How to rally after you've been dumped
Job seekers line-up to attend a job fair at a Holiday Inn on April 18, 2012 in New York City. Credit: Getty Images
Finding a job is the toughest job you'll ever have. Here are some hints for you to land the job of your dreams, compliments of Caird Urquhart, author of "30 Ways to Better Days: How to Rally After You've Been Dumped"
1. List what aspects your perfect job needs to have. Put down everything you want -- hours of work, kind of people, location and work culture.
2. List the names of companies that fit your criteria. Make a broad list to start with, and then narrow it down to your top choices.
3. Research companies. Become informed so you can ask intelligent questions. Find out who you need to speak with to have the best shot at an interview.
4. Get a warm introduction. Once you know who to speak with, network with contacts, friends and family to see if anyone can give you an initial introduction.
5. Fine tune your resume to match each company. By now you will know who to direct your resume to so you can attach a cover letter to personalize it.
6. Get face to face with a boomer. If you want to get on the good side of potential boomer bosses, get to know them and convince them that you are prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done.
7. Shake as many hands as you can. Most jobs are acquired in the "underground market" not online. Get out of the house and shake some hands.
8. Find a mentor in your industry. Find someone who has travelled your path before and pick their brain. A good mentor will gladly give you advice and may also introduce you to potential employers.
9. Take the one-degree challenge. Push yourself to go from six degrees of separation to one degree. You will be surprised, in this world of social media, with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn how easy that is.
10. Commit to the job of getting a job. You may have to start lower than you had hoped. Just remember that once you're "in" you have an opportunity that the person sitting at home sending out resumes doesn't have. You have the chance to shine.
With 18 years of experience in the film and television industry, Caird became a personal and business coach. She founded New Road Coaching Inc. in October 2005.
Do what others fail to do!
(Marvin Walberg is a job-search coach based in Birmingham, Ala. For contact information, see marvin-walberg.com.)
