It is important to revisit your job search plan for two reasons: (1) to figure out if your plan is working (2) to determine if your needs have changed and evaluate if your present plan supports your objective. Follow these 5 easy steps to revitalize your job search campaign. 1. Evaluate your point of entry. During your job search, you have used various techniques to grab the attention of an employer. You have sent your resume and a cover letter; followed up with phone calls; went on informational interviews and so forth. Evaluate each point of entry and analyze if you are presenting yourself in the best possible light. Below are a few questions you should ask yourself to determine if you are on the right track: * My resume is professionally developed and highlights the qualifications that the hiring organization is seeking. Y/N * My outgoing voicemail message sounds professional. Y/N * The questions I ask during informational/networking meetings are insightful and they demonstrate my interest in my field. Y/N * I am optimistic about my job search and my enthusiasm shines through. Y/N You should have answered "yes" to every question. Every encounter you have with a potential employer should reflect your level of interest and level of professionalism. 2. Is your resume accomplishment-driven? Fill your resume with PAR (problem, action, results) statements. In doing so, you will overcome the temptation of simply writing your job history. Let's take a look at how a PAR statement is put together: Problem: I was hired by ABC Company after the former sales/marketing executive failed to launch a successful campaign. ABC's profits have been declining steadily and they needed someone to penetrate the northeastern region. Challenge: The marketing campaign needed to be restructured. Result: I landed 3 major accounts and increased profits by 37%. Putting it all together: ~ Recruited to revitalize stagnant sales and penetrate territory. Restructured marketing and advertising campaigns, launched new business development initiatives, and spearheaded account management programs. Delivered an increase of 37% in profit margin and landed 3 major accounts, two of which were Fortune 500 companies. The content in your resume has to reflect who you are and what you can bring to the table. Reread your resume and make sure that it showcases your accomplishments. 3. Get to know your competitor's marketing strategy. Attend networking events, conduct informational interviews, and attend job fairs and industry related-events to find out what your competition is selling. Listen to their pitch, find out their accomplishments and determine who they have interviewed with. The information you collect can be invaluable to your job search success. 4. Are you thinking like a hiring manager? Respond to the hiring managers needs. Review want ads and write down the common themes that you notice then go on informational interviews and ask your contact, "What are the three attributes that employers are looking for in this field." Being privy to this type of "insider" information will give you an advantage over other candidates. 5. Is your job search organized? It is important for you to conduct an organized campaign. You should have a daily schedule that you are able and willing to stick with. The following is a break down of a possible daily schedule. Notice when the activities are split into time intervals, the job search process doesn't seem overwhelming. Sample Daily Schedule 6:00 to 7:00 Exercise, yoga, or stretching 7:00 to 8:30 Shower, get dressed, eat breakfast 8:30 to 9:00 Review daily schedule, write down daily goals 9:00 to 10:00 Make telephone calls 10:00 to 10:15 Coffee break 10:15 to 11:00 Make more phone calls 11:00 to 12:30 Make follow-up calls, send out e-mails, thank you letters, resumes 12:30 to 1:30 Lunch break 1:30 to 5:00 Attend job interviews, face to face networking This sample serves as a guide. Your activities can vary day-to-day. Keep in mind that if you are unemployed, your goal is to dedicate at least 40 hours a week to your job search. In Conclusion When your job search hits a slump, revisit your strategy to determine what is and isn't working. If you are having a specific challenge email me at careerstrides@bigfoot.com with your question and I may answer it in an upcoming article. If there is a specific topic you would like to see covered, email me (careerstrides@bigfoot.com) your suggestion for consideration.