8 Links to Help Refocus Your Job Search - One Leg at a Time - CareerAlley

8 Links to Help Refocus Your Job Search - One Leg at a Time - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Neale Donald Walsch Some people have an amazing level of confidence in what they do (and can do). Many of these people are highly successful since they are always pushing the envelope. Some, of course, crash and burn. Then there are others who are moderately successful and have a good level of confidence regarding what they know, but are not very proactive in getting out of their comfort zone. Moving up a level or three in your career can be intimidating. We often look up to those at more senior levels and think that it is a bridge too far for us, that maybe we are not good enough to aspire to a senior level. Not true. When I was growing up, I remember being in awe of successful people, as if they were superhuman. But then my father would say everyone puts on their pants one leg at a time. Those at the top (or on their way up) are no different than you and me. You dont need to jump into both legs of your pants at the same time, but if you take it one leg at a time, you too can be at the top of the heap. A rule of thumb when looking for a new job is to look for something that is a bit of a stretch for you. Maybe the next level up or a role with more responsibility. Defining the Challenge You need to determine where you want to move out of your comfort zone to take on more responsibility. Do you want to manage staff, move into a more senior role with more responsibility, learn a new product or service or all of the above? You should take this into consideration when conducting your job search. Your resume and application process should match your new job requirements. Top 10 Ways to Get a Better Job Get Started: Career Exploration Smaller is Better Working for a mid to large company offers lots of opportunities but it is more difficult to get to the most senior levels of the organization. Smaller companies offer more exposure to senior management as well as more opportunities to learn about the entire organization and have your achievements recognized. More often than not, you will have more responsibility in a similar position in a small company than you will in a large company. The Pros and Cons of Working for a Smaller Company Company Research Investigate Small Companies Too Much of a Good Thing -To get a job at that next level, you really need to sell yourself and convince the hiring manager that you are already performing at the next level. Your resume should reflect your experience at the top of your current role and demonstrate that you are clearly ready for the next level. There is (sometimes) a fine line between tooting your own horn and exaggerating to the point where youve crossed the white lie boundary. Simple answer is dont lie on your resume. Toot Your Horn Without Blowing It Dont Lie In Your Rsum But Dont Tell the Truth, Either Working the Network Most people get the fact that their network is their most important job search asset. Your network should include a very long list of former coworkers, friends, relatives, your dog, all can have an impact on you getting a job (okay, maybe not your dog). Todays process of interviewing with the recruiter, the HR manager followed by a parade of other managers before you even get in front of the hiring manager can be frustrating. Any way you can work your network to shortcut (or fast track) your interview process is helpful. Getting directly in front of the actual hiring manager should be your ultimate goal. Dont be shy. Fast Track Your Job Search Networking Your Way to a New Job Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook