For the past couple of weeks, we’ve talked about Steps 1-4 of the Day 100 Job Search Plan:
Step 1. Set up alerts to get notified of job openings.
Step 2. Research, network, and follow up.
Step 3. Pre-qualify yourself for the job you want to be hired for.
Step 4. Write your single most important career document—your resume.
This week we are going to cover the next steps for your 100 Day Job Search Plan—5, 6, and 7.
5. Start applying, but be selective as to what you apply to! It’s time consuming!
If you’ve applied to a federal job, you know how time consuming it is.
If you applied to a federal job and landed it, you know how rewarding it is and that your efforts pay off. Maybe you’re ready for a promotion and happened on to this blog for some advice.
In either case, you’re in the right place!
If you are a federal job seeker and haven’t spent any time reviewing the potential job opportunities on USAJOBS yet, I recommend you start doing that now. The more familiar you are with what is available, the more prepared you will be when you find your perfect job.
If you are looking for a job in private industry, start applying on the sites I mentioned in Step 1.
MAGNETIC TIP: Make sure your resume targets each job announcement that you are applying for. Read the job announcement carefully and make sure your resume answers all of the questions, and showcases your accomplishments related to the requirements so you will hit the bullseye and land the interview!
6. Prepare and practice your “elevator pitch”—even if you don’t plan to be on an elevator any time soon.
It’s true. Practice makes perfect but being perfect is not what is most important. Practice makes you confident and when you’re confident, it shows. Make it a point to talk to everyone you meet. The more people that you speak with and have specific conversations about the opportunities you are seeking, the greater your odds of connecting with or being connected to someone who has the power to hire YOU!
Many successful employment stories begin with a friendly conversation in the grocery store line, 6-feet apart of course, during a commute, or in a public place. When that person hears of an opening, hopefully YOU will be top of mind! Obtain contact information and follow up with the people you talk to…and when you do, ASK them if there’s anything you can do for them.
This positive energy will help you attract what you are looking for. People will remember you for helping them and they will make more effort to help you. Always approach people with the mindset of what you can do for them and the rest will fall into place.
These simple conversations can turn job leads into jobs. Be friendly, positive, and ready to connect with those who can help you get hired. And, return the favor for even better results.
7. Organize your job search!
To keep your job search organized, create a method that works for you—electronic, hard copy, or a combination. The most important aspect of this is to create a system that uses your natural style for efficiency and effectiveness.
If you aren’t computer savvy, a hard copy system may work best. If you despise paper, make it digital. Some people need a combination system. Find what works best for you. Just like you maintain your physical body through daily hygiene, diet, and exercise, your job search requires daily nurturing and maintenance…and you’ll see it pay off!
MAGNETIC TIP: DAILY tracking will ease your frustration, help you recall important details, and be best prepared when contacted by a potential employer.
I hope you’re finding these action steps to be helpful! If you are, would you please comment below and tell me where you want to be in 100 days?
And as you finish each one of these steps, come back and let me know your progress!
I’d love to be your accountability partner. Two is always better than one. And, you’ll achieve your goals faster.
For more than 25 years, I've been trusted by all levels of professionals to senior executives in the Federal Government to collaborate with them and strategize, coach, and write not only their single most important document—the resume—but all of their career marketing that propels them upward in the ranks of the Federal Government and private sector. And, I would love to meet you and help you with yours! Thank you for stopping by!
You can find out what's killing your chances of landing federal jobs here: Take the 1-minute quiz and get valuable insight to your situation.
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