How to Get a Job 101

Job search is a real job. You need to get organized and focused to make it work. Here are my tips for job seekers:

?? Make the decision what you want to do with your life next (Note: you may know exactly or you may need time and research to decide this. It is ok to change direction in your career. The main thing is that your job search should be focused on one clear area. Hire a counselor or coach if you need guidance or research careers and take a personality test to know your strengths so you can get the perfect job for you. Need help? Start here.

??Write a brief paragraph about yourself and what job you are looking for and sending it to anyone and everyone you know to ask them to keep their ears open for you. Be short and specific. Never, ever write to anyone "Help me get a job." Instead, be as specific as possible like "I'm looking for a Senior Marketing Director role. Attached is my resume. I think I'd be perfect for your company. Would you kindly introduce me to the CMO so I can increase my chances of being considered?" NOTE: Be careful only to write this to the right people and personalize it. I regularly receive such requests even though I am a solopreneur. It shows laziness if you don't take the time to research your audience.

??Set your five top criteria for your dream company and identify a list of companies that match for you to apply to. Here is a video to help you research the right company.

?? Invest in a professional resume that is formatted, organized, and customized for each job. I personally don't like lengthy resumes. Some of the highest performing CEOs have a one-page resume. Less is more, in my opinion. Exception: If you've won multiple awards, have a published works list, or several patents, then it is fine to dedicate an extra page to them. It may seem like such a small detail but your resume is your first impression to the company. Remember that you are competing with others for the job so make sure yours is top notch. Need help? Use Linkedin ProFinder to find a qualified resume writer.

??Go online to your dream companies’ websites and apply directly to jobs to get into their data base. This is much better than applying through job boards. But make sure to network with the company decision makers too. Note: Do not go overboard applying to any and every job!

Applying online is not a job strategy. There is much more that belongs to a good job search.

?? Include a customized cover letter telling why you are a perfect fit for the job Note: Some companies don’t want a cover letter so check first before you spend time writing it. Need inspiration? Here is my Cover Letter.

??Reach out via Linkedin to people in similar roles in your target companies as well as recruiters to introduce yourself and tell them you want to connect because of same industry background and/or interest in working at their company and wondering if they’d have 15 minutes to answer a few questions. Linkedin Sales Navigator is a godsend for this.

?? Apply only to jobs at companies that meet your criteria and are ‘good fit’ roles. I advise that you only apply if you meet 70% or more criteria in the job ad but there may be exceptions, if you may bypass the system, go through a friend or somehow get directly to the hiring manager and prove you are the best candidate for the job.

?? Identify the leaders in your industry, follow them on social media, analyze their career paths, and try to connect with them for career advice or mentorships. Don’t be afraid to reach out to even CEOs. It is all about the message you send. Read How to Find a Mentor.

??Stay relevant in your target industry by joining and staying active in associations, attending events, and taking trainings in new technology whenever possible. This will establish you as a subject matter expert in your field.

??Keep a positive mindset through rejection. Recruiters and hiring managers are just trying to find the best fit for the company and rejection is not personal. Rejection is redirection!

?? Be strategic with your job search. Use the tips in this article and take a multi-step approach.

??Use social media to connect with other job seekers and coaches to get support. There is several Facebook groups that help job seekers.

??Have fun because job searching can be stressful and you need to unwind!

??Take care of yourself. Eating well and exercising will help you feel your best.

??Make networking a part of your weekly job search activities. Check out my ten videos for networking tips. Start here.

?? Follow up with people to say ‘thank you'.

??What NOT to do: https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6448562488400318465 

How To Find an Internship: https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6450407642014846976

Are you an A-Typical Job Candidate (younger, older, have a gap, or transitioning to a different industry?): https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/you-a-typical-job-candidate-krista-mollion/?published=t

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Krista Mollion helps new and aspiring business owners launch successful businesses. Reach out to find out more about her coaching and mastermind programs here. Follow #thesassymethod to get her posts.