In today’s economy, a job seeker might grimace at the thought of the odds against them, especially with jobless numbers for African Americans remaining high (at 15.5% in March). And just finding a new gig can be a job within itself, requiring hours of research, correspondence and legwork to even get a foot in the door. But how can one fix a problem without the right tools? Here, BlackEnterprise.com details the necessary essentials you need to lead you to success in getting a job and maximize your efforts to build the career you feel you deserve.Â
THE WINNING COVER LETTER & RESUME
When it comes to landing that great gig, the entryway to success–or failure–can begin at the resume. And if you haven’t looked at yours in months–or years–it may be time for a revise and revamp. Whether with the help of an industry peer, mentor, job placement resource or experienced professional, combing through your resume from top to bottom is a must. Here are a few questions to consider when evaluating:
- APPEARANCE: Is it formatted properly? Is it neat, clean and concise? Is the look appropriate for the type of job for which you are applying? Do you have the necessary information in the right place for prime attention? Find examples via sites like Monster.com, MediaBistro.com or even look at your network of employed professionals on LinkedIn and other professional sites to see how they format their resumes.
- SALES PITCH: What does your description or cover letter say about you? Does it communicate, in the most exemplary and concise manner, what unique qualities you bring to the table and why one might want to hire you?
- INFORMATION: Is it relevant to the job you’re applying for? Have you highlighted your strengths via distinct action words (i.e., Increased bottom line by… Improved company productivity by… Managed project that improved…)? Have you included the proper language that will best sell you and your professional profile? Does your resume fit the qualifications listed in the job posted? If it doesn’t, find ways to better maximize and revamp language on how your skills could apply to the job posted.
- WEB FACTOR: If posting your cover letter and resume on a Web site, have you included key words and phrases that are often searched or that were included in the job’s listing description? Is the formatting Web-friendly and able to be easily downloaded and read on a PC or Mac?
- REFERENCES: Include those who are knowledgeable about your skills, who can give relevant insights on your talents and who you have have a current, positive relationship with.
THE EFFECTIVE NETWORK
Networking. Networking. Networking. Everyone talks about the proper way to do it, and how it’s very important in not only finding a job; but in keeping one. So what does your network say about you? And how are you properly managing and expanding it?
In a job search, your network can be your key to getting in the door and staying there. Proper utilization is key and that can take time, effort and strategy. Think: Who would vouch for your skills, talents and other assets? As part of a job search, experts advise job seekers to continue maintaining and nurturing the professional and social networks built throughout their lives.
- Get on their radar. Send a note to those you’ve kept in contact with and let them know that you’re currently looking–whether it’s a former boss, coworker, mentor, professor, classmate or friend who works in an industry you’re interested in. Have honest conversations with mentors and peers about your interests and what you love doing. Include tidbits of knowledge or current events that might communicate your aptitudes and intelligence factors.
- Make a conscious effort to fellowship with others in your community and industry via events, conferences, job fairs, free courses and small gatherings. Spark relationships via freelance or consultant work and let your that be a foundation for selling yourself to those in your network as well.
- Be organic and genuine, relating via mutual interests and personal connections, whether it’s sports, community service, travel or other activities.
- Include relevant and up-to-date references. Use social networking as a means, not an ends to developing and maintaining relationships. Adding a friend on Facebook or tweeting a great quote can be the first step, but most experts say good follow-up is key. In nurturing these types of connections, similar rules to real-life networking apply, in that once the initial contact is made, one must maintain a relationship based on mutual interests and reciprocal benefits.
THE STELLAR PROFILE
What does a great professional body of experience mean if nobody notices it? Or even worse–if it’s being overshadowed by improper dress, a weak understanding of your personal brand, or bad presentation? The best branding is important in a job market saturated with competition–your look, your professional rapport, the your personal pitch–all encompassing the full package what you offer to the market.
- Do your research and have creative ways to present yourself before and during an interview. If you’re applying for a job in marketing and can formulate a plan for the company to revamp their image, formulate a quick and effective presentation. Or use other creative ways to sell yourself as a professional–such as special imagery specific to the company or providing a digital resume–to go the extra mile, placing you apart from the usual candidates.
- Tweak aspects of yourself that might give you a leg up. How do you stand out? And is it in a way that works to your benefit? Do your research on the culture of the company or industry and and polish your look and professional rapport to be the best it can be. Pay attention to details, and highlight the best aspects of your personality that can be an asset. Take cues from those who are already successful in your field or at the company for which you want to work.
- Be aware of your social media presence and what it says about you. Are there photos, updates and other elements on social media that might highlight you in a negative light? Does your social media profile match the profile you’d like to present to industry peers and prospective employers? If not, are you utilizing privacy settings and managing information that represents you? If you’re using social media as a platform to find opportunities, are you engaging that audience in a way that is reciprocal and productive?
- Find ways to showcase your intellect and knowledge. Many professionals start blogs, make guest appearances on television, news shows, at conferences and colleges. Some volunteer in their communities and offer their skills via a religious institution, nonprofit, or other group. And social media provides many opportunities to brand oneself, from Twitter to Ning. You don’t have to be a celebrity or the head of the company to showcase your intellect and expertise, whether via a forum or a friendly exchange via Facebook. Any way you can strategically highlight your talents and brand yourself as a top-notch professional can be an asset in job seeking.
THE STRATEGIC GAME PLAN
Blasting your resume and cover letter to 10-20 companies per day and posting it on several sites might seem like progress. But, where’s the strategy in that? And what’s the return on the investment of your time and efforts? Proper positioning and strategy could mean the difference between getting that dream job or being the ignored wallflower at the cocktail hour of success. It could also mean the difference between effective job hunting and empty exhaustion.
- Be visible and active in your prospective industry. Meet with internal and external executives, supervisors and others who either have the power to place you in positions you desire or are successfully doing what you’d like to be doing. Develop relationships with those who will be able to vouch for your aptitudes and abilities when a new opportunity or opening develops. Join groups or teams where the power players are involved, and make conscious efforts to get off computer and into the thick of the industry, whether its free events, community rallies, volunteer opportunities or leisure activities.
- Reevaluate your past employment reviews or reports to get a sense of where you could improve professionally. You could find great insights on how to improve your work ethic, how you interact in the culture of the company, or ways you could go about communicating better.
- Determine whether your career aspirations or job track is truly the right path for you. If your skills match better with a recruitment role than that of a manager, why not position yourself to do more recruitment? If you’re better with handling money than coming up with the company’s next money-maker, why not pursue the accounting side of the game?
- Get more training or education to improve your skill set. If you are looking for advancement within your company or another company, utilize resources offered either at your company or local college or university to ramp up your skills and be seen as a more attractive candidate.
- Be flexible and able to adapt to changes. Are you located near the pulse of your industry? If not, are you creating a niche or filling a void that might be needed or open to relocation? Are there ways you could you use your skills doing a job that might not be in your traditional line of work but uncover skills or passions that you’d like to use in your career? Are you willing to take a pay cut or relocate to achieve your career goals?
- Work on projects that challenge you to do other tasks that showcase additional talents. Experts say stepping outside of your usual job duties into tasks you might be passionate about can help you show what additional skills you embody that no one was aware of. Activities such as spearheading a special project or volunteering your talents in bookkeeping, organizations, and new ideas can be a great start.