Job Search Success - Lessons Learned

From Joe's Blog

As you can see from the Forbes Layoff Tracker, the media company has
created a widget to track unemployment data at America's 500 largest
companies.

I wish we had a similar widget that showed how many unemployed people landed jobs. Do you know of one?

I thought it would be helpful to start documenting lessons learned from the few that are having job search success. A friend of mine laid-off on the same day as I in January recently rejoined the work force. He had some good points to share
and I talked to three other people last week who also found jobs and
asked them, "What do you feel made a difference in your search - any
lessons learned you can share?"

Here's a summary:

• Take
  time to really understand what types of work (the job content, types of
  people, work environment, organization culture) you enjoy and have
  great passion for - The job interviewer was impressed on how passionate
  I was for the position and said it was a differentiating element in
  their decision.

• Avoid shell shock - layoffs seldom come out of the blue - look for the signs and start your job search immediately.
  

(Click here to see signs you may be on next rif list.)
(Click here to see what to do about it)

• 
  Three key things for me - Network, Network, Network. Reinforce your
  network early (prior to layoff) good source for recommendations and
  reference, expand your network quickly join a new online group, find
  communities of professionals who share a common experience, passion,
  interest, affiliation or goal. The only interviews I had were with
  people / companies within my network.
  

• If a target
  company is sponsoring an local event - connect with them, schedule time
  to speak to leaders tell them of your interest in their company - Good
  leaders understand the labor market uncertainties and most will take
  time to speak with you.
  

• In everything you do
  - Be positive. You may hate that the recruiter didn't call you back or
  you received a sorry-but note that day - be positive it is as
  contagious as being a pessimist. Recruiter mentioned positive attitude
  as a hiring factor.

• Take full advantage of any available transition services, even if only to get ideas on your job search strategy and compare notes

• Pare your spending back so you feel you have at least a little time to search and can avoid hitting the panic button

• Be an advocate to others who are also transitioning -- building good karma can only help and you may need to rely on others in the future

So help me share some positive news - take this week poll and if you or someone you know found employment lately ask them to share what contributed to their job search success and add to the comments below.