6 Job Search Methods Every Jobseeker Should Follow

6 Job Search Methods Every Jobseeker Should Follow 6 Suggestions for the Job Search and How My Son Doesn’t Listen
By Bob McIntosh, Career Trainer

The other day, my son and I were shooting hoops. He was loving it, and I was hating it for the mere fact that my fingers were numb from the cold. Regardless, I was constantly telling him to dribble with his opposite hand. “Why?”he asked me.

“Because you need to be multi-talented,” I told him. “You need to keep the ball on the far side of your body when you’re dribbling it so defenders can’t strip it from you.” I’ve never played organized basketball, so I’m not sure my advice was sound; but it sounded good.

While I was “coaching” my 12-year-old kid, I got to thinking about the advice I give jobseekers, most of whom listen and others (like my son) who don’t. The ones who listen are those who send me e-mail or even stop by the career center to tell me about their upcoming interviews or, best of all, their new jobs. It’s all about the effort they put into their job search that makes the difference. They do the hard work, while I simply provide the theory. Such as:

1. Network, network, network. Tell everyone you know that you’re looking for work. Be clear as to what you want to do and where you want to do it. Clearly explain your occupation (human resources vs. human services is a big difference), your greatest attributes, and your extensive experience.

2. Look for a job where most people aren’t. In other words, penetrate the Hidden Job Market, which, coincidentally has a great deal to do with networking. “Why?” as my son would ask me. Simple, employers gain a lot more from not advertising their positions than they do if they advertise. They prefer to promote from within or get referrals from trusted sources. Advertising comes with a slew of problems–tons of resumes to read and interviewing strangers.

3. Research, research, research. Always know the requirements for the jobs for which you apply. Know about the companies as well. This will come in handy when you write your resume and other written marketing material, as well as when you interview.

4. Market yourself with targeted resumes for each job, rich with quantified accomplishments and a strong Performance Profile that makes the employer want to read on. Don’t limit accomplishments to the Work History; include some accomplishment statements in the Performance Profile…the better to get employers’ attention.

5. Send a cover letter with each resume, unless instructed not to. True, some recruiters do not read cover letters, but many do. And if your job will involve writing, you must send a well-written, and here we go again, targeted cover letter.

6. Start a LinkedIn, FaceBook, or Twitter networking campaign. Online networking should not replace face-to-face networking; rather it should supplement your networking efforts.

These basic job search methods I impart on jobseekers, yet some refuse to follow through with the basic tenets of the job search. Like my son who shies away from dribbling with his opposite hand and, thus, will get the ball stripped from him; these jobseekers will find it more difficult to find a job.

Read more biotech career tips. Find more biotech and pharma jobs by visiting the career center.

About the Author

Bob McIntosh, CPRW, is a career trainer at the Career Center of Lowell, where he leads more than 20 workshops on the career search. Bob is often the person jobseekers and staff go to for advice on the job search. As well, he critiques resumes and conducts mock interviews. One of his greatest accomplishments is starting a LinkedIn group, which is one of the largest of its kind in the state, and developing three in-high-demand workshops on LinkedIn. Bob’s greatest pleasure is helping people find rewarding careers in a competitive job market. Please visit Bob's blog at www.thingscareerrelated.wordpress.com.

Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - March 7, 2013.

Sign up for the free weekly Career Insider eNewsletter.

Related Articles
* Your Attitude: 6 Things You Need to Know for Your Job Search
* 8 Traits Employers are Really Looking for
* Want a Job? Ignore These Outdated Job-Hunting Beliefs

Back to news