The 3 Pillars of a Solid Job Search Strategy

The 3 Pillars of a Solid Job Search StrategyThe 3 Pillars of a Solid Job Search StrategyThe 3 Pillars of a Solid Job Search StrategyNeed a new job but dont know how or where to begin? Before you start networking or surfing the web for job postings, recognize these three pillars that can help you refine and perfect how you present yourself and your skills to potential employers your resume, your web presence, and your interview skills.1. A Solid ResumeTo build your resume, you need to determine what you have to offer an employer. How well do you really know yourself, namely your strengths and weaknesses as they apply to your work? What sets you apart from others? What special task did your boss always ask you to perform rather than someone else, knowing youd do it right?Think especially of the times when you made or saved the company money, when you led or played a major role in a successful project, or when you helped the company hang onto a less-than-happy customer. Answer these que stions and chances are you can come up with a list of strengths you would bring to a new job.Next, consider your future What are your career goals? Do your strengths help you carve out and articulate a long-term geistesbild for your future? How can your next job help you realize that vision?Now that you know your strengths and goals, its time to put them all together in your resume. As you do so, be sure of two thingsYour professional summary, at the top of the resume, must highlight your strengths and how they would benefit the employer, andYour work experience must list detailed examples of accomplishments and skills that support your strengths.For each employer, offer a list of accomplishments that would be most applicable to that organization and that job. You may have other accomplishments, but if they dont help your chances, leave them out.2. A Solid Web PresenceErect your second pillar by creating (or enhancing) your professional online presence with a social networking profi le on a site such as LinkedIn or Facebook. If you have a personal web site that employers can access, add your resume and (if appropriate) a portfolio of your work.Your web profile should take the same summary and work experience approach as your resume by highlighting your strengths, but it doesnt need to be aimed at a specific employer. Like the summary in your resume, the summary in your profile should be a brief synopsis, supported by a more comprehensive list of accomplishments.3. Solid Interview SkillsIf your resume and online profile are written well and give an employer enough reasons to want to talk with you, put up your third pillar by articulating your value clearly in the job interview.Heres whats important in interpersonal communication the ability to listen intently to the hiring manager and other interviewers for what they say about the job, the company, and the company culture. Also, be aware of your body language, especially anything that could send a katechese that youre nervous or hiding something. Be clear, direct, and engaging. And, to ensure your message is getting through clearly, ask your interviewer after each answer if you need to clarify or expand upon any point you made.In that same vein, be able to pick up on any noticeable body language that could indicate either enthusiasm or nervousness behind the interviewers answers to your questions. For instance, if someone doesnt look you in the eye or fumbles with an object while he or she responds to a question, it could be a sign that youre not getting an honest answer.