All signs point toward 2010 being a better year for job seekers than 2009. I certainly hope that’s the case! As of this writing, two December 2009 grads who are contributors over at The Classroom to Cubicle Project have secured jobs — that’s certainly positive. How can you follow in their footsteps and make the most out of your job search in 2010?
- Reflect on the unique skills and characteristics that make you valuable to employers. Make a list, and ask friends and family for further input. This is super important. If you don’t know why an organization should hire you, they won’t, either.
- Go on informational interviews. A lot of people think informational interviews are a waste of time, but I disagree. I’ve conducted several informational interviews in the last couple months, and the individuals I’ve liked I’ve recommended to job openings that come across my desk. In fact, I personally introduced them to the employers.
- Realize your resume is only one tool — and not your most important one. While resumes will remain important for large companies (you know the ones — faceless, no human resources contacts, require you to apply through an online system) for a long time to come, many progressive organizations are placing more importance on your social networking (LinkedIn) profiles and online portfolios. Make sure (1) you have them and (2) you keep them up-to-date.
- Understand networking is more than just meeting people. The goal of networking is to create a two-way, mutually beneficial relationship. If that’s not how you’ve approached networking to date, you’ve been doing it wrong. Create a networking plan that will actually help you (and your connections) move forward in 2010.
- Be a sponge, and take responsibility for your future. I know you’re seeking out advice (or you likely wouldn’t be reading this blog), but remember to actually listen. Take in as much information as you can, and control your own future with it.
What other advice do you recommend for a successful job search in 2010?
This post is part of the Career Collective effort founded by Miriam Salpeter and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. Other posts about job hunting during the holidays from the Collective include:
- @KCCareerCoach, Career Chaos, The Art of Being Gracious: Much Needed in Today’s Job Search
- @MartinBuckland, Elite Resumes, Career Trends and Transition 2010
- @heathermundell, life@work, Kaizen and the Art of Your Job Search
- @barbarasafani, Career Solvers, Looking Into the 2010 Careers Crystal Ball
- @resumeservice, Resume Writing Blog, The Resume and Your Social Media Job Search Campaign
- @kat_hansen, Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters Tips Blog, New Year: Time to Assess Yourself and Your Career
- @keppie_careers, Keppie Careers, Help for job seekers in a rut
- @DawnBugni, The Write Solution, Ya, but
- @ErinKennedyCPRW, Professional Resume Services, Advice to Job Seekers in 2010–learn Yoga?
- @Chandlee, The Emerging Professional Blog, Starfish, JobAngels, and Making a Difference
- @ValueIntoWords, Career Trend, Is Your Job Search Strategy a Snore?
- @debrawheatman, Resumes Done Write, Making the most of a new year
- @walterakana, Threshold Consulting, Starting anew – tips for truly managing your career
- @careersherpa, Hannah Morgan: Career Sherpa, The Year of the Tiger
- @WorkWithIllness, WorkingWithIllness.com, Dogs Can Do It, Can You?
- @JobHuntOrg, Job-Hunt.org, Lifelong Learning for Career Security
- @AndyInNaples, Career Success, What Are You Getting Better At? Make This the Year You Become the Best You Can Be!
- @GLHoffman, What Would Dad Say, A Flash of the Blindly Obvious
