Finding a great job during this recession-and especially if you a
re a recent college graduate-can be challenging, but there is always a bright spot and several tips that you can keep in mind when your traditional job search path is simply not panning out. You need to develop a solid plan, execute it, and know that your dream job is just around the corner.
1. Identify Your Passion
First you need to determine what is your dream job. It is as good a time as ever to determine what type of career would fulfill you. What would keep you motivated, excited, and eager to go to work every day? If you can pinpoint it, consider what you would enjoy doing if compensation were not a factor. When you identify your passion, you will identify your purpose and the dream job that you should be striving for.
2. Make a List of Potential Employers
Then you should pull together a list of potential employers; don’t simply look to companies who are advertising for an open position, but consider companies that you have admired for their employer-employee relationship, companies who are consistently ranked as one of the top 100 companies to work for, etc. Keep in mind that many employers don’t advertise their job openings-they may rely on referrals, or if they are in the midst of preparing for a hire when they receive your timely resume, you can count your lucky stars.
When creating your list of potential employers consider reviewing the Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 by state or even by city. Forbes 2000 is one of the world’s largest publicly held companies and a great source to begin your search for preferred companies. Forbes actually developed the Best Places for Business and Careers, focused on location.
For those who would prefer to work for a smaller company, consider sources such as local Chambers of Commerce to find company information, or the Thomas Register of Manufacturers. Both are ideal for identifying a company that would best suit your preference for the size of your working environment.
3. Don’t Forget to Research
Make sure you research your potential employers before you send off your resume and cover letter. You may discover during your research that what you thought was golden for you may in fact be a pitfall. Some of the best resources to obtain the company information that you are interested in may be found at the following, depending on your interest.
Company Research Pro
AnnualReports.com
PRNewswire
Vault
Yahoo! Finance
4. It’s Resume Time
Resumes are different and can highlight your best features if you know how and when to use them. There are basically four different types of resumes: Functional, Chronological, Combination (of Functional and Chronological), and Electronic.
A Functional Resume highlights your skills and positive features without specifically reviewing your job history. The advantage to this type of resume will de-emphasize gaps of employment but will showcase all of the positive and transferable skills that you can offer a company.
A Chronological Resume reviews a steady progression of employment opportunities that have enhanced your skills. If you have a solid job history with no gaps in employment, then this option would probably work best for you.
A Combination Resume combines the best of the Functional and Chronological resumes by emphasizing skills while de-emphasizing specific job tasks or responsibilities. This type of resume is great for those who are in a career transition and have gained the opportunity receive new training opportunities to highlight their new skills. With this type, be sure to organize it well in order to limit confusion around career changes. It may require some creativity.
Finally, with Electronic Resumes, your skills, qualifications and results are what employers scan for. Usually with these types of resumes you are asked to provide specific information that will determine your qualifications for the job. Make sure that you are detailed in the areas that require your response.
1. The Cover Letter That Opens Doors
Traditional cover letters are just that, traditional and boring. Sure they have their place in some fields; however, what employers would prefer to see is a WOW factor. Highlight your skills and qualifications up front; state three specific reasons why you would be an ideal candidate for the position. Do your research; make sure that you address the person who will potentially hire you by name and that you not only spell their name correctly but also indicate the correct title (Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr.). While researching, include pertinent facts about the company that would be beneficial if you obtained the job you are applying for. Finally ask for the job or at least to interview for it. Don’t assume that because you are sending a resume and cover letter that the employer will know to grant you an interview. Take a little initiative and state that you are interested in interviewing for your dream job. Don’t leave anything to chance.
2. Follow Up – This Could Be Your Golden Opportunity
If you haven’t heard from your potential future employer within a week or two of submitting your resume, follow up. Contact them preferably by email to see where they are in their job search and re-express your excitement about this opportunity. Don’t think that you are bothering them; consider this as another opportunity for you to make a good impression. If you can’t get through to your contact person within two weeks, feel free to resend your resume and cover letter. Perhaps they had an opportunity to review it once, but your most recent inquiry will demonstrate that you are still interested while refreshing their memory on you and your qualifications.
3. Don’t Get Discouraged
Finally, don’t get give up and get discouraged. You may experience a disappointment or two, but when a door closes it’s only because a better opportunity is on the way. If you simply continue looking, keep sending out the resumes, and network with as many people as possible, you will land the dream job that you have been longing for.
