Kula Consulting Blog

Finding a job is a job in and of itself. Know that going in, and having realistic expectations removes a layer of stress and uncertainty from the process.

Before going further, I suggest that you read (or re-read) my last posting about whether changing jobs is the right move for you. That post offers a quick overview of what it takes to conduct an effective job search.

Here are the 6 steps to following your career path:

1. Time Commitment

It takes a lot of your time to do a job search. Tasks include, preparing at least two versions of your resume, composing strategic cover letters, writing thank you cards, interviewing, researching, giving and receiving feedback, and staying in touch with potential references and networking contacts.

2. Thick Skin

Prospective employers will all ask you the same or similar questions about your work history. They will probe why you made certain choices in your career, test your technical knowledge, and challenge you to show why you are right for them.

Human resources will ask you to fill out application forms, perhaps take some tests, agree to a background check and want to call your references. Plus, just when you think you’re done, they may ask you to come in for “just one more” interview. The interview process can be stressful. Keep in mind that you are still doing your current job and attending to personal matters. Lots of patience and a “thick skin” are the keys.

3. Be Prepared

You need to have a personal presentation ready to go. Prepare a 30-second “elevator pitch” about your background and work history. Find a peer or family member and practice your presentatino until it’s second nature to you. Why? Because more than half of all  hiring decisions are based on the interviewer’s first impression of a candidate.

You also need to be prepared to make concise, but complete, answers to questions about your skill sets, work ethic, management style, and accomplishments.  You need to bone up on the company your are interviewing for so you can demonstrate how your background fits with their needs.

You also need to be prepared to answer the “what’s  your weakness” question. In other words, tell the prospective employer about an area of your background that you want to improve, and you think you can do that by working with your company. Don’t say, “I work too hard” or “I don’t toot my own horn enough.” Remember the song by Mac Davis called “It’s Hard to be Humble When Your Perfect in Every Way? Don’t be the person in that song!

4. Network

Contact your business contacts and let them know what you’re doing. Ask them for advice and referrals to opportunities they know about that meet your search criteria. The majority of people get their next job from networking with former managers, colleagues, lawyers, or CPAs they know, or from friends and family members that know someone.

5. Outsource Some Work

Work with a couple of recruiters who specialize in your field (like Kula, wink-wink). Recruiters have access to opportunities that are not advertised, have knowledge about most companies, hiringmanagers, work environments and current compensation and job market information. A good recruitier will help you find opportunities that fit your criteria and will help you with ever step in the job change process - for free!

6. Stay True to Yourself

You decided to make a job change because there are issues that cannot be resolved by your current employer. You have determined where you want to be in three years and have developed a plan to get there. Stick to your plan when evaluating a job offer. It’s hared work making a job change, so only accept the offer that meets  your criteria and moves you closer to your three-year goal.