Speed Up Your Job Search
Finding a new job isn’t easy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average job search now takes seven months. That’s a long time to be living on ramen noodles and hope. So, here are some strategies that’ll help you cut your search time in HALF. We got these from the Bottom Line Personal.
- Target your Top 20. David E. Perry is the co-author of
Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.O. He says to create your own private job market by making a list of the 20 companies you’d like to work for. OrGoogle phrases such as, “Best companies for minorities” or “Most admired employers in Texas” to help refine your search. Then, get each company’s mailing address and phone number – they’re often on the website – and the name, title and contact information of the person who can offer you a job. Send that person your resume and a cover letter, which should be tailored to the company specifically. - Make sure your package is received, and then follow up. Perry says send your resume through UPS, FedEx or two-day mail, and ask to be notified by email when it’s been signed for. Once you get that email, wait about half-an-hour. Then, pick up the phone and call the person. Whether you get them personally, or a voicemail recording, say, “Hi, this is so-and-so. I see you just received my package. I’d like to meet with you for coffee to talk about how I can help your company achieve X, Y, and Z.”
- Create an online presence. LinkedIn is an important site for job hunters. So, create a profile if you don’t have one, and use it to post your resume, articles you’ve written, key PowerPoint presentations you’ve created and so on. Also, Perry says that being on ZoomInfo.com is critical. Both professional and in-house company recruiters go there to check out profiles of people who have the experience they're looking for. Remember to add a photo to your profile. This personal touch tells recruiters that you want to be found, and puts you at the top of their lists.
