers. Even little girls' favorite doll, Barbie, displayed a lack of knowledge in technology when she proclaimed, 'Math is hard.' Although men still dominate the IT industry, more women are joining the ranks and climbing up the corporate ladder today."

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Think summer is not a good time for job hunting? Think again. Summer can be a great time to job-hunt. Competition is minimal because job-seekers assume hiring decisions will be postponed until fall. While the assumption often proves correct, the groundwork for hiring can be laid in the summer -- through effective networking. Just as parties and networking opportunities increase during the Christmas holidays, picnics, barbecues, beach parties, and outdoor sporting activities provide sizzling summertime networking occasions. Vacations can be planned around the possibility of relocating one's career to another locale and networking while on vacation. New fiscal years often begin in June or July, making new hiring possible.

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When looking for a job out of state, it is a good idea to check out the local colleges' career-planning Web sites, advised career counselor Doris Flaherty in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "As always, some Web sites are more informative than others, but I usually come up with several good leads for the geographical area of interest. Any college usually has more focus on its surrounding area since the majority of the graduates will find work there," Flaherty says.

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If you're having difficulty finding that perfect job, consider registering with a temporary agency. Temp work can be a great way to bring in some cash while also enabling you to develop your skills, add items to your resume, and network with folks at the various companies you're assigned to.

Find a great collection of temp agencies in our Temporary Employment Jobs.

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Consider joining Toastmasters to bolster your job search. This international organization serves as far more than a venue for networking. The group helps people overcome the fear of public speaking and learn skills to enhance success. It's especially good for those who are very shy about networking. Members of Toastmasters receive constructive evaluation. It's an effective way to build confidence while building your network. Toastmaster chapters are all over the world (check you local newspaper or phone book for one near you), but if you can't find a local branch, the Toastmasters International Website tells you how to start one.

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If you want to get a job, tell a prospective employer how you can solve company problems. Explaining his assertion that workers at all levels can use this problem-solving approach to job-hunting, author Jeffrey Fox says, "Every job in every organization, regardless of the 'executive level,' from the factory floor to the boardroom, exists for one purpose: to profitably get and keep customers for the organization. In the Q&A interview he did with Quintessential Careers, Fox noted, "Every job contributes to the company's success. In job seeking the candidate must determine how the job helps the company. A company that is hiring truck-drivers wants someone who won't have accidents, get speeding tickets, or make late deliveries. The truck driver candidate needs to demonstrate that his or her safe and courteous driving reduces costs (of repairs, for example) and increases sales (by servicing customers). A company hiring a receptionist wants someone who makes a wonderful first impression on customers and suppliers and whomever else calls. The receptionist candidate will do well not to interview chewing gum or chewing tobacco. Great companies respect good company-improving ideas from anyone in the organization."

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One of the big myths about job-hunting is that the more general you are about what you want to do, the more opportunities you will have, noted career development therapist Janet Scarborough in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "In fact, it is just the opposite. Simply clarifying a specific career goal and adding a focused positioning to your resume does wonders to increase marketability for many people. Hiring managers will not take the time to determine for you what a good match should be with your interests, values, and abilities" Scarborough observes.

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If you've been job-hunting for awhile without success, maybe you lack a job-hunting strategy. It takes a coordinated effort to get a job.

First, take a deep breath and relax. Stress and frustration -- even when we are doing our best to cover it -- shines like a big red blinking light that turns away employers. You need to exude confidence and a positive attitude. Take a look at our article, Ten Questions to Ask Yourself if You Still Haven't Found a Job.

Second, what kind of job are you looking for? What have you done previously and gotten bored with? What skill sets do you offer potential employers? Finally, remember that looking for a job is full-time work, and there is no set timetable for how long it will take.

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Ever wonder why employers require probationary periods? Not all employers require them, but many do. These periods usually last from three to six months, and are designed to legally protect the employer but can also benefit the employee. These probationary periods -- to be fair -- should apply to all new employees. Depending on the language, employers can terminate an employee during this probationary period without reason and without notice with input from human resources for up to three months. How can you avoid getting terminated during this process? Do your job! Showcase your skills and abilities and prove yourself invaluable to your supervisor and to the company. One of the benefits of most probationary policies is that you get at least one detailed evaluation -- designed to help you understand how you are doing -- and assuming the evaluation is positive, you may be able to use it to get new job responsibilities or a pay raise -- or both.

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Applicants who have the benefit of good career counseling enter the employment market seeking a "career" rather than a "job," noted author Gale Montgomery in the Q&A interview she did with Quintessential Careers. "They are more likely to know their strengths, interests and limitations and be more focused. All of which maximize the chances of a mutually beneficial work experience for both the employer and the employee," Montgomery says.

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On a job application, don't confuse a request for your supervisor's name with a request for references. Even if you had a poor relationship with a former supervisor who you know won't say good things about you, be honest on your application and put your direct supervisor's name down. But, by all means, do not use that person as a reference if he or she is not going to say anything good about your work performance. And don't leave that part blank on your application -- that will only draw attention to the absence. Remember that job-hunting is all about marketing yourself -- you are the product and you need to put the best polish on the product. Do not offer any negative information. Your goal should be to get a job offer, so keep that focus in mind. And if, during the interview, the interviewer asks why your current boss is not one of your references, simply state that the you feel the people on your reference list can do a better job of discussing all your unique qualifications. Don't ever say that you are having problems with your current boss -- and certainly NEVER say anything negative about your current (or former) boss. Stick to the truth; don't ever lie.

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Should you refuse a job because you are waiting for an offer from an employer you like more? Be careful about making decisions too hastily or burning bridges too quickly. Too many job-seekers have been sure they would get a better offer from a better company and have turned down perfectly acceptable offers -- only to never receive another offer. So, if you're sure you would not want the first job you're offered, send a letter turning it down gracefully -- while keeping the door open for future possibilities. But, if you're not sure, try to stall for more time and/or more job offers.

Find even more job-search advice and tips in Critical Next Job Tips: Key Job Search Advice -- #3.

Review all our Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips.

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index, which enables site visitors to locate articles, tutorials, quizzes, and worksheets in 35 career, college, job-search topic areas.

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Q-Tips: Critical Next Job Tips Key Job Search Advice -- #2

These job and career-related tips -- for all job-seekers looking at changing jobs (by choice or rightsizing) -- have been gathered from numerous sources throughout Quintessential Careers and organized here for your convenience.

Review all our Quick and Quintessential Career & Job Tips.

Maximize your career and job-search knowledge and skills! Take advantage of The Quintessential Careers Content Index, which enables site visitors to locate articles, tutorials, quizzes, and worksheets in 35 career, college, job-search topic areas.

Q-Tips: Critical Next Job Tips
Key Job Search Advice -- #2