The job search can be a complex and extensive project, and an exciting one, as well! As with any important project, develop a plan to clarify your goals, stay on track, and move forward. Don’t be alarmed if you do not have all the answers from the start — no one does. That’s actually part of the process: developing a clear sense of what you don’t know and lead you to the information you need to conduct an effective search.
To find what you are looking for, you need a clear definition of what it is. Define your job goal upfront to change everything about where you look for it and how you pursue it. It will also help you know when you have found it. And when you haven’t.
Defining your job goals upfront will help you know when you have found the right job, and when you haven’t.
Once you define your target market, you will need a strategy to penetrate it. Although the most effective job searches are typically multifaceted, not all techniques will, nor should be, used by everyone. As long as they work for you – use them. But if they do not, adjust your tactics!
As you build a list of contacts via online research, LinkedIn or other sources, you locate a name but not an email address. Additionally, you could have an email address but aren’t certain if it’s valid. Here are a few ways to track down and verify email addresses:
Once you have completed your plan, review it for gaps. Perhaps some sections are still vague and sketchy, others might be empty. Where gaps exist, translate them into questions and where you might find answers. It may be a website, a directory at the library or someone you know. This is when you need to networking and gather information.
Use your overall action plan to develop a weekly plan. Where you’ve described tactics you intend to utilize and questions you need to answer, create and prioritize a list of tasks for each. Then plan time into your week to devote to each task.
Decide how much time you can devote to job search every week and plan this on your calendar. To fully commit to moving your job search forward, treat these times like any other appointment.
A single task list can quickly become overwhelming and diffuse your focus. Instead, spread your goals over the week with time devoted to each. This will make your plan more manageable and less stressful. You can avoid the tendency to worry about all that needs doing, since you know you have a time preplanned for each task.
There is an exciting resource available to the entire UNC Kenan-Flagler community. Sponsored by Career & Leadership for MBA & Alumni, with support from both UBP and MAC Career Services, we are pleased to offer this free resource to all UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni.
The Business Journals
This subscription delivers full digital access to all 46 Business Journals, which provide daily business news across 18 industries, access to 40 Weekly Editions of the journals, 40 Books of Lists highlighting the top companies in each market, local and national search archives, and much more!
Benefits
The Business Journals equip you to:
Business Journals Training Video
This 4-minute video shares insights into what the Business Journals offer and how to navigate the site. Click here for video.
Alumni Access
Click here to “Create Your Free Membership” or “Sign In” if you already have a Business Journals account. Simply follow the prompts and select Kenan-Flagler UNC National Account Group #16644788 to join the School-wide subscription.
You must have an @alumni.unc.edu email address to be eligible to sign up. The UNC General Alumni Association provides this free email service; you do not need to be a GAA member. To obtain an email, click here.