The end of year pep talk/wrap up
I feel like one of the most difficult things about job searching is not knowing.
“did they even get my email resume?”
“how many people am I up against?”
“why didn’t they choose me?”
That’s why working with a recruiter can be a really big help when you’re interviewing. We’ve worked to build relationships with the hiring managers, so we can generally find out a lot of details that aren’t available to the masses.
But the other thing I feel can really help in the process is doing your homework, researching, preparing, and talking to people. Take control of the process. Be proactive. Take the initiative to learn about a situation. Don’t just take a back seat. Knowledge is power, right?
Here’s a GREAT article from MSN Careers about interviewing. Once you’ve done all the preparation, and got the interview, the work isn’t over! You need to be very conscious of how your actions can be interpreted. Like this article says, “Information abounds regarding what you should say in an interview. But it can be just as important to realize what not to say. It is also imperative to note that what you say say can be communicated through both your words and actions.”
And this may seem like common knowledge, but you’d be surprised how few people follow through: follow up ANY and EVERY interview with a thank you note. Email a quick note within 24 hours, and handwrite a note and mail it within 48. It doesn’t have to say anything earth-shattering, just be sincere. They spent their time, and you spent yours–a thank you note acknowledges that fact and ABSOLUTELY will set you apart.
So in this world of job searching, in this “Candidate’s market” as the industry is calling it, be sure to take control and possession of your search. You should always be thinking about how to ensure you’re in the most rewarding, fulfilling, challenging (in a good way) and positive situation you can be in. There are great opportunities out there-you just have to know how to get them! A little bit of work on your career throughout the year can be an effective way to stay in control.
2007 is going to be a great year, so let’s go, fight and win!
January 5th, 2007 at 11:29 am
it’s always better to have someone else speak highly of you than you shpout off about yourself… That’s why I like iKarma.com