The Job Search Process

by Wayne Ripley - Mar 19, 2010

A - R - M - I - N - C

A = Attitude

This is a critical ingredient in the pursuit of a new job. No one wants to help someone with a bad attitude. No one wants to hire anyone with a bad attitude. And a great attitude can give you a huge advantage over someone who mght be beter qualified but not as likeable as you. Learn to smile.

R = Resume

This isn't just a job history or list of qualifications. This is your sales brochure. You're providing a well thought out, powerful statement of how outstanding you are at what you do. Stress your accomplishments. If people who read it don't say "Wow" once in a while, you haven't done a good job. It takes hard work to create a good resume.

M = Marketing

Search and sell. Where are the jobs? Do your homework. Focus. What are your geographical preferences and who in that area employs people with your qualifications. Target them. Network into them. Use all of the available channels to sell yourself, i.e. networking, the internet, recruiters, job fairs. Put most of your effort into networking!

I = Interview

Prepare. Practice. It doesn't matter how well you've done at this in the past. You can always get better. It's a sales process. Good salesmen.women continually work on their sales skills and hone them. A good interview can compensate for a shortcoming in qualifications. People hire people they like! Be likeable. Smile once in a while. Refer to A above.

N = Negotiate

When you get the offer, negotiate it. It's expected. Work on your negotiation skills. It can gain you thousands of dollars.

C = Close

Get back to everyone who helped you along the way and give them the good news. Thank them.

Other success factors to consider.

• Hard work! This isn't a part time job. Anything less than 30-40 hours a week will hurt your chances of being successful.
•  Appearance. People judge you by how you look. Whether it's an interview or networking, you should always dress to impress. And remember, whenever you are out in public, you are on stage. Even if it's just a trip to the store. You never know who you might run into. It doesn't mean you have to run around in a suit. But, before you leave the house, give it some thought.