Here is a starting check list of what may be involved in a Job search “job.” If you can suggest more, let me know. This is the detailed version. For the condensed version, click here.

Set career goals and job search strategy

1. Understand what you would like and love to do and also what things you want to avoid doing in your career. Maybe use a Myers Briggs test or Career Leader tool to guide you
2. Develop your long term career goals and understand why those are your goals – where do you want to be in your career in (say 3 to 5 years)?
3. Define the skills you need and skill gaps to achieve your 3 to 5 year career goal? what you are already good at and what you need to develop still? (do self evaluation and let others help you evaluate)
4. Define types of jobs you would like to have next and how each type would fit with your goals? You should have 3 to 5 types (e.g. product manager, product marketing, online marketing) in mind because many different jobs can help you develop the same skills and this will give you more options in the market
5. Define detailed characteristics of your ideal next job – if you don’t know what’s important to you and what you are looking for? How do you know when you find it?
6. Analyze your financial situation – how long you have before you will stress about your finances and before your financial situation becomes dire?
7. Define your plan A, B, and C and when will you implement each (in parallel or in sequence)? A is for ideal situation, B (e.g., get a job with less responsibilities and/or lower pay) is for getting by and buying time. C (e.g, move to another state or country for work or sell the house) is for survival if no other option exists.

Package yourself for your job search

1. Ask people who have the job types you want – if you want to be a marketing manager at a high tech company next, then figure out who you may know or how you can find someone with that job. Ask at least 2 people for their advice and guidance – find out what it takes to do that job, what it entails. It can help you position your skills in your resume and interview or perhaps show you that it’s really not the job you thought it was.
2. Develop your story – what makes you think you are qualified for each of the job types you hope to pursue. What makes you unique if others also have similar skills. What experiences do you have and why is it logically for you to want this job now? Note them in a Word doc. You can then use it in cover letter, email intros, and interviews.
3. Practice your story – Share your stories with others and see if they buy it. If they don’t, perhaps the hiring company won’t either. Find people with those job types. Ask also people who know your skills well – maybe they can help you position you even better
4. Create a resume for each job type you are searching – Yes, it should be tailored. You want to make it as easy as possible for the hiring company to see why you may be qualified for the job.
5. Build an online presence – In this day and age, your online “resume” could be as important as the resume you have on paper. Google yourself and find out what other people see about you. Is it consistent with your story? If not, start modifying descriptions of yourselves online (linked in, google profile, etc.)

Apply for jobs based on your career goals and plans ...  read more