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Join Capt. Recruiter as he works to solve some of the worlds most
challenging job search problems.
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Job
Search Suggestions:
From
our experience, job search can be a very demanding and time consuming
process. Many people have said that it is more work finding a job,
than actually doing a job.
If this is even half true, you need to
make sure that you are being aggressive in your effort.
We have spent a lot of time working with candidates at all levels.
From this experience we've put together what we hope you will find to
be some candid and informative thoughts.
None of the ideas are really that original, but we think if you follow
our guidelines, you will be pleased with the results.
This page focuses on the overall job
search recommendations. You can then take a look at other
links that focus on specific components of your search. Let's
look at the big picture first. |
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- Don't spend a lot of time
chasing jobs that you are not already qualified for. Companies are
looking for candidates that already have the experience of the
position. (Store Manager positions are filled by Store Managers.
District Managers by DM's, etc.)
Put yourself in the companies position for a moment. Would you
promote someone you don't know into a position that they have
never done? More likely you will promote someone that you know has
done a good job into a new position. Thus, it is far more likely
that an internal candidate will get a promotion than for an
external candidate to get hired for a job that they have never
done before.
- Fancy resumes are for the most part a waste of
money or time. Faxes are common in resume transmission, so fancy
paper is out. Long resumes are bad news. Keep it chronological and
let your work history tell the story. Remember.... " A
well written resume gets you in the game nothing more. A poorly
written one, and its over!
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Canned cover letters are out! It
doesn't matter how cute it sounds, they are seldom read. Always
make your cover letter a personal letter to the individual. By the
way, take the time to find out who it is you should be writing to
by name. Don't bother with a "to whom it may concern"
Save the stamp... it's recycle material. (see also
Writing
Your Cover Letter)
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Don't expect one opportunity to get you the job.
Because the search process is very extended, it is common to slow
down when you get a promising opportunity. The problem is that if
the job doesn't develop, you have to start all over getting things
rolling. It's much better to keep pursuing opportunities until you
get an offer. Wouldn't it be great to have two or three offers to
chose from?
- Networking comes in two
forms. Using executive recruiters and your own direct personal
networking. Both are critical to a complete job search effort.
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Prior to the interview, do your homework! Think
of things that you can do in terms of "homework" to do
prior to the interview. Visiting their stores, visiting their
competition, etc. Two things about this pre-interview
effort. First, it will give you an opportunity to use your
observations during the interview to relate your experience to their
business. Second, and more importantly, it shows that you
care! Interest level is a priority.
- After the interview, follow up quickly with a
"Thank You" letter. Once again, this really
demonstrates an interest level and a professional style. (see
Sending
a Thank You Letter)
- Receiving the offer and
negotiating is an art. Some of us are skilled at it, others
not so good! The first thing to remember about the offer stage
is don't jump the gun! You should not initiate this
conversation. Let them bring it up. For more info on
Offers and Negotiation (see
Receiving
the Offer)
Join Our
Email Newsletter Subscription:
If you are a serious job searcher, you
may want to sign up for our free newsletter. "Retail Careers -
Straight Talk" is an online newsletter intended to help retail
professionals in their job search. Each month we provide helpful
hints and practical suggestions. Take a look at some previous
issues and feel free to join our mailing list. It's Free!
Join our
Email Newsletter Subscription.
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