Career Advice for Job Seekers
7 Job Search Tips You Need to Follow
William Frierson
Rick Gillis, Salary.com contributing writer
Hi. I’m job search expert Rick Gillis. I’m new to Salary.com and very proud to be here. I do a number of live presentations annually and for many years have promoted Salary.com as one of the most useful sites to job seekers. That said let’s get to work.
While we’ll delve deep into job search strategies and insider tips at some point in the future, it never hurts to cover the basics. So whether you’re a new jobseeker just setting out on interviews or a grizzled job search veteran who could use a refresher, here are some job search basics that always true.
7. You’re Only Looking for 1 Job
Job seekers frequently tell me how bad the economy is, how there just aren’t any jobs, etc. Well, I’m not here to tell you the economy is in great shape, but I am here to tell you although you must be cognizant of economic conditions, always bear in mind that you — and you alone — are only looking for one job. You can’t allow the negative chatter to impact your personal efforts.
6. Stop Looking for a Job, Start Looking for a Phone Call
Put out all the information about you that you can. Online, in-person, by phone. Yes, by phone. My view has always been that you should spend the first couple of hours a day hitting the job boards, and the rest trying to make contact with a real, human person. I know it’s not easy but it gets easier the more you do it.
As a sales guy (and you do know that job search is sales, right?) I know that if my phone is not ringing the reason is because I’m not calling anyone and giving them a reason to call me back.
5. Be Skeptical of Online Advice
I know this seems like the pot calling the kettle black, but bear with me.
When reviewing job search websites I am always concerned when they provide such “current” information as “watch out for typos in your resume.” Really? Yes, that’s important. But if I have to remind you about typos in a resume you should probably be applying for a job somewhere where the only criteria is your ability to make your mark.
I also want to point out that anytime you receive unsolicited job search support (not like this article since you subscribe to the Salary.com newsletter), it is highly likely to be fraudulent. There are a lot of scammers out there sucking the last dollar out of desperate job seekers. Do not work with any organization that guarantees you a job. Nobody, unless they sign the paycheck, can guarantee you a job. Be very certain anytime you provide your Social Security (and never a bank account) number to anyone. Personally, I will provide confidential numbers by phone — never via email. Continue reading . . .
Article by Rick Gillis and courtesy of Salary.com
New Job Postings
Advanced Search
