Smart Job Searching: Focus, Plan, Persevere

How many more jobs and careers do you expect to hold until you retire? If you are like most people in the fast-forward, technology driven, highly competitive global economy, the correct answer is "Quite a few!" Job search savvy is critical in this age of rapidly shifting jobs. Here are a few tips to help you effectively manage the inevitable.

Ready, Aim, Focus! When I see people floundering in a job search, it's because they aren't focused. Failing to commit to a readily understood job title, or two, or three is a big mistake. If you actually do have three distinct, viable career options, then you'll need to have three targeted resumes. Each one should focus on the marketable skills, experience, and credentials that support the requirements of the desired position. Why is focus so important? In the clogged communications of corporate America, you must have a tightly focused approach to cut through the clutter. No one has the time to read an objective statement like this: "To acquire a position that utilizes my experience and education, that offers opportunity for advancement, yada, yada, yada." How about "A mid-level marketing position" or "A telecommunications sales position" or whatever your objective du jour might be. Recruiters and hiring managers are begging, "Just be specific!" Don't worry, you won't 'limit yourself' to anything other than the type of position you really want. And you're only committing to this title for the moment, not for the rest of your career.