BECOME A JOB HUNTER, NOT A JOB HOPER

Become a job hunter, not a job hoper
09 May 2007 at 11h00

Job "hunting" is an apt term because there are parallels between animal hunting and hunting for a job, according to job-searching coach Gerard le Roux."Animals are smart. They can't just be 'shot' unless it's a 'canned' setup." It requires an expedition: it takes preparation and a team, purpose-designed equipment, a knowledge of the terrain and conditions; and it also requires stealth," Le Roux says.

"In addition, you need a definite target. If you want to hunt, then you have to decide on one target. You can't change your mind every half-hour, because the target needs to be tracked and stalked - and that takes time, patience and persistence. Also, if you have a particular target in mind, you can benefit by enlisting the help of those who can provide you with the knowledge and insight you're lacking."It's the same with job hunting, he says.

"You've got to be smart, streetwise, you've got to know the industry and players in the market. You've got to understand market conditions and be abreast of what's happening around you," he says. "You can't be passive if you want results." The opposite of job hunting is "job hoping", he says. "Picture a hunter leaning against a tree, waiting and hoping that the right animal of just the right size will happen to pass, will not see him and will stop at the right distance to give him a perfect shot." Job hoping could land you a job, but most often it's a long drawn-out process with a mediocre result, he says.

Le Roux has provided a checklist for better job hunting:
Identify a target: what job, what industry, what company, what department would you like to work in?

Research your market: what kind of companies would you like to work for? What gets you excited?

Get equipped: get your CV reviewed by friends or colleagues you trust, make changes, make sure you have your CV ready to e-mail at the drop of a hat. Get a book out of the library on how to answer tough interview questions.

Get your gun: understand exactly what benefit you provide a company.

So this equates to research, research and then some more research. Getting new clients is no different what-so-ever. I would sugges that you get the freebies as suggested in the article and get your business up to date.

Happy client hunting.

Go: now start telling your friends, colleagues, family, neighbours and whoever else you meet what your aim is. "That's the formula. It works. Be brave, be confident, be smart, be stealthy and be prepared."

For more free advice on key job hunting topics, send an e-mail to quickfixes@getresponse.com. Le Roux will send his High Impact Job Hunting Quick Fixes, comprising articles 10 Smash & Grab Cover Letter Ideas; 10 Easy-to-Do Ways to Quick-Fix Your CV; and 10 Interview Success Strategies, to your inbox in an easy-to print and easy-to-share PDF document. There is no charge for these articles.

More information and advice is also provided on his website www.jobsearching.co.za