Just as we maintain our homes, cars, and other worldly possessions; we must must must maintain our professional lives. Whether you're unemployed or not yet unemployed, taking inventory of, cleaning out, and organizing your job search is a non-negotiable.
Sarah's Top 10 Spring Clean for 2011:
1. Industries - to start, focus on 3 viable industries that suit your background, skill set, education, acumen, and goals.
2. Strengths - think about and list 3 things that you do exceptionally well. When you do these things, they make you feel more powerful!
3. Weaknesses - think about list 3 things that you don't do well and need to improve on. To enhance your list, write down what you're currently doing or plan to do to overcome the learning curve(s)
4. Transferable skills - think about and list the 5 industry neutral skills that will help you determine "fit" when reading a job description or applying for a job.
5. "Uniquity" - list 1-3 unique skills, attributes, and/or accomplishments that absolutely set you apart from the rest of the pack.
6. Resources - what do you have or need in your tool box to get you important information to expertly navigate the market place? All I need is Google, LinkedIn, and The Denver Business Journal. What's in your wallet?
7. Scripts - over 95% of job seekers apply online and never reach out to decision makers. And over 76% percent of job seekers don't follow up. Would you rather be 1 of 100 applicants or 1 of 4? YES, calling high level decision makers aka your future bosses is a must. Increase your odds of getting attention and/or first interview by over 75% and get scripting!
8. Objections and responses - in order to turn your 30 second elevator pitch into a 30 minute conversation, it's time to learn how to overcome objections. Think about and list all the objections you face or will face then draft appropriate responses (HINT: when stuck, ask a question)
9. Power partner - identify and connect with someone in your network that is accessible and available to listen to you, work with you, talk about you, advocate for you, and fight for you!
10. 4 A's - Accountability, Adventure, Action, Attitude! Be accountable for what you do and to whom you partner with. Have a sense of adventure and try new things every day that are (way) outside of your comfort zone (elevator pitch, calling decision makers, asking for referrals). Follow through, but make sure every single action in your plan has a purpose. Finally, attitude...where will you go and what will you get with a negative attitude? Need help, purchase Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude" - easy read and phenomenal resource! To purchase, visit: http://www.amazon.com/Little-Gold-Book-YES-Attitude/dp/0131986473
Missing any of the above or don't know where to get help? When you need motivation, education, and expert tools to get you started, recharged, or to the next step enroll in the next Smashcut Job Seeker Class Series! Session IV is scheduled to begin May 16, 2011 @ the Koelbel Library in Centennial. To learn more about Smashcut, visit Sarah's LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbwells
To register and reserve your seat for Smashcut Session IV, email Sarah today!
Hoppy Spring! Now lets get back to work!
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