As strange as it seems, if you want to excel in your career or have success in your job search, you need to "see" what the end looks like. I was recently contacted by a potential client who was eager to get started on her job search and wanted to use my services for an executive resume and cover letter.
Sounded great - except when I asked what she was targeting, she said nonprofit jobs. After further prodding, I did not get any more clarity from her other than "I want to be in the nonprofit world."
While the uncertainty in the economy may tempt you to launch a broad job search campaign, you will be spinning your wheels and getting nowhere with "one-size-fits-all" job search strategies.
Would you jump into a taxi without having a final destination in mind? In the same manner:
- you cannot develop an executive resume without knowing what keywords and relevant content to include
- you cannot determine which specialty recruiters to contact without knowing your target industry and job function
- you cannot know which networking events to attend if you haven't figured out the key industry players.
What I am saying? Start with the job target.
Determine the industry, the function/level of the position, the required qualifications and experience, the actual job title(s), the top employers in the industry. Then build your executive resume, cover letter, and other career marketing documents to support your job search goals.
About the author:
Abby M. Locke is a career marketing architect, brand leadership coach, master resume writer and the founder of Beyond Glass Ceilings. She works with professional women to help them overcome job search obstacles and achieve career mastery in highly competitive, crowded marketplaces.
