Top Do’s And Don’ts for Job Searches
Designing Your Business Communication
In today’s economy, if you’ve got a job, you have to keep it if at all possible. That doesn’t mean you can’t be doing other job searches looking for a better one, but until you’ve got that new job nailed down, you can’t count on finding that new job before quitting. And if you’re one of the scores of unemployed, finding a new job is a major priority. In order to optimize your chances, there are several things you can do to improve them and several things to not do that would hurt. Here’s a quick list.
1. Make sure your resume is up to date. And don’t make it unnecessarily complicated. HR people don’t want to plow through page after page. Hit the last couple jobs and any high spots, then an education and reference page. Limit your resume to 2 pages tops.
2. Keep a pocketful of business cards and hand them out to anyone that may be a lead, paperclip one to your resume as well. When you hand them out, let people know of your job searches.
3. Be persistent when checking back on a job, but don’t overrun the person taking 
resumes. Give them a day or so to get to your resume before calling to check, unless you know they’ll be doing something with them sooner. Call back every day or so until they ask you back for an interview or state the job is filled.
4. Don’t be afraid to take a job beneath your skill level. Jobs right now are at a premium and while there are jobs available, it may not be what you want, but being employed at least will show you’re making an effort to maintain employment. The statement “It’s easier to find a job when you have a job” is true.
5. Talk to everyone you come in contact with. Even in grocery store lines. You never know who’s in your business that can connect you during your job searches. If you come across someone who can be a lead, make sure you give them a business card.
The point to job searches now is networking. Online forums and other resources like Facebook and MySpace can be a source for leads too, so make sure you’re exploring all your options. Opportunities to connect within your industry are all over the place, and connecting online may lead to an opportunity you wouldn’t find any other way. There are jobs out there, but you have to be willing to make the effort to go get them. Don’t be afraid to extend yourself to get that next job as that’s what it’s going to take.