The Bear – Coming out of Hibernation

Posted by Carolyn Thompson on Apr 26, 2010 in Job Search |

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Many people across the country have been between jobs for longer than they, or anyone else, thought they would be.  It can be discouraging, demoralizing, and even devastating to your personal well being such as foreclosure, ruined credit, etc…We’ve all seen it on the news and in the blogs.

What we don’t see is how people can recover from something like that.  Many companies have released their hiring freezes this spring and have come out of the economic hibernation. So consider these ideas if you’re looking, or thinking about a new job, to make those sleepy companies wake up and notice you!

First, dust yourself off and get focused.  You CAN find a job if you put your full effort into that search and don’t wait for it to miraculously find you. Make sure your resume is an accurate reflection of your skills and abilities and what you want to do, not just what you’ve done.

Second, create a list of companies that have a need for someone with your skills and experience.   These techniques are discussed in detail in my book TEN STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT JOB. Search the internet for companies in your geographic area who hire people with your industry experience and certifications.  Using CareerBuilder, Monster and other websites like LinkedIn to research your former employers’ competition can give you lots of information.

Third, reach out to people who work at those companies directly.  Don’t wait for HR to post a position.  80% of jobs are obtained through networking.  You can contact people by phone or send them a resume and cover letter via the USPS.  Priority Mail gets noticed, and the envelopes and labels are free at usps.com.

Fourth, get out of your comfort zone and network. Know your 2 sentence “TV GUIDE” pitch.  Quickly conveying who you are and what you want to do projects confidence and makes it easier for people to refer you to employers hiring your skill set.  If you have a target list of companies, make sure you get to events they are sponsoring that will be full of their employees for you to meet.

Fifth, use the Internet to get yourself out there so people can find you.  Post your resume on CareerBuilder, Monster, and other job search websites where it is free to post your resume.  Also, use LinkedIn to connect with former co-workers AFTER you have a fully updated profile that includes your status as looking for a new career in XYZ field.  As you invite people to link with you, they will see your update and may have a need for someone at their new company with your experience, but you have to make them aware of your desire for a new job to get that referral!  Many consulting assignments are obtained this way.

It’s easy to complain about not having a job, or the job you want for that matter, but it’s also easy to do something about it.  You can’t wait for other people to do things for you, only you can control your activity level.  Get up and out there!

 

Carolyn Thompson

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