Finally – a resource to help you find a job if you are not part of the 9.6% of the population that is currently unemployed.  So much focus of the news in the past 18 months has been the economic crisis and the unemployment rate (this is not meant to take away from any of that), but it seems like we have forgotten about helping everyone else.  I speak with candidates everyday who know what the grass looks like on the “I survived 6 rounds of layoffs and am still employed” side of the fence. And many feel that it’s not that much greener.  If you are feeling the same way, it may be time to start looking for a new job.

It all begins with EVALUATING your current situation.  Just because you are having a bad day doesn’t mean that you should leave your job. However, if that bad day has turned into a bad year, maybe you aren’t in the right spot.  Starting with a careful evaluation process can prepare you for a more successful search because you will know what it is that you are looking for in your career. In addition, a proper evaluation can prevent you from jumping ship for the wrong reasons!

START A LIST

(whether mentally or on paper – but if on paper be sure not to leave it on your desk!)
What do you like about your job? Think about the “whys” resulting in the tenure at your current position. What makes you feel a sense of accomplishment? What do you excel at? Why did you take this job to begin with?  Examples: “I am great with PowerPoint,” “I love working on a team,” “I love being in a creative department,” “the company offers great benefits,” “I can finally read my bosses mind,” “I have 3 weeks vacation,” “I make a lot of money,” etc.

What do you dislike or would like to change about your current job? These dislikes may roll off your tongue easier then likes, but be realistic because this will also help you to determine your motivation for moving on.  This can be anything from “I am over worked and underpaid” to “the person that sits next to me is annoying” to “I was hired and promised tons of growth potential and after 6 months I’ve hit a ceiling.”

What is your job missing? This is probably the hardest part of the evaluation process. But it will provide you with the most insight as to what you are looking for if you decide to start a new job search. It can help you identify the “X factor” which may end up being the reason(s) why you say yes to that new opportunity.  ***If you want to do this right be realistic here – sure, anyone can say their job is missing a $20k salary increase…but compared to industry and position standards are you worth that extra $20k?

Decide if the cons outweigh the pros: Reasons for making a move are different depending on personal circumstance, so make sure you have more reasons for leaving then staying. Also be sure to evaluate these reasons to be sure they are solid. If you can’t convince yourself that you want to leave – you won’t be able to convince a future employer.  (If the pros outweigh the cons – your job search is over – you don’t really need a new job – just maybe a small change within the place you are already most happy.)

BEGIN and COMMIT to your job search

• Focus on the goal – Take the lists that you have formulated and create your personal top 5, 7, or 10 things that you would want in your new position. Use this as a focus to find the best job for you.  Now that you are focused – don’t settle for less!
• Update your resume – make sure you are highlighting the experience you have based on the job that you want to get.  Your resume is your first selling point into the new company.
• Tap into your network – who do you know that can help you get closer to your next position?
• Career Counseling – Staffing agencies like Atrium can be of great assistance with locating the right job opportunities and companies that fit within your goals.
• Educate Yourself – Visit websites of companies that you would like to work for. Learn more about these organizations and apply to jobs listed on their website.
• Find Opportunities - Use job boards, online networking groups and search engines such as Monster.com, LinkedIn.com, CareerBuilder.com and Indeed.com to see what positions are out there and apply.  Make sure that you are applying to positions that you are qualified for based on past experience. Be sure that these experiences are well represented on your resume.

BE PATIENT

Just like everything else in life – finding the right position is all about timing.  It could be a while before you finally start interviewing. Don’t get frustrated because you have already done the hardest part – made a decision to move on and started the search!

Continued: Job Hunting Tips – Part 2