Twelve
Keys to Getting That Job You Want and Deserve
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Join or form
a Success Team. Becoming part of team that supports your job
search will help you stay focused, move forward, and receive creative input.
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Join ProMatch.
Take advantage of the free training and networking this or similar EDD
groups make available.
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Get a coach
and enroll in career related workshops.
A good coach can help
you stay focused and more quickly achieve your goals, thus saving money
and reducing stress. Workshops can keep your skills current.
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Join Toastmasters
and hone your speaking and interpersonal skills.
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Create a marketing/job
search plan and log. Detail what you are going to do when. This
is a living document that changes as you research the market. It will help
you stay on track and log what you've done and what's next.
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Create a targeted,
well-written resume (and cover letter) that directly focuses
on the needs of the potential employer. Remember, they want to know what's
in it for them.
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Network and
informational interview your way to the hidden job market. 80%
or more jobs are obtained by networking. So you need to get out there and
meet people. Tell everyone you know what you are looking for and ask them
who they know and then follow up.
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Attend job
hunting/professional functions. Attend job fairs, meetings of
groups like C-6, and relevant free seminars. Go to professional association
luncheons and talks; volunteer your services, sit on one of their committees.
Becoming involved with professional associations is a great way to meet
people, feel competent, and network, network, network!
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Take care of
yourself. A job hunt tends to be a marathon rather than a sprint
and can be very stressful. Maximize your ability to cope by exercising,
eating well, getting enough sleep, and participating in a spiritual practice
(meditation, yoga, prayer, mindful stretching). Take breaks and mini vacations
from the job search. Reward yourself for your hard work. You deserve it!
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Volunteer.
Volunteering is a great way to feel good about your self, help others,
learn new skills, and contribute to an organization which might later hire
you. It's also something you can add to your resume.
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Think of yourself
as actor/actress. For some, the job hunt “marketing of self”
and schmoozing doesn't come naturally. One way to deal with this is to
pretend you're an actor or actress playing a role in which you need to
convince people that you're confident, competent, and deserve that great
job you seek. After all, down deep you are all those things and you deserve
a great job!
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Maximize "Planned
Happenstance." As much as possible, remain optimistic, curious,
persistent, flexible, and take a few risks. This makes it more likely that
"good luck" will come your way. Or put another way, you'll spot the potential
good in situations and see opportunities amidst the danger.
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