Job Search 101 by TAYLORMade

Today’s Career Tuesday comes from Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade.

I’ve been responding to internet ads and sending out my resume for months.  But I haven’t gotten any quality responses.  I’m getting frustrated and starting to think that I’ll never find a new job.  Is it the economy, or is it my resume?  Please help!”

– Resume Not Working

Searching for a job is a job of its own.  A full-fledged job search requires time, strategy, and patience.  While many job seekers resort to the commonly used job search engines such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and HotJobs, these websites aren’t the only way to go.  If you’ve been sending out your resume for months and aren’t getting any results, there are few things that you should consider:

Your resume probably needs an extreme makeover. Oftentimes, job seekers will try to write their own resumes, or ask a friend or family member to do it for them.  However, resume writing requires a skill and expertise that should be reserved for professionals.  Consider having your resume reviewed and redone by a professional resume writer.  While this service usually isn’t free, it’s an investment in your career that you can’t afford not to make.

You’re not working your network. Networking is the most effective way of finding and securing a new career opportunity.  Aside from responding to internet job postings, try sending out your resume to your network of family, friends, and colleagues.  Include a simple note letting them know that you’re seeking a new position in a particular field and that you’d appreciate any assistance they can offer.  You’d be surprised by the results that a simple mass email can generate.  You just never know who might know the one somebody that will offer you your next job.

Step away from the computer. While the internet dominates the job search industry, there is still value in putting your foot to the pavement and actively going out to pursue employment.  Dress professionally with your resume in hand and take at least one day per week to visit employers, ask about potential job opportunities, leave your resume, and request a follow-up meeting with someone in HR to express your interest.  It’s so much easier to ignore an email than it is to ignore someone standing right in front of you.  Hey, what do you have to lose?

Remember, despite the economy, only the strong, persistent, and determined survive.  Don’t become discouraged by denial.  Instead, consider it a delay until the day when your dream job will become a reality.

Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Co-Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade ~ Professional Career Consulting (www.careertaylormade.com).  TAYLORmade specializes in expert resume and cover letter writing, interview training, career coaching, and career development.  Follow us on Twitter @realTAYLORmade.