Checklist: Job Search Success

If you are just embarking on a job search OR if you are struggling to find a job, you probably want to know what successful job seekers do to land the job they want.

I believe in the program developed by Crossroads Career Services for finding a job. I was a logic major in college and these steps are logical. There is an overarching strategy and 6-7 tactical steps.

Not many coaches give away the steps to their program for free. My passion is to help job seekers succeed and my goal is to help as many people as I can. So below I listed the tactical steps that my clients used to find their jobs. Go through the checklist and see which steps you completed and which ones you missed. I am confident that if you perform each step (without shortcutting or skipping any) you too will be successful.  In the instances where I previously published an article detailing a particular step, I included the link to that article.

Is it work? Yes. Anything worth pursuing takes work. Knowing what you need to do though will help you navigate this new and challenging job market so you too can land a job you WANT.  Leaving a step out or taking breaks from the job search may elongate your job search.

 

If you are missing steps, want or need help, secure the services of a successful and reputable job search coach. I am Judi Adams and my company RightChanges, the Affordable and Successful Job Search coach welcomes the opportunity to partner with you in your search.  The first hour is only $25. To reach us go to: http://www.rightchanges.biz/contact_us.

 

P.S.

If you would like to know the overall strategy, e-mail me at Judi@RightChanges.biz with the subject line “What is the strategy?”  I will e-mail it to you. 

 

P.P.S.

If you want to begin a Career Ministry or to find out more about Crossroads programs in your area go to www.crossroadscareer.org.

 

Job Search Success Checklist

 

Attitude
1	I understand and demonstrate by my actions my acceptance that the job market has changed
2	I have chosen a positive attitude and rarely speak negatively and then only to close friends and family http://bit.ly/1lddIdM
3	I do things  to keep my attitude positive
4	I read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" and decided I want to be more like Sniff and Scurry in my job search
5	I learned and use strong interpersonal skills such as active listening and how to read body language http://bit.ly/1hy3Q8O
Aptitude
1	I know my actual strengths (Strengths Finder 2.0)
2	I have documented over 50 of my accomplishments which I have used on my resume and to answer interview questions http://bit.ly/1pzKni0
3	I have taken training and grown my skills each month http://bit.ly/1tLLgUl
Altitude	http://bit.ly/1ilwhNd
1	I can clearly and concisely articulate what I am looking for, the value the company will realize by hiring me, and how I am unique http://bit.ly/1kdDcXc
2	I know the specific job title I am pursuing
3	I have identified 5-10 target companies although I'm open to other companies http://bit.ly/1fbTuRC
4	I leverage informational interviews to gain information. I do not ask for a job nor ask if they are hiring
5	I am pursuing a level of job that is appropriate to my skills. I am not shooting too low where I am overqualified and I'm not settling for a job not in my desired industry.
6	I know the career I am pursuing is a fit for me and I look forward to doing that work
7	(Pursuing a new role or industry): I am aggressively learning about the new role / industry because it is unique; I need to know as much as possible and can't just rely on my transferable skills or that they will train me.
Marketing Materials
1	I have a phone number with a local area code
2	I have a professional e-mail address and it is not an AOL or Hotmail address
3	I have created, updated, and use all of the following required marketing materials
	a) Elevator Pitch
	b) business cards http://bit.ly/1fB9N5e
	c) LinkedIn profile
	d) Networking Guide http://bit.ly/1iWyVb5
	e) T cover Letter http://bit.ly/1vIKneu
	f) Resume http://bit.ly/1pzK5Yz
4	I created my resume using the combination format and by identifying and highlighting keywords, skills, and experience based upon 5 job descriptions for that type of job.
5	My LinkedIn profile is complete including a professional headshot, greater than 100 contacts and growing, skills, groups, and I have broadcast turned on.
6	My elevator pitch takes less than 30 seconds to share, does not get historic (i.e. does not use the phrase "I used to"), clearly says what I am looking for, and ends with a questions in the form of a questions about them to engage the other person in a conversation.
7	I always have an ample supply of business cards with me whenever I leave the house
8	I shared my networking guide with family, friends, and anyone else who asks how they can help me with my job search
9	I ALWAYS customize the T cover letter and send it with my resume with EVERY job I apply to
10	Baby Boomers: I made sure to de-age my marketing materials, my self, and that I have updated my skills
11	I double check to be sure there are no spelling, grammar, or formatting errors in all correspondences & marketing materials (names are spelled correctly and I did not leave in references to other companies). I know this is business communications (not texting) so I use proper English.
12	I had a trained person review my marketing materials and confirm the materials clearly communicate my value and the specific job I am pursuing
13	I have identified and contacted people to serve as my 3 business and 3 personal references and have confirmed with them their contact information.
14	I always customize LinkedIn requests to include how we know each other. http://bit.ly/1rufGbz
15	I have at least 3 LinkedIn recommendations (different than endorsements)
Search	http://bit.ly/QMtbGn http://bit.ly/1rufY21
1	I do not rely solely on applying online to find a job since the majority of jobs are in the hidden job market  and not posted
2	I use industry specific job boards
3	I repost my resume on job boards every 3 weeks
4	I network into the company after I apply on-line
5	I have a list of industry specific recruiters and I stay in touch with them periodically (ex every three weeks or so) to keep my name on the top of their minds
6	I am active on LinkedIn. I follow my target companies and read what is posted. I am active in my LinkedIn groups by "Like"ing discussions, commenting on other discussions, and even starting discussions. Under Courses on my profile I add industry related courses I have taken.
7	I stay up on business news in my town and on industry news. Ex in Atlanta I read the Atlanta Business Chronicle every week. I'm in technology and watch TechEdge Atlanta.
8	I have researched my target companies
9	I looked in LinkedIn to see who I know or who I know who knows people at my target companies and am networking to get an introduction.
10	I have identified and participate at local industry groups, meet a minimum of 5 new people at each meeting, and stay in touch with those contacts with an emphasis on trying to help them before they help me
11	I maintain a calendar and have job search activities on every weekday and accomplish the tasks listed
12	I get up, showered, and dressed the same time each day and spend at LEAST 5 hours every day on the job search with no more than 2 hours on-line
13	I follow directions ex. If the posting says no calls I don't call and I send the information to the correct e-mail address
14	When networking, I am in business casual attire at a minimum
15	I spend greater than 50% of my job search time networking and deepening my network
16	I friend, follow, or fan my target companies so I know what they are posting when they post it and I have Google Alerts set for each target company so I know the latest news on each.
17	I monitor the number of views my LinkedIn profile receives and by being active on LinkedIn I keep the count high
Sort / Interview	http://bit.ly/1fbTWQ2 http://bit.ly/1lddC5O
1	I have practiced interviewing, received feedback, and made adjustments as needed
2	After an interview I e-mail a thank you, then handwrite and US mail a thank you to every person I met with
3	Before an interview I conduct thorough research of the company
4	At the end of an interview I express interest in the job and I ask next steps and approximate timelines http://bit.ly/PB9oIT
5	I follow-up with company contacts after the interview (polite persistence)
6	Even though I feel I am close on an opportunity, I continue the job search
7	I know how to deflect the salary discussion until I am the final candidate and there is an offer on the table http://bit.ly/1pzKha9
8	I have interview clothes that fit and do not age me
9	When asked my strengths, I use my actual strengths as identified  through Strengths Finder 2.0.
10	I prepared my reply to the tough interview questions.
Select	http://bit.ly/1tLLFWH
1	I updated my marketing materials with the new position and I contacted people in my network to thank them and so they know to stop searching for me.
Next Steps	http://bit.ly/1ilNpg2
1	I know that jobs average 2.5 years and job security does not come from a company, industry, or job title. Instead job security comes from my keeping my skills up, my experience current, and my network of people active and I have to make these a priority.

 

Update 4/27/14:   One person commented: According to the guide, I have to have at least 50 accomplishments from past ;jobs to even be considered as a valid applicant. This sounds to me like saying only super stars need apply.   Here is my response: No superstar required (although you are probably more of one than you think).   That is the problem with my industries term "Accomplishments". It makes people think of a medallion around the neck, plaque on the wall, or trophy. Think of it instead as examples or "for instance"s. If I ask you the question "tell me about a time you " that is a behavioral question and having these examples identified and documented ahead of time will help you answer concisely.   Job seekers should take this time to recall and document their "for instances" some of which will be used on the resume, all will be fresh in the head for the interview, and it will remind you how accomplished you are.   Thank you for giving me this opportunity to clarify.   I believe high schoolers should begin the process of recording their "accomplishments" and continue through life so it is not as hard to recall. One of my favorite expressions is that memory does not get better with age - and forgetfulness starts early.