We discussed the career assessment and took you through the analysis steps. You’ve determined it’s time to go, so what do you do next?   Before you jump into a job search, there are things to do. To help you prepare, here are some tactical steps to consider:

 

1. Document your accomplishments. Think about your most complex projects over the past several years and make note of your skills and accomplishments. You will use these as examples for your resume, but it’s also an excellent exercise prior to each interview.

 

2. Update your resume. List full contact information on your resume—especially a cell phone number. Save the resume in Word format as “Your Name.doc” so the recipient can find it easily.

 

4. Record a professional and upbeat home and cell phone voice message. If you have doubts whether or not your family will relay important messages, subscribe to the phone company’s voice mail. In addition, you’ll be assured that the potential employer won’t hear a busy signal or be bothered with call waiting.

 

5. Stockpile your vacation days. You’ll need them for interviewing.

 

6. Update your references and verify their willingness to continue as a reference. Get their permission, request current contact information (including e-mail), and most importantly—know what they’re going to say about you.

 

7. Put together a list of network contacts—people from the gym, associations you belong to, church, volunteer organizations, friends—and let them know you’ll be conducting a job search. If it’s a confidential search, proceed with caution, but utilize your network contacts as much as possible.

 

8. Track your job search. You’ll need a logical system that tracks who you’re going to contact, the date they were contacted, their phone number and e-mail address, position discussed, result of the conversation, date resume was sent, and a follow-up date. Whatever information they request or you say you’ll provide, do it in a prompt fashion.

 

9. Contact your recruiter. If you’re not using a recruiter, ask those you trust to refer you to a recruiter in your specialty.

 

10. Brush up on current interview techniques, such as behavioral interviewing. It’s an extensive subject, and too much to cover here. There are sources to prepare you for these types of interviews, so be sure to spend some time covering this topic. One such site is http://www.interview-tips-and-tricks.com/behavorial-interview-questions.html.

11. Be prepared to answer the question, “Tell me about yourself.” We call it a 30-second commercial. The interviewer is looking for a summary of your career and what you’re doing now. No personal information. Rehearse it until you can say it smoothly and with confidence.

 

12. Check out your electronic footprint. Google yourself—know what’s written about you in cyberspace. Update your LinkedIn and ZoomInfo profiles, as well as any social networking profiles (like MySpace).

 

13. Understand that looking for a job can be stressful. Prepare your family for the upcoming search. You’ll also want to give thought regarding how to continue providing quality service to your current employer while conducting a thorough job search. It won’t be easy, but it’s definitely do-able.

 

Don’t skip these steps! Job search preparation will be key in yielding the results you want. I hope I’ve given you a good start. Utilize the vast resources available to job seekers. And remember, use the knowledge you’ve gained to get you where you want to be.