Target Companies and Streamline Your Search

Targeting companies is a really effective job search strategy. It's when a candidate actively researches and pursues a particular company based on industry, market share, size, geographical location, or reputation. The Internet is a fantastic resource for this strategy because it allows a job seeker to conduct extensive research, and to visit the company's website and job board. Not all positions are posted on the major online job sites, and sometimes a job seeker can gain an advantage by being proactive.

Another helpful resource when targeting companies is subscribing to local publications such as the Denver Business Journal, which includes a Book of Lists with each subscription. The Book of Lists offers a comprehensive list of companies according to industry, and includes contact information, number of employees, amount of revenue, and names of key executives.

This underused strategy allows a job seeker to streamline the job search process. Looking for a job is a full-time job, but use that time wisely. If a small- to mid-sized company is your ideal work environment, then don't waste your time pursuing a company with 1,000 or more employees. The better you know yourself and what you want, the more "targeted" you are, and the more successful your job search will be.

Ask Aimee!

An irresponsible, job-hopping friend asked me to be a reference for her. How do I say "no" and still keep the friendship?

Especially in these competitive, unstable times, you should never jeopardize your professional integrity and reputation for someone unworthy of your praise. Offer to privately support her, help her find job openings, and practice her interviewing skills. You can still play an active role in her job search without being a reference.

Dive into a Job Fair

With the unemployment rate on the rise, job fairs are popping up almost every week in every major city across the country. They are a fantastic opportunity because they showcase ligitimate companies with legitimate job openings all under one roof. It gives you the chance to meet hiring managers, present your skills, and size up your competiton. It's like "speed dating" for someone looking for a job.

Before you leave the house, research and prioritize the companies that will be at the fair, print numerous copies of your resume on high-quality resume paper, plan your professional attire, and practice your elevator pitch. Preparation for a job fair greatly increases your chances of maximizing those opportunities.

Start with the companies you are least interested in and work your way up to your number one. That gives you time to settle your nerves, and figure out which accomplishments to highlight so the hiring manager will remember you and want to continue the conversation...meaning securing an actual interview with the company. Dive into a job fair!

Facebook Is Not a Face-to-Face

You will never find a job in your pajamas! Surfing the Internet for eight hours a day is not an effective job search. The Internet is a fantastic resource for researching companies, finding job openings, and connecting with people on social sites. However, Facebook should never be used as a substitute for good, old-fashioned face-to-face interaction. If you want or need to find a job, the single, most important thing you can do is to leave your house.

Statistically speaking, the number one way to find a job is through networking. The more people you meet, the more hands you shake, the more times you present your "elevator speech", and the more companies you learn about, the greater your chances are of securing a new position.

Consider joining a job seekers group, attending professional networking events, and telling everyone you know that you are in a career transition. Breaking out of your comfort zone, dressing in professional attire, and conversing with other live people at a networking function is perfect practice for presenting yourself in an actual interview. That is certainly something the Internet can't prepare you for or teach you.

Ask Aimee!

I'm embarrassed to tell anyone I've been laid off...what do I do?
The current unemployment conditions are actually a gift for job seekers. There is no longer any shame attached to being laid-off. You share the same set of circumstances with millions of other job seekers. Just make sure you separate yourself from the position. "My position was eliminated...not me."

Ask Aimee!

What do I wear to an interview if the company is "business casual"?
My advice is to always "err on the side of formality". It doesn't matter if the interviewer is wearing cut-offs, you still need to present your best, professional self. You also treat the interview more seriously when you dress seriously. Make a statement, and dress your best!

Celebrate the Small Stuff

You've heard of, "Don't sweat the small stuff". An even more powerful statement is, "Celebrate the small stuff". Job seekers become intensely invested in the final outcome...the job offer. They're on top of the world if they get the job, or a complete failure if they don't. It's an all or nothing attitude.

Try celebrating the small successes throughout the process. If you're asked for an interview, then you know your resume is working. Great...let's celebrate!! If you're asked back for a second interview, then you know you aced the first one. Great...let's celebrate!! If the company wants to fly you to its headquarters for a final interview, then you know what you're doing is working. Great...let's celebrate!!

So much of the job search process is beyond your control. The company decides to promote an internal employee instead of hiring a new one, there is an unexpected hiring freeze, or the department manager is pressured into hiring the boss's nephew. There are so many scenarios that take place "behind the scenes", that you can't afford to expend unnecessary amounts of energy trying to predict or control the outcome.

When you celebrate the small successes along the way, you build confidence, momentum, and positive energy. Make a conscious decision to focus on the positive and minimize the negative. Congratulate yourself, acknowledge your hard work, toast your accomplishments, and savour your successes.

A Killer and Confident Elevator Pitch

You will hear me say a million times that "it's not always the most qualified candidate that gets the job...it's the one that delivers the best presentation." There is not a more accurate statement in the entire job search process. It doesn't matter how many degrees you have, what your title is, or who you work for. If you can't concisely and confidently present yourself at a moment's notice, then you will have a very difficult time achieving your career goals.

Picture this scenario...You are in an elevator with the hiring manager of your dream job. Before you reach the ground floor, what would you say that would entice the manager enough to either make you an offer, or at the very least, want to continue the conversation? That is an elevator pitch!! You need to know who you are, what you do, why you do it better than anyone else, and how it can help that hiring manager and the organization. If you can answer those four questions, and put the answers in a presentable package along with a smile and a firm handshake, then you have a killer and confident elevator pitch. Going UP...good luck!

Ask Aimee!

Can I find a job on the Internet?
Yes, but it's not very likely. Statistically, the Internet as a job search strategy has less than a 10% success rate. It's a great resource and tool...just use it in conjunction with other, more effective strategies.

Ask Aimee!

Is changing careers a real possibility?
People change careers every day...it's not always easy, but it is very possible. You need to define your new direction, identify your transferable skills, and present a confident and convincing presentation.

Invest in Your Future with a Career Coach

There are hundreds of self-help career books, tapes, websites, and articles all designed to teach you how to update your resume, answer interviewing questions, define your dream job, and change careers. So, then why would you ever need a career coach? The answer is simple...You need a career coach to offer support, structure, and effective strategies so that you can expedite and streamline the overwhelming process of looking for a job.

The reason why people tend to stay in positions long after they have lost interest, why they accept lower-level positions at their brother-in-law's firm, and why they feel paralyzed and overwhelmed at the mere thought of re-entering the workforce is because the job search process is one of life's most critical transitions that no one is ever prepared to make. No one ever teaches you how to market yourself in a highly competitive unemployment environment. That is why you need a career coach now more than ever.

You want someone who can package you effectively, increase your confidence, hold you accountable, and identify any obstacles that are preventing you from achieving your goals. An experienced, candidate-focused career coach will teach you the skills and strategies you need so that you never feel as stuck or hopeless as you may feel right now. Make an investment in your future!!

Welcome to Your Career Advantage!

I'm so glad you dropped in!

Lots of blogs and websites give job advice - my blog will be a place to get unique insights, share stories about careers, explore the intersection of career and life, inspire action, and much more! I'll post helpful hints for resumes, job search strategies, interviewing, and other topics.

Send questions to info@cohencareerconsulting.com and I'll post responses on the blog. And, most importantly, I will inspire you to achieve your professional and personal goals.

Register in the Your Career Advantage section and receive a new blog every week. Come back soon!

Feel free to visit my website at http//www.cohencareerconsulting.com/ if you want more information about me or my services.

Ask Aimee!

Do I really need a cover letter?
Definitely!! Even if the reader never looks at the cover letter, it is always better to "err on the side of formality". A professional cover letter is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills, and to further convince the reader that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

Ask Aimee!

How early should I arrive to an interview?
You should be sitting quietly and patiently in the lobby, or waiting area, 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. You may have to fill out paperwork or an application, and you want to make sure that is completed before your name is called. Bring a pen!!

Ask Aimee!

Is it OK that my resume is 3 pages?
Absolutely not! A resume is a snapshot...not a photo album. The reader will only spend 20 to 30 seconds reviewing your resume, and will probably never even look at the third page. Your most important and impressive information should "wow" the reader on the first page.