30 Seconds to a New Job

By Elizabeth Hanink

You’ve heard of elevator speeches, haven’t you? It is the 30-second spiel you can use if a potential employer or client happens to ride up — or down — the elevator with you. You give it, they are impressed, they offer you a job while holding the doors open with their elbow, and you both live happily ever after. Sorry. There’s more to it than that.

For one, these little gems are applicable in many situations. You don’t have to be in an elevator, you can be in line at Quiznos or riding the MTA. You can even leave these little speeches as voice mail. Although 30 seconds is standard, a tad longer is OK.

What you want to cover is simple: who you are and what you do. However, the way you say this is critical. There is no room for jargon, and your phrasing should tell less about you and more about how you can help your target. Let them know what is in it for them. So, instead of, “I’m a hairstylist,” you might want to say, “I help a woman look her best by creating a hairstyle that suits her life.” Or, rather than, “I do bookkeeping,” use, “I help small organizations like yours balance their books and complete the payroll.”

After you decide what to say, practice, practice, practice. You want to sound natural and conversational. Keep eye contact, breathe and finish by handing your prospect a business card or by asking for an appointment.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

The 18-Minute Job Search

By Elizabeth Hanink

There’s a statistic much bandied about that claims the average unemployed worker in America spends 18 minutes a day looking for employment. Well, this statistic is probably as valid as the study that shows the average woman spends 18 years of her life in the kitchen. Both are most likely unknowable “facts.” Still, the first number does draw attention to the perception that many unemployed do not understand the need for diligent, relentless job hunting.

Think of it this way. When a politician decides to run for office, getting elected eats up every minute of his/her time. Office-seekers understand that just letting people know they are interested and posting a few articles on a webpage will not do the trick. Instead, days, weeks and months are spent in travel, working breakfasts and late-night strategy sessions. The campaign often lasts years.

You need to model your search in the same way — like a campaign. When you are unemployed, your job search is your work. It should take up at least eight hours a day. Some of the time will be spent networking; some will be spent researching or going to job fairs. You can volunteer or study to gain new skills, but all of your time should be devoted to getting that job.

While in today’s world you may not need to literally pound the pavement, your efforts should resemble that pounding in every way. Work comes when you invest significant time and energy into yourself and your search.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy