This guide is intended for people who desire to leave their current employer but want to seek a new job while still employed… who are about to graduate from college… or who are about to finish their assignment in the armed forces.
6 Months Prior
- Write down an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses regarding your experience and skills.
- Research job opportunities. Ask questions of people in the industry, attend trade shows, read trade publications, and research companies/trade associations using their websites. Thousands of wood products firms have their own websites. Use the Website Links page on our website, where trade associations and trade publications are listed at the bottom.
- Obtain financial information on public and private firms regarding their financial stability, goals, and growth potential. Research firm’s websites and financial reports in depth.
- Decide on what type of job you want to perform… operations, engineering, finance, accounting, technical services, maintenance, personnel, sales, and marketing, etc.
- Format your resume using some of the guidelines suggested on the Resume Tips page of our website. List specific qualifications, accomplishments, education, etc. Also, prepare a “mini-resume” on a business card (use front and back). Present these cards to your selected business contacts as a networking tool.
- Join selected professional associations if you are not already a member. Take advantage of association referral services.
- Sign up with LinkedIn (if you haven’t already) and include a brief bio with your current and previous work/educational experiences.
- Contact selected recruiters in your field of expertise using LinkedIn and Google searches.
3 Months Prior
- Practice interviewing techniques. Be honest about your skills and accomplishments.
- Prepare “in-person” contact lists. Target the hiring manager, not just the personnel manager.
- Obtain reference letters from your prior employers, associates with your current employer, and outside business associates.
- Send out monthly letters to key hiring officials. Indicate how a prospective employer can benefit from using your skillset. Remember, over 80% of job openings are not advertised.
2 Months Prior
- Follow up with phone calls to hiring managers. Schedule interviews and be punctual and properly dressed for the interview. The first impression is the key. In most cases, you will be interviewed by a number of the hiring firm’s employees. Be honest in replying to questions and ask thoughtful questions regarding responsibilities and the firm’s culture.
When you graduate, leave the military, or leave an employer…
- Devote full-time to the job search. This is not a part-time effort. Your job is to get a job.
- Follow up with in-person contacts, phone calls, letters, etc. Show interest in working for the firm.
- After an offer is extended, you can negotiate on the salary and benefit package. Ask for a performance review after 6 months on the job. Make sure you know what your responsibilities are at the outset of employment.
Patience and persistence during your job search will pay off over the long term. Remember, it is the steady rain that soaks, not the quick downpour.