New Goals for a successful career search
Derived from Alesia Benedict, CPRW, JCTC GetInterviews.com
Your resume is the most important vehicle for sending a positive first impression of you and your skills to hiring managers. However I hope a strong resume isn't the only strategy in your tool box. Make a commitment to a successful job & internship search this year by defining your direction. Use the list below or be inspired to come up with your own!
1. "I will target my job search efforts instead of using the old shotgun approach."
It's so easy to send your resume to multiple sites via the Internet, but results are not always optimal. Your resume may become one of hundreds in the hiring manager's inbox. Target jobs of greatest interest and be diligent about your interactions with those companies.
2. "I will expand my list of contacts by 2 people or organizations each week."
Add contacts face-to-face, via phone, or electronically. Help new contacts see you as a valuable employee or intern in the organization by highlighting how your strengths can further their mission.
3. "I will participate in regional/on-campus job fairs, info sessions and professional development opportunities."
Job fairs and information sessions are a great opportunity to reach your weekly contact goals, make you more visible, and expand your knowledge of the local job market. Also, attending resume workshops, networking and skill building events will keep you current and motivated during your internship/job search.
4. "I will make calls to prospective employers."
Calling prospective employers help you in many ways. You become more than a name in the endless string of resumes. The relationships you develop may leverage an interview and eventually a position.
5. "I will use business information and corporate research to revise my cover letter."
Do research on companies to identify values, projects, and initiatives. Incorporate information into the cover letter by telling prospective employers how your experience and talents may contribute to solving their problems. Taking time to research the corporation and create a cover letter that addresses company needs or goals communicates your initiative and unique talents.
6. "I will become more active in my professional, on-campus and community organizations."
Being active in organizations not only enhances your networking, but may also help you develop additional skills. Presiding over or serving as member of a group or board clearly conveys your leadership skills.
7. "I will demonstrate my qualities as a solid candidate in every action with potential employers."
Interactions at every level of the organization reflect on you in the application process. Each phone call, social network posting, and face-to-face contact will be reported up the chain of command. Be deliberate and considerate to be successful.
8. "I will present a consistent brand in my resume, cover letter, and professional contacts."
You may have heard President Obama's brother-in-law describe the importance of behavior on a basketball court in assessing an individual's overall character. Although not under constant scrutiny when applying for positions, you must be aware that behavioral inconsistencies will be magnified or misinterpreted. Display your best character.
9. "I will develop an "elevator speech" to use with my expanding professional network."
Incorporate key aspects of your skills and professional character into a 30-second speech. Use it at every opportunity.
10. "I will use thank-you notes to follow up all types of contacts and keep my name fresh in people's minds."
Sending an email note to follow up on a professional meetings, interview or career fair conversation is another way to distinguish oneself from the crowd.
11. "I will use social networking sites to my advantage and not my detriment."
Smart use of social media can accelerate progress in your job search. Clean up any questionable postings and present yourself professionally to make the best use of social media resources. As you expand your network you are more likely to be seen by more potential employers. You do not want to lose out on an opportunity because of questionable content on your social networking site (ie. Facebook status’ or profile pictures).
Most importantly, don't become discouraged. An internship/job search can be daunting, but with a specific plan, you can re-gain a sense of control and direction. Be confident as you move through the process; you are now armed with effective goals for a successful job search! Adapted from “ Making New Goals for your Career Search” by Alesia Benedict, Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) is the President of GetInterviews.com, the country's leading resume writing firm
