ShareThisHappy 2009! Time for my annual New Year's Wish List, and this year it changes a little bit.
-- I wish that job searchers understand that accomplishments sell while job duties explain, and that employers hire during tough economic times. Sell your accomplishments.
-- I wish that job seekers step out of the electronic box of the Internet except to gather information useful to the search. Identify managers within likely companies who may be able to influence hiring decisions and make direct contact by asking for the opportunity to meet in person. Sell yourself in terms of what your research tells you that that company needs. There is nothing as powerful as a third-party recommendation.
-- In 2009, understand that networking is powerful because it gets you visible and lets people see you, get to know you, and learn something about your ethics, honesty, reliability and worth.
-- In 2009, use the Internet for how it can help you best: obtaining information about employers and information about job searching. Use it creatively, then get dressed and get out and get visible. Your next job will come with a handshake and a smile, not a left click and a delete!
-- Employers, we understand that your time is valuable, but screening out and short cutting with electronic scanners may cause you to overlook valuable hires. Take the time to screen in the best.
-- I wish that employers realize that one-on-one training is the best investment on new hires. Teach your hires what they need to know to be productive for you. You can't win if your employees have to guess what you need.
-- Objectivity is imperative in order to find workplace happiness and avoid negative past mistakes in future opportunities. Face personal facts honestly, avoid transferring blame for past failures and focus on present strengths and future successes.
-- I wish that change happens, the economy improves, and our troops come home.
-- I wish that the press somehow finds some positive news to report. Bad news sells, but it also magnifies problems by spreading fear.
-- I ask that we all seek solutions to problems, not faults to blame.
Happy 2009 to all!
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)
GETTING HIRED
