New Year Job Search Resolutions

The New Year is a time to look back at your lifestyle, find the things that you want or need to change, and strive to make those changes. I've been actively searching for work since August of last year, and I have learned a few things along the way.

So I resolve to do (or not do) the following in my job search from now on:

1 - Stop the Resume Blasts

No more will I email or apply online for every (and I mean EVERY) job that my qualifications seem to fit. I know this seems counterproductive at first, but hear me out. Some think (as I once did) that you should apply for as many jobs as possible because it gives you more chances to get a job (like playing multiple lottery tickets). A job search is not a raffle however. I think it's better to focus more time and energy on jobs my qualifications fit better and that I actually find interesting. This gives me more time to focus on an opportunity and to follow up with the hiring manager. I've found a personal objective to be invaluable in choosing job opportunities.

2 - Leave Time for Follow Up

In the past, I was applying to so many postings that I sometimes left out this crucial part of the process. I think the most important time spent in the job search is getting your name "branded" in the mind of the hiring manager. This is done with email, phone calls, or even just dropping by the office to briefly introduce yourself. It's amazing how much more a manager will remember you (and your resume) if you can just attach a face to your name. I'm not suggesting attaching a picture to a resume however. I'm also not suggesting you pester the hiring manager into knowing you. There's a fine line between persistence and nuisance.

3 - Continually Improve

I have gone a couple weeks in the past without reviewing or updating my resume. Considering this is the most important document in my job search, I probably want to look at it more often. I might catch a spelling or grammatical error that I just didn't see before. I might find a word or phrase that I can craft better to reflect my skills and experience.

4 - Get a Second Opinion

I am convinced that people are biased towards the "perfection" of their own work. So I suggest that you shouldn't be the only one besides the hiring manager to see your resume and cover letter. We are less likely to catch our own mistakes. A friend or family member however will probably catch our typos and let us know what words or phrases are confusing.

5 - Get Personal

Take time to personalize your correspondence to each company and to each hiring manager. If the cover letter looks "cookie cutter," then you're less likely to get noticed. Go to the website and find out more about the company. Include what aspects about the company interest you the most. Relating some knowledge of the company exhibits that you're at least interested enough in the job to do a little research.

6 - Keep at It

It's important to always be looking, networking, and applying. You can't wait to start applying for the next job until hearing from the last job application (this is not resume blasting however). That's how you miss opportunities. It's also important to catch opportunities that aren't in newspapers or on websites. These are jobs that you hear about from friends, family, past coworkers, or even waiting in line at the grocery store. Post on Facebook or Twitter that you're looking for work (and what kind of work you would like). Ask past professors and coworkers to let you know if they hear about opportunities. You might just get a few people out there looking for you too.

Good luck to you in the New Year if you're looking for work. Let me know in the Comments if you have any other tips for job hunters to make their searches more effective.