In the Meantime ... Career Strategies

The first step toward career success is building a positive self esteem and establishing a healthy confidence. Whether, if you are currently unemployed, underemployed or seeking a promotion, begin your job search by promising to be optimistic and believing that you are able to reach beyond your current situation.

The second step is preparing your resume. A resume is a concise, accurate and well-organized summary of your qualifications, skills, education, and career interests. The resume is the first impression that is presented to a potential employer. A resume should always be accompanied with a cover letter. The cover letter should be addressed to a specific individual, identify the targeted job, state why you are writing, explain how your qualifications align with the position, and indicate follow up options.

The third step is preparing for the interview. The interview is your second chance to make a good impression. The three R's for effective interview preparation are research, rehearse, and respond. First, research the company to identify its mission, goals, and services. Your research will also allow you to prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the company and the job itself. Second, rehearse potential questions that may be asked. Also, plan your attire, which should be professional and conservative. Third, respond by sending a thank you letter immediately following the interview that should include your continued interest in the position, and thank the interviewer for their information and time.

A fourth step in the career search process is effective networking. As many as 80 percent of job openings are filled by networking, which means solid networking skills are essential, especially in a competitive economy. Networking takes on many facets including talking with people in your immediate circle, then expanding your network to include employee referrals, mentors, and professional organizations. Remember to always add the personal touch when networking by remembering names, follow up with recent contacts, and always stay in touch with your network circle by either a periodic email or phone call.

Networking Your Way to Success

You have done your homework, your book has been designed and printed, now you are ready to pound the pavement and knock down doors to make that sale. First, design your website to include the cover of your book, a picture of yourself, a synopsis of the book, ordering information, and contact information are the basic pages to include when you initially set up your site. Watch the site grow as your sales increase. You will have additional information to include such author events, photos, and reviews. Second, create an interesting email campaign to send to your contacts to spread the word about your new book, and hopefully, they will then forward your email to their family and friends.

Join the social networking phenomenon, set up your Face Book and MySpace pages. If you already have a personal page set up, then establish a separate page for your book business. It is best to maintain a professional appearance on your social networking sites, you never know who is watching... Create a blog page and keep it update with fresh, new content to keep readers coming back. Always make your website is linked to all of your marketing material. Readers need to know how to always contact you or review your work.

Join author and writing groups, which will prove to be beneficial in several ways. These groups can offer constructive criticism, honest feedback, and become interested buyers. Also, have business cards printed and available with you at all times. Have bookmarks or postcards printed with the cover of your book as the design, and include ordering information such as the ISBN number for easy access. Remember persistence pays off!