Job Search Strategies

Looking for a new job is often fraught with difficulties in time of recession. However, searching for a job in another area or industry is even more difficult. You may have all the skills and qualification to do the job, but the trick is to get yourself an interview to convince potential skeptical employers to give you that chance. Here are some tips on how to prepare for that interview:

Prepare yourself psychologically. One important reason people fail to achieve a successful career transition is because they give up too easily. Research shows that perseverance is a key characteristic of people who achieve their goals. Don't give up so easily, stop and think about how you can modify your approach and keep on doing so until your goal are met.

Be flexible in your expectation. Beginners cannot be too choosy. Be prepared to take a pay cut, lower job title and status. If you are serious about making a career switch, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. Bear in mind that your experience in your previous jobs count, it will not take years to work your way up. You enthusiasm and willingness to learn should go a long way in helping you climb quickly. (read: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/294320.asp)

Think out of the box. Do not stick to conventional job-hunting methods by relying heavily on job advertisements. Be prepared to try different things. For example, try to write directly to the CEO of companies you are interested in working with, join relevant professional associations you wish to get into and attend their functions and talks. Build a network of people in the industry and keep in touch with them regularly. Make time for coffee or drinks after work with them. (chatting over facebook or msn alone will not get you the job). You never know when you might get a phone call from one of your contacts telling you about job opportunity.

Be prepared for part-time work or volunteerism. Working for a few hours a week in the field you wish to break into demonstrates your commitment and drive. It will also go a long way in teaching you things about the industry that are difficult to pick up as an outsider. Volunteerism will also expand your network and exposed you to new area you've never thought about before.

Online job portal. There are many online job portals you can register with. Post your resume with them so that potential employers searching for candidates can find you. You can also get jobs preference emailed to you and save you time searching. There are also many career advice and articles to ensure your resume, cover letter and interview skills are up to scratch. Here are several of them:

• http://www.monster.com.sg
• http://www.jobsdb.com.sg
• http://www.efinancialcareers.sg

"Nothing happens by itself...it all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions." - Ben Stein

When old is gold - The Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Team) in Singapore are launching a recruitment drive to recruit mid-career talent to become teachers and police officers. Dare to take the challenge to make a career switch??

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit". - Aristotle

With the global economy slumping, job losses across industry is becoming widespread and could get worse next year. However, not all industry are down-sizing. In fact if you are willing to make a career switch and make adjustment, there are jobs available if you're willing to take it up.

A handy little chart we need from time to time.........

Passion - Nothing is impossible if you have passion and determination. This is amazing!!

Make a career of your passion - Each and everyone of us has an interest or hobby. Why not pursue your passion and use your transferable skills and turn it into a profession. Have you ever drag yourself to work, dreading the thought of getting through another long, boring day. If the answer is yes, it's time to take stock.

"If you enjoy what you do, you will never have to work another day". - Confucius

Staying collected during your job search is important. Treat the job hunt as a business problem and engineer short-term successes to keep your morale up!

"You cannot always control circumstances, but you can control your own thoughts". - Charles E Popplestone

Prepare for your interview - Before that crucial meeting with your prospective boss, wouldn't you love to be able to look inside his mind and discover what exactly he is looking for? Display the right attitude, ask the right questions, give the answers that matter and that job could be yours.

Want to know a bit about your personality? Why not eat some fruit first!! If you're still not sure, why not drop me an email for a self-assessment evaluation.

"Habits are powerful factors in our lives. Because they are consistent, often unconscious patterns, they constantly, daily, express our character and produce our effectiveness...or ineffectiveness". - Stephen R. Covey

Your Resume is your vital marketing tool - Employers are king now during this economic tsunami. They do not have the time to go through pile of applications for a single or a few positions. A well written resume will enhance your chances of landing a job suited to your skills, ideals and temperament. If you require assistance to spruce up your resume, why not drop me an email for a non-obligatory consultation.

"Success comes to those who set goals and pursue them regardless of obstacles and disappointments". - Napoleon Hill

During your career transition period, there are some homework you need to do in order to jumpstart your career again. You have to reinvent yourself in order to get back into the job market. You may need the help of a career coach or for those who are fortunate to be offered outplacement program by their former employers to help you through a customized career transition program that suit your needs. If you need help in career coaching, why not drop me an email for a non-obligatory discussion. The coaching process are to assist you to:-

• Learn to manage own emotion
• Learn prudent financial management
• Discover your career preference through self-assessment
• Barriers you might face in pursuing your dream career and how to overcome them
• Discover the secret of effective job search strategy
• Learn the art of networking
• Understand the new world of work
• Learn to write a power resume
• Interview skills techniques

"Almost every goal you set for yourself involves learning. The ability to learn what you need to know, in a hurry, is the basic tool for getting what you want." - Joyce Brothers

How do you managed your unemployment? To some, it may be their first time, some who are not so lucky could be their second or third time. What do you need to do during these difficult time of your life?

Keep Healthy - If you adopt a healthy exercise routine, you will be less prone to illness thus reducing your medical cost at a time when you cannot visit a company doctor. It will make you more alert and presentable during your job interview.

Start A Hobby - Remember the hobby you were always interested in, but didn't have the time? Well, that excuse doesn't apply anymore. It keeps your mind alert and your body busy.

Expand Your Knowledge - Keep yourself updated to the latest trends and issues, especially those pertaining to your area of work. If you're hopelessly outdated and not keeping with the changing trend of your industry, you are not going to be very attractive to a potential employer.

Improve On Your Skill Sets - Take up a short course in your area of work. Alternatively, get training in a complementary area. In this age of multi-tasking, employers are looking for people who are adept in more than one field, so as to provide further value-add to the position.

Remain Positive - Maintain a positive frame of mind is important, although it can be difficult, especially if you have been out of work for some time. Keep reading inspirational stories and pray to god (your own religion) and remind yourself that this difficult period will pass. Positive-thinking will carry you through an interview and make you stand out from the rest of the candidates. Remember, that tough people last longer than tough times do!

What are your thoughts and feeling when you have been asked to go to the conference room? How do you feel when you are handed the pink slips by the human resource manager? What are your initial reaction and thoughts at that point in time?