Blog Post: Be Prepared..Be Very Prepared

Be Prepared….Be Very Prepared

Are you ready for the forth-coming adjustment in the economy?  Are you unemployed, under-employed, or feeling that your job is in jeopardy?  Despite the predictions of gloom and doom, remember it is never as bad as it sounds and never as good as it could be. 

Take the pronouncement and predictions of the worst economy since the depression with a grain of salt, knowing this only serves to depress, deflate, and de-motivate.  Right now being prepared is the only way to survive the economic downturn.

Here is the Preparation Guide:

Attitude Check

·          Do not fall into the dark side of negativism, whiners are never hired

·          Avoid pity parties, it drains energy and curbs enthusiasm

·          Victims are pitied, not hired, do not become a victim

Résumé

·          Current and up to date

·          Demonstrates Value

·          Easy to read

Cover Letters

·          Specific for a particular audience, purpose and situation

·          Demonstrates potential value

·          Piques interest

·          States a clear purpose and intent

·          Closing statement

Thank You Letters

·          Specific for a particular audience, purpose and situation

·          Reinforces value

·          Clears up any perceived misunderstandings

·          Recaps meeting

·          Closing statement

Value Statement (a.k.a. elevator speech, TMAY, 2-minute commercial)

·          Current and up-to-date

·          Demonstrates Value

·          Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion

Job Search Plan

·          Mission Statement

·          Strategy

·          Objectives

·          Timeline

·          Who, What, Where

Interview Preparation

·          Demonstrate value as an employee

·          Answers brief, to the point, and presents solutions

·          Questions to ask the interviewer

·          Closing statement

Networking

·          Know the purpose of networking

·          Understand the value of networking

·          Understand the dynamics of networking

·          Understand the results of the networking and next steps

Job Fairs

·          The proper approach to job fairs

·          Tactics and strategies before walking in

·          Plan of attack

External Assistance

·          Organized functions, Professional Networking venues

·          Career Coaches, Résumé writers

·          Work shops at Job Fairs

·          Avoid advice from friends, family members and those who have not had to find a job within the last 3 years, the dynamics have changed.

All items in the Preparation Guide need to be employed and executed flawlessly, this is the only way to survive the current downturn in the job market and secure employment in the shortest period.

Good news is that most job seekers do not follow the guide, parts of the guide but very few execute a plan with all these elements.  Learn how to become prepared, contact me for a free résumé, and cover letter assessment at Russ@mycareerstartshere.com, www.mycareerstartshere.com

Be Prepared…Be Very Prepared