Top 10 Tips for Best Career Plan Success

Here are ten “big picture” tips to keep with your career plan and job search collateral material.  A quick review on a regular basis will give you the extra power to stay ahead of the pack in the job search world.

1. Customize your résumé and cover letter

Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each open position to clearly demonstrate how your experience fills the employers’ needs and requirements.

2. Diversify your search

70% of all jobs are never advertised and better than 80% of all employees get their jobs through networking. If you've been posting your résumé online, talk to your friends and attend an industry trade show..

3. Networking/Relationship building

Your friends, family and former co-workers each have a network of their own -- and a friend-of-a-friend might hold the perfect lead. Don't keep yourself a secret: Reach out to your network and let your contacts know what you are looking for.

4. Make sure you are focused and clear about what you are looking for

If you are not clear you will come across as unprofessional and worst of all, desperate

5. Keep a support network

Experts estimate the average job search to last anywhere between three and 10 months -- and that means a lot of rejection. To keep up your motivation be support and have a strong support network. Know that the right job is out there for you, waiting for you to find it.

6. Always be prepared

You can never be too prepared for your first meeting with a potential employer. Before your interview, always study the company's Web site and find people who have or do work there. Find out as much as you can about the company's products, leadership, mission and culture, and prepare answers to common interview questions.

7. Be on time

Whether it's an informational interview, an open house or a formal interview, always arrive about 10 minutes early. Allow plenty of time for traffic and poor weather.

8. Dress and act the part

In a business setting, always dress in professional clothing in the best quality you can afford. Take the industry and employer into consideration, but a business suit is almost always appropriate for interviews. You can always ask what is appropriate to wear or go sit in the parking lot at 5 and see.
 

9. Listen more than you talk

Even if you're nervous at an interview, try not to ramble. By keeping your mouth shut, you can learn valuable information about the company and avoid saying something that you'll wish you hadn't.

10. Ask good questions

Have a list of questions prepared that showcase your company research and interest in the position. Show how your previous experience meets the needs of the interviewer. These questions do not need to wait until the end of the interview, but always have a couple just for the end.