The Ultimate Job Hunt Guide

Rowan Manahan has launched a group writing project to create the Definitive Guide to Clearing Job-Hunt Hurdles and has asked me to contribute.

I think that’s a fantastic idea. Looking for a new job is one of the most important, life-shaping activities we undertake and it really pays to go into this process armed and ready with some good input.

I looked back through my archives, and while most of what I write is about being happy in the job you DO have, four of my previous posts are particularly relevant for job seekers:

Never stay in a bad job. Fix it or leave!
We all know the cost of leaving a bad job. But sometimes we forget the cost of staying. And that cost can be much too high.

Find your quitting point
How to know when it’s time to quit and move on.

Some killer questions to ask in your next job interview
All companies will tell you that they’re great, friendly, open, happy workplaces. How do you know that they’re telling the truth and that a workplace is right for you? Here are some great questions to ask in your next job interview.

How to find a job you’ll love
How to find a job you’ll love. Not like – love!

I would love to hear more people’s opinion on this, so I’m inviting these people to contribute:

Carmine Coyote at Slow Leadership
Sally Hogshead of the Hog Blog
Kareem Mayan of Hidden Mojo

And you! What’s your best job hunting tip ever?

Comments

9 responses to “The Ultimate Job Hunt Guide”

August 1, 2007

David Esrati

Best job hunting tip ever: start a blog/site, that showcases your thinking/communication skills. I’ve been forcing interns here to blog- and one of them now has higher google position than a namesake CEO. He’s also been quoted in newspapers and connected with people he’d never have normally met.
August 2, 2007

Charlie

It’s indeed the ultimate choice we can make. Enduring sacrifices may be part of our journey, but the reward of having a job that we love is the best thing we can have considering that we’ll spend a lot of time doing it.
August 2, 2007

Dorothea Stuart

Hi Alexander. You mention going into the job hunting process “armed”. I would say that you should put your energy into defining and demonstrating your personal brand.

David’s comment is spot on. Blogging is a great way to to showcase your knowledge, skills and ideas and help people see your personal brand in action. For job hunting or career development it’s unlikely to reap immediate rewards but its a great medium to long term approach.
August 2, 2007

Modern Worker

Yes, yes, and yes! Having the strength to leave a job for a better one always leads to greater happiness.
August 3, 2007

Howie

Excellent tip. The problem with most people is that they don’t know when to quit, especially when family is concerned. Yes we are willing to sacrifice for our family, but let us also consider our decisions first. There is always a better job if we know how look.
August 9, 2007

Alexander

David: What a great idea. It’s certainly better than an embarassing myspace page with pictures of you getting blind drunk :o)

Charlie: That is the simple truth. Or as someone once said: Find work you like, and you won’t have to work a day in your life.

Dorothea: I agree. And of course, to develop your personal brand, you need to know yourself. Before brand comes identity.

Modern: Yes!

Howie: I agree – and we just need to find the energy and courage to quit a bad situation and look for a better one.
August 15, 2007

The Ultimate Job Hunt Guide

[…] The Ultimate Job Hunt Guide […]
September 21, 2007

FRACAT – Free Resume And Career Toolbox Blog » Job-Seeker / Career-Improvement Quicklinks for September 21, 2007

[…] Rowan Manahan at Fortify Your Oasis is assembling The Definitive Guide to Clearing Job Hunt Hurdles. I saw assembling because other people are writing it. He’s just linking to them. I guess if Jason Alba is there, I’ll have to dig something up to submit… (Hat Tip: Chief Happiness Officer […]
July 25, 2009

R.G. San Ramon

Hi. I borrowed the picture you placed on this post for my article What types of Careers are available to Psychology Majors? at Hubpages.com. The link to the article is http://hubpages.com/hub/Careers-for-Psychology-Majors