Pay It Forward: Share Tips and Advice That Helped You Land the Job
I started working for my current employer as a college intern in 2004. I worked hard and did the best I could to contribute to the team, but the company was small and I wasn't sure there would be room for me in the future on a full-time basis. My managers all liked me though, and before I left, one of them gave me a valuable piece of advice.
He said that when I graduated after the following semester, I should submit my resume, along with a letter. This was not your average cover letter though, it was a job proposal. Since there was no one working for the company in the capacity that I wanted to, I would have to prove not only that I was a hard worker and a good fit, but that they needed me to do specific, strategic things that they didn't have the bandwidth to cover.
I already had some knowledge of the business, but I studied up on what was new since I left by reviewing press releases and new website developments. I found that they had launched several new initiatives, and I brainstormed on how I could help support and grow those for the company.
In the end I got the job, and our CEO later told an entire group of job seekers we were hosting at an event that it was the best job proposal he had ever seen. I'm still here five years later, and I love my job.
I would highly recommend this tailored job search tactic to increase your chances of landing jobs you really want. Its more labor intensive than the generic cover letter, but it definitely paid off in the end.
Has anyone else ever received great job search advice that helped them get the job? Please share...
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Anonymous
Date: Sep 17, 2009
I am quite the advocate of having a good network. While it certainly helps to post your resume online and actively seek out positions that fit your skills, my network of contacts has been a big help throughout my job search.
I know that many people may feel uncomfortable reaching out and asking people that you may not have talked to for quite some time for help, well I'll tell you what--you need to get over that feeling. Put yourself in their shoes, if you were in a position to help someone looking for a job, you'd do it right? Of course you would. After all, we all know what its like to be a job seeker.
Reach out to those people in your network that are currently working and ask them for a meeting just to pick their brains. Think of it as a learning opportunity. Bring copies of your resume and before you leave ask them if they know of anyone else you can contact. Before you know it your networking contacts are growing. Plus the person you just met with might know of the perfect job for you (hence the bringing of your resume)
Once you land a job, keep in touch with your networking contacts. Send them an email to thank them for all of their help throughout your job search, send emails just to say hello and update them on how you are doing, and if you send holiday cards, send them too!
