Everyone knows that networking is the most important part of finding a job, and in fact probably the most important professional skill. Suppose you have identified a key person that you want to contact – how many different ways can you think of to contact them?
Bob Rosner was able to think of 16 different Ways to Make Business Connections.
Dave Jensen just published an interesting article entitled Resume Rocket Science that talks about why you shouldn’t bother to write a perfect resume, based on his interviews with hiring managers, recruiters, and more in January 2007. Some of the tidbits I found interesting:
For someone leaving a post-doc and going into industry, 3 pages (including publications) is about right.
Some companies can’t contact you at work, so include your home contact information.
A summary of your qualifications is preferable to an objective statement describing what you want.
And of course my favorite point, that you can get by with a non-perfect resume if you do a lot of networking, but a “perfect” resume and no networking will most likely leave you unemployed.
If you didn’t make New Year’s resolutions (or even if you did), the start of the work year can be a great time to take stock of where you are professionally, where you’re going, and where you want to be.
What have you learned in the last year? What new skills have you acquired? Are you having fun?
Is your company recognizing your accomplishments, and encouraging your professional growth?
Is your career moving in the direction you want?
If not, what are your options for change? Can you seek additional training (either within your company or outside), ask for additional responsibilities, transfer to a new department, or make a bigger change?
Mull these things over, talk them over with trusted colleagues and friends, and move in the direction you want.
For more on this topic, see Taking Stock Of Career Growth .
Part of balancing work and home lives is to make the most of the time you have at each. To manage your time effectively –
Know when you work best, schedule tough tasks for that time, and turn off the phone ane email program.
Set deadlines for yourself – write them down to make sure you commit to them.
Delegate to others whenver possible.
Keep a file folder of articles to read (printed from the web, or torn from magazines), and read while waiting in line, for appointments, or other down time.
What time saving or efficiency tips do you use?
Very often, job seekers send a resume to a company and never hear back. To them, it apears to have gone into a black hole. In the ideal situation, the candidate will have made contact with the hiring manager before sending the resume, and can contact them after sending it to follow up on the status of their application. If not, and you have sent the resume through normal channels, use the opportunity to find out who’s in charge of that area, then call and tell them you have applied through normal channels, but are very interested in the position and would love to discuss their needs and your qualifications.
Calling early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, and you are more likely to find them in and answering their own phone.
For more tips, see How to Follow Up With a Hiring Manager .
Are you unhappy in your job, and thinking about a career change? Then check out the Wall Street Journal’s recent article listing 15 Questions For Setting A Career Change in Motion.