Are you ready for a job search?
Have you considered all your options and weighed the pros and cons of a career transition? Have you analyzed all the components of a job search and determined your priorities and preferences?
Dream jobs and dream cars
We have found that some job hunters put less effort into finding a job, than they spend seeking out their dream car. Some job hunters simply open the classified section of the local paper or view listings through an online job board and see what catches their eye. There is no forethought put into the process. Now, can you imagine this same process with car buying? Would you just open up the classifieds and see what cars are available without having any previously determined criteria? Or would you consider your needs for safety and reliability as well as price? Would you review the warranty before purchasing? Would you choose the vehicle based on the photo or the features? Would it be hard to make a good decision? Wouldn’t you rather first think about what you need before looking at your options?
Purchasing a car is a big investment and should be handled with due diligence. We think job hunters also need to develop thoughtful criteria. They need to know their preferences before looking at the options. Otherwise, they can get distracted and fall into a job that is not a good fit for their skills, interests and values. When job hunters enter the job market with full knowledge of their preferences and needs, they are more likely to find positions that are professionally satisfying and have the ability to differentiate themselves from their competition.
Instead of a random approach to job-hunting, we suggest that you carefully consider 10 key career questions answered in the chapters of this book:
1. Why should you be hired?
2. Where do you want to work?
3. What information do you need?
4. Who do you know?
5. Who knows you?
6. Can you sell yourself?
7. Do you look the part?
8. Can you close the deal?
9. Did you choose the right job?
10. How will you manage your career?
In this book, we will answer these questions and prepare you to conduct a successful job search. First, let’s look at whether you are really ready for a job search.
Key questions
Ask yourself the where, what, when and why questions related to your job search. Figure out why you are contemplating a job change right now. Are you really ready? Also ask yourself the where question. What are your geographical preferences? Are you willing to move? Will you conduct a national or international job search? Or are you bound to home because of responsibilities and family preferences? As for what job, the first step is to identify and research an industry, the companies and then the specific positions.
What are your options?
Do you want to work full-time or part-time? Do you want to start a company, work at a start-up company or work for an established organization? Would you consider a temporary job? Would volunteering be a good place to start to gain experience and make contacts? Do you want to make a job change, career transition or do you need help determining what you want to do in your career?
Approaching a job search
Job hunting is an active sport; it’s not for the faint hearted. We want you to be fully informed before you begin. You will need to do much research and network with strangers who hopefully will become friends. You may need to reach out to temporary agencies or recruiters. You will surely need to use basic computer skills and having a PC and Internet access is necessary as well. You should assess what support you have in this endeavor and what barriers you will need to overcome. Do you have a friend with good writing skills who can proofread your resume? Do you have another friend who can coach you on your 30 second commercial? Do you know where to go for help? You don’t need to have complete answers for all of these questions, but you do need to read this book with these questions in mind.
Are you really ready?
Chapter Checklist
I have determined the positive and negative factors influencing my decision to change jobs
I am willing to approach my job search in an organized and strategic manner
I understand the different job options and how that will impact my job search
I know what I need in a job to be personally and professionally satisfied
A note about chapter checklists: These checklists are to keep you on track. Before reading ahead, take time to consider and attend to these checkpoints!
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