Top 10 Things That Impact Your Job Search, Part 3

by Kassandra McGhee on October 29th, 2010

Today, let's discuss the last five things on our list of The Top 10 Things That Impact Your Job Search. 

  • Networking

Although networking is one of many job search methods, the power it has demands we focus on it separately.  As thousands of jobs are never advertised, developing and maintaining a list of friends, neighbors, family members, current and former colleagues, etc. who know of job opportunities and/or decision makers is priceless. An introduction to a decision maker by a network contact can be just what is needed to land the next job.

  • Job Search Skills

An effective job search is diverse and employs multiple methods.  Online, job websites, LinkedIn, target company contact, job fairs, cold calling, networking, etc.  Casting a broad yet focused job search net typically yields the best results.  

  • Follow Up

Maintaining consistent contact with networking contacts, target companies, interviewers, etc. is an important aspect of your job search.  The goal is to be memorable, professional and valuable: send a thank you note after an interview, offer your assistance or expertise to your network contacts, etc. A little can go a long way in demonstrating your dedication and positive work ethic.

  • Time Management

Effectively managing your time is an essential skill in your overall career success.  Maintaining a job search schedule, activity log, etc. will help you both organize your day and structure your job search activities.

  • Labor Market Information

As the job market continues to change, new information emerges regarding job websites, interview questions, growing industry areas and companies, etc.   And keeping on top of the changing trends is essential to your successful job search! Research government, business and company information to stay abreast of labor market changes.

 

Raves & Praise

David

A Cisco Success Story

I attended a resume writing seminar & conducted mock phone interviews with a Microtrain career counselor. These two activities gave me a leg up on distinguishing myself from all the other people looking for work. Since the career counselor's at Microtrain had a track record of getting people hired, their insight and positive past experiences helped me tremendously in getting hired with a Cisco Voice Systems Integrator in the Chicago area. I was hired as a Cisco Voice Tech Engineer with a starting salary of $65,000 / year with a Cisco voice systems reseller located in the Chicagoland area. Microtrain was very instramental in making this a reality. From expediting my WIA grant, to providing excellent hands-on training from knowledgable instructors I was able to achieve becoming certified with my CCNP. Microtrain's career services was the final catalyst in connecting me with this company by communicating with them on my behalf and with me in setting up the interview. One week later and I was hired. No joke. Thanks Microtrain!

Jennie

Student Employment Success - Project/Process Manager

My Career Services Manager was very friendly and helpful and had excellent follow-up. She seemed to really care how things were going and kept me moving in the right direction. The resources available in job search were great and the visibility that there were jobs out there looking for my skillset was promising. Additionally, the training, as well as having an updated resume stating the Microtrain course work I had taken made me feel more confident and marketable as I looked for employment. It showed that I was dedicated and took project management and process management seriously.

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Microtrain presents the course material in an interesting and concise manner. Microtrain gives the student all the resources necessary to pass the certification exams. Both the Chicago and Lombard facilities were excellent, and the staff goes to any length to accommodate any student changes.

Jean S.

PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

D. Easter

PMP Certification Training, November 2008

Thanks Microtrain for conducting a great PMP course that set me on a successful path to obtain my PMP certification. I have passed the test!

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