What Color is Your Parachute?

Never Give Up!
Never Give Up!
Never Give Up!

There are two ways to get a job. The traditional approach, and the parachute way. I will start by outlining the criteria for a job hunt.  First you need to identify your wants. You are interested in finding a job.  How do you see yourself? Do you have a plan? Preparation? How do you figure out who is looking for employees? How do you contact hiring firms? What purpose does your resume serve? Do you have interview goals? Are there interview talking points? Do you have questions? How do you end the interview?

These questions are relevant to both job search strategies. However, the strategies are different.  Traditional job hunts start with the need for work, building a resume, finding a way to sell yourself before you hunt for work, research what the job market is looking for, wait for an employer to post a job, send out your resume, sell them on why they need to hire you, discuss your qualifications, ask if they are interested in you, and ask when they with contact you. Finally, you will follow-up and thank them for the interview. In contrast, the parachute way consists of a search for a dream job. This is a job that you can use your favorite skills, fields and knowledge to make an impact. You are no longer a job beggar but a resource to a company. Then you can determine what job you would die to do. When you prep for the job hunt you want to do a self assessment that will determine what you are best at and will most love doing. Do informal interviews and determine what firms are interested in you.  Use a bridge person to personally connect you to a firm. Your bridge person can personally hand a resume and cover letter to the firm. Do a first interview, and get a second interview. Let the interviewer lead the interview and ask questions about the work day, environment, and company info that is not covered in your research. The question then becomes do you want them and do they want me.  Once you determine this is a job for you, urge the firm that you are a good fit and can help them and ask for the job. Then send a thank you letter for the interview.