Youʼre thinking of embarking on a change in your career, whether it is on your own or due to a merger, acquisition or downsizing event at your company. I am sure you are asking yourself:
Where do I start? What do I need to do? These are common questions every new job seeker faces. A few basic thoughts to understand and embrace will make the journey much easier.
The job search is a SALES process!
You are now for SALE whether you like it or not! Your resume becomes your sales brochure/ value proposition, networking is building your sales team and at some point, interviewing will bring closure to the sales process.
What are you selling? Most importantly, you are selling your value – the results of your work, NOT the duties that you were responsible for.
The job search is STORY TELLING – the challenge is to decide what story you CHOOSE to tell! How do you create your story? You take a close look at your skills, accomplishments and characteristics/traits.
First you need to take the time to be a good student of:
- Yourself – What do you have to offer? What is your value? What do you really want to do?
- The Job Search Process – What are employers looking for now? What do other job seekers know – and are doing – that you need to be equal to or better than? So, if you have not been in a search recently, what are the differences? What do you need to learn? What changes do you need to make?
Such reflection and soul searching will allow you to establish a solid foundation to begin to share your value in all aspects of the job search, from the resume, to networking, interviewing and negotiating.