Blog Post: Put Some P.E.P. Into Your Step and Into Your Job Search ...By simona cherlin

You have probably been reading an awful lot of advise lately about how you should go about your job search. While it is mostly all worthwhile, there are a few highlights I would like to share with you as a result of input given at my most recent Job Cafe meeting in Solana Beach. While I think having pep in your step is important since it exemplifies your attitude, the P.E.P. I am mostly talking about stands for: PLANNING - EXECUTING - and PERSISTANCE.

PLANNING: Like any other endeavour you embark on, the most important thing is to know where you want to end up, and then work to make sure you have what it takes to get there. Planning a job search strategy is very important, especially when the job market is a competitive one. In order to convince someone that you are the right one for THE job, you must first prepare those items that will make you stand out. Once you know what type of job, type of company or organization, and type of industry you are interested in, focus in on the locale you are willing to consider, and then find out who they are. Many libraries offer databases that allow you to find the companies in your area, and then you can use the Internet to find out what you need to know. Rather than wait for an employer to list a position on a job search website, find out everything you can about them, including someone who works there and would be willing to talk with you. Most job hunters know that the majority of the success that is appreciated in this endeavour comes from the art of networking. In order to network properly, you must know where you are headed and then learn about those people who can help you get there.

EXECUTING: It is great to gather names of those who can help you, groups that you can participate in, and jobs that are available in your area. But the key here is following up on all of that research with ACTION. It is, oh-so-important, for you to follow your game plan by making sure you are setting up breakfast, lunch, coffee or walking dates with those who might be your helpful connections. In addition, it is important to follow up with those who have added you to their network and not only thank them, but keep them posted on your progress. In addition, it's a great idea to attend those "professional" meetings in order to rub elbows with others in the know, but even more important to make some connections and then follow up.

PERSISTANCE: Yes, I am told, time and time again, how difficult it is to be on the receiving end of a rejection for the jobs you apply to. I do know how hard it must be to also be in the dark when your resume or application seems to have disappeared into a dark hole. The persistence I am talking about takes place when you routinely evaluate your game plan and the tools you are using to get there. You will then have a better idea of what is working and what is not. If you are applying to jobs you are most qualified for and not getting invited into the interview, this is a sign that you need to do something differently. If you don't hear back from an employer who has reviewed hundreds of resumes, do not assume you are not right for the job; you must just find another door to walk through in order to get noticed. This type of persistence is possible only when you feel confident that you have your ducks lined up, and you have what it takes to let the potential employer know how you will add to their success. Most importantly, you never stop trying to improve how you are approaching your job search until you find what you want and they tell you they also want you.

At The Job Cafe, which meets regularly in the Solana Beach and Encinitas branch libraries, participants talk about their strategy, hone their "pitch," and mine for resources that are right there. They gather to support one another, learn about the lay of the land and gain new information about employers, the job market or benefits they can take advantage of. If you do not belong to a similar type of group, I encourage you to find one through www.meetup.com, www.yahoogroups.com, or www.Jobing.com . If you need further information about ways to start your own accountability group, feel free to call or write to me. simona.cherlin@gmail.com 760-805-3778 or visit my website: www.GetCareerInGear.com