Job Search

Understand the Process – How do I look?

1. Assess what you bring to the table. Assess competition. Find other people doing same duties or have same job title.
2. Know what you want to bring to the table.
3. Identify goal of career work
4. Develop a focused message based on 1, 2 and 3. It includes letters, pitch and resumes. Also: elevator pitches, business cards, social media, mass mailings, volunteer and internships.
5. Broadcast your message to collegues in your profession. Members of industry groups, recruiters, family, suppliers, vendors, customers. Networking. Educators, friends, alumni groups and etc.
6. Be invited to inverview (many routes)
7. Have 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. interviews
8. Receive, negotiate & accept an offer

Know the Marketplace – What are employers looking for?

• Employers do not place ads for every job available
• Employers want 3 things from candidates
  • Qualified. You can do the job
  • Looking for chemistry both personally and with company
  • Enthusiam and Passion for the work

Plan – What should I do?

• What: Industry/Company, skill/function. Match your skills with company functions.
• Job search is a process.
• Where are you in your thinking, how precise?
• How: Have a sense of how to get there (letters, networking, contact, ads)
• How to spend your time:
  • Developing your message
  • Networking & talking to people, articulating yourself
  • Interviewing
  • Negotiating compensation

Carry out the Plan – What should I do now?

• Identify next steps
• Identify resources: people you cn check in with
• Set priorities: what works for you?
• Daily/weekly schedule: organize yourself
• Be accountable to yourself, others in terms of time, energy spent on job search. Set goals for outreach, calls and email.
• Find Support
• Be persistant

by Win Sheffield

WinSheffield@WinSheffield.com