OK, so you find yourself needing a new job. Maybe you decided it or maybe it was decided for you. In any case, here you are, you need a new job. I'm willing to bet a large chunk of change that your first thought was something like this:
"I need to update my resume."
Not so fast. You do need a resume eventually but you need something else first. You need a plan. Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” This is as true in finding a new job as it is for any other endeavor. So before you run off and spend 20 hours frantically Googling resume examples, writing your resume, and submitting it to a thousand and one online job sites, draft a plan for how you will manage this project. Because that's what finding a new job is, it's a project. Manage it that way.
A lot of us feel out of control or out of place during a job search. By treating a job search like a project to manage, you may be able to avoid some panic because you took the time to create a plan up front and you can always reference it to remind yourself of the progress you have made in those moments when you feel like you aren't getting anywhere.
An easy way to create a plan is to use a simple spreadsheet in software like Excel to write a list of the things you need to do. Highlight any necessary to-do items, mark tasks as complete, track applications, and take notes of your networking activity. Put it all in one spreadsheet or workbook with tabs to stay organized. You can even post it in Google docs so that you can manage it on your phone as needed.
Here's a list of things I think every job seeker needs to include in their job search plan:
Define the job you are looking for - Write down what you need out of your new job including responsibilities, salary, location, hours, benefits and bonuses, company culture, and industry. You will not successfully find a new job if you don't know what you are looking for. You don't really want just any job, even if you feel pressure to place as quickly as possible. You want a good fit.
Assess yourself - Make sure you spend some time developing a personal value proposition. Which means you need to spend some time thinking about your personal brand and reputation. Know your strengths and passions and find out what others think of you. There are all kinds of tools (lots that are free) for helping you assess your strengths.
Write a list of potential companies you'd like to work at - A scattershot job search approach is ineffective. Do some homework and brainstorm to find specific industries, companies, or even teams and people, that you'd like to work with. Get as targeted as possible.
Develop marketing materials - This is where your resume comes in. Once you know who you are and your target market, you can start to put together materials that demonstrate your skills will meet the needs of the new hiring manager. Consider a larger strategy that includes a resume, cover letters, your LinkedIn profile, elevator pitch, and interview portfolio.
Compile a list of people with which to network - Keep track of all of your networking in your plan spreadsheet. Take notes after meetings so you can remember details and follow up actions. Leverage LinkedIn to find paths to new connections. Remember that game, six degrees of Kevin Bacon? (He's not hiring software engineers but you get the point.)
Transitioning - Make sure you've thought about how you will start your new job and how you will leave the old one. Leave with grace because its the right thing to do (even if you are leaving a bad situation.) Try to identify a potential replacement for yourself if possible but at the least, make sure business can smoothly continue after you are gone. You are likely to feel excited when you receive an offer. Think about planning in a week vacation if possible to celebrate and recharge before starting your new job.
So, while you do need a good resume, it's only one part of the search. Don't put so much expectation onto one document. By stepping back and taking the time to write out a plan for your job search first, and then tracking your progress, you'll save yourself from some of the panic and frustration that can come from not knowing what to do next.
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