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Small Adjustments That Yield Big Dividends

Published: Nov 16, 2009

 Job Search       
Successful job searches often turn on small details – theconfidence in your hand shake, the banter at a networking event, the typo thatsinks a resume.  The bestcandidates dot the i’s and cross the t’s in everything they do.  Here are examples of small adjustmentsyou can make to take your job search to the next level:

Put your LinkedIn hyperlink in your email signature.  Many times you email for networking,and attaching a resume is presumptuous. The link to your online profile is less imposing but gives people aninvitation to check out your background. Keep in mind that even when you network for informational purposes thepeople you approach will want to know your background to see if they want tospend their precious time with you.

Practice the voicemails you leave.  It never ceases to amaze me how unaware people are of howfast they talk, how they jumble their words, how they ramble and how uncleartheir request is.  Prepare yourpotential message when you call key contacts because you are likely to gettheir voicemail.  You want asuccinct, engaging and clear message. Practicing on your own phone gives you a chance to hear what yourtargets hear.

Coach your friends and family.  You might be able to spot opportunities that interestyou.  You might be able to pitchyourself for consideration.  Butcan your loved ones do that?  Toooften, we don’t let our friends and family know what suitable opportunities areand how they should talk about you if one of those opportunities presentsitself.  This is a wasted chance tohave additional eyes and ears on the market.  PS.  If youcan’t relay to them what you want and why you’re a fit, then you can’t do it toa stranger, and that means you need to work on your pitch.  PPS.  Now that they are on the lookout for you, do the same forthem.

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