The Overanxious Often Make Job Search Errors.3.8.16.doc

The Overanxious Often Make Job Search Errors.3.8.16.doc

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  Oak Brook TwentyTwo • 1211 W. 22nd Street • Suite 1006 • Oak Brook, IL 60523 • (630) 571-3311 • Fax (630) 571-5714 Chicago, IL • Iselin, NJ • Brookfield, WI • Indianapolis, IN • Irvine, CA • Atlanta, GA • Toll Free (800) 358-1112 www.firsttransitions.com The Overanxious Often Make Job Search Errors By Russ Jones No matter the economic times, understanding how the job market works is necessary to be successful in a job search. Strategies for winning require a plan of action, thought, input, patience and maybe even a little luck; defined as the combination of preparation and opportunity. Having observed the behaviors of literally thousands of job seekers over more than 30 years, certain actions taken by impatient job seekers can actually lengthen the job search as opposed to making it shorter. For many it is,” If I jump in and put all of my energy into my search immediately, I will have quicker results”. This quick action may have the results we seek, but more often than not, it actually prolongs the search by not having a plan of action and gotten off to a good start. The following 12 points address errors frequently made by overanxious job seekers: 1) Don’t speak negatively about a past employer or boss. As our mothers said, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.” Our moms were right. Speaking negatively about an employer may make you feel better, but you will be perceived as a person with a poor attitude or having issues with authority. Always speak positively. 2) Rely less on third parties. Search firms hold the keys to perhaps 10% of the opportunities, and 4% of job seekers find their new positions through the internet. So, don’t take a passive approach thinking that either the internet or the work of executive recruiters are going to answer your needs; they might, but remember that 70% of job seekers find new positions through their network. You can’t network enough! 3) Expand your circle of contacts. Don’t focus on too small of a network. Too often individuals spend time on their established contacts and don’t consider all of those they know, even if their paths haven’t crossed in several years. Know what you want to say and have an objective for each call; a job lead, additional contacts, a plan to follow up, etc. 4) Respect the boundaries of networking. Networking is about networking, not asking for a position. Make sure your questions are “non-invasive”, that you respect their time, and you graciously thank your contact with a written thank you and follow up with them regarding the information or contacts that were provided. 5) Be intentional in where you apply or send resumes. It may seem you are being productive, but sending resumes for positions for which you are not interested, is in a geographically undesirable location or for which you are not qualified is just wasting time. Online applications can take considerable time. Always ask yourself, “Is this a good use of my time?” 6) Always follow up. Graciousness is a somewhat lost art. Follow up notes, especially hand written ones, make a lasting impression. Be prompt in sending them. The impact that you could make dissipates as time passes. 7) Be prepared for the interview. Whether a phone screening, Skype®/Facetime® or in-person interview, make sure you have done your homework. Learn about the organization, the people, the culture, the individual(s) interviewing you and leadership. Know your resume and be able to articulate it. Practice your responses to anticipated questions. 8) Don’t write off a position before having a complete understanding of the position and scope. It is not unusual that individuals discount good opportunities because they are not aware of the organization or the career opportunities within an organization.
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  9) It hasoften been said that “more people talk themselves out of jobs than into them”. Know when a question has been answered and know when to stop talking. As you are the one being interviewed, it is the responsibility of the interviewer to ask the next question. We have a tendency to want to fill in the “pregnant pause” with more information. Often times this additional information is not necessary and could be damaging. So, “keep it simple, and shut up”! 10) Don’t compromise your value in the marketplace. Frequently individuals, especially those who have recently lost their jobs, are willing to look at every available position though the compensation and responsibilities are vastly different from where they have been. Develop a 10 point guide to what you want a next position to be and utilize this template as a guide. Don’t believe everything the media tells you; there are always good opportunities for good people! 11) Don’t underestimate how long it will take to find a new position. It is not uncommon for individuals to postpone their search until their severance and/or unemployment benefits are close to expiring. Inaction not only may hurt you financially, it will reduce the number of employers that will see you as a serious candidate. 12) And finally, make certain you are prepared to respond to interview questions; especially the three that will appear in every interview; a) what position are you looking for? b) why are you looking for a new position? and c) what salary are you seeking? Diving into a search right away may seem like a good idea; however, having a destination in mind and a plan of how to get there is worth the time and effort it takes to think it through, develop a plan and bring the plan to fruition. Russ is a Partner in First Transitions, Inc. , joining the firm in 1988. He can be reached at 630.571.3311/800.358.1112 or rhones@firsttransitions.com.