Components of the Job Search

There are four basic components to the job search. 

• Networking: building relationships to find job opportunities
• Resume/Job Application with Cover Letter: marketing materials to represent you when you’re not there in order to get you a conversation (the interview)
• Interview: conversation to get you an offer
• Negotiating the Offer: to secure the job you want

There was a time when you could focus on developing your skills in one or two of these components – and skimp on the others.  But in today’s highly competitive job market, you need to be strong at all of them.  You need to leverage each of these components to get you the job you want.  In fact, in today’s world, you need to leverage all of these components to get you any job. 

There is a lot of information available to improve your skills in each of these areas.  There is information online, in career centers, at your local library.  It is well worth your while to study them, to learn to handle each step effectively.  Getting a job is hard work, but it can be done.

Should you hire a career coach?

That’s the question addressed by this recent article in CNNMoney.com. 

Check it out!
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2009/10/01/105855722/

Any coach worth their salt will encourage you to interview several coaches before selecting one.  It is important to match your needs, goals, and personality with the coach you choose.  Many coaches (myself included) – offer a free consulation or even free session to evaluate their services.  Take advantage of that!  Some coaches even offer a guarantee of their services – ask about that.  That can take the risk out of things for you. 

If you’re stuck in your career or job search – the right coach really can help.

Know the Job You Want

It’s very tempting in the current economy to say “I just want a job.  Any job will do.”  But that’s not the kind of talk or attitude that sets you apart from your competition.  Employers want to know that you don’t want just A job but THIS job.  They want to know that when the economy turns,  you won’t jump ship to something better. 

So how do you know if this is the job you want?  There are a few things you can do to figure that out.

Actually sit down and think about your Ideal Job Criteria.  What is it you want to do?  What responsibilities do you want to have? or not have?  What do you want your work environment to be like?  Do you want to work alone or on a team?  What kind of recognition do you want?  Praise?  Money?  Rewards? What do you want your commute to be?  What kind of benefits do you want? What about compensation? Do you want autonomy, or do you like receiving clear direction?  Do you prefer a fast-paced environment with a lot going on, or do you like to work one project at a time, with time for thinking? 

Write out a description of your Ideal Work Day – from start to finish.  Who do you work with? What are they like? What do you do? Where do you work?  What do you wear? What are your hours? 

Now, prioritize your job criteria.  Group them in one of three categories: Must-Haves (these are non-negotiable), Nice-to-haves (you’ll want some, but not necarilly all of these), and Not-so-importants (these are true fantasy or luxury items). 

It’s important to know what it is you want in your job.  If you don’t know what you want, you’ll never get it.  If you know, you can expect to match about 75% of your criteria!

You can use this information to craft your answer to the favorite interview question: “Describe your ideal job.” 
You can also use this to set “job goals” – for the now job, the next job, and the future job.