The process of obtaining a new job has quite a few common elements – no matter your level of experience or occupation. You are less likely to make mistakes as you go along if you understand the whole picture of how it all progresses. There are 8 stages you will likely pass through on your way to your next job or position:
Determining Skills, Education and Experience
People get hired for one reason: They represent the best possible answer to an employer’s need to have X work done. Somehow that X contributes to increasing sales or productivity or decreasing risk and expenses. As a job hunter, it is your responsibility to understand and convey how you can contribute to the advancement of any employer’s mission.
The Right Fit
Figure out the type of company that will generally need someone like you, and consider what kind of environment you will feel comfortable and productive in. What industry? What organization size? What type of products or services? What kind of role? To learn about organizations in your area, you can do a great deal of research on LinkedIn.
Setting Yourself Apart
For whatever role you seek, you will likely face strong competition from many candidates with similar backgrounds as yours. Focus on the qualities, experience and expertise that set you apart from the pack. Develop a consistent message, and present it at the top of your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
Networking
Now it’s time to start prospecting for jobs. There are numerous ways to go about this by scouting posted positions on company Web pages, job boards, LinkedIn, Indeed and so on. But remember: About 80 percent of new hires come about from personal networking. Network anywhere, everywhere and all the time!
Acing the Interview
In most situations, an employer will sift through many résumés to do a “rough cut” of people who appear to exceed the minimum job requirements. Typically, an internal recruiter or human resources representative will then call, say some flattering things and set up a phone screening. However, you don’t have the job yet so don’t mistake statements like “you appear to have what we are looking for” as anything more than a general indication of interest.
Disqualifying Issues
Part of the screening process is to take a look at anything that might be disqualifying for an otherwise potentially strong candidate. Things such as employment gaps, too many or too few career transitions and a host of other factors might cause concern.
Face to Face Interviews
Know your résumé inside and out, and be able to expand on everything you have written in it. Read books and articles about interviewing, and prepare. However, don’t overprepare so much that your answers seem rehearsed.
Negotiations
You will always be in a stronger position to negotiate when you wait until the competition has been eliminated. Then you don’t have to worry about selling yourself too short. Talk about objective criteria rather than vague wants, and give a solid justification for whatever requests you make.
Source: www.money.usnews.com
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