You want a new job, so you call a few friends and answer a few ads. Nothing comes of it, so you give up.

That’s the typical job seeker. There’s a better way to land a job. I call it the One-Week Job Search. Yes, it’s a demanding week, but afterwards, you may be able to sit back and watch the interview requests roll in.

DAY 1

1. Prepare three PAR stories. PAR stands for “Problem—Approach--Resolution.” Rehearse a brief story in which you briefly describe a problem you faced at work, how you approached it, and its positive resolution.

Example: We were having trouble meeting our fundraising goal. I decided that we should try an auction with a local celebrity as the auctioneer. I led the entire effort and we raised $27,000 in one night.

Rehearse your PAR stories with a friend or by talking into a tape recorder.

2. Create your resume

Creating a resume is a few-hour not a few-week activity. First, go to eresumes.com. It links to thousands of model resumes. Pick one or two to draw from. Next, open Microsoft Word and click on file, new, other documents, and Contemporary Resume or Elegant Resume. Plug in your information, inspired by what you saw in the model resume(s). Focus on accomplishments, not just duties.

Show a draft to a respected person or two.

DAY 2

Make a list of 50 potential employers. Can’t find 50? Your Yellow Pages or a reference librarian may help. For a list of government employers, see the front of the San Francisco or local White Pages.

To get the name of the specific person to contact, call the organization’s switchboard and say, “I need to email a senior marketing (or whatever’s appropriate) person. Can I get the correct spelling of his or her name and e-mail address?”

DAY 3

Make a list of every person in your extended personal network. That means everyone from your former co-workers to your haircutter to your parent’s best friend, to that person in your study group at college 20 years ago. Put at least 25 people on that list.
2. Write a human, brief letter to be emailed to prospective employers and to people in your personal network. Example:

Dear (insert prospective employer’s name),

I’m interested in working for (insert company name) because your website suggests that diversity in your workforce is a high priority—I am a human resources manager with special expertise in diversity management. Also, your office is just ten minutes from my home.

Until last week, I was working for ABC Corp. I am one of 50 people who was downsized. They really liked me, so it was quite a shock. In any event, I’m looking for a job.

Some recent accomplishments:

(Insert three one-line bullets)

If you think I might be of help to you, I’d welcome a call. My number is (insert number) and the best times to reach me are (insert times.)

Sincerely,

DAY 4

E-mail your resume and semi-personalized cover letter to the people you identified on Days 2 and 3.

Post your resume on job sites such as sfgate.com, craigslist.org, monster.com, careerbuilder.com, usajobs.opm.gov (federal jobs), caljobs.ca.gov (state and local jobs). For a master list of career-specific employment sites, go to www.rileyguide.com/jobs.html or consult the book, Career Xroads.

Many of those sites will allow you to sign up for electronic “agents” that notify you whenever a new job opening is posted that matches your qualifications. Sign up for those.

DAY 5

Respond to five want ads (at the above sites) for which you are well qualified.

Here’s a model letter:

Dear XXX,

I was excited to see your posting for Job #365778 on bayrecruiter.com because I believe I’m a good fit.



JOB REQUIREMENTS MY BACKGROUND

Insert the requirements as stated in the Insert how you meet the requirement.

ad.

I hope to have the opportunity to interview.

Sincerely,

DAY 6+

Phone any people who responded to your email. Be prepared to tell your PAR stories.

If it feels appropriate, ask questions about the employer’s needs to see if a case could be made for creating a position for you. If so, say something like, “Having listened carefully to what you were saying, it sounds like I could be of most help to you if I did X. Might that be a possibility?”

If the person says he has no job for you, ask if he would mind if you contacted him again in a month to see if the situation has changed. Or ask if she would suggest other potential employers you should speak with.

DAY 7

You now have plenty irons in the fire. Have fun!




Dr. Marty Nemko hosts Work With Marty Nemko,
Sundays 11 am to noon
on KALW, 91.7 FM, San Francisco.
His newest book is Cool Careers for Dummies
and he offers by-phone and in-person career
and personal coaching.
For information, call 510-655-2777.