You are successful, admired by your colleagues and proud of what you have accomplished. You have been working your way up the corporate ladder, winning regular promotions and raises. Suddenly, you start to notice that your company is moving in a new direction and you have not been invited to key meetings. Don’t wait until you are notified that their plans do not include you – you need to address the situation head on and take charge of your career NOW.
If it has been some time since you last searched for a job, be prepared for an entirely new process. Here are 3 tips to mastering today’s complicated job search.
- Know Your Value
To market yourself effectively to potential employers you need to know the value you offer an organization and be able to articulate your key capabilities in a way that resonates with employers. The resume has changed quite a bit over the last few years. In fact, its focus has changed 180 degrees. It is no longer your work history; today your resume must position you for your next job.
2. Stay Relevant
To be marketable, it is crucial that your skills are relevant to today’s needs. Have you stayed current on your industry’s best practices and the latest technologies? To gain the competitive edge, you must fine-tune your existing skill set and gain a few new skills. Using social media in your job search, most importantly LinkedIn, is a great way to show potential employers that you are still on top of your game.
3. Use Current Strategies
Outdated job search strategies won’t cut it today. Identify the companies that need what you have to offer and focus your job search accordingly. Concentrate on getting yourself in front of the decision makers at these target companies, and the job offers will find you.
You do not need to launch your job search on your own. For years, you have built your team with experts in their fields. Why stop now as you embark on this next challenge? Partner with an experienced career coach and resume expert to accelerate your job search and improve your outcome. A professionally written resume offers a huge ROI. A modest investment now can significantly increase your future earning power, and help you avoid any potential gaps in income. Think about it. What would each week of unemployment cost you?