Mastering the art of Job Hunting !!

Where do I start for a job change or a job hunt ??
What would be the right career move ??
How do I market my curriculum vitae ??

Do you ask yourself these questions before a job change ?? Most of us do and are worried how to headhunt for the right opportunity for the position matching our aspirations.

So I thought to pen down some universal tips and tricks.

1. Preparing a presentable resume.
2. Marketing your resume
3. Handpicking the employers
4. Attending interviews
5. Negotiating your CTC
6. Picking the cream of offers

1. Preparing a presentable resume

Analyze your resume : The resume is a selling tool that outlines your skills and experiences so an employer can see, at a glance, how you can contribute to the employer's workplace.

The most effective resumes are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer's stated requirements for the position. The more you know about the duties and skills required for the job--and organize your resume around these points--the more effective the resume.

Optimize your resume : “You will need information to write a good resume.” Not just information about jobs you've held in the past but also information to select the most relevant accomplishments, skills and experience for THIS position. The more you know about the employer and the position, the more you can tailor your resume to fit the job.

2. Marketing your resume

“Your resume has to sell you in short order.” While you may have all the requirements for a particular position, your resume is a failure if the employer does not instantly come to the conclusion that you "have what it takes." The first hurdle your resume has to pass--whether it ends up in the "consider file" or the "reject file"--may take less than thirty seconds.
Below are a few tips to effectively market your resume

• Executive Search Firms : Submitting your resume to Executive Search Firms are the hassle free way of headhunting a job, they are professional’s who have a wide gamut and reach of employers / opportunities to offer . They can even help you in preparing your resume, interview process and offer negotiations; half of your work is done if you submit your resume to these firms.

• Referrals through friends : Let your friends know that your are on a job hunt and looking out for a good opportunity, ask them to refer your candidature to their employers.

• Job Sites : Jobsites are an effective way to market your profile. Update your resume in their respective database and wait for the responses. Always keep a tap on the different jobs posted by employers

• Career / Job Fairs : Career Fairs / Job Fairs are good medium to gather info about different employers and the kind of opportunities they advertise.
  

3. Handpicking the employers :

Once you are done with the marketing and you start getting responses for your “Marketing Drive”, analyze the response and hand pick a few employers where you might be interested to work and continue with the process further.

4. Attending Interviews :

Lot has been written on this topic I am not elaborating much on this you can have a detailed info here.

5. Negotiating Your Salary :

This is a crucial part of every interview. Before you accept a job offer, you have to make sure the offer is one with which you are pleased. If not, you may have to negotiate. You can find more guidance from this article.

6. Picking the cream of offers :

By the end of this exercise you will be having at least a couple of offers with you. Now you have to make a decision depending on what would be your learning curve with the employer, Work Culture, Projects / Clients / Products, Other Benefits, Brand name of the employer etc.

I guess I have covered most of the things, if missed out anything please comment would be glad to add it up to this posting.

Cheers and Happy hunting !!!!