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A friend of mine (let’s call him Phil) just started his job search and he asked me to review his resume. When I started talking with Phil about his resume, I realized that he had not given any thought as to the type of company he wanted to work at, the types of jobs he was considering, where he would start his search (recruiters, job search sites, etc.) or any other aspect of his job search other than his resume.
While
“While you may have all good intentions in launching your search, a poorly executed plan will most likely have you chasing hundreds of leads without any real benefit.” – Reasons to Use a Recruitment Agency
There are many reasons to launch a job search: not being satisfied with your current job/job search plan will help you land a new job as quickly as possible.
No matter how urgent your need to find a new job may seem, you will save tons of time and aggravation if you first spend a little time planning out your job search approach.
Tweet ThisThis article is the first in a series of “lessons” to help you create and execute your job search plan. This post will focus on what you need to create your plan. Lesson 2 will go into more depth on each item.
Your Job Search Plan
You can’t execute a plan if you don’t have one. Don’t worry, this is not about spending all of your time creating a plan, but you do need to know how, where and what you will do in your job search. Your “plan” is essentially to create the lists you will need to get your job search started. You need to create lists of (don’t forget to prioritize within each list):
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What You Will Need:
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Documents you will need (marketing plan):
- resume(s) – Probably more than one, more on this in Creating a Modern Resume.
- Supporting documents – A shortlist of
your resume (company names, education, and internships with start and end dates) - Cover Letters
- Thank You notes
A complete guide to finding a job online explains how to find the thousands of job listings on the Web, use the leading career websites, create an electronic resume and cover letter, research companies via the Internet, find online contacts and network, and more.
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Lists you will create:
- Your strengths and weaknesses
- Jobs you are qualified to apply for
- Companies where you would like to work (including those that are in your industry)
- Your Network (friends, family, current and former coworkers)
- Recruiters for your industry/field
- Job search boards (keep this list short)
- References
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Other actions you will take:
- Utilize your College Career Office (tons of resources)
- Build and leverage your network (friends, family, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Prepare your marketing materials (Resume, Cover Letters, interview questions)
- Prepare your marketing plan (companies, recruiters, job boards, etc.)
Where to Start:
Your first step will be to create some of your lists (see below). This will enable you to create a resume that best matches your qualifications and will provide the best chance of landing a job quickly.
Step 1 – Make a list of jobs you are qualified to apply for. This should include jobs that are at your current level as well as the next level up.
Step 2 – Research companies where you would like to work (and that have your type of job). Make a list and prioritize (favorite to least favorite).
Resources:
→ How to Build a Job Search – Company Research
→ 8 Resources to Help Find the Right Company for Your Next Job
Step 3 – Create or update
Resources:
→ Free Resume Evaluation Service
→ CVs Made Easy
Whether you're a seasoned professional in search of a career change or a beginner just entering the working world, you want to make the right choices from the beginning.
