The First Steps For Transitioning Military
* Prepare a "keyword searchable" resume: today's companies and recruiters use databases for information storage and retrieval. This is quite different from the non-electronic filing of past recessions. If an appropriate position isn't available immediately, the right words in your resume will find you in a later search.
* Create a quality cover letter: state positions and industries desired and preferred locations. Do not include salary information for letters going directly to companies, but definitely include it for placement services and recruiters. It is a critical piece of their placement puzzle, and they will want to know up-front.
* E-mail your information to every recruiting firm in your niche: check the yellow pages, recruiter directories (available at your local library), or research online to find firms dealing with what you do (from administrative and clerical employment agencies to retained executive search firms). There are headhunters for every level and discipline, and it's completely FREE for job seekers. If you're considering temporary work (even as a high-level executive), be sure to include appropriate staffing firms.
* Now you can temporarily forget about recruiters. You have given them everything they need to determine their ability (or inability) to help you. They try to "place" anyone they can, and will respond accordingly if you have any placement potential. Try not to take it personally if you don't get called. Call to confirm receipt of your information if you like, but just consider it a message in a bottle that, hopefully, will land on the right "beach". If, at some point, you are contacted, begin to evaluate not only the opportunities presented, but whether or not this recruiter might become a lifetime career partner. They also want to stay permanently connected with great candidates. So, whether or not they land an immediate position for you, keep these individuals updated. It is better to cultivate long-term relationships than to start over every time you need help.
* Post your resume on all the free job boards/sites available: start with the biggies like Monster.com, HotJobs.com, CareerBuilder.com, Headhunter.net, but look beyond these into even more specialized niche sites related to your field. Get the word out about your availability in every way possible. For a fee, you can post to more "exclusive" sites, or have your resume "blasted" to thousands of recipients.
* Network and become a self-promoter. Treat your job search like a new job. Make sure that your friends, family, and neighbors know you're on the lookout for a new job. Send an e-mail outlining your qualifications and desires, and ask them to forward it to anyone they think might be interested. The miracle connection might be right in front of you or only three degrees of separation away.
* Organize your life around your new job - finding a job: Get up in the morning as usual, exercise/eat and/or perform your duties on the same schedule. Plan everything in-between for landing your next position. You'll stay sane, and be more effective, by keeping your other life structures consistent.
Doris Appelbaum is Founder and President of Appelbaum's Resume Professionals, Inc. She is an international career consultant, resume writer, educator, speaker, and trainer. Doris can be reached at (414) 352-5994 - 1-800-619-9777 - dorisa@execpc.com - (414) 352-7495 (fax). Visit her company's website for career advice: http://www.appelbaumresumes.com. Listen to "Career Quest" every Sunday at noon on AM540, WRRD in Wisconsin and Illinois.
