7-Step Guide to Master Your Job Hunt

7-Step Guide to Master Your Job Hunt Haven’t looked for a job in quite some time? Even if it has only been a few years, things have changed. For most of my clients, they haven’t sought a new opportunity for at least 10 years â€" the last time they looked for a job, they mailed a resume or hand-delivered it. Those days are long-gone. Check out a summary of the 7 Steps to Master Your Job Hunt. Step #1 â€" Summarize your history. Get organized and know that you should only include dates on your professional history from the last 10-12 years. If you want to include information prior to that, you can easily include it in a section titled “Earlier Career History” and DO NOT include the dates. Step #2 â€" How to identify your strengths and goals. For most of my clients, this part is challenging. Most of us don’t sit around all day and think about our list of skills and talents. Instead, think of it this way: What would your co-workers say about you or how would they describe you? What did your boss write about you for your last performance review? Step #3 â€" Today’s job search. Looking for a job today can be completely different than years ago. Job openings can easily be found online; however, understanding the information to include in your resume and application documents can be tricky. At the end of the day, it still may come down to who you knowâ€"the more people you know, the better odds of you finding a new job. Step #4 â€" Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and key words. When applying online, you MUST be sure that you are matching as many words from the job posting as possible. Pay attention to these words. Instead of having a person going through all of the resumes coming in, companies have a scanning software on the website that allows them to weed people out â€" NOT weed people in. This means that you have to be smart about the words that you include in your document. Step #5 â€" Your new resume. Several of my top tips include developing a career summary, add a skills section, and focus on achievements. Your resume is your chance to shine â€" don’t be shy about discussing your accomplishments and how they can be translated to the next employer. When putting together your resume, it is vital that you focus on your strengths and how those strengths can make a positive impact on the future organization. Step #6 â€" Networking and your job search. Even though you can find job openings online, it is still important that you network with people in-person. Attend a networking group in your area, check out your local chamber of commerce, build a relationships with a staffing agency, and ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. These tips only work if you work at them. A new job will (most likely) not fall into your lap. Step #7 â€" Follow-up with contacts. If you meet someone, send them an email or call them to thank them for their time. When you have an interview, send a thank you note to that person. By following-up, you are showing your professionalism and put your name in front of the hiring managers and/or contacts once again. If you are ready to Master Your Job Hunt, then click HERE to gain access to our email course. Throughout seven days, you will receive instructions, feedback, and ideas for gaining your next job opportunity. It’s a proven way for you to land your next interview and job opportunity quicker â€" click HERE today! 7-Step Guide to Master Your Job Hunt Haven’t looked for a job in quite some time? Even if it has only been a few years, things have changed. For most of my clients, they haven’t sought a new opportunity for at least 10 years â€" the last time they looked for a job, they mailed a resume or hand-delivered it. Those days are long-gone. Check out a summary of the 7 Steps to Master Your Job Hunt. Step #1 â€" Summarize your history. Get organized and know that you should only include dates on your professional history from the last 10-12 years. If you want to include information prior to that, you can easily include it in a section titled “Earlier Career History” and DO NOT include the dates. Step #2 â€" How to identify your strengths and goals. For most of my clients, this part is challenging. Most of us don’t sit around all day and think about our list of skills and talents. Instead, think of it this way: What would your co-workers say about you or how would they describe you? What did your boss write about you for your last performance review? Step #3 â€" Today’s job search. Looking for a job today can be completely different than years ago. Job openings can easily be found online; however, understanding the information to include in your resume and application documents can be tricky. At the end of the day, it still may come down to who you knowâ€"the more people you know, the better odds of you finding a new job. Step #4 â€" Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and key words. When applying online, you MUST be sure that you are matching as many words from the job posting as possible. Pay attention to these words. Instead of having a person going through all of the resumes coming in, companies have a scanning software on the website that allows them to weed people out â€" NOT weed people in. This means that you have to be smart about the words that you include in your document. Step #5 â€" Your new resume. Several of my top tips include developing a career summary, add a skills section, and focus on achievements. Your resume is your chance to shine â€" don’t be shy about discussing your accomplishments and how they can be translated to the next employer. When putting together your resume, it is vital that you focus on your strengths and how those strengths can make a positive impact on the future organization. Step #6 â€" Networking and your job search. Even though you can find job openings online, it is still important that you network with people in-person. Attend a networking group in your area, check out your local chamber of commerce, build a relationships with a staffing agency, and ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. These tips only work if you work at them. A new job will (most likely) not fall into your lap. Step #7 â€" Follow-up with contacts. If you meet someone, send them an email or call them to thank them for their time. When you have an interview, send a thank you note to that person. By following-up, you are showing your professionalism and put your name in front of the hiring managers and/or contacts once again. If you are ready to Master Your Job Hunt, then click HERE to gain access to our email course. Throughout seven days, you will receive instructions, feedback, and ideas for gaining your next job opportunity. It’s a proven way for you to land your next interview and job opportunity quicker â€" click HERE today!