When conducting your job search, in order to improve your odds for success during your job search, there are four key steps you need to follow.  This will place you above your competition and on the path to success!

First, you must prepare yourself.  PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.  In almost any interview you will be asked to define your greatest strength and/or weakness.  Make sure you evaluate and specify what type of job you are looking for, this way you can make a list of potential employers.  After listing potential employers, prepare by researching those companies.  It is crucial that you are educated on the company you are applying to before heading into an interview. 

Second, put together a strong Cover Letter and Resume.  The key to a successful cover letter is grabbing the reader’s attention.  You want to display yourself in a confident manner by listing your key accomplishments.  You should also use this opportunity to request action, whether it is asking for an interview or a phone call response.  Be sure to keep it under one page in length. Your resume should display your work experiences, skills, interests and strengths.  Put a strong emphasis on your key accomplishments and highlight all relevant successes (educational and professional).  This is your opportunity to market yourself! Include methods for the employer to contact you (phone number, e-mail address, etc.).

Thirdly, make sure your interviewing skills are in tip top shape.  Your first impression is crucial, so make sure you dress to impress (literally).  Prepare your interpersonal skills and make sure you set a relaxing tone.  Prepare yourself for all types of interview questions that may be asked.  Go one step further and prepare questions for the employer. These could be questions you came up with during your research of the company.  The bottom line is – practice makes perfect.

Lastly, make sure you have timely follow-up, timely being the operative word.   Always respond to phone calls and e-mails immediately and place a high importance on doing so.  No employer likes to sit around and wait for responses from a potential employee.  Chances are, they are waiting for several other responses. Try to always think of it as a first come, first served basis.  When you are asked to send a Cover Letter and Resume, make sure you are already prepared with both so that you can do so right away.  If your job search leads to an interview, prepare a Thank-You letter for the interviewer immediately after leaving the meeting.  Finally, if an offer is made, be ready to either accept or decline in a timely, considerate manner.

Published in the Syracuse Post Standard, January 31, 2011

It’s a new year, and the economy is showing signs of life. That means many people who need a job are aggressively starting to look again.

If you have been putting off your job search and are ready to re-ignite it, here are some tips on how to do so while striving to stand out from the crowd.

Get in a routine. Set the alarm clock, get out of bed, shower and get the day started. Don’t allow yourself to wear sweatpants all day. Dress nicely, even if you’re going to the bank. You never know who you might meet.

Have you been networking? Work those relationships. Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn, your alumni network and your professional groups. Let them know how excited you are to find a job and get back to work. Do they have any advice for you? Do they know of anyone else that you can network with?

Stay in touch with your recruiter. If you are registered with a recruiting firm, be sure to contact them and check in. Let them know you are still seeking employment, and wish to remain active. If anything has changed in your search, make your recruiter aware. (Think — new salary expectations, expanded geographic preferences, different types of positions that you’d like to consider.)

Reach out to your references. Give them a call and let them know you’re still seeking employment. Remind them that you may be sharing their contact information so potential employers can complete a reference check on you. Ask them if they’ve heard of available jobs that might fit you.

Revitalize your resume. Make sure all information on it is relevant and accurate. Have you learned any new computer skills? If so, add them onto your resume. (If not, now is a great time to learn something new. Take advantage of some of the local resources that offer free computer training.)

Practice your interviewing skills. Prepare yourself so when the time is right, you can speak comfortably about your skill set. Ask a trusted friend to help you practice your interviewing technique, and be open to feedback.

Check out your social networking sites. What does your “page” say about you? What if someone you’re connected with on Facebook is hiring — is there anything on your page that will prevent them from contacting you about a job? It’s always a good rule of thumb to avoid badmouthing former employers, and that holds true for anything you may post on the Internet.

Stay social. Many people have told me they become depressed during their unemployment. Resist the urge to stay home. Continue to enjoy yourself — meet friends for coffee, invite people over for dinner, go out to watch a game. You might prefer to stay in and watch a movie, but it’s important to keep yourself actively engaged in conversation with others, plus it’ll give you something to look forward to.

Consider volunteer work. Find a cause that you are passionate about, and strive to make a difference in our community. Not only will you feel good about your decision to volunteer, you also might meet someone who could become part of your network.

Most importantly, have a positive outlook! It’s a new year, and hopefully that means you will have a new job. Be optimistic.

Don’t forget the basics

?  Keep a professional greeting on your voicemail.

?  Possess an e-mail address that is professional.

?  Have an outfit ready if you’re called for an immediate interview.

?  Have a few copies of your resume printed on high-quality paper.