DID YOU KNOW? - 10 Effective Job Search Tips

DID YOU KNOW? - 10 Effective Job Search Tips
Here is a list of not so common job search tips that you
can use to your advantage to get noticed and be as
productive as possible during your search. The important
thing to remember is to conduct your job search like a job.
Work at it every day, develop a plan and stick to it and
don't forget to follow up on previous searches. Don't give
up, hopefully the tips below will work for you.

1. Did you know Tuesday is the most productive day of the
week? What does this mean to you as a job seeker? You can
plan Tuesday as the day to network, to make appointments,
reorganize job search files, or possibly re-touch on older
leads. However you decide to spend your Tuesdays, make sure
you take advantage of its' natural productiveness in the
work week.

2. Did you know that as many as 35% of employers are now
using your credit report history as a means of judging
personal responsibility, especially in occupations dealing
directly with money? Something to think about and get in
order before you begin your job search or at the least make
sure you are aware of what others are finding when checking
your credit history. Conducting a credit check on yourself
might be a good idea.

3. Did you know you could research the current earnings
rate for your new position using pay comparison internet
sites and increase your negotiating power by being prepared
and aware? A couple of helpful sites to search and compare
pay per job, industry, or location include www.salary.com,
www.salarysearch.com or www.payscale.com.

4. Did you know 65 to 70% of jobs are gained through
personal referrals or networking connections? So get
networking! Make a long list of all your friends, family,
past co-workers, bosses, work associates, teachers, and
professors. Also include contacts from associations, church
or volunteer activities, hobbies, and your children's
schools and activities. Once you have a strong list start
making your way through them to let them know what type of
job you are interested in.

5. Did you know only an average of 36% of those job
hunters interviewed regularly send thank-you notes while
75% of employers appreciate or expect the notes? Not only
is it polite but it is a great chance to touch on something
specific you talked about during the interview that will
help you be remembered.

6. Did you know that over 90% of employers seek their
assistant's opinion when interviewing and making hiring
decisions? When calling or visiting in person for an
interview make sure to be polite and friendly to the
assistants and secretaries in the office. Their impression
of you might just get you the job or get you passed by.

7. Did you know business cards are a great way to network?
Using a plain and simple card or with a photo works best.
They are another great way to be remembered and are a quick
and inexpensive career tool. Business cards work especially
well when you have your resume posted online and can
include the website on your card.

8. Did you know having a mentor can also be another great
way to network? I know from experience that having someone
more experienced in your industry and field to discuss
ideas and questions with can be really valuable. They are
also a great networking source as well since they are
familiar with your skills, experience, and current
objectives and goals.

9. Did you know 60% of large companies do salary planning
in the fall? What does this mean to you? First, it is a
great time to ask for a raise! If you are already working
for a large company a fall raise while budge planning is
going on might be easier to work into a budget then at some
other time of the year. Secondly, knowing the hiring
managers mind is on budgets and hiring needs for the
following year they will be more interested in resumes
coming in that fit their needs because it might save them
money to not include your hire into next years budget.

10. Did you also know that 40% of job cuts announced are
in the fall? This may be a great time to have your resume
updated and ready - just in case. You will be ahead of the
rest of your coworkers with an updated resume if layoffs
occur and you need to look for work.

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Kris Plantrich is the owner of ResumeWonders Writing and
Career Coaching Services. She is certified in Resume
Writing and Interview Coaching, experienced and affordable
and is nationally published. Reuse of this article is
encouraged but must include a link to
http://www.resumewonders.com .