Changing careers

10 MUST DO Actions to Revitalise your Job Hunt

At some time or another we can all get stuck in a rut or feel like a hamster running round a wheel. This can be very true when it comes to job hunting. I posted 10 tips to help revitalise a job search previously and below are 10 additional “MUST DO” actions to bring a stalled job search back to life.

Stop hiding behind your CV – I’m not knocking the CV as it still has a role to play in job hunting but I do feel that many jobseekers hide behind their CV. This limits job search success as a CV only tells a fraction of the information required to make a hiring decision. Having said this, 80% of CVs I review do not sell the owner effectively. So perhaps the advice should be ensure you have a CV that sells yourself effectively and then get out and meet, engage and talk to potential opportunities.

Ask your way to success – Quite simply - start asking more questions!! I advise you to talk to successful business owners as these people have all the tools, techniques and advice you need for a successful job search. Their input could inject a fresh approach to your job search. I believe that everyone should treat their career like a small business and demonstrate entrepreneurial qualities.

Look under turned stones – By this I mean revisiting previous opportunities explored. It is essential to stay on the radar because out of sight means out of mind. Be subtle and use creative ways to stay in touch while getting the message across that you are still looking for a job – don’t want to have people dodging your call. Revisit companies you have previously targeted as circumstances change. You may have been pipped at the post for a job BUT the selected candidate may not have worked out.

Start a charm offensive – Two words – “Thank you”. They seem so little but can mean so much. Start sending email or posted thank you notes to interviewers, recruiters, people you meet at networking events and your existing network of friends and family that help your search.

Reinvent the wheel – It is important to revisit your skills and qualifications. We must continue to add to our armoury to increase our attractiveness to potential employers. Use out of work time to up-skill or retrain. This activity will support your efforts and help you stay positive.

Go get the “feel good” factor – Volunteer for a “not for profit” or worthwhile cause offering your professional skills or just general support. I also advise you to volunteer your skills to “profit” organisations. Most met the latter suggestion with “I am not working for nothing”. Depends on how you look at it. I would view it as an opportunity to showcase skills, expand network or gain experience in a new sector to increase marketable skills.

Learn how to sell snow to Eskimo’s – Most jobseekers don’t realise that job hunting is sales. A jobseeker is the salesperson and their product is themselves. Understanding and developing sales skills will help your performance when you meet potential employers at networking events or at interview. Sign up for a sales course or seek advice from your friends in sales.

Give yourself a reason to get out of bed – Many jobseekers float along their job search with no idea about what is working for them or with no tangible targets. Start planning your activity and setting challenging targets for all your available job search strategies.

Avoid “Doom & Gloom” – It made the point before BUT worth mentioning again. With all the talk about the economy, the banks and the volcano it would be a reasonable request for permission to stay in your bed. You need to switch off from the negativity and set up a selective information filter that only digests positive news stories. Example - Daithi O’Regan investing his redundancy in a new online Hurley venture which resulted in a successful Dragons Den pitch and funding.

Start surfing the Social Media waves – Social Media is here to stay and if you haven’t already done so then join LinkedIn. If you have joined LinkedIn ensure that you are using the tool effectively. To support this I have set up a highly successful and interactive group for jobseekers in Ireland “Measurability Careers & Jobs Club”. You can also follow me on Twitter – Paul Mullan.

Paul Mullan is founder of Career Coaching & Outplacement firm Measurability. Services include Outplacement, CV writing, Interview Coaching, Job Search Strategies & Online/Offline Marketing (aka Personal Branding). Paul’s Blog offers useful articles and job hunting advice.