Six figure income executives take charge of their job search

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR JOB SEARCH FOR 2010

2010 can be your best year ever.  All it takes is good planning.  Ok, and some luck and the stars aligning.  But do your part.  Plan what you can.

My most successful clients are extremely well organized. Few things fall into cracks and they remember names and appointments.  Some tools they use include OmniFocus for task tracking and organization. It’s pricey but you can use it in your job.   Take a look at the functionality to get an idea of what features you might want in other products.

1. You worked hard to get contact information and amass a network. Stay connected.  Know what each person on your contact list might find interesting.  Send them articles, links and announcements relevant to their interests.  Make time to find out how you can help them.
2. Keep your spirits up by doing unexpected good deeds. Make a few unasked for introductions. Volunteer where you might meet kindred spirits.  And look for opportunities to do good deeds; even something so random and easy as carrying packages for someone or offering a compliment to a stranger lifts your spirits.
3. Clear your desk.  Take care of all that clutter and unattended mail.  Organize your finances for online payments and send your college student an unexpected check.
4. Send all your job search suits to the cleaners and buy a new pair of shoes.  Spiff up your wardrobe. The better you look the better you feel.  Enjoy the splendor that is you.
5. Revise your resume.  It hasn’t landed you the job you want so something needs to change.  Get the closest job description to the job you want and map your resume to reflect the priorities.
6. Rework your LinkedIn Profile.  It is a marketing document, not a biography or legal document.  Create the most compelling marketing piece you can to entice readers to contact you.  Don’t forget to put your public (as in hotmail or Gmail) email address on your summary.
7. Get a new head shot that shows you in business attire. A high energy, healthy demeanor goes a long way towards convincing people you are worth a second look.  Use the head shot on all profiles.
8. Keep moving. Make some form of exercise part of your daily routine. It’s important to keep your body healthy.
9. Use hand sanitizers constantly. Stress makes you susceptible to illness.  Do what you can to ward off the evil spirits.  Take your vitamins and get plenty of rest. Don’t forget to drink lots of water.
10. Find a friend who will help you record a practice interview.  Debrief and be open to suggestions.  This is a major step in gaining the confidence you need to interview relax for the real thing.
11. Connect with others who are looking for a similar job. Swap leads. Support one another.

Best of luck on refining your job search.  Read, “Job Search Debugged” for more details on what works.  If you’d like support in your search, contact me for information on coaching.