In preparation for job interviews, you should also prepare, or at least think about, experiences and activities from your past that would demonstrate your skills and strengths to share with an employer. It is a good idea to write out some stories of your accomplishments. You should be able to come with at least 5 or 6 stories from your background that would be appropriate to share. These accomplishments can be from previous work experiences, volunteer or community activities, but should be relevant to the kinds of work you are currently pursuing. Obviously, if you are considering different types of work for your next move, you may need some different stories to suit the different industries or work environments you are seeking.
In addition to preparing your accomplishment stories, in this job market, it is to your advantage to have an online presence. You should have an email address (not through your employer) through which you could be contacted. The email address should be a decent name, not some "cute" nickname, etc. These days it is also a good idea to have a Professional Profile on LinkedIn. You should use it only for professional information and networking. If you have a profile on Facebook or other network, I encourage you to check to see what information is there and remove anything you would not want a potential employer to see. Employers are actually checking the online presence of candidates - sometimes even before they invite them in for an interview. As far as that goes, it is a good idea to Google yourself so you can see what else is out there about you.
LinkedIn can be very beneficial in your networking activities but you should be willing to share information, as well. Find some groups you would like to belong to and follow their posts, offering a reply or comment, as appropriate. Maintaining your contacts through LinkedIn can also be advantageous even after you start a new job.
Although I encourage you to find job posting sites that are appropriate for you to follow in your search, I also encourage you to monitor the amount of time you spend on line. It is very easy to get involved in browsing and reading, but it is not necessarily a productive use of your time.
Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career or job change, planning for non-retirement, coping with a job loss, preparing to return to school or to work, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and on-line to assist them to find solutions to life transition issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.
To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
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