Career Expert Offers 10 Must-Do Strategies for Today's Professionals
TORONTO, Nov. 13 /CNW/ - There's no question job seekers face a
challenging employment environment and must work hard to find new
opportunities. To help professionals looking to make their next career move,
Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International and author of Job
Hunting For Dummies(R), 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), recently
discussed the 10 strategies every would-be employee should follow.
"In this economic environment, applicants must be resourceful," said
Messmer. "A successful job search often depends on who you know, which means
candidates need to make sure their efforts are as far-reaching as possible."
Messmer offers the following top-10 list of essential tactics to help job
seekers gain an edge in a tougher employment market:1. Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid limiting your search to your
current industry or field. Identify your transferable skills and
experiences, and communicate them to prospective employers.
2. Minimize work history gaps. If you are unable to find a position
right away, consider temporary assignments, internships and part-time
opportunities, all of which can potentially lead to a full-time role.
3. Be flexible. Remain open to all possibilities, even if the job title,
salary and benefits may not be exactly what you hoped for. Once you
get your foot in the door, you will have a chance to prove yourself.
4. Find jobs before they're advertised. Read your local business
journals and newspapers to identify companies that are hiring or
expanding, and send them your resume.
5. Cast a wide 'net.' General job boards can be useful, but don't forget
industry and trade association websites, which may have more targeted
career opportunities.
6. Network -- online and off. Tell everyone you know that you are
looking for a job, whether in-person or using professional networking
websites.
7. Manage your digital footprint. Think your friends are the only people
who viewed those less-than-professional vacation photos you posted
online? Think again. With a few mouse clicks, potential employers can
dig up information about you on blogs, personal websites and personal
networking site profiles. Make sure you do a thorough self-search and
take any necessary corrective action.
8. Customize. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity.
Employers want to see why you're the right person for their job.
9. Enhance your marketability. Find out what skills are most in-demand
and take steps to give yourself an edge in these areas. Focus on
sharpening both functional and interpersonal skills.
10. Meet with a recruiter. Staffing executives can be your eyes and ears
in the job market. Recruiters also provide useful feedback on your
resume and interview skills, and help you locate full-time and
temporary jobs.Robert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide
and offers online job search services at www.rhi.com. The company recently
released its Search Smarts: Best Practices for Conducting an Online Job
Search, a complimentary guide that is available at
www.rhi.com/OnlineJobSearch.
For further information: Kristie Perrotte, (416) 350-2330,
kristie.perrotte@rhi.com
