Job search techniques that work - the 8 Step Plan

Feb. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- Is you're current job search technique yielding interview results 80% of the time?  It can!  Make it your job to find a job!  With your fine-tuned resume in hand, incorporate this proven Job Search and Targeting Strategy into a comprehensive Job Search Action Plan that will yield definite results.

Job Search Strategy:

Statistically, networking lands jobs 80% of the time.  Match that with 60-70% of your job search effort. (Link article “the best networking tips”)  Dedicate about 20-30% of your job search time following the Job Search Action Plan.

The Job Search Action Plan

This Action Plan keeps your job search moving, and your job search activities structured and organized.  Work in batches, spending about 1-2 hours each day working the Plan.  Networking results are definitely HOT status (Step 4).  Handle them in a dedicated, unique batch.  Restart the plan for Steps 4-8 once you land an interview.

Day 1  SEARCH Step 1: Find and print any job ads/posts that appeal to you at a first glance.   Don’t dig or probe; create a pool of possibilities.  Label with the job post date and title.

Day 1  TARGET Step 2: Grab your resume.  Highlight all the words/phrases on your resume that match those in the job description.  Highlights must cover at least 90-95% of the ad’s requirement and skills words.

Day 1-2  REVIEW Step 3: Review each targeted job for attractive features and practical points (location, commute, hours).  Prioritize those that pass review into 3 categories; HOT, WARM, and COOL.

Day 2-3  RESEARCH Step 4: Starting with the HOT stack, research each ad.  Define words, research policies, performance and company details.  Research similarities and differences with other similar posts.  If possible, call the company to confirm job details, status and the application process.  Get contact info for follow up and follow through activities.  Research “HOT” then move to “WARM” and “COOL.”

Day 2-5  RESPOND Step 5: Write cover letters.  At least one sentence and example should be given for each job/skills requirement.  Respond to each post with the letter, your resume and other appropriate info.

Day 6  FOLLOW UP Step 6: Within 2 days of responding, call or email to insure your info was received.  Confirm the job status.  Ask for timelines and what you can expect for next steps.  Be friendly, cooperative, and persistent. Step back into the Plan here after an interview.

Day 7  FOLLOW THROUGH Step 7: If you haven’t been contacted within 7 days of responding, call again and reconfirm the job status.  Again, check timelines and next steps.  Ask for feedback if possible.

DOCUMENT  Step 8: If the job is a “no,” remove the ad from your working file and move on.  Document status for any unemployment or necessary activity reports.  Keep a list of keywords that “worked.”  Incorporate them into future Action Plan batches.

Good luck.

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