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Five things that can help your job search now
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As a student of the job-seeking process, I constantly ask successful job seekers what the key elements are of their job search that helped them land their jobs. In addition, I regularly meet with corporate recruiters and ask them what things really stand out with job seekers. and what are the traits that successful job seekers have in common.
Here are the five things that always come up:
1.) A strong sense of self.
You hear it all the time. Confidence, self-assuredness, secure in your talents, expertise and background; it is a key element in personal branding. Successful job seekers are able to define, focus and express the value they can bring to an organization. As in any successful marketing campaign, the value proposition is confidently represented and is consistent. In the job seeker’s case, it is apparent in every accessible communications channel available to them: in the resume, the cover letter and the interview. Successful job seekers are not arrogant, yet they are not desperate or shy either. They have rock solid confidence and are able to talk with assuredness and coolness about their accomplishments and results and are able to describe how their skills, expertise and experience can help a company progress.
2.) Professional job-seeking attitude.
In an ideal world, employers would simply hire people based on their skills. However, there is much more being consider than just measure of your experience and expertise. In an employer’s mind, they are also looking for a fit for their organization’s culture as someone who they would want to work with every day.
A great reminder for everyone is that in job seeking the little things matter. Politeness, shined shoes and ironed shirts, no resume typos, ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ personal grooming (shave, no perfume/cologne, etc.), smiles, responsiveness, looking people in the eye when you talk. All of these things are being considered by the recruiter, by the hiring manager and even the administrative assistants who are scheduling interviews. Your professional attitude towards every aspect of your job search sends a strong message that you are serious and that you want to work.
3.) Networking
Did you know that on average, referrals constitute almost 70% of new hires? Think about it: When a company is hiring, there is one simple goal: to find the best talent possible in the shortest amount of time. Corporate recruiters and the managers they represent are constantly on the lookout together for referrals from their network of contacts to find the best talent. As a job seeker, you need to be on the radar of the people that are hiring. The first thing to remember is that this is not the time to be modest! Let everyone know what you're doing, and don't rule anything out. Networking is done on many levels, but the basic premise is this: actively let people know that you are looking for a job. We all have a network of people who can help spread the word. Friends, colleagues, former bosses or employees you managed. What about clients, vendors or even competitors? Service / professional / civic organizations, college alumni groups, the church / synagogue you attend, health / sports clubs you are part of -- all are part of your network. Be ready with a personal business card that includes a couple of key job experience points on the back.
4.) Approach the job search with the discipline of a salesperson
Successful job seekers bring a rigorous discipline to their job search. Their job search is an organized routine. The daily routines of a successful job seeker mirrors that of a professional marketer and sales-person; a combination of strategic and targeted cold-calling, research, resume customizing, networking, attending events, and setting up informational interviews. It includes researching and mining prospects, setting up reasonable daily and weekly goals and refining and customizing their pitch. Having a strict and disciplined routine not only helps you become a better job seeker it also helps better manage the anxiety and overwhelming feelings you may get from your job search.
5.) Understand the economy of your community.
Understanding the economy of your community is a critical aspect of your job search. Knowing the top industries and the companies that represent these industries will open new doors to a variety of opportunities.
According to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, (MDEC), the top industry clusters in the Denver metro area are:
* Aerospace - Metro Denver is first among the 50 largest metros for total private aerospace workers with 20,630 people employed at aerospace companies. Colorado has the nation's second-largest aerospace economy and is home to four military commands, seven major space contractors, and 300 aerospace companies and suppliers.
* Aviation
* Bioscience
* Broadcasting & Telecommunications
* Energy
* Financial Services
* Information Technology - Software
While these certainly aren’t the only industries in Colorado, (consider sectors such as food and beverage, government, education, nonprofit, health care, etc.) understanding the various industry sectors that make up our economy is a critical aspect of knowing the companies where professional jobs actually exist.
In Denver, there are many resources available to research our local economy. Here are a few websites that can help:
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce This is Colorado’s largest chamber of commerce. However, there are dozens of local chambers representing local business communities throughout the state of Colorado. An easy Google search can help you find a local chamber in your community.
The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation The economic development arm of the Denver Metro Chamber, the MDEC provides quarterly economic updates and a wealth of information on the state of Colorado’s economy.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. This is the official state office promoting economic development.
The Denver Business Journal Without question, the number one regular source of business information in Colorado. Subscribing to the DBJ is a great investment for any job seeker. Your subscription also gets you the annual “Book of Lists,” an organized encyclopedia of the top companies in the Denver metro area.
Colorado Biz Magazine This is a monthly magazine that profiles local businesses, leaders and local economic trends.
In addition, typically every industry has a variety of professional associations that provide a wealth of information, events, professional development opportunities and career advice.
For more info: For additional job seeking tips and for the best jobs in Denver, go to http://www.andrewhudsonsjobslist.com
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