Career Search Made Easy -- Roadmap to Success
By Robert Mandelberg
 

Whether you are making a career switch, rebounding from a layoff, or reentering the career market, I'm sure you have a lot of questions about how to proceed. For many people, launching a career search is like being lost in a dense forest with no trails or signposts to lead the way. But don't panic just yet! When you take a systematic approach, the process is very manageable -- even exciting! Here is a roadmap to help you achieve success in your career search.

Step #1: Make a Plan

Instead of haphazardly jumping into a career search, it is best to create a strategy. Here's how:

Identify your target career

This includes the industry, position, level, geographic area, salary range, etc. The more you know about what you are seeking, the more targeted you can make your career search. If you are staying in your current field, this part should be easy. If not, try your best to narrow down the choices.

Research

Once you've identified your target career, learn as much as you can about the requirements of this position. You can do this through Internet research (company websites have valuable information), industry publications, and best of all -- networking with friends, family, and business contacts in the field.

Prepare the materials needed for your career search

Resume, cover letter, references, and other supporting documentation. The resume and cover letter should be tailored toward the position or field you are pursuing.

Step #2: Take Action:

With your plan in place, you are ready to launch a full-scale career-search campaign. So what now? Help wanted ads? Post a resume to career boards? Send resumes unsolicited? Try a headhunter? The short answer: yes to all! Each method by itself will usually yield minimal results; however, if you use all of the above methods simultaneously, you will reach your goal much faster.

The most effective way to find a career is networking with friends, family, and associates. Once you spread the word that you are seeking a position in a particular field, you will be amazed at how many opportunities present themselves. Many times the connection is vague: A friend of a friend has an aunt who has an opening in her company; but sometimes the connection is much closer. Often your contacts are not aware of how they can help you in your search. It is your responsibility to let them know.

Step #3 - Career-Search Journal

While making a lot of quality contacts is an excellent way of ensuring a successful career search, it is equally important to be organized and keep detailed records of your actions. Each time you send a resume, speak to an employer, or go on an interview, you must record it in a journal. Be sure to include the name of the contact, the gist of the conversation, and any follow-up action that you plan to take. This will enable you to track your results, increase productivity, and reduce duplicate efforts.

Do you want your career search to end quickly and successfully? Then work productively. Make as many quality contacts as possible. What is a good number to aim for? I advise clients to make at least 20 contacts per week. Through networking, newspapers, Internet career sites, and employment agencies, this number will not be difficult to attain. With a little motivation, you could probably double that number easily. Maintain a positive attitude, keep up your productivity, and in no time at all, you will have your share of interviews.

Good luck and happy career search!

Robert Mandelberg founded The Creative Edge Resume Service in 1987. Since that time, he has helped thousands of clients reach their career goals. Rob is a published author, a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), and a Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP). Sign up for Rob's free weekly career search tips at http://www.ResumeRob.com