Checklist can help job hunt succeed

Question: I was recently laid off from my most recent job as an executive assistant. I have been in this field for more than 10 years and have been applying to no avail for positions that I know I am qualified for. Should I try changing my rsum?

Answer: The rsum is but one of many potential hotspots to focus on if interviews are not forthcoming. Stellar qualifications and an effective marketing strategy should place you in contention for the openings that do exist. Run through the following checklist to highlight strengths and close potential gaps in your approach:

Mirror the requirements. To test your hypothesis of the certainty of your qualifications, go through each requirement listed for the positions to which you’re applying. Eager candidates sometimes focus on the requirements they meet and dismiss those that they don’t have. If you can’t say that you excel at each and every one, it’s possible that a poor match for one or more of the requirements could be screening you out of contention among more qualified candidates. To avoid early elimination from the hiring process, close any gap through additional training, self-study or experience.

Send flawless correspondence. Most recruiters and hiring managers harbor the expectation that a serious job candidate will present an error-free rsum. The bar is raised even higher for someone in your position. Because your work requires attention to detail, employers will view the quality of your rsum, cover letters and e-mails as representative of your work. Your correspondence offers a window on your business writing skills, attention to detail and follow-through. Take advantage of this opportunity to impress potential employers with your precision and finesse.

Customize your approach. Research organizations before applying, targeting those that suggest the best fit. By qualifying employers ahead of time, you’ll increase your odds of a positive reciprocal response. Make sure that each letter of intent is personalized with the relevant contact name, your interest in the particular company and your potential contributions

Use a multifaceted search strategy. Don’t get stuck in the “advertised openings” rut. Print and online postings are one of many sources of job opportunities. Expand your approach to increase the likelihood of uncovering other openings. Spend most of your time on networking (talking with people to gather relevant information and tap into potential leads), followed by sourcing through a combination of recruiters, job fairs and online/print listings. The more face-to-face contact you generate, the greater the opportunity for interviews and offers.

Get feedback. Beyond your instincts about potential obstacles to your employment, the best way to assess barriers is through the observations and feedback of others. Ask for suggestions from trusted colleagues, recruiters and, when possible, employers who declined to offer you a position. This will allow you to zero in on barriers and open the door to the interviewing process, for which you will have to prepare with attention and vigor.

Once you’ve gone through the paces to assess and address your current job search strategy, the best gift you can give yourself is to believe in your worth.