Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A Tip For Everyone Who Will Ever Work

In a recent discussion with a job seeker, it came up
that he has a network that is not at all serving him
in his job search.

Unfortunately this is not something for most people
that’s a quick fix (hurry, go out and meet 100 new
connections by tomorrow!). And, as you’ve probably
realized, strong networks are extremely helpful when
it comes to finding new jobs. So here’s my invitation
to you… build up your network before you need it.

How To Network The Fun & Easy Way

And, you might as well just do it in a way that you
like! Consider the places you’re already involved
(on a work, social, political, spiritual, or even
volunteer basis), and give a little more time or
attention to the people there that you enjoy.

Pick new things you’re interested in instead of
places you feel you “should” network. You’ll show
up enjoying yourself and will attract more positive,
helpful people.

How To Make Everyone Like You

Whether you’re a wallflower or social butterfly (or
any flora or fauna in between), one simple thing will
make it easy for you to connect with others in a way
that makes them think you’re really interesting…

Ask about them. Be curious about what they’re up
to, the challenges they’re facing, and what’s most
fun for them these days. You even can play a game
with yourself to remember one thing that the two of
you talked about last time and ask for an update.

Here’s the only caveat… Curiosity can be hard to fake.
So just go ahead and really BE CURIOUS.

And, enjoy yourself!

Monday, August 11, 2008

Are You So Frustrated With Your Online Job Hunt That You’ve Resorted To Making Faces At The Computer Screen?

How many times have you had this happen?...

You find a job you’re interested in, and you don’t know anyone
who works for the company (or at least you don’t know them
well enough). So, you submit your application online, and some
companies don’t even send you a notice that they received your
application. The best part? In the job posting, they specifically
ask you not to call. So all you can do is enter your information,
click submit and wait… and wait… and ??

Well, you thought that was all you could do.

Would you like Less “Submit Your Application On Our Website”
and more “You’re Hired”? Follow these steps and get far better
results.

1. If at all possible, make contact with someone at the company
before you submit your application online. Even better,
submit your application directly to an individual. Someone in
the appropriate department is best, but an HR manager or
another individual is good too. You might want to take this
step even if you’re instructed not to. Just be careful to
respect the time of anyone you speak with, and to sincerely
thank them.

2. If you don’t know anyone at the company, call and ask who
you should address your application to. Many companies
won’t provide you with this information, but it’s worth a try.
If you have no luck, consider using an online networking
group such as LinkedIn to make contact. Read on to find out
how to do that…

Create an account and find as many connections as possible
among friends, former coworkers and family. Then, search
your connections to find someone at the company you’re
interested in. Contact them along the lines of:
“I’d like to apply for the position of Position Name at
Company Name. Could I ask a few questions of you over
email or on the phone, in order to better prepare myself? I’d
like to learn a bit more about the company culture, current
priorities and challenges, so that I can make sure the company
is a good fit.”

3. If you are able to connect with someone at the company, in
addition to the above questions, if they have knowledge of
the department or position you are applying for, ask what the
priorities would be for that position. And, at the end of the
conversation definitely ask who you should address your
resume to… who knows; if you really make a great connection
they may even put in a good word for you! Either way, you’ll
have more information so you can write an even better cover
letter!

4. Now apply. And if you really want the position, print out your
resume and mail it in at the same time. (Oh yeah… if you don’t
really want the position, find something you do want! Check
out the free special report 7 Keys to Breaking Free of Job Hell:
How to Instantly Start on the Path to Work You Love at
http://www.freshvisioncoaching.com/)

5. If you don’t hear back regarding your application, wait five to
seven days and then send a followup email to the same
individual, referencing the original position and reattaching
your resume and cover letter. Use the text of this email as an
additional place to sell yourself in somewhat the same fashion
as your cover letter. Ask for acknowledgement of receipt of
your resume.

6. Even if you do hear back, you’ll want to recontact them after
about a week to remind them why you’re the best candidate.

7. It’s unlikely this strategy will work every time… keep your
momentum up and keep on looking!