One of the things that I discuss with candidates as we start the process of planning their next Strategic Career Move is the importance of being proactive. Don’t wait to start your job search until you are in a situation where you must find a new position. You are a much stronger candidate while you are employed. A lot of the pressures and concerns that are associated with being unemployed will not adversely affect your search. Below are five action items that I recommend for candidates to do prior to entering the job market.
- Google Yourself: Have you googled yourself before? More than likely future employers that you engage with will do a google search on you. It is in your best interest to find out what comes up when you google yourself to avoid any surprises that may be addressed in the interview process.
- LinkedIn Profile: Do you have one? If so is it up to date with a professional picture? Your picture doesn’t have to be done by a professional photographer but it should not be a selfie from your beach vacation. Your profile will be the first visual impression that a perspective employer will see. Invest the time to make it a good one.
- Update Resume: Your resume should allow prospective employers to have a clear, concise snapshot of your education and related work experience. Once done, read it then reread it and then have others review it for you. We are often asked about what the best formatting structure is for resumes. I refer anyone with this question to visit our website and go to Resume Tips. There you’ll find templates as well as resume advice.
- References: In a recent blog, I discussed The Value Of References and to start putting together a list of professional references long before you begin a job search. The time invested in engaging past and current colleagues, who could serve as professional references for you should be treated with the same due diligence and enthusiasm that you put into your resume. I also suggest to candidates as they start the interviewing process to share the positions that they are working on with their references. This way your references can better discuss your strengths as related to the opportunity.
- Relocation: Is this something you are open to for the right opportunity? This is a decision you and your family need to discuss early on as it will be instrumental in developing your search strategy. In an article I wrote earlier this year, 5 Things to Consider When Relocating we discuss the five questions that I engage candidates on as we start the process.
Success lies in the preparation, for additional job-seeking resources head over to Dennis Partners