Sunday, January 16, 2011

“Networking, persistence keys in job search” plus 1 more

“Networking, persistence keys in job search” plus 1 more


Networking, persistence keys in job search

Posted: 16 Jan 2011 02:02 AM PST

Under the best circum­stances, searching for a new job can be a daunting and frustrating task.

Add in economic stresses and the sense of urgency often felt by people who lose their jobs, and the pressure can be­come overwhelming.

But there are things job seekers -- whether they've re­cently been downsized from a long-term job or are re-enter­ing the job market after a hi­atus -- can do to find not just a job, but a career.

"Looking for a job after a downsizing is hard work, but the really hard part isn't so much the specific things that need to be done throughout the course of a job search -- the calls to make, the re­search to do, the interviews to go on, and so forth," said Keith Cullen, director of Au­burn Montgomery's Career Development Center.

"The hard part is dealing with all the pressures -- psy­chological, family and finan­cial -- that often arise during the course of a job search."

For individuals who have been downsized, it's an emo­tional situation, said Linda Browder, director of Strategic Placement Services, a Mont­gomery staffing company.

"Even if they know it wasn't about their perform­ance, it is hard to look at your family and friends and say 'I am unemployed.'"

But Cullen and Browder agree the keys to job searches are networking and persist­ence.

"The truth is, there are no innate talents or highly spe­cialized or special skills that are needed to conduct a suc­cessful job search," Cullen said in an e-mail. "Candi­dates simply need to be able to do a lot of the things they already know how to do, but in a focused, disciplined and systematic way."

Tips

His tips for the recently un­employed:

  • Determine the job titles that best suit your skills, in­terests and traits.
  • Determine the strength of the market for that particular job or jobs.
  • Make a prospect list of 40-plus employers who would hire this job title within the market.
  • Prepare the resume and other job search marketing materials based on the expertise, work characteristics, business skills and personality traits the position requires, not what you want to happen. Focus on the employers' needs, not yours.

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Job search needs the personal touch

Posted: 14 Jan 2011 04:42 PM PST

By DIANE STAFFORD

The Kansas City Star

Unemployment remains high. Millions of mid-career workers continue in a long-term job search. Yet employer surveys reveal "trouble" filling job openings.

What gives?

There's a disconnect between what employers seek and who the job hunters are.

Employers, particularly in large companies, typically want perfect candidates to fill niche jobs. They want experienced (but not expensive) talent who are techno-savvy, flexible, energetic and ready to do specialized work.

Given the applicant screening systems in many large organizations, it's hard for mature applicants to make a case that their skills are adaptable and, most important, current.

Older workers have to convince hirers that they're willing, if not eager, to work for less money and that they're fine with downscaling their titles or responsibilities.

Because that's not easy, these two job-hunting tips need to be sent again and again:

•People you know — not formal application processes — provide your best chance for re-employment.

•Small and midsize employers are likely to be more receptive to hiring you.

Any job posting you find is going to be found by hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants. Your application needs an advocate to pluck it from the pile.

You need to go to association meetings, use LinkedIn and send e-mails to former co-workers and other people you know to let them know the nature of your job search.

Through personal contacts, you're more likely to learn about opportunities in small and midsize companies. They may not have the Web presence or name recognition of big firms. They don't staff tables at job fairs. But they have hiring needs.

And because there aren't as many job definitions in small organizations, they're more likely to want workers who have broader experience and a mature work ethic.

Bottom line: Personal contact is likely to be more productive than sending out resumes or filling in application blanks.


@ Read "How I Got The Job" at economy.kansascity.com.

To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send e-mail to stafford@kcstar.com. Read her recent columns at economy.kansascity.com.

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