HR-STAT has been very busy this 1st quarter of the calendar year. Technology sales is a big arena that seems to be picking up with strong momentum. My advice to job seekers is don’t give up! Network, plant your seeds, and stay active because once we turn the corner you want to catch the wave. What seems like dead end efforts could very well be your next opportunity. Try to set job hunting goals for yourself. Create a roadmap to securing your next job. If you are currently unemployed, think of your job being that of finding a job. Think of it as if you are in a 100% commissioned position and if you don’t sell you don’t get paid. You’re looking for the 1 big deal that’s going to payoff big and that is you finding gainful employment. So how do you sell your qualities? 1. Have strong marketing collateral - start off with the resume. I’m shocked at times with resumes that appear as if they were put together in 10 minutes. Remember, a resume should not read like a job description. A resume should describe the value that you offered to your current and previous employers. If you are not the most creative person, get a professional to work up a resume for you. The resume is the first impression.2. Network - I mean get out and talk to people. Look up colleagues from the past. Have lunch with them. Drop them a brief email. Whatever it takes you have to keep yourself visible to the outside world. Our lives are so hectic and inundated with life issues that you will fall off the radar. Don’t expect that your network will keep you in mind for new opportunities without you making an effort to let them know you are available. You’re selling your expertise so think of this step as the cold-calling phase of your sales cycle.3. Learn - Don’t ever become complacent in your learning. And this doesn’t need to cost much either. Keep your tools polished. If you are a sales professional then pick up a book on the latest selling methodologies and catch phrases. Think of this as if you were researching a target company that you wish to sell to. Except here, you’re researching your profession. While your unemployed, progress continues to move forward so don’t expect that the skills you’ve acquired a year ago are still relevant today.I hope this few suggestions will lead you in the right direction. Just don’t ever give up because you have a great deal to offer!
