Your Job Search Toolkit (part 7)

For several weeks we have talked about parts of your job search toolkit and how you should pack it. You can see that conducting a job search today is different than it was, even 10 years ago. As always, you should select individuals who will serve as references for you. It is important that you select your professional references from those individuals who will not only speak well of you, but who should be able to relate to the folks who may be inquiring about you. Be sure that you confirm their willingness to serve as a reference, don't just assume that they will. When you contact them regarding your need for a reference source, you should also verify that you have their correct contact information and current title. I think it is a good idea for all of your references to have a copy of your current resume, so they know what you are looking for and what you're saying about yourself. You should have a list of your professional references prepared so you can finalize it to share when asked by an employer. Adding a statement on your reference list about how each person knows your work can add to your overall worth.

A networking script is also needed for your search. It probably should include your Position Statement, and possibly your Departure Statement, depending on how well the contact knows you. If you were referred to that contact by someone else in your network, you should include who the referral came from when you make the contact. I think your script should also include asking if this person knows anyone else you should contact and whether you can use their name when you do. I encourage my clients to make a list of everyone they know before they begin networking and include their phone number and email address, at least. It may also be helpful to include some notation about how you know each person.

With all this information, you will need some kind of system to keep track of your search related activities. It is good to have a method of tracking your networking activities so you don't contact a person too frequently or too seldom and your means of contact. You will want to have a system for keeping track of contact you make with potential employers so you can follow-up when you said you would and with whom you said, etc. These days a job search could be a full-time job. If you are not currently working at all, you will need to step up your search activities. No matter what your other circumstances, you will probably need to add some patience to your toolkit because a search can be quite draining.

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, preparing for return to work or to school, coping with job loss, planning for non-retirement, and other life planning issues. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them in finding solutions to life planning 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). For more information on her services, please visit www.YourCareerPlan.com.

To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.