Brainstorm, focus, think creatively
as you look for that dream job
By Tamela Allen Phillips
Special to GwinnettForum.com

NOV. 30, 2001 -- I can't say I didn't see it coming. Last summer, I received word that my job as director of communications had ended. I was nevertheless, devastated.

In my 19-year career, I had never been "laid off." I was fiercely loyal to a firm that had provided me with the means to get back on my feet as a single parent. My boss and mentor was vice chairman of the board. But after four quarters of dwindling revenue and nine rounds of layoffs, even he couldn't save me.

After September 11, my troubles suddenly seemed trivial, but I also knew it would be harder than ever to find a job. It hasn't been easy but I'm confident it can happen, and I'd like to share some tips I've learned with fellow job seekers.

In today's market, a job search requires focus, creativity, company knowledge and selflessness -- many of the same qualifications that employers are seeking in you.

1. Brainstorm, then focus. I created a blueprint that included a referral from my boss, 40 job-related Web sites, ideas from a co-worker who wanted to start a business together and a list of 200 vendors and clients from my former company. The local paper and Gwinnett Chamber publications fed me another 100 company names.

I then targeted a handful of Gwinnett-based companies and pinpointed my goals to stay in technology and work for a reputable public or sizable private company.

2. Use your creative force. It's not enough to send a resume and good cover letter. I once replied to a want ad for a restaurant marketing director. With no restaurant background, I was one of 300 resumes. My attachment of creative ideas got me to the top 50. When I delivered my resume in person, I noticed the lobby's wall of publicity. I brought reprints to the interview and followed up with a similar gift tucked into my thank you note. I got the job.

This time I sent a customized creative package including a newsletter of ideas to the company I had targeted. A week later, I was invited to lunch, an interview and an introduction to two department heads, in spite of the fact that the available position had been eliminated in a round of layoffs.

3. Be like a CEO. Know how companies work and CEOs think. Investment books and many Web sites tell you factors to consider when evaluating a company. Knowing these factors can help you know the part you play and the ideas you can bring to a job.

4. Think selflessly. Companies really don't care what you want or what you've done. They want to know what you can do for them. Approach them with that mindset.

Why should people go out of their way to help you in a job search? If you help friends find jobs, they will help you. Serve as a reference. Stay in touch with every boss you've had. If you have been out of touch with a contact, think about what you could to merit help in return.

I joined the Gwinnett Chamber and plan to organize a new mentoring program with that in mind. I am writing this article and serving on a corporate board to that end. Send your contacts articles of interest, sales leads or other helpful information. For my references, I have very special gifts in mind when I find that dream job in great Gwinnett. And I plan to do my part to help make it even greater.

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