Following career advice from experienced professionals is imperative when searching for a job. As we review the list at the bottom of the page, we can see that we have completed most of the steps that we have control over. But it is at this next step, following up, that many job-seekers stall in their search.
At only 15 years old, my daughter decided she would like a job to have her own money because her father is very cheap. She began by making a list of places she would like to work. She gathered business names from the local community and, of all places, the phone book (remember those?).
After some research, she decided she wanted to work at a boutique shop selling clothes or at a café, rather than a fast-food restaurant, because she wanted to work somewhere “cute.” She began calling businesses (networking). In less than a month, she had turned in several resumes and had 3 interviews when she landed her first job!
Later, that week I was instructed to pick up her work permit form from a café and, when I met the boss, she told me she hired her because she was persistent. She came to the interview prepared, with a pen. “Nobody ever has a pen, and she did not give up until I said ‘yes’,” the manager said.
Why did I tell you this story? Because it was her follow-up that landed the job. My daughter made it so easy for the owner to hire her, and she felt she had to give my daughter a shot. The owner needed someone, and she then had a very motivated hostess welcoming her patrons to her café. Of course, I got to drive her and got nothing for it, but she had a job she is proud of.
Remember, “No one cares about your career like you do.” Follow-up in a timely manner and with purpose is critical!
The Veteran’s Approach to a Job Search Series:
- Military mentality.
- Identify skills, education, and experience.
- Decide what you are qualified to do.
- Prepare your resume.
- Continue your education, if necessary.
- Plan your work, work your plan.
- Network with everyone.
- Use all your resources.
- Dress to impress.
- Follow-up.
- Stay motivated, motivate others.
- Volunteer or get a part-time job.
About the Author:
Darren Sherrard is the associate director for Recruitment Marketing and Advertising at VA’s Office of Workforce Management and Consulting. Darren retired from the U.S. Army with 20 years of service. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management, is a Senior Fellow of Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, a Certified Contracting Officer Representative (COR) II and a Federal Acquisition Corps Program Manager (PM) I.
