Career Search Strategies In Today's Job Market

Searching for a new job can be a daunting prospect -- even in today's job market where there are often more positions available than there are qualified candidates to fill them. Sometimes having too many choices can be even more of a challenge than deciding between just one or two prospective employers.

Securing the right position takes hard work, research, persistence and good instincts. There are various strategies that can help you make the most of your job search efforts and increase the probability of finding a rewarding position.

Take control. For an important psychological advantage, appoint yourself the project manager of your job search. Running your search is in many ways like leading an project team; you must set targets, plan strategies, and modify your plans in response to changing circumstances.

Network.

Have business cards printed and be ready to distribute them at almost any time. Be thorough and creative in compiling your list of people to contact; fellow alumni and former professors can be especially helpful, but also look to your extended family, former colleagues -- anyone who might be useful in your search.

Be sure that you follow up with networking contacts after the initial meeting. Someone who could not offer specific help to you in February may learn of a promising position in June -- but given the realities of today's busy schedules, you may not hear this news unless you call the contact again. To do this politely, apprise the person at the first meeting of your intention to call again -- "I'd love to call you again in two months or so if that's okay." This gives the contact the chance to say "Yes, please do," or "In three months would be better," or even to tell you he or she would rather not be called at all. That way, you will know your subsequent call is expected and welcomed.

Make use of your alma mater's resources. Universities are usually well-prepared to provide assistance to alumni who are seeking employment. Make sure to take full advantage of these services.

Be aware, too, that many placement offices will provide certain types of help to graduates of other colleges. It is certainly worth a call to find out what kinds of assistance may be available.

Fine-tune your research skills. There are many routes to finding a full-time position. Research is the key to all of them.

As a business professional, your ability to conduct thorough and effective research is invaluable; now is the time to use those skills in your job search Log on to the Internet or a commercial online service and begin searching for information on companies that interest you and areas of specialization you feel have potential. Which companies in your area of interest are growing? Which are particularly active? Search trade publications, major newspapers, and research databases for any information that can be useful.

Target the businesses that look most promising by seeking a contact within them through your networking efforts. If you cannot find a contact, use a business directory to find out the name of the firm's human resources director or better yet, the executive in charge of the department for which you're interested in working. Then send that person a well-written (and error-free) cover letter and resume.

Look at smaller firms. Be aware that many of today's opportunities lie within small firms, including rapidly expanding high technology firms and local manufacturers. Don't limit your thinking just because you have always assumed you will follow one particular career path; be open to new possibilities.

Be geographically flexible.

If you are determined to remain in one particular city, you may be limiting yourself. Explore the options of other locations within your state; look into opportunities in smaller cities and rural areas as well as more urban locations.

Pursue continuing education.

Enrolling in a continuing education program offered by your local university in a "hot" area of specialization, such as technology, is smart for a couple of reasons. It gives you greater knowledge of an area that will make you more marketable, and it allows you to network with others taking the class and with your professors. Make sure everyone in your program knows that you are looking for a position, and give each of them your card.

Improving your interpersonal skills is also a wise move. More and more companies today seek professionals with a combination of top-notch technical and business knowledge and "people" skills. Becoming known as someone who has no difficulty communicating a technical message in layperson's terms will enhance your opportunities for advancement.

Consider Temporary Employment.

Many professionals find they prefer this flexible option to full-time work. Professional-level temporary assignments enable you to work for companies of all sizes and across most industries. Temporary assignment employees also are exposed to a much broader range of leading-edge technologies than their full-time counterparts, and they have frequent opportunities for skills enhancement and training on these technologies.

Clarify your career goals.

Keep in mind that taking your time with a job search can work to your advantage -- it gives you the chance to clarify your professional and personal goals, which you may not be able to do if you immediately find a position.

As you work through the strategies listed here toward a successful conclusion to your job search, know that you are building skills and self-knowledge that will serve you well in your professional life -- both now and for the long term.

For more information, please contact Mark Malone, branch manager of Accountemps, at mark.malone@accountemps.com or 214.468.9191.