EmploymentDigest.net

You have to do three things each day! Be organized, work at finding a job, and don’t let one lead go unturned.

Let’s break this down.

Organization is key to finding a job effectively. If you are looking for a new job, you need to keep track of where you are looking and not criss-cross previous connections, unless invited to. As you begin your job search, you need to create a database of companies and contacts that you are thinking of contacting or have contacted.

I recommend designing a basic Excel spreadsheet or a table in Word. It should have a minimum of five columns. The columns should be: the date, the full name, address and contact info (e-mail, phone, who you talked to), the third column for a mark to show if you sent or e-mailed a resume with cover letter, the fourth for any additional contact dates (like dates you called to follow up) and final column for your notes. Stay organized. Keep track of each contact and update it constantly.

If they call you from receiving your resume, it will certainly look impressive if you respond, “yes, I sent you my resume on June 1, 2009.” Instead of scrambling and trying to remember if you had sent one or not.

Recruiters are wise. They can hear your voice if you sound confident and organized. Come across very organized. I have so many resumes I receive and if I don’t call them right away, some will follow up with me. As a test, I may say to them, “when did you send me your resume?” If the response is an exact date, I will talk further to them. If the response is wishy-washy like “I thought I sent it two weeks ago, but I can send it again”, then I am not interested.

If they are insistent that I talk to them, I am not usually interested. Remember, the recruiter or hiring authority is getting many resumes/applications right now. Use effective communication skills.

Work at finding the job. When you rise in the morning, have the same routine you had when you were working. Have breakfast, exercise, get dressed, and get to work looking for a job. Get out the phone book, get on line, look for a job. Don’t turn over and say to yourself, “I can sleep in now, I’m not working”.

WRONG! You need to work at getting your new job.

A person I know was telling me he was laid off several weeks ago. I asked him what he was doing about getting a new job. He said he called his former boss and they were possibly going to hire him back. I asked if he was looking into other jobs. He said not till I hear back from them. Don’t wait. If you don’t get the job you’re hoping for, time has slipped by and the other job opportunities may have slipped away also.

Finally, don’t let one stone go unturned. If you hear that a certain company may be adding people, call them. Get your name on the list. Send them your resume. Call the recruiter or HR department. Call the actual department you may be interested in. Don’t wait. They aren’t waiting for you. They are going to fill their position. That’s their goal. Your goal is to get a job. What a perfect match!

A final comment — get out! Go to the companies, drop off your resume, be dressed professionally. You never know. They may look at you and decide to talk to you on the spot. The Internet is a great interview/networking device. The human contact is even better.