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Whether you are a chef, mechanic, medical professional, coder or an executive, you must first be clear in your intentions. You must be able to articulate your vision and verify your skill set. You must be informed, creative and focused in order to succeed in your job search.
Be Clear And Honest With Yourself: There are few things in this world as powerful as focused intention. First, take the time to sit with yourself and discover what you really want to do in your career. Second, be honest with yourself about the skills you have to offer to a future employer.
We recommend the Ben Franklin T-chart. A simple piece of paper and writing implement is all your need to get started. In the right hand column, list what you really want to do. In the left hand column, list your verifiable skills. If there are no matches on your list, then we advise meeting with a career coach in your area to discover what skills you would need to learn to follow your true path. Then, you must decide if you are willing to work to gain those skills, or not.
We stress clarity before all else because it will determine whether you find a ‘job’ or build a satisfying career. If you’ve completed this process years ago, and are on your career path, we recommend the following. If you have not sincerely engaged in this exercise do this before taking any other action.
Do Your Research: Now that you have decided what you want to do, you must find the best places to contribute your skills and energy to mutual success. The internet is a remarkable tool for research. But don’t forget the public library, as well. Go to the Information Desk and ask for the current Kennedy Directory.
Here are some basic inquiries to get you started:
 Companies in the industry sector you have chosen
Location of companies
Background information on selected companies
Size of company
Length of time in business
Review record of executive team
If they are publicly traded, you may research their revenue history, their employee benefits, and any other information available to shareholders
Target Your Preferred Location: We strongly recommend working where you live. Not only is this economically advantageous, but it also gives you a better chance of success. You’ll spend less time on stressful commutes, more time with your family and friends, and thus will be more relaxed and productive at your job. Review cost of living sites to give you an idea of salary you will need to live in a specific region.
Network! Network! Network!: Once you have determined where you want to live and work, and which companies in that area are of interest to you, you must begin the process of discovering a connection. If you already live in the city where you are seeking employment, do you know anyone who currently or has ever worked for the company that interests you? Call them. Ask their honest opinion and listen. But don’t bug them repeatedly without being thoughtful about it.
Here is where creative action is called for. You may offer this contact a reciprocal favor, or just call for a movie or walk. Our experience is that people like to support their friends. But, if you ask for their help, do listen, and please follow-up with them to let them know the results of their contribution.
If you don’t know anyone at your company of choice, then you must take the time to learn the proper route for introduction into their company. Read the job descriptions they have open very thoroughly. Be ruthlessly honest with yourself about your skills in relationship to their needs.
Be Knowledgeable About Job Titles: It’s important that you read the job descriptions for all their openings in your field. Each company uses unique titles and may not coincide with your last companies titles. Focus on the responsibilities and the expectations for the position. Do you have previous experience that is directly applicable to their needs? If you do, then you must write your resume, honestly and succinctly to verify your expertise as it relates to their needs.
Do not respond to job openings for which you are not qualified. This is a waste of your time and theirs. It also decreases your value when the right position comes up. If you are sincere about working for your chosen company, then begin by treating them with the respect you would like to receive. We stress consistency because you may be called upon to do this hundreds or even thousands of times before you elicit the response you are seeking.
When Do You Need A Recruiter?: If you are an executive, or have a set of specialty skills, we recommend that you locate a recruiter in your industry sector. You will need to locate someone who is willing to meet with you in person, or spend time with you on the phone. Take the time through referrals and research to find one that you trust. There is a list of recruiters on this site.
As an executive, or person with a unique skill set, do not send your resume out to anyone and everyone and do not post it on internet job boards. Would you tack your resume to every telephone pole in your city in the hopes that someone would call you for an interview? The web offers those poles in the multi-billions. This method does not indicate a high level of clarity, but it does indicate a high level of desperation.
To recap our job search advice: Be clear. Be thorough. Be informed. Be pro-active.
If you don’t get a return call or mail, time after time, and you begin to get discouraged, understand that lack of response is not personal.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
 --Eleanor Roosevelt
Be Ready For The Interview: When your desired company does call you in for an interview, you will want to receive an offer. You’ve already reviewed the job description, know that you are well suited and want the job. Be respectful in your dress. This does not mean wear a suit, nor does it mean wear shorts and flip flops. It means to dress appropriately dependant upon the position, the researched style of the company, and your own sense of style and comfort. Basically, you will want your attire to be a non-issue.
Be clean, tidy and professional regardless of the position or company. Be comfortable that your clothes and your presentation represent how you want to be viewed. Be prepared to relate concise and accurate information regarding your experience. Be honest and sincere in your responses, but do not ramble on. Be interested enough to have come with relevant questions. Sit up straight and make eye contact. Be absolutely clear in your objectives going into the meeting. Enjoy it!
“The secret of success is constancy of purpose.”
--Benjamin Disraeli
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