Category: Job Search

A job search, also referred to “job hunt” is basically described as an individual’s desire to work for someone else – usually a large company or corporation – in return for money (wages, a salary, etc.) which can be paid in regular intervals – weekly, bi-weekly – in the form of a pacheck.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

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Processes

In order to achieve goals there are processes which should be implemented; processes designed to streamline and analyze such goals and objectives so that they are deemed achievable before the first step is taken. It is important, however, to start at the very beginning and with the smallest, most specific part of the goal or objective, making these initial steps the most important in meeting the guidelines.

An objective is a thorough understanding of what action or plan is to be taken and then identifying the anticipated results. Such a plan provides the set of directions intended on making the decision less complicated than it appeared in the early stages or at inception.

Peter Ducker wrote a documentary-style book published in 1954 entitled Practiced Management wherein MBO or Management by Objectives, was introduced. The book outlined a program which consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization. The nature of this program is such that it is also be applicable to personal plans.

MBO consists of 5 steps

First – It should be Specific. It is better to accomplish one goal at a time instead of attempting to – or even thinking of – pursuing several plans simultaneously, since a single objective cannot be reached if there are two or more results expected. Fundamental to this step is the need to clarify that which is to be achieved and giving it full attention. It also must be taken as seriously as possible.

Second – It should be Measurable. Many things that are not tangible can be difficult to measure and, by contrast, there are things which are measurable by the mere fact that they include numbers or ratings. Take, for example, that service crews are hard to measure based on how the service was delivered; but if complaints are counted there is then a specific number which can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.

 

In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished is used as basis for measurement. Cooperation, though a very vague word can also be measured by taking survey a subordinates and peers. How fast or slow customer assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide data on how situations can be measured.

However, refrain from the use general terms when making an objective statement, but speak in clear and specific terms, such as: to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.

Realistic

Third – It should be Attainable. The resources made available provide information on how an objective can be attained, indicating that it must be something derived from fact which being very realistic. Keep in mind, the possibility that certain objectives can indeed be realistic but the time frames in which to reach or accomplish them are not.

So it is better to state objectives that are factual since this promotes motivation; rather than stating an objective taken from belief, as this may result in unexpected (devastating?) failure and lead to a feeling of discouragement and/or despondency.

Fourth – It should be Result-oriented. An objective should be stated clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end result as this will be a guide in determining whether or not the objective to reach a stated goal is effective and meaningful. Is this objective going to help the individual grow or succeed? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? For it is only after all the plans are completed, reaching the objective can be considered a success.

Fifth – It should be Time Bound. There should be a limitation on all the things needed to be accomplished. This matters, since the root of any plan can be traceable; but it matters also because it is an indication of whether or not the objective is effective enough not to cause unneccessary delay. Of course, as with any goal or objective, there will will always a sense of fulfillment when accomplishing a set of objectives occurs earlier than the deadline.

Chart

In conclusion, developing an objective that is easily measured, can be attained, within a limited time will help in determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and worthwhile to everyone involved.

A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and strengths that were recognized along the way. This will also indicate the time that was consumed and the length of the objective developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual or the group involved toward greater achievements.

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The Job Seeker FAQs on Thank-You Notes

Kiss-up-ish?

Many career advisers will tell their job seeker clients to send a thank you note after having been interviewed. To address the most frequently asked questions on how and what to send in a thank-you note, the following giveaways could come in handy.

Won’t the employer think that an applicant is desperate and kiss-up-ish if s/he sends a thank-you letter?

Of course not. Rarely is an employer not pleased to receive a thank-you letter. It is considered a common way of showing politeness; a gesture of courtesy, one way to outshine the rest of the interviewees, and a way to keep your name upfront.

Will it not jeopardize the possibility of getting the job?

Not in most cases, but it could under some circumstances. So – you may ask – why take the chance? The answer: Most bosses waver between the two most recent and promising applicants. A student and an experienced officer, for example, are the final interviewees for a certain position.

However, when the boss gets a thank-you letter from the student, it made all the difference, because that simple, well mannered gesture increases the student’s chances of getting that job.

Rapport dictates format?

Can it be handwritten or should it be typewritten?

Actually, it does not matter since the important thing which really counts is consideration and the thought of doing it. Of course the letter must be tailored to your prospective company and the officer who interviewed you, thereby further demonstrating respect.

Keep in mind that if the company interviewer or the position being applied for merits a formal business letter, then do so. Mostly, a handwritten note is okay if the interviewer and the applicant have built some rapport.

Will it be okay to e-mail the thank you note?

 

First thoughts indicate that this is a big NO. However, it depends on the company’s culture because if the company’s personnel use e-mail in all their communication and correspondence, then it should be acceptable. This will also apply if the company is into fast decision making when hiring applicants.

Always remember that even if e-mails fit in with the culture of the company, it’s still a better idea to follow up the email with a hard copy of your thank-you note.

So you can save yourself a lot of trouble since “anything goes” right?

Nice and neat works!

NO. On the other side of the previous story, there are prospective applicants who were almost on the verge of being hired but suddenly hit the skids after sending in sloppy, ill-fixed thank you letters, with many typographical errors and misspelled words. A part of having good communication skills is being able to write effectively. Companies do not need employees who have to be taught simple writing skills.

Will a borrowed thank-you letter do?

Yes, borrowing is one thing, but make sure to look at the letter’s basic structure. Never plagiarize the whole letter as it may be applicable to the one person but not to the other. Surely, there are employers who can distinguish a thank-you note that has been copied from another.

If it was a panel interview should thank-you letters be sent to all interviewers?

Frankly, that would be recommended since the same letter to each is as essential as sending one to all. The only thing you have to do is edit some phrases for individuality in case the interviewers bump into each other and compare the notes they received.

How soon should a thank-you note be sent?

The golden rule is to send thank you notes within 24 hours after the interview.

Will it still be okay to mail the thank-you note if the hiring decision is made sooner than when the mailed thank-you note is received?

Personalize it

Come to think of it, if the mail is too prehistoric for the hiring decision makers, then find a much speedier way: it can be sent via e-mail, fax, express delivery or personal hand delivery. In fact, if you have hand delivered the thank-you note, it can leave a great impression.

A primary business tool on hold

What if there’s already an offer before even sending the thank you notes?

It’s still better to send the thank-you note as this can be used to accept or decline the offer. This could also be a confirmation of your agreement and/or understanding of the offer they have given (salary, benefits, other compensation, starting date, vacations, etc.), this way any discrepancies can be straightened out before even starting the job.

Always find a way to make it as personalized as possible and try to think out of the box. You may even adapt some of what you have observed among contents of the interviewer’s office during the interview. Sending an article that you think the interviewer might be interested in is also a good suggestion. Whatever method you use, make it fast and professional.