Well Being
- It’s ok to grieve a bit over your old job. But then move forward, seeking assistance if needed.
- Take care of yourself mentally, physically and spiritually.
- Pay it forward! Give as much (if not more) than you take.
- Share leads and tips with other members and have a commitment to help other 905’ers.
- Prepare and stick to your “Action Plan” as you are now running your own business. You are now in the business of selling yourself.
- Seek training, education, and possible government assistance. (i.e., at Arapahoe /Douglas Works!)
- After you are employed continue to ‘pay-it-forward’ and assist other 905’ers who are still in transition or anyone else who needs assistance.
- Determine your “Funding Timeline”. Consider taking a “C” (cash) job and continue to look for a ‘B” or an “A” job so that cash flow doesn’t cause additional stress.
- Volunteer in your community and volunteer to guest moderate a 905 meetup.
- Narrow down what you are looking for and be specific. Do not be a generalist. Vague is the plague, specific is terrific.
- Keep a current list of 5 -15 appropriate targets that you researched and followed up with.
- Engage an ‘accountability partner’ (not your spouse or best friend). This should be someone who is a networking partner or wingman.
- Utilize the most effective databases like LinkedIn, Indeed, CareerBuilder, Ladders, Glassdoor, Andrew Hudson’s Job List, Luke’s List, Lew’s List, and other industry specific databases to find potential jobs.
- Use “best practices” for constructing your resumes and cover letters.
- Have someone else proof read them to ensure there are NO typos.
- Always include a Cover Letter or a pain letter, either as an attachment or in the body of an email.
- Include a P.S. asking for an interview.
- Learn to quantify your resume (i.e., “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]”.
- Metrics are the new business language and demonstrates your value to an employer.
- Keep your LinkedIn Profile up-to-date, complete, and use a professional-looking headshot.
- Update LinkedIn Network and other networks even after you’ve landed - because average job lasts approximately 3 years. Don’t wait until you are in transition again!
- Prominently display your contact information including your phone number and list it in at least two places in your LinkedIn Profile (in the ‘contact information’ section and at the top of your summary).
- Post jobs, questions, articles and suggestions to the 905 LinkedIn group.
- Search and use the 905 LinkedIn group as a resource and ask members for referrals
- Make contact with industry specific recruiters and thought leaders.
- Network both online but more importantly in person. Plan to meet a set # of contacts per week. (Remember 70+% of all jobs are “hidden” or not publicly advertised).
- Attend outside functions: Meetups, Association meetings, etc.
- Attend weekly 905 and other networking groups.
- Have generic business cards printed. (see Vistaprint.com, Office Depot, or other online printers). Always carry them with you and use your business cards at networking events.
- Dress professionally when networking (one step above the norm).
- Post appropriate content to work-related social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube
- Practice and prepare for telephone, Skype (video conference) and in-person interviews.
- Dress professionally when interviewing (one step above the norm).
- Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer before the interview and always ask when it would be appropriate to follow up with them.
- Learn and become proficient at telling STAR stories. Them use to answer interview questions. Storytelling is now the preferred method to answer behavioral questions.
- Compile a 30, 60, and 90-day plan for on-going interviews to set yourself apart.
- Ask how you can help them to get a gold star on their next review?
- Always follow up with a Thank-you email or letter. This can be online, hand delivered or via snail mail.