Communications of the ACM
Tips to Recharge Your Job Search
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While flexibility is key during a job search, it is not always the case that more jobs will be available if you adopt an "I will work anywhere" strategy. To make a job search as productive as possible, you need to put your plan into action. For example, if your search is not accomplishing what you had hoped, consider joining a job search group that shares a common goal. There are several strategies for making your job search more productive.
Put your search plan into action by following through on at least one job search activity every day. The more action you take, the more momentum you build. Try a new job search technique if your job search is not yet producing results. You may also want to fine-tune your elevator pitch so that it expresses what you want people to remember most about you. Stay in contact with your networking group. In addition to calling them, consider sending cards or interesting articles to those who have helped you. This goes a long way when developing rapport and creating good will. Join a job club or job search group to discuss leads and share ideas.
Keep business cards handy since job opportunities can pop up when you least expect them. Use social networking sites to develop an online presence. Social networking is an excellent way to share information and ask for feedback, and these sites are available at night and on the weekend. The contacts you can make are virtually endless. If you are going to an event that seems overwhelming, take a friend along to help with introductions and build up your confidence. Prepare questions in advance. This will keep the conversation moving during networking meetings. Learn how to create rapport by discovering what you and your contact have in common. Finally, always follow up with the contacts you made.
From San Francisco Chronicle
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