Last updated : Thursday, January 14, 2010

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5 Things You Aren’t Doing on Your Job Hunt

Here at iMag we're committed to starting the new year with a fresh start. Each week we'll be posting job hunt tips from career coaches, head hunters and big-time executives to help you start off 2010 by landing a new job. Whether you've been laid off, or looking to make a big career move – these tips can help you. This week we spoke to award-winning executive coach Kay Cannon to find out what your job search is missing. 

Kay Cannon's Tips: 

1. Don't keep it a secret. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. 

2. Make sure you use social media. Use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as an extension of your professional presence. Your online posts should reflect good taste and good judgment.  Potential employers will use your social media posts to evaluate your employability. Show up online like you would show up in the office.

3. Leverage your skills as well as your experience. You have valuable skills that transfer across industries and professions.  Look outside the 'this is what I’ve done' box.

4. Make the most of your connections. Take advantage of associations or groups to which you belong, such as alumni associations or professional interest groups. Many universities and professional groups offer free career and job-related resources. In addition to the free resources, these groups are built-in networks waiting for you to plug in. Get involved.

5. Ask for help. Make a list of 10 individuals who are in positions where they may be able to help you find job leads. Be specific in your request so they know exactly what they can do to help. If they say 'no', accept it graciously and ask the next person on your list. If they say 'yes', ask what you can do to repay their kindness.

Bonus Tip: Volunteer your time with a business or non-profit that could utilize your expertise.  This builds goodwill, keeps you engaged and gives you an opportunity to showcase your contribution to people who may be in a position to recommend you for open positions. When you volunteer your expertise, make sure everyone has a clear understanding of what your contribution will look like in terms of time and deliverables.

Don't forget to check back next Friday for great career advice.  

About Kay Cannon: An award-winning executive coach since 1999, Kay Cannon has interviews in more than 50 publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes Online, The London Financial Times, The Washington Post, Newsday, CIO Magazine, CFO Magazine and Executive Travel. Check out her Web site. 

 

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