Start Somewhere. But Start.

Have you ever felt looking for a job incredibly difficult? Maybe confusing? Just stop. Stop and refocus. What’s the objective? The objective is to get started, started anywhere, a job that pays (or provides skills) and can lead you closer to your dream job. Take it in steps and remain focused on the objective.

Getting Started
There’s two options to get started: 1. where everyone goes, and 2. When you get calls. Let’s focus on these two shall we?

Where Everyone Goes
The majority will go online to major job board websites and company/organization sites. While this can provide a ton of options, you’re also competing (don’t get me wrong, competing is good) with dozens, if not hundreds of other job seekers. But do it. Putting your name in is like putting your business card at restaurants for a chance to win a lunch. You don’t win unless you participate. More and more company’s/organizations have pages on Facebook. Review their products/services and what customers are saying. This will enhance your thinking as to what the company/organization should be thinking about. It will help you as you craft your message. But the key is to know someone. To have built a relationship. At a past job, one of the managers who did the hiring literally had over 500+ resumes on his desk. When one came in, he just said, “let’s add this to the pile shall we.” And it was placed at the bottom of the pile. 

When You Get Phone Calls
When you get a phone call to interview, you’ve done something right. Right? Whether its one of us at BilingualHire or some other diversity workforce placement agency, or someone you know the proposition is clear: we have your info, and professional accomplishments, your hopes and aspirations making our job a bit easier. Like anything it starts with letting us know you are open for job opportunities. It’s not just us at BilingualHire, but letting your contacts know (past and present) that you are looking to apply your talent. If you are then let others know about it. People want to help. We want to see you at your best. At my last assignment at the Oregon State Legislature, I was approached by a representative about applying for a position with another elected official. She thought of me as she read the job description on her BlackBerry. Luck? I think it’s more that she knew my skills, passion and that I could provide results. Do your contacts out there know what results you could provide? 

Next
Put up your resume on LinkedIn (see my resume) and let others know about it. Search the database and contact people you’d like to know and build relationships. To learn more about LinkedIn, check out Grow Your Base Today with special attention to the lower portion Get Your Mending Done Now by Chris Brogan. 

Last Word

Contribute to others success. In the 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers, The Guide for Achieving Success and Satisfaction the authors make the argument that people don’t crawl to the top, they are carried there. Who have you helped carry today? Comment your thoughts, advice and challenges below. Thanks, I appreciate it.

David Molina is the co-founder of BilingualHire. He can be reached at: [david at bilingualhireco dot com], direct 1+(503) 708-4614 or on Twitter @davidcmolina.