Job Search Strategies - Make Sure You Fit the Job and the Job Fits You

Whether just starting your career or looking into a career change, the obvious and extensively talked about points to consider are the fit of your education, skills, and experience to the needs of the company. But what about your needs? The most obvious is your financial needs, after that however, do you know what you want out of your job? What hours, travel, culture, and office or position environment are you looking for?

Taking things even further, have you thought about whether or not this job will contribute to your overall short and long term career goals. Does it fulfill your dreams? Will this job improve your life? Many would say such a job doesn’t exist. There are jobs that can fulfill these emotional needs beyond the typical qualifications, which should be looked into during your job search. The quality of the 8+ hours you spend 5 – 7 days a week at your job does matter. It is what makes the difference between having a good job to a great career.

As you go through the job search, make sure you consider the fulfillment, enjoyment and goal contributions a potential job has to offer as well as its’ financial security. Do your research so you don’t have to settle for a job. A career that will lead you to your goals is worth seeking and is out there to be sought. Good luck – job seeker!

Job Search Must Have: LinkedIn

Hi – it’s been a while since I’ve posted here. It has been a busy October! I just returned from a Career Directors International conference in Seattle. What an experience – I met with professional writers and career coaches from across the country. Many I’ve become acquainted with over the years through the internet and phone lines but never in person, so it was a real treat to finally meet.

Just when you think you know something, you go to a conference and are overwhelmed with new information. So, I will be sharing with you what I have learned over the next few posts.

The conference offered recruiters from Microsoft, Google, Starbucks, the retail industry and Silicon Valley. We had a paneled discussion of questions and answers. What was made crystal clear across the panel of recruiters, was that all went to LinkedIn as their first stop in locating talent.

I’ve always suggested this to clients but was really struck by the direct connection made between recruiters and LinkedIn. So, if you haven’t signed up for LinkedIn yet – do so today! Start slow, just register and develop a profile. Once you become familiar with LinkedIn, take advantage of the many ways to utilize it; research companies, find referral connections and join groups to advance your job search and get you noticed by recruiters.

Shine On!

Career Fair this Friday - Join Me There

This Friday, October 10, 2008, I will be participating in the career fair hosted by Joe Knollenberg. It is being held at the Farmington Hills campus of OCC. If you are looking for a job or thinking about looking for a job, come out and see what is available in the Detroit area. Recruiters from more than 40 organizations will be on hand to seek, answer questions, and interview potential candidates.

Location
Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
27055 Orchard Lake Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334 – Bldg. H

When:
October 10, 2008
1 – 6 pm

For a full list of participating companies please refer to http://www.knollenberg.house.gov/careerfair/

Check out this page for a full list of exhibitors for the fair, plus I’ll be there offereing free resume critique, answering questions, providing information and tips, and help job seekers with any career management concerns.

Dress professional, bring lots of resumes and don’t forget to stop by and say hi!

Hope to see you there!
Shine On