COMPONENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH

By Stephanie Legatos

Are you in the midst of, or starting, a job search? Many people who undertake a job search focus their attention on only some of the factors that will help them to be successful. This article provides an overview of the components that are worth taking the time to address – ensuring that you’ve left no stone unturned and are on your job search journey equipped with a comprehensive tool kit.  

1. Targeted Resume: Don’t fall into the trap of believing that one resume will serve the purpose for all and any jobs for which you are qualified. Your resume must be focused and targeted to a specific position. If, for instance, you have experience as an administrative assistant and as an outreach worker (and are applying for both types of positions), create two separate resumes, each showcasing the specific skills and experiences that will add value. Above all, remember that your resume should set a theme, and it creates a picture of you as a potential candidate. Your resume should paint a clear picture, without distractions. 
2. Job Search Strategies: Use all avenues open to you. Although some strategies, according to research, offer more job opportunities, all are useful. Your job search campaign should include the following: networking, Internet listings, ads in local newspapers and in newspapers/periodicals specific to your occupation and/or industry, temp/contract placement agencies, recruiters, networking groups, listings at One-Stop career centers, recruiters, professional association web sites, and job fairs. I’ve found that, on average, people are spending between 20-25 hours a week in their job search. Since networking has proven to provide the greatest return (65% of job seekers find employment using this strategy), 65% of your time should be allocated as such.  
3. Interviewing: Regardless of whether your last interview was a year ago – or a decade ago – enough cannot be said about practice and preparation. At a minimum, be ready to answer the most commonly asked questions:
• “Tell me about yourself.”
• “What are your strengths?”
• “What are your weaknesses?”
• “Why are you interested in this position?”  

Even if you feel confident about your interviewing skills, prepare by thinking about the varying perspectives and needs of the people you will be interviewing with. For example, a friend recently interviewed with a major hospital in the Boston area. She interviewed with the project coordinator, the department director, and doctor who served as medical director. All three viewed the needs of the position she was applying for from different angles. Aside from her credentials (which qualified her for the position), they asked quite diverse questions that were focused on their own specific goals and roles within the organization.  

4. Research: Research plays a role in two ways. You can research to identify a list of target companies or organizations you most want to work for. You can also do research to help you write more relevant cover letters and to demonstrate interest and initiative during an interview. At a recent interview, a client of mine greatly impressed the interviewer by the research she had done – resulting in a second interview.  
5. Know thyself: There are many decisions you will be faced with during your job search. How well do you know your skills? Interests? Priorities? Where do you want to be in a year? In five years? Consider identifying your needs and priorities using these factors: geography/location, environment, working conditions, hours, salary, benefits, flexibility, advancement/growth, learning, organizational culture, and management style.

Stephanie Legatos, career counselor/coach, and trainer and instructional designer, with a M.S. in Human Resources and Counseling Psychology. In my career counseling work, I balance the practical and concrete aspects of the job search process with the expression of passion, soul and spirit in your work/life. I am a Certified Professional Resume Writer, qualified to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and have more than 12 years of experience using a variety of career assessment tools and presenting workshops on job search strategies.

I can also help contribute to your organization’s staff development needs by designing and presenting training workshops on a variety of topics. Most of my career history has been in nonprofit organizations. Please contact me for a list of topics, including outlines and learning objectives.

I can be reached at BE WELL – 978-356-2939 or via e-mail: slegatos@yahoo.com.