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The job search in 2014 requires you to be an expert at being you. Therefore, your job search will require you to encompass skill critical to landing a career that will lead to other future opportunities. This includes things that you hate to do, but there are benefits once you sort through the emotions.
1. Informational interviews
To achieve the best results from writing your resume, plan on doing a few informational interviews, then complete your resume.
You’ll hate: The cold calling (which doesn’t have to be if you are using networking contacts), and not begging for a job.
You’ll love: After getting the inside information to build your resume from the right people, you will receive more meaningful contacts that lead to interviews.
2. Writing cover letters
Yes, I also recommend writing a cover letter for each resume as many other career coaches do. In spite of the statistics indicating employers ignore the cover letter, it is an opportunity to tell why an employer should read your resume.
You’ll hate: There should be a story line that complements your resume, but does not regurgitate it. It is not easy writing a persuasive one page ditty about why you would fit the organization.
You’ll love: That a well told story leads to intrigue of your resume. It should be more personable and persuasive than your resume.
3. Interviewing like a consultant
This means you can’t hide behind canned answers although you want to practice, practice, practice!
You’ll hate: The extensive research that means more than looking at one blog or website for answers. Trying to find your potential boss, teammates, and the interviewer is tough and time-consuming.
You’ll love: That you can offer solutions and suggestions that solve problems than defending any lack of skill sets or experience. Then it is more of a business meeting and consultation instead of an interrogation
4. Timing your follow-ups
It is hard to apply the “less is more” rule because it requires patience that you may not have.
You’ll hate: Calling to ask if the employer received your resume. You’ll hate that they may not answer your question the first and second time. You’ll hate that the employer will probably not give you an accurate timetable to call back to follow-up. You may feel that you harassing someone, and that is natural, but necessary. Likely, they will think you are uninterested if you don’t follow-up. A week or two between calls is a good rule until they confirm receipt of your resume.
You’ll love: When you show patience and kindness, people will appreciate it when you call. There is not an exact science, but you can trust your instincts if these are your strengths.
5. The salary question
Salary questions are difficult to answer if you are unprepared.
You’ll hate: If you didn’t research the salary range for 2014, you would hate the silent rejection. Many job seekers do not include this part of research in his or her initial investigation of the position. Probably, you may hate the surprise of the question asked in a phone interview. Your answer will likely determine your fate.
You’ll love: Tools such as salary.com clarifies much of the value you want to bring and leverage. The more value you offer employers, the more respect you’ll earn. Salary isn’t the only thing you prepare to negotiate, especially since there is a life that you want to live.
What do you hate about the process? What are the results you love?
About Mark Anthony Dyson
I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.