Are you watching how you spend your job-search time? Savvy jobseekers not only devote adequate time to their job search, they also apportion their time wisely.
Just ask Marilyn Moats Kennedy, publisher of a bimonthly career newsletter for fast-track professionals.
"Time spent on research and networking will give you the most return for your effort," believes Kennedy, who points out that these two activities should be done simultaneously.
In addition to the traditional methods of networking, Kennedy recommends jobseekers devote time to contacting former bosses and co-workers. "This is one of the most overlooked but useful sources of job leads," she contends.
Even if they have moved and you have to track them down, "it's worth the potential dividends. One person can tell you about four or five organizations. If that person directs you to former colleagues . . . you've hit a jackpot."
While online resources and library reference sections offer an array of tools for researching potential employers, Kennedy also recommends interviewing people in target companies about their industry and profession. "It will raise your visibility," she predicts.
These activities are preferable to focusing on posting your resume on general websites such as Monster.com. "This should be a minor part of your job hunt," Kennedy cautions. Better to spend time tracking down and responding to openings on individual company websites. The more employer sites you respond to, the better.
It's always wise to tailor your resume to the job description. Kennedy explains that most companies screen candidates by searching for key words, which are often included in the job description. She also reminds readers to follow the employer's instructions exactly.
While responding to print ads is not a major portion of Kennedy's model job search for management-level positions, she does feel it can pay dividends. "If an organization is advertising, they are obviously serious," she notes.
It can be risky business responding to blind ads (no employer name, just a box number) if you are employed. "You don't want your boss to hand you your resume and tell you to take a walk," Kennedy counsels.
Finally, it's vital that "when you wrap up your job hunt each day, you plan the next day's schedule. Don't even consider going to bed with nothing specific to do the next morning," Kennedy says.
Otherwise, you'll end up with something no jobseeker should ever have - time on your hands.
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