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Next Step
Finding a New Position: 10 Steps to Success
by Michelle Gladieux
Has your company rewarded you for the value you've added to its bottom line? Has your company recognized your diligent efforts on its behalf? Have your attempts at establishing better communication with your boss gone unheeded? Are you ready for a change? If you've outgrown your current position, relocated, or need a change for the better in your career, use the following process to succeed in your search for a new, better position.
- Assess yourself. What types of positions are you interested in and most qualified for? How you answer is a critical first step. Begin to pinpoint the strengths you will articulate later in face-to-face interviews. If you grew up with parents or teachers saying, "Don't brag," it's time to let that go and get ready to brag about (not exaggerate) your accomplishments. Your ability to speak to your strengths gets you the offer. Grab a notebook or pull up a chair to your PC and begin a list of your best traits and most impressive projects. Once completed, you are ready for step two.
- Build your best managerial resume. Do a first draft, second draft, and final draft. Have others make suggestions about your resume and proofread it for you. Keep it to one page, with only the most relevant and recent dates included. This is your first chance to wow the hiring director in 52 lines.
- Write some sample job search letters to store on your PC. There are literally hundreds of books (check your local library) and excellent Web sites to assist with this step. Put together a cover letter to introduce your resume to employers, a thank-you letter that can be tailored more specifically to employers after your interviews, and a letter that can be used to respond to a position you find in the classified section of the newspaper or posted on the Internet.
- Ask for reference letters. If you don't have a professional portfolio, this is a terrific place to start. Which clients, customers, or past supervisors have been delighted with your work? Ask them to send a short memo to you commenting on what they appreciated most about your abilities. Make several copies of these letters and organize them for prospective employers. In the interview, you'll find prospective employers thrilled to gain additional positive information about a qualified candidate like yourself.
- Contact as many people as possible. Put together a contact list of professional and personal acquaintances and distribute resumes to each person. Keep track of whom you've talked to, what leads they gave you, and when you contacted each lead. As soon as you begin your conversation, mention the name of the person who referred you. For example, "Hello, Ms. Jones? Your friend Bill suggested I contact you when I told him about my job search. He thought you'd be interested in my LAN/WAN background."
- Decide which companies you need to contact first in your job search. Divide your list into A, B, and C priorities and start marketing yourself to the A list. Call the company to obtain the name and correct spelling of the person who handles hiring for positions in your area of expertise. Send a resume with a cover letter tailored to that person; after a few days, call to make sure your correspondence was received.
- See professional search firms or employment agencies. Some companies prefer to hire through search firms. Make it a goal to get your resume to at least a handful of these agencies. Place follow-up phone calls to ask if they have openings in your area of interest.
- Respond to classified ads in the newspaper. This step is usually the first that job seekers think of. Realize, however, that most professional positions are never advertised. Instead, they are filled through recommendations and networking. Use the classifieds, but not as your only source of job leads.
- Hone your interviewing skills. Have a colleague sit down with you and pose some tough interview questions. Practice giving answers that go beyond a "yes" or "no." Give details in response to "Why should I hire you?" and "What are your strengths"?
- Send thank-you letters. Send these to every person who grants you an interview or gives you a tip. This is the signature of a professional and adds to your credibility.
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