You may or may not have a job or fulfilling career at current; whatever the reasons for your job search are, here are some tips for jobseekers in 2010, a year hopefully marked by economic improvement coupled with an increase of job opportunities. Even if the situation in your country, your market or your industry does yet look too promising, we foresee a general upturn this year, and the job market recovering likewise. In the following paragraphs you will find some advice, how to best prepare to "swim on the wave" once companies decide to rehire. It is advisable to make necessary preparations at an early stage, without time pressure, so you will be well-positioned when the time is right.
- Accept the situation. We are all in the same boat, or at least most of us are. Only few industries have not suffered from the economic downturn in 2008 and 2009. Significant numbers of employees have been retrenched, internationally. And many high-income-earners have had to take significant salary and bonus cuts. Employed or unemployed and looking for a change - there are millions of jobseekers out there facing the same situation: a comparably small number of (advertised) job openings.
- Weigh your options. Think about your past and your future. Try to create a list of your key interests, your professional experience, and your particular strengths, not forgetting your weaknesses. And compare these with your last or current job. Do you find a close match? What could be missing to make you happy and more engaged? Answers to these questions may lead you to some valuable conclusions, whether a different industry, type of company or job description could be a better future choice for you. A career coach can help you in the process of aligning yourself with the right opportunities.
- Upgrade yourself. Are you missing some qualifications that stand between you and your dream job? Take an open and active approach to acquiring new skills. Maybe you can allocate some time to engage in a course, a seminar, or even sign up for studies in a new field. In preparation of a job search, an interview training should also be considered - are you aware of the do`s and dont`s and a successful interview strategy? Also consider health and appearance as possible success factors. Maybe you want to visit the gym more often; others will take note of a revitalized you. Be fit for the challenges to come!
- Prepare your CV. Despite recent developments (an upsurge in submitting video-resumes) I suggest that you first write or update your CV document. It must be eye-catching and up-to-date, clearly outlining your past responsibilities, achievements, your specific skillset and anticipated or proven strengths. You may want to include this key information in an executive summary. Be true to yourself and do not exaggerate, but make sure that your profile does not only give an insight in your past. Modern resumes should be seen as a self-marketing tool, underscoring your suitability and obvious fit for the job applied. Why is the addition to the team of great benefit and how can you add value - your CV should give an answer to these questions. And keep it short: 2-3 pages should do. If you are not sure how to draft a winning resume, you may want to read some guide books or even consult a professional resume writer. You will find a list of literature and resume writers on my blog in the coming weeks.
- Networking. Social and professional networking has been a trend in the past couple of years. Familiarize yourself with online networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Jobeedo) and actively engage yourself in forums and groups relevant to your know-how, industry or professional experience. Further, keep your online profile up-to-date and design it in a way that recruiters or possible employers will be attracted. Similar rules as for the CV writing apply - market your strengths and value, with regard to your dream job, not your current position! Be active and show others, that you are interested in what they are doing. Create trustful relationships with the ones you connect to, they may be of future help in your job search, even be a valuable reference. On a side note, you should be careful on how you appear on networking sites and the internet. Make a name search on Google or Yahoo and check what kind of information is displayed on you. Employers do the same...
- Provide references. Especially for management positions - depending on the market though - corporate human resources and recruiters alike may ask for references. Someone you have worked with in the past, your superiors, or even your third party customers. It would be too late to start talking to your contacts when being asked to provide references right away. Therefore, make sure to ask your references at an early stage whether they would be willing to speak to a consultant or a hiring manager, in your favor. Depending on how narrow or wide your spectrum of skills and experience is, you should consider references who can layout and discuss different topics with regard to your profile and strengths - like people management, finance skills or specific know-how in SCM, etc.
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