How to Find a Job in 28 Days or Less

Most of the job seekers I work with want to get their next job FAST. But the average length of a job search in today's economy is 13 weeks. How you spend your time searching for a job has a significant impact on your success.

On my OmahaJobHelp website, I note this statistic:

If you're unemployed, every day you are out of work means lost income ... lost retirement benefits ... lost vacation time. If you make $45,000 a year, you're losing $180 a day in salary alone.

Most job seekers don't have a specific plan for how they're going to find their next job. Instead, they sit down in front of their computer and start searching the job openings they find advertised online. Monster. Careerlink. Careerbuilder.

They apply for the jobs they see. Sometimes even dozens of them at a time. They may look in the Omaha World-Herald's classified section for jobs.

Then they wait. And wait. And wait. Waiting for the employers to call them and offer them the job. Or they worry -- because they don't see any "good" jobs out there ... at least not as good as the job they used to have. They begin to wonder if they'll ever find another job. And the more discouraged they get, the harder it is to want to look for a new job. They wonder why companies won't even send them a letter or an e-mail that they weren't selected for the position. (It's because companies are inundated with applications, since it's so easy to apply for a job online.) They think that "no one is hiring" because they can't find a job like the one they used to have. Or they mistakenly believe they are "overqualified."

What they don't know is that they will be more successful in finding their next job if they treat their job search as a project with defined objectives, an action plan, and a timeline. It's also critical that they get out from behind their computer and reconnect with PEOPLE ... people who can give them a job, people who can introduce them to the people who are hiring, and people who know where the jobs are!

Succeeding in your job search is based on three simple factors:

• Identifying and articulating a clear idea of what you want;
• Cultivating and nurturing a strong, active network; and
• Developing an action plan -- and then executing it!

The Get Hired Now! program, based on the book by C.J. Hayden and Frank Traditi, guides job seekers through all three steps of this process, giving you a roadmap to finding your next job fast!

Here's a free report: How to Find a Job in 28 Days or Less.

It will tell you more about how the Get Hired Now! program can help you find your next job faster!

I'm going to be offering the next session of my five-week Get Hired Now! program, beginning Aug. 19. We'll meet for five Wednesdays (3 hours the first night for the program introduction and development of your customized Job Search Action Plan, and then the following four weeks for one hour each night for follow-up coaching and accountability sessions).

The cost is just $199, and it includes a copy of the Get Hired Now! book. (Click on the link to read a sample chapter). The program will be held at The Center for Counseling and Psychotherapy, 8021 Chicago Street (just off of 84th and Dodge Street in Omaha).

Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The workshop fee is due with pre-registration or on the first night (advance registration is required, since the program is limited to 8 participants per session). Payment can be made by check, cash, Mastercard, or Visa, and the program cost may be tax deductible as a job search expense if you itemize on your taxes.

I'm just finishing up a program session, and am thrilled with the results the participants have achieved so far! Two of the participants are currently unemployed and are getting interviews, and another is looking for a job for the first time in 20 years after being self-employed and has arranged a series of informational interviews to find out more about her desired career change. They've identified their strengths and targeted their "ideal jobs," they've expanded their personal networks, and they're well on their way to getting hired.

* Get Hired Now! is a trademark of Wings for Business LLC and is used under license.

Program Helps Clients Find Jobs in 28 Days

In a world where 85 percent of available jobs are never advertised, "Get Hired Now!" authors C.J. Hayden and Frank Traditi have developed a practical, hands-on program to help job-seekers -- and the career development professionals who serve them -- to tap into the hidden job market. This inspirational and motivational program (based on the book) helps job seekers benefit from the single most important factor to a successful job search -- the power of personal relationships.

At the heart of the program is a structured 28-day system to lead job seekers through the three key components of a successful job search:

1. Identifying the best job search strategies for the job seeker's professionals goals.
2. Helping the job seeker know exactly how and when to take action.
3. Keeping the job seeker motivated in the face of frustration and rejection.
   

Consistently directing job seekers to the most practical "next step" in a job search, "Get Hired Now" helps job-seeking individuals identify personal goals, find opportunities and contacts, connect with potential employers, get interviews, and land the job.

Bridget (Weide) Brooks, CPRW, has recently become a licensed facilitator for the 28-day "Get Hired Now" program. More information about structured programs and teleclasses will be forthcoming. The program is also available through one-on-one coaching with job seekers. For more information, call Bridget Brooks at (402) 393-4600.

About the Authors/Program Developers:
C.J. Hayden is a Master Certified Coach and author of the best-selling "Get Clients Now!"™ book and program. Since 1992, she has helped thousands of professionals achieve career success. A recognized leader in the coaching professions, Hayden has taught career skills at Mills College, Chevron, and Federal Express.

Frank Traditi is a career strategist and executive coach with more than 20 years of experience in management, sales, and marketing for Fortune 500 companies, including MCI. He has taught job search skills for the Information Technology Institute, the Universities of Wyoming and Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

How to Find Unadvertised Jobs

By Frank Traditi

Hall-of-Fame baseball player Willie Keeler (1872-1923) was asked to explain why he was such a good hitter. He said: "Keep a clear eye and hit 'em where they ain't." Sometimes the simplest answer opens our eyes to new opportunities. This is especially true in the job search game. Finding new opportunities can be a difficult expedition in today's market. I know many of you have real war stories about your experiences finding the right people who can help. I like to relate the hunt for new job opportunities to a hunt for hidden treasure. The map is hard to read. It's difficult to find where "X" marks the spot. Finally, when you get to the "X", what do you find? A million other people looking and digging for the same treasure. Does this sound familiar? Let's take Willie Keeler's advise and "...hit 'em where they ain't."

Following are ideas for places to look (some may be new to you) where you might find unadvertised job opportunities. In Jeffrey J. Fox's book, "Don't Send a Resume", he points out some unique venues that could lead to useful job search information. I've added a few ideas of my own to round out the list.

Venture capitalists and equity buyout firms
Companies like these make financial investments in new and emerging companies. Many of the people who work for these firms are financial experts. They're not experts in many of the facets of business. They are also very close and intimate with the inner workings of the company. They know where the missing pieces are and the kind of talent that would fill the gap.

Small companies
Companies with revenues less than $25 million are often better places to work than the big corporate giants. Don't overlook the capabilities of a smaller company. Many times they have the flexibility to create new jobs on the fly if you present yourself in a way that allows them to look outside the box.

Trust and estate bankers and lawyers
A trust is a legal entity formed to look after and protect economic assets. Sometimes it's a family owned business. These bankers and lawyers have the inside track on how the company is being managed and where the opportunity exists to bring in new talent. These entities have a very powerful voice in managing the money and want to see it grow.

Commercial loan officers
Banks lend money to companies. They do it based on the future success and viability of that business. They don't want their money to go down the drain. So, they have a vested interest in knowing that the right management team or day to day players are the right combination for making the company successful and paying back the loan.

Attend award ceremonies
Winners and those who want to win attend award ceremonies. People in decision-making positions or highly influential in the community frequently attend these events. They want to be seen amongst the winners. And because these events promote the spirit of building relationships, you'll have access to potentially several movers-and-shakers. You may find them sitting next to you at the banquet table. Reach out, introduce yourself, and begin the conversation. It could lead you down just the right path.

Bankruptcy trustees and lawyers
Bankruptcy laws are in place to help companies emerge from and revive from economic disaster. Trustees and lawyers work with the target company to help them pay their creditors. Most times when they emerge they are stronger than ever. 95% of the time the old management is gone. Sound like an opportunity to show them what you can do?

Volunteer and Non-profit Organizations
One of the best things you could do while searching is to give back to the community. You have some time and could really do nice things for a cause you believe in. What comes of your volunteer time? Besides the obvious of helping other people, you are rubbing shoulders with those who are just as passionate about the cause. People you are volunteering with could very well be leaders and influencers at successful companies around town. You now have built a common link and a chance to find opportunity at their company.

Take the time to find the hidden treasure in a place where few others are looking. Even if you focus on just one of these venues, you are ahead of the game. Happy hunting.

Copyright © 2005, Frank Traditi

Frank Traditi is the co-author of Get Hired NOW!: A 28-Day Program for Landing the Job You Want. He is an author, speaker, career strategist, and executive coach with more than 20 years of experience in management, sales, and marketing for Fortune 500 companies. Frank works with talented professionals to design a game plan for an extraordinary career. For a copy of his free guide "How to Find a Job in 28 Days or Less," visit www.gethirednow.com