Posted By: Staff Editor In: Business Professional Article written by Annemarie Segaric
Whether you are currently working and are looking to make a change, or you've lost your job and are eager to get back into the workforce, this is a challenging economic climate. You can find a job but you need to do things that your peers are not. Let me share with you four things that will help you stand out:
1. Stop taking it all personally. It's frustrating to apply for positions and not get any responses. The truth is hiring managers and recruiters are being inundated with resumes and applications right now. The fact that they haven't replied to your application has nothing to do with you. By personalizing the situation, you waste time and energy, often with the end result of feeling bad about yourself. Realize that if you want to stand out from the competition, you'll have to stop wasting time and focus instead on the next best action to take.
2. Ask for feedback. Find out how you can improve your chances of being hired. When you get those opportunities to speak to employers make sure you ask for specifics: Do you have feedback on my resume? How did I do in the interview? What advice do you have for me? What can I do differently to stand out next time? Many employers welcome this as an opportunity to help someone out.
3. Be proactive. Don't just apply for jobs online or e-mail your contacts asking for leads. Pick up the phone and make sure you follow up each contact. Call your network of friends and family and remind them of what you are looking for, and ask if they are willing to help. Be sure to ask for focused assistance. Don't just ask them to pass on any leads they come across. Instead ask if they have contacts in the field you are interested in or a company you would like to know more about. Will they make an introduction? If you've had an interview and are wondering what happened, stop wondering, pick up the phone and find out. By following up, you demonstrate initiative and remind a busy hiring manager who you are.
4. Get out of the house and meet people. You may feel uncomfortable with the whole idea of networking. Here's another way to look at it. It's about getting to know people and having them get to know you. Don't go to functions because you feel you should. Find gatherings of people with whom you have an affinity: alumni, special interest clubs, exercise groups, community associations, classes, etc. Make it your intention to simply meet people--don't weigh yourself down with expectations! Be open to people and to having them get to know you. We help people we like. For someone to like you, they need to get to know you. Be interested in people and what's going on in their lives. Give yourself the gift of sharing something about yourself. If you keep the focus on building relationships you'll naturally connect with people who will want to help yo u and vice versa.
Annemarie Segaric is a respected career change coach, motivational speaker, and the author of 107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills. Ready to switch careers and don't know where to begin? Visit http://www.segaric.com/toolkit.shtml and download your own career change toolkit today!
This is a very uplifting and motivating article. Thank you for sending it. I believe the suggestions are right on the button.
Posted by: Sandi Wijaya
Nice tips!
Posted by: Denise Liwosz
Dear Staff Editor:Thanks for the tips and it's quite clear that we need to master the art of marketing our own uniqueness. Thanks,Denise
Posted by: Audrey Killings
excellent comments.thank you.
Posted by: John Gehrke On: 5/31/2009 9:44:11 AM
Thank you for the article. I would love to be able to 'network' and meet people who may have helpful information about local opportunities, although for me this is rather mysterious. I know the economy is a tough issue, although surely some normal turnover continues and some positions need to be filled even in a depression. The only thing I can figure out some days is to try to 'network' online such as at Linkedin.com. I would welcome any further comments and will certainly maintain a positive attitude. Thanks again.
Posted by: Sandra Johnson Fischer On: 6/2/2009 12:00:13 PM
Thanks for the interesting article. I especially liked the idea of networking with people with whom you have a common interest. It can be difficult to network with strangers when you don't know what you have in common, starting with a shared interest will certainly make this easier. Please keep the great tips coming.
Posted by: George Apostolakis On: 6/15/2009 12:11:35 PM
I started playing racketball at my local gym. I met a guy who works for a local company that was hiring. I just had a phone interview with the company. I have networked thru Linked In and Facebook too.
Posted by: Bob Spencer On: 6/15/2009 7:20:36 PM
I want to personally thank you for your positive "marketing" comments. They are truly to the point and creates a bigger picture to become even more proactive in the quest for a better "network" to meet people who have the same concerns; but maintain that daily attitude meet the everyday challenges under these troubling conditions called world "recession." Please continue to keep us abreast with your excellent comments. Thanks So Much.
