Matchmaking strategies boost chances of job seekers


Matchmaking strategies boost chances of job seekers. Finding a job is a bit like finding a mate: Here's how to know if it's a good match. Job hunting is often compared to dating. And if you've ever dated, you know the most successful pairings occur when two people have a genuine interest in each other.

So what happens when there is a shortage of dates, or not enough jobs for people looking for work? Do you give up on finding the right match or scramble to find any match?

Randall Hansen, publisher of Quintessential Careers, an online jobs resource, warns of the tendency, especially among first-time job seekers, to lose focus during periods of high unemployment.

"Jobs are scarce," he said, "and some people think the solution is to send out hundreds of resumes online."

Hansen said that that approach "is doomed to failure."

Hansen and other career advisers say you have to stick to the best of matchmaking strategies:


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Pursue job opportunities you genuinely like. Sounds obvious, right? Who wouldn't apply for an interesting job when given the chance?

But, bad economy or not, many young adults start the job search without first defining their goals and skills, career advisers say.

"If you don't understand what you bring to the table, how can you engage an employer?" said James Tarbox, director of career services at San Diego State University.

So before you begin applying for jobs, you need to identify your interests. What are you passionate about? If you've done an internship, what about the job did you like?

For help with matching your interests with specific jobs, turn to your school's career services center or talk to your professors (or do both).

You also can learn more about jobs by talking with alumni and professionals working in the field.

At SDSU, for example, students can sign up for "speed networking" nights. The events work much like speed dating: Students have 15 minutes to engage alumni and employers in one-on-one talks. When the time is up, they move on to another employer and start the conversation again.

"Students learn to talk about themselves" through the exercise, Tarbox said. "And it helps them to focus."

Target your job hunt. "Employers see hundreds of resumes," said Lynn Berger, a career counselor and coach based in New York.

So if you submit the same resume for dozens of jobs, there's a good chance you'll never get called for an interview.

"You have to let the employer know that you're motivated and can add value to the firm," Berger said.

How do you do that? Write a resume and cover letter that clearly outline your passion and qualifications for a specific job, Berger said.

"Your motivation comes through your language, both written and when you're speaking in the interview," she said. "You have to show that you are familiar with the firm, the skills required for the job and the company's culture."

For example, questions to look into include whether the company launched a new product, or if the firm plans to open offices overseas, or whether employees tend to work in teams.

The more time you take to learn the answers to these questions, whether by doing research online or by networking with alumni, professors and other personal connections, the more likely you are to get asked for a first and second interview.

"It's a process, and the current job market doesn't make things easy for anyone looking for their first job," Berger said.

But, she added, "show that you're motivated and excited, and it can be done."

E-mail Carolyn Bigda at yourmoney@tribune.com

Rules for dating, job hunting


  • Ask your network to make an introduction — the "best bet for finding promising opportunities," said Randall Hansen of Quintessential Careers.
  • Show your interest: Write a resume and cover letter tailored to the job.
  • Make a strong first impression: Dress appropriately and think of talking points for the interview.
( Chicago Tribune )





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