Strategic Job Search
By Garrison Duke :
When looking for a job the question of where to start can be a real road block. Many people prefer the tradition job search techniques- hit the popular internet job search sites and watch the employers fill up your inbox …WRONG!
What usually follows next are a stack of auto-reply messages stating – we have received your resume and if chosen we will call you. Then the wait begins!
The problem with the internet search is that you have no live contact with employer; in the age of auto reply it leaves no room for feedback. The job searcher gets no real feel of how their quest is going. It lacks that personal touch where someone can get a gut feeling or an instant impression from a perspective employer.
Most people don’t realize that only 15% of jobs are found using the internet as the primary job search tool. No wonder it is so frustrating for people. I have had many clients left feeling distraught or disillusioned because they have taken the lack of job search success too personal. In reality all that is really needed is a little tweaking.
That is why I coach individuals to conduct what I call a Phone book (door- to- door) job search. This technique empowers people to take control of their job search and be more hands on. The job searcher is encouraged to get off the computer and get in front of the employer!
The first thing you do is grab your business phone directory and locate the sector of work you’re looking for. Then break your search into regions- companies close to home and then move outwards if that is a priority. Now you’re ready to hit the road!
Remember you will need to do some prep work ahead of time.
Here are a few tips:
• Write a personalized cover letter to each company you will be visiting that day-this of course depends on the type of work you are looking for. A warehouse job may not need a cover letter, but a corporate sales position will.
• Develop an elevator statement to introduce yourself – it is possible to get interviewed on the spot
• Be very nice to the gate keeper, receptionist or person of first contact – they are often the eyes and ears of the Decision Maker, one false move with them could be a deal breaker!
• Bring extra resumes just in case, often there are other opportunities that you can stumble across on your search
• Finally, remember to get the business cards of the Hiring Manager or Decision Maker this is key for follow-up calls
Elevator or WAP Statement (15 – 20 seconds)
¨ Work/Education
Briefly discuss your recent (last 5-10 years) experience, including volunteer work.
¨ Attributes
Talk about your own personal qualities that you think are relevant to this particular position.
¨ Personal
Indicate your passion here, awards, hobbies etc…
All the best and get started!
You can contact Garrison at: pathsetter@shaw.ca
