First things first. You have to measure your level of comfortability with your current position. Are you irreplaceable? Do you add value to your corporation? Are you a team player? On the other hand; have you committed years of your life to this corporation only to find out, loyalty doesn't always work both ways?
No need to fret. It can be done. And if you haven't done this in a while, it's not painful, but it does take focus; a concerted effort, and follow up.
Let's start with the basics: When is the last time you updated your resume?
If you aren't updating your resume quarterly you may be doing yourself a great disservice. It could be updated monthly for that matter. If you were asked to give your job description, right now, in writing, would it reflect what you do? What you were hired to do? Or has your job evolved since you were hired? Honestly keeping monthly updates is not out of the question, nor would it be out of the question to keep a journal. Why? When it's time for your annual review. It is a lot easier to summarize your accomplishments when you have them handy.
The next thing you might want to do is begin your search: Does the company you work for offer upward mobility? Does it have a possible lateral move that has more responsibility? In time those with greater responsibility are always paid for than those without responsibilities. If current employer is out of the question; where to look next?
Competitors. Do your market research. Who does your company compete with? Does it manufacture widgets? Look at other manufacturers? Are you in Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable? Chances are 99/100 that most every company has that. Do you work in sales? That field alone is the life blood of every business. Information Technology. Depending on the size of the company it's either in house, or outsourced. Can you transfer your skill set to your companies natural competitors? If not competitors, what about different type of company all together? In manufacturing? Why not Insurance? In Insurance? Why not back-end outsourced IT support? Boiling this down, it's find the type of company you want to work for and come up with the reasons why. I want to work at ACME Widget company for the following reasons: 1. Straight 40 2. Benefits 3. Possible Overtime 4. Lifestyle 5. The are in the top 100 employers for the state. You get the picture: Find your perceived perfect employer and execute the necessary steps to obtain employment with them.
In the interim, practice interview questions. Get a book at your library. Ask a local SCORE office to interview you. These are all retired executives, they'd probably be happy to help. Just make an appointment, and ask.
Now study the company, if they are publicly traded, get as much information as you can on them. Google the company in Google News, setup a news filter that will get you information on the company. Have they produced press releases? Read them in detail. If the company you have chosen doesn't have that information readily. Find it. Whether it's through an acquaintance, a contact, the receptionist, or someone. Find out all the background on the company you want to work for.
Contact Human Resources, direct letter to the HR director or VP, write an excellent cover letter, introduce yourself. Enclose your resume. Let them know you will follow up in 7 business days. In seven business days, follow up. With a phone call, with another note. Fact is there may be a job coming open that hasn't made it to the company career site, nor to the newspapers. You can pre-empt this by getting your well written cover letter which points out how you can help solve company problems that you may have read about in the local business daily in the hands of HR before the job hits the paper. Personal notes, follow ups, thank you's they will set you apart from your competitor. If you have samples of your work, if applicable, attach it with the cover letter and resume. Been published? Have a book? Let them know of your expertise in your letter to them. Open the dialogue with the company.
Everyone one needs a backup plan. If Corporation A isn't the means to and end, pick up to seven, and be relentless, and be flexible. You should be an expert on the outside of the company before you ever step foot or have a letter sent. If seven is not enough, pick twenty-five, or whatever number. It is possible that whatever you set your mind to achieve with regards to employment, you can achieve. It may take time, flexibilty, and relentlessness, but in the words of Prime Minister Churchill, "Never, never, never, never give up."
A quick recap:
1. Get your Resume updated
2. Identify your ideal position, and ideal company
3. Research, research, research.
4. Make contact, with a detailed letter, and a targeted resume written specifically to the job requirements. This takes time but it will set you apart
5. Follow up. Written and electronic.
6. Follow up. Written and electronic. (yes, twice, just in case you need to).
Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
and Never, Never, Never, Never give up!
Find out who is hiring direct right now: www.govtcontratorjobs.com
The next thing you might want to do is begin your search: Does the company you work for offer upward mobility? Does it have a possible lateral move that has more responsibility? In time those with greater responsibility are always paid for than those without responsibilities. If current employer is out of the question; where to look next?
Competitors. Do your market research. Who does your company compete with? Does it manufacture widgets? Look at other manufacturers? Are you in Accounts Receivable or Accounts Payable? Chances are 99/100 that most every company has that. Do you work in sales? That field alone is the life blood of every business. Information Technology. Depending on the size of the company it's either in house, or outsourced. Can you transfer your skill set to your companies natural competitors? If not competitors, what about different type of company all together? In manufacturing? Why not Insurance? In Insurance? Why not back-end outsourced IT support? Boiling this down, it's find the type of company you want to work for and come up with the reasons why. I want to work at ACME Widget company for the following reasons: 1. Straight 40 2. Benefits 3. Possible Overtime 4. Lifestyle 5. The are in the top 100 employers for the state. You get the picture: Find your perceived perfect employer and execute the necessary steps to obtain employment with them.
In the interim, practice interview questions. Get a book at your library. Ask a local SCORE office to interview you. These are all retired executives, they'd probably be happy to help. Just make an appointment, and ask.
Now study the company, if they are publicly traded, get as much information as you can on them. Google the company in Google News, setup a news filter that will get you information on the company. Have they produced press releases? Read them in detail. If the company you have chosen doesn't have that information readily. Find it. Whether it's through an acquaintance, a contact, the receptionist, or someone. Find out all the background on the company you want to work for.
Contact Human Resources, direct letter to the HR director or VP, write an excellent cover letter, introduce yourself. Enclose your resume. Let them know you will follow up in 7 business days. In seven business days, follow up. With a phone call, with another note. Fact is there may be a job coming open that hasn't made it to the company career site, nor to the newspapers. You can pre-empt this by getting your well written cover letter which points out how you can help solve company problems that you may have read about in the local business daily in the hands of HR before the job hits the paper. Personal notes, follow ups, thank you's they will set you apart from your competitor. If you have samples of your work, if applicable, attach it with the cover letter and resume. Been published? Have a book? Let them know of your expertise in your letter to them. Open the dialogue with the company.
Everyone one needs a backup plan. If Corporation A isn't the means to and end, pick up to seven, and be relentless, and be flexible. You should be an expert on the outside of the company before you ever step foot or have a letter sent. If seven is not enough, pick twenty-five, or whatever number. It is possible that whatever you set your mind to achieve with regards to employment, you can achieve. It may take time, flexibilty, and relentlessness, but in the words of Prime Minister Churchill, "Never, never, never, never give up."
A quick recap:
1. Get your Resume updated
2. Identify your ideal position, and ideal company
3. Research, research, research.
4. Make contact, with a detailed letter, and a targeted resume written specifically to the job requirements. This takes time but it will set you apart
5. Follow up. Written and electronic.
6. Follow up. Written and electronic. (yes, twice, just in case you need to).
Wash, Rinse, Repeat.
and Never, Never, Never, Never give up!
Find out who is hiring direct right now: www.govtcontratorjobs.com
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