Sure the economy is really tight right now, and companies are being much more careful about their hiring, but we still have clients that are still looking for very specific skills.
If you are about to begin a new job search and perhaps its been a while, here’s a few ideas that may be a little different than how you have may have approached it in the past:
1) Use this as an opportunity to take a step back and evaluate the industry you want to work in. For example, if you are in the beleaguered financial-services industry where improvements in hiring are months away at best, rather than continue to beat your head into the wall applying to financial services jobs, why not explore other industries where your skills would also be a fit. Ok, you may have to take a step sideways or down a notch but changing horses now may be a move to consider.
2) Focus on your results. Our clients – your potential employers, want to understand what you have accomplished on the job, and aren’t really interested in seeing just a long list of your skills. Emphasis specific achievables – a project completed ahead of schedule saving $50,000, or how you achieved sales 120% over quota. Don’t exaggerate or over embellish — it isn’t needed, and you will get caught. But do be clear, be specific, on your level of responsibilities – you managed a total budget of $800,000, or you support/train/develop a team of four people. You will also need that list of specific achievements when you get to that key face-to-face interview. These are the things employers are really looking for.
3) Be clear on your resume what you specifically achieved. Resumes are an invaluable sales tool designed to accomplish one specific goal, and that is to get you an interview. Potential employers shouldn’t have to be separating what you did vs. “the team”. Be proud. Brag a little. And of course, be accurate. One suggestion on how to prepare for this — assemble a “brag book” — a single source which has copies of awards, recognition, emails of significant accomplishment, results showing your level accomplishments, etc. Nothing proprietary of course. You may be surprised how much you have actually achieved in your career.
4) Talk with recruiters that work in your space. Do your homework. Which recruiters have been active in the industry you want to work in? Ask the industry trade association for suggestions. At Hawthorne Search, we are members of all the trade associations in the various markets we recruit in.
5) Keep your chin up. Time to move on. No one wants to hire an uninspired, gloomy, person who’s still hung up on being RIF’ed at a prior company. Negativism is easily sensed and rejected by perspective employers.
And most all, good luck and good hunting
