You're looking for your next opportunity, and you begin doing routine searches on your favorite job board. As you browse jobs in your category, you quickly send your resumé along with a generic cover letter. You believe that the more resumes you submit to prospective employers, the more you will increase your chances of getting hired - somewhere. Does this sound like an example of quality career planning?
Think about this for just one minute. If you were purchasing a new car, would you just pick one off of the lot, without ever considering the pros and cons of that particular vehicle? If you were buying a new home, would you just take the first one that came along; or would you research the area, learn about the schools, and determine if this was the right fit for your entire family?
When you find yourself involved in a job search, it's important you set yourself up to succeed. Think about this - what you choose as a profession, and who you choose to work for can affect every facet of your personal life. When you make wise career choices, you have opportunities for advancement, and the likelihood for growth. On the contrary, when you do not take control of the job search process, the interview requests don't come in, and you find yourself in a desperate situation.
In order to embark on a successful job search, it's important to set parameters that work for you.
RESEARCH EMPLOYERS IN YOUR FIELD.
Before you submit your resume for the first job, you should have researched every company that hires professionals in your field - that is in your desired work area.
SEE WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY ABOUT THOSE COMPANIES.
The best source of information about a company is its employees. The "buzz" you hear from the people on the inside gives an excellent representation of what you can expect if you're hired.
KNOW EACH COMPANY'S REPUTATION.
Any employer you are considering working for should have a solid reputation in the industry. If you're hearing or reading negative reports, this organization is not a good fit.
KNOW THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR A PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR DESIRED JOB.
When you go to the grocery store, are you willing to pay two or three times the going cost for a steak - just because the manager says that's what it's worth? As a job seeker, you can never go in to an interview without knowing the going rate for your particular job. Sure, you may have unique experiences that make you worth more to a company, but if can't show examples of specific reasons why you're worth more, you sound like the manager of the grocery store.
ALWAYS CHOOSE TO PURSUE A POSITION WITH COMPANIES OFFERING GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.
Regardless of what you do for a living, you should only consider applying with companies that encourage advancement from within. Why would you invest yourself in a company that isn't serious about you as a long term commitment? Remember, when you have options to move up the ladder (based on performance), you ensure consistent and on-going professional growth.
It's obvious that choosing who you want to work for should be a deliberate act, that ensures your career stays on track. Be sure to research the companies in your field, know their reputation in the industry, connect with current employees to get their feedback, and only target jobs with opportunities to advance down the road.
What you choose to do for a living is one of the most important decisions you have to make. Isn't it time to set yourself up to succeed?
Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.
Author: Christina Archer is a Career Agent, author, expert resume writer and presenter. Visit their website now: http://www.I-CareerSearch.com
Think about this for just one minute. If you were purchasing a new car, would you just pick one off of the lot, without ever considering the pros and cons of that particular vehicle? If you were buying a new home, would you just take the first one that came along; or would you research the area, learn about the schools, and determine if this was the right fit for your entire family?
When you find yourself involved in a job search, it's important you set yourself up to succeed. Think about this - what you choose as a profession, and who you choose to work for can affect every facet of your personal life. When you make wise career choices, you have opportunities for advancement, and the likelihood for growth. On the contrary, when you do not take control of the job search process, the interview requests don't come in, and you find yourself in a desperate situation.
In order to embark on a successful job search, it's important to set parameters that work for you.
RESEARCH EMPLOYERS IN YOUR FIELD.
Before you submit your resume for the first job, you should have researched every company that hires professionals in your field - that is in your desired work area.
SEE WHAT EMPLOYEES SAY ABOUT THOSE COMPANIES.
The best source of information about a company is its employees. The "buzz" you hear from the people on the inside gives an excellent representation of what you can expect if you're hired.
KNOW EACH COMPANY'S REPUTATION.
Any employer you are considering working for should have a solid reputation in the industry. If you're hearing or reading negative reports, this organization is not a good fit.
KNOW THE AVERAGE SALARY FOR A PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR DESIRED JOB.
When you go to the grocery store, are you willing to pay two or three times the going cost for a steak - just because the manager says that's what it's worth? As a job seeker, you can never go in to an interview without knowing the going rate for your particular job. Sure, you may have unique experiences that make you worth more to a company, but if can't show examples of specific reasons why you're worth more, you sound like the manager of the grocery store.
ALWAYS CHOOSE TO PURSUE A POSITION WITH COMPANIES OFFERING GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.
Regardless of what you do for a living, you should only consider applying with companies that encourage advancement from within. Why would you invest yourself in a company that isn't serious about you as a long term commitment? Remember, when you have options to move up the ladder (based on performance), you ensure consistent and on-going professional growth.
It's obvious that choosing who you want to work for should be a deliberate act, that ensures your career stays on track. Be sure to research the companies in your field, know their reputation in the industry, connect with current employees to get their feedback, and only target jobs with opportunities to advance down the road.
What you choose to do for a living is one of the most important decisions you have to make. Isn't it time to set yourself up to succeed?
Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.
Author: Christina Archer is a Career Agent, author, expert resume writer and presenter. Visit their website now: http://www.I-CareerSearch.com
