TRUE GRIT
True Grit is exactly what it takes to find a job in today’s job market whether you are a six figure executive, a minimum wage worker, or you fall somewhere in between. The rules in résumé writing and job hunting have changed dramatically since the days of John Wayne, as they have in film making as well. Like the Coen brothers you need to understand what appeals to the audience in 2011 and how to package it so people will buy it. But just like this remake, the work ethic of our parents and grandparents which I have come to think of as a True Grit mentality always remains in vogue.
So here are 3 lessons from this then and now blockbuster. To write a successful résumé and conduct a winning job search requires self awareness and dedication to purpose just like Mattie Ross; confidence in yourself and your abilities like Texas Ranger LaBoeuf; and just the right dose of moxie, cockiness, and a larger than life presence like Sherriff Rooster” Cogburn. These 3 attributes will make you a winning ticket at the job search Box Office.
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
I can stop writing right here because the name “The Social Network” says it all. But I would be remiss and misleading some of you if I stopped because as much as Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook changed the way people communicate all around the world, Facebook is lower down on my list of social networking platforms for job hunting. My suggestion is this, if you do use Facebook be extremely careful to keep it restricted to business content and not your social life. After all you don’t want a prospective employer to know that your Aunt Tilley’s pet cat had a litter of 14, or even better that your girlfriend is going out with your soon to be former best friend and the comment came R rated from someone you don’t even know. Both are true stories I read on people’s Facebook pages.
However as the title and movie imply social networking is the wave of the future. Plus as we see daily social networking is such a powerful tool it can topple governments in a matter of a few weeks, or get people killed for their efforts.
So if social networking is powerful enough to change the course of history, it is certainly powerful enough to help you find a new job or grow the business you are ready to launch instead of going back to work for someone else. Now a word of caution, if used unwisely social networking and social media can start a lot of fires and burn bridges behind you that may never be repaired.
So as with any new super power tool, learn how to use it properly or you’re liable to cause yourself some serious harm. What I suggest is you learn how to harness the awesome power of Linked-In, Ecademy, You Tube, Facebook and other Social Networks for your job search before rather than after you start using them. Networking has always existed in business but today it has become much more sophisticated and wide spread.
As I have always said in this blog I am a big fan of Linked-In. It is a relationship management tool and is in my mind the #1 business social networking site. I spend a lot of time coaching people on how to use it and it has paid off handsomely for them
127 HOURS
In my professional opinion this is the minimum number of hours a month you should devote to a job search when you are unemployed, and half that if you’re employed but serious about making a career move.
From a time management perspective you need to divide your time each week into researching companies, recruiters and people in your field to network with and spending quality time networking by talking to people and asking for endorsements.
You also need to spend time sending out strategic emails, searching for and applying for jobs on job boards and tweaking your resume and perfecting a cover letter for the jobs you’re apply to. In addition you need to allocate time to physically and mentally prepare for a job interview so you’re confident and at the top of your game when someone expresses an interest in meeting with you.
I have said this more than once and will say it over and over because it is that important. Being out of a job, even if you’re collecting unemployment, is not the same as being on vacation. You may think you are out of a job but your not. Your job is to get back to earning an income ASAP; and at the very least job hunting requires 127 a week each and every week until you land that new job.
THE KING'S SPEECH
This title is also self descriptive. Being able to communicate verbally is an immeasurable asset for every job seeker. I have seen verbal and non verbal communication change a hiring authorities mind on more than one occasion. The point of this movie and for job seekers is in knowing how important your image is to achieving your ultimate goal, being willing to admit that you need help, and not being afraid to try unorthodox methods to get what you want.
As far as verbal communication is concerned you need be prepared and confident enough to strike up a conversation with someone in line for instance at the supermarket or at the movie theater. You never know who can supply you with the lead that lands you your next job, and don’t laugh because I have found great candidates I’ve placed in high paying jobs during my career in both venues. I’ve also done well starting up a casual conversation with people on the subway, in Central Park, and while shopping at Brooks Brothers, Borders and at the gift shop at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art).
The reasoning for this is common sense simple. Find places where people who can advance your career are likely to be. For instance here in New York as I am sure in many places around the country people in specific professions like banking, marketing and PR, education, healthcare etc. frequent certain places, events and establishments.
Being seen appropriately dressed and just happening to have a copy of your resume or a business card on you is the first step. Asking around and getting to know who the players are is the next step, and the final step is striking up a conversation with the right people and having them introduce you to their circle of friends. If you do this enough you immediately expand your network, you gain much needed confidence, and you will eventually hit pay dirt.
As I said, from personal experience I have found countless contacts this way. Equally important I kept up with, and in some instances ahead of breaking business news and trends and found out little know pieces of information that made me look like a SME and a person in the know who people want to stay in touch with. This was an important part of my success as a recruiter and business owner, and in my current practice as a résumé writer and coach. Being comfortable speaking with people, especially in public or in pressure filled situations is a skill every job seeker must perfect to the best of their ability.
Now that you have heard what I have to say leave a comment and vote for which piece of advice was most helpful for you
Author
Perry Newman, CPC CSMS, a nationally recognized executive resume writer, career transition coach, former AIPC certified recruiter and owner of Harrison Dane Associates, and an SMMU certified social media strategist, is known for his ability to get results. You can view his sample resumes at http://www.perrynewman.com/, and email him your resume at perry@perrynewman.com for a FREE resume critique.
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