Chapter 13. The Job Search

Getting Work: An Effective Method

For many, this chapter will be your focus. Although the varied ideas conveyed in earlier chapters are critical in overall career development, career success finally comes down to finding and landing the job you desire.

Some proven methods lend to an effective job search, and those are covered in this chapter.

Where do you start to create a truly successful job search?

First, understand that the toolkit approach is far less interested in a particular job search. It is covered here because many people have requested assistance in this area.

Many job search books are available. I agree with some of them, but others overcomplicate the issues. A successful job search entails two things: numbers and personal marketing. That's it!

Getting the job you want comes down to creating opportunity by getting your name and talent in front of as many people as possible. As I mentioned in Chapter 11, "Breaking into IT," it is the marketing mantra of "reach and frequency."

Of course, it's possible that you'll hook up with your future employer and your ideal job with the first résumé you send out. To be honest, though, I doubt you would be reading this book if that were the case.

Try not to limit your search to one specific type of position or even a single type of technology. In many cases, the ads show what is needed at the specific moment. The ad might not indicate the total scope of project work you will need to perform. By looking at many possible positions, you are more likely to find the one that is the best fit to your total skill set and desired professional development.

Broaden your idea of what type of job you are willing to, and in fact, would like to have. By doing so, you gain the potential for more exposure and many more opportunities. What at first might appear to be a less desirable position might turn out to be exactly the type of company or role you would thrive in.

Certainly, skill has something to do with the job search, too. When I say skill, in the sense of the job search, I don't mean your technical talentthat which is probably most emphasized on your résumé. The skill that will lend itself to your job search is your ability to read people and situations and effectively communicate your message.

Luck also plays a part. Although you shouldn't count on good fortune as a primary job search or career development tool, don't discount it when it arrives. The key is to understand that luck is most readily available to those who are prepared to capitalize on it.