Hate your job? Time to fast forward that job search

PRIME – April 2015 By Robin Ryan Author, Wall Street Journal Bestseller “60 Seconds & You’re Hired” Ken called saying he hated his boss. He needed a new job and fast. Upon further discussion, he'd been spiraling downhill in a dysfunctional situation for two years. He'd finally had enough when he saw a co-worker quickly get promoted landing a great position with a new company. The Society of Human Resources Management states that 19 percent of people intensely dislike their jobs. So if you are one of these, it's time to become proactive. The economy has improved and employers actively searching for talented people like you. Your new job plan Below are some easy-to-do tips to get your job search moving. Tap into the hidden job market. The “hidden job market” contains 80 percent of all job openings available, but these great jobs go unadvertised. To find these jobs you must track down potential openings and actively follow up on leads. You won’t find much competition for these “unadvertised jobs” so the extra effort to track them down is well worth it. Create an appealing LinkedIn Profile. Recruiters and human resource folks are searching this website to find people like you. Be sure your profile has a smiling, professional-looking photo. Next, create a headline that lists the job title you want to land, such as Project Manager, Financial Analyst, General Counsel, Nonprofit Executive Director. Skip posting long boring job descriptions. The trick to get attention is to add some of your top accomplishments and the best results you have achieved in the job. You only need a couple per position. Conduct some job market research. Analyze what job title you seek, and where the best opportunities lie for you. Make a list of at least 20 organizations to investigate for possible openings. To develop your list, use the Internet, business journals, annual reports, trade magazines, association listings, yellow pages, and business directories – many are found at your local library. Note the company name, address, phone number, website and email of a contact person. Your goal is to reach the hiring manager – your potential boss – not the Human Resources department. Go to the company’s website. Take your newly created list and then go to each company’s website. Look at what they offer: their products, services, or in the case of nonprofit – their mission. Still interested in them? Look for organizational charts; often you can find employee and/or executive names. Investigate, make a phone call of two if necessary but try to uncover the name of the department head who would likely be your boss, or your boss’s boss. Network. Many jobs are found by obtaining a lead through contacts. Ask family, friends, neighbors, old bosses, colleagues, and college alumni for assistance in tracking down job openings, manager names and potential opportunities in your list of companies. Your objective is to connect with someone inside the company who can provide inside information, and internally pass on your resume or application. If you can’t find someone inside, open the door yourself. Write a terrific self-marketing letter to the manager that would most likely be your boss. Include a short paragraph that concisely outlines your strongest skills and major accomplishments. Mention that you’ll be calling in a few days to learn more about their current needs. Attach your resume. Mail the letter (as in postal mail), not email. Follow up and call, but be prepared to sell yourself on the spot if you reach the potential boss. © 2014 Robin Ryan all rights reserved. Robin Ryan is America's leading career authority. She's appeared on 1500 TV & radio shows including Oprah, Dr Phil, Cnn, ABC News and NPR. Robin has a career counseling practice working with works with individual clients across the US helping them land better jobs. She is the bestselling author of “60 Seconds & You’re Hired!;” “Winning Resumes;” “Winning Cover Letters;” “Soaring On Your Strengths;” “What to Do with the Rest of Your Life;” and “Over 40 & You’re Hired.” For more career help visit: www.RobinRyan.com.