How bad do you want it? Really.

     One of the essential steps in job seeking is follow up. Knowing how and when to follow up is something I noticed applicants spend a lot of time doing. Some do it right, while the majority spend more time than necessary. How do you know you're spending this time effectively or exerting energy that could be used to actually impact your search?
     Back in the 'old days' (without dating myself let's just say between the 60's until the 90's) you would apply in person, shake someones hand and even ask for an interview on the spot. You could walk into just about any place of business and have a real conversation. That was until 9-11 and Middle East came into the picture. The process has changed.
     Don't get me wrong, meeting applicants is something I do, but primarily at job fairs. I can chat it up with the best of them. I know a lot about the company and I can sell it. What I don't have time to do is to walk out of my office for a handshake and some conversation with every applicant who walks in. It's unfortunate but that's the job. From what I'm told, it's the same thing everywhere you apply. There's a huge lack of human interaction. Let's talk about breaking through that barrier.
     You need the right tools to crack through this barrier. This is the hardest part of looking for a job,  the ground work. And by ground work I mean every bit of energy you put into finding that job up until the day you're hired.
     It begins with unemployment. That's unfortunate, but very real and it contains the perfect ingredients for drive, determination and desperation. People who are in this situation, and have something to lose (a car, college tuition, childcare, food on the table, etc.) will do anything to find that next job. What they don't do is stick with it. Eventually, they get behind in the bills and it becomes a bigger mess than what they started with so they give up. It definitely takes stamina. This is the missing key ingredient.
     The strategy that needs to be set into motion is within you and it takes a lot of planning. If you want it bad enough you'll take the time to map it out. Here are just a few steps to planning your job hunt:
1. Do not limit your potential. Know  your worth! You have experience, and now you have time. Sit at a computer and start listing your skills. If you have to ask family, friends or past co-workers do it! Depending on your upbringing and self-esteem this might be hard. Evaluating ourselves isn't something we're use to doing. Get it all out on paper and get ready for the next step.
2. Learn how to build a resume. If you have to take an online course, learn from an article about it from a website or book, pay a high school or college student to teach you (there's no shame in that), or get one done professionally...do it. You will need it. Keep it simple and specific to the job you're applying to (we covered that in a previous post) don't list every job you've ever had on one. Have 3 or 4 on hand. If you can't attach one to an online application or  paperclip it to paper application (I actually don't know if these exist anymore) take one to your interview.
3. Go to job fairs! This is networking. Connect with organizations that assist people in finding jobs. They know where the job fairs are going to be and the ones that suit you. There are corporate job fairs that head hunt for executives and there are your average job fairs where Staples, Frito Lay, and the Army are seeking entry level candidates. These are most often free to the public or charge a small fee. The companies pay a hefty fee for getting a booth so don't think they're in it for a day away from the office. They're looking for employees. If you meet someone at the job fair get a name, introduce yourself and make a very brief connection. Please keep in mind we stand there from 4-8 hours talking non-stop on heels, most of the time. Don't waste their time. Arrive early and bring a smile!
4. What to wear when you go in to apply. I know we covered this, too, in a previous post but I can't talk about it enough. When you enter an environment you can see yourself working, do you imagine you have shorts and bikini top? Are you sporting a dirty hoodie and saggy jeans that show your underwear? No. You dress at least business casual in a way that fits the dress code. You know the dress code because you've done your research, shopped there or visited prior to coming out. Make sure you do this and you won't be under or over dressed. You may find yourself sitting across from the HR Manager wanting to do an on the spot interview. This is most likely not going to happen, but you never know.
5. Making calls to follow up is important. Call once and leave a message that you've met 'so-in-so' at a job fair. Yes, name drop! This will catch their attention. Let them know this is a follow up call, that you appreciate the opportunity, where you can be reached (leave a valid phone number where you can be reached) and say your name clearly and even spell it if it's tough to pronounce. Keep in mind if they're just screening their voice mail because they get 100 a day make it quick and leave an impression. Follow up on that call one week later and then move on. You can mail a follow up letter with your resume as well. I've gotten a few of these, they're rare, but they caught my attention. And guess what? I called them.
6. Don't show up unannounced and 'demand to see the hiring manager' because I can tell you one thing right now, they will remember who you are and you could black list yourself from interviewing. This leaves the wrong impression every single time. You can be too aggressive. I have compassion for desperation in times like this, I do, trust me! However, this shows a part of your personality that we don't want on our team.

Last tip before bed...

7. You should be targeting more than one employer at a time. This is part of the hard work we've been talking about and it demands follow through and effort. You have a list of your skills and your resumes. You should be filling out applications all over. Determine how far you can drive, reasonably, and how long your day will be from leaving the house until you come home. How much will gas cost? Do you need to buy a new wardrobe? Does it require use of your own vehicle? Is it commission and can you afford that? Stay realistic at all times!

Remember, (even at a meet and greet) fresh breath , clean clothes and a firm (dry) handshake is always appropriate and welcome. Let me know how things are going and if you have any questions. Now, go!  Keep the momentum going until you land that job!