Want to get hired faster than up to 97% of other job seekers?
Well, you can. By doing two simple things almost nobody else is doing:
1) write down a job search goal and
2) read it out loud 10 times a day.
Do this and you'll find a job faster as a result. I promise.
Here's how ...
Depending on which self-help book you read or success guru you listen to, only about 3% to 10% of the population has written goals, with deadlines. To prove this, ask yourself -- do you have written goals? Probably not. Now go ask 10 friends. Only about one will answer yes, if they're honest.
The point is this: only a tiny percentage of people take the effort to decide exactly what they want in life and then write it down in the form of clear, specific goals.
This may explain why only a tiny percentage of people rise to the top in any profession. Why a tiny percentage are truly happy in their work. Why a tiny percentage sail from one rewarding job to the next, as if they were following a blueprint for success.
Well, that's what written goals are -- mini-blueprints for success.
Think about it. Would you hire an architect to build you a home who refused to draw a blueprint? You'd think he was nuts, of course, and show him the door.
And yet, I'll wager that more than 90% of people look for work with no written goals -- blueprints -- of any kind. Is it any wonder so many folks meet with so much frustration and take so long to get hired?
OK. Let's get you a job search goal and then burn it into your brain, so you will get focused, get motivated and get hired. Fast.
There are two steps to this goal-setting process.
Step 1) Decide on the job you want and write it down
Complete the following statement and write it on a 3x5 card:
"It's June 30. I'm an outstanding JOB TITLE who adds value to the company lucky enough to have me. I'm making $XX,XXX in a stimulating environment, doing work I love, surrounded by co-workers I enjoy."
Now, why is this important?
Writing a goal forces you to get clear on what you want. After all, you'd never write down a goal like this: "Um, well, I'd like a job that pays the bills, maybe working in an office or something." Yet, that's typical of the response I get from many people when I ask, "What job are you looking for?"
So, by writing down a specific employment goal with a due date (so your subconscious knows you're serious), you'll be ahead of the vast majority of other job seekers.
But that's not enough ...
Step 2) Reinforce your goal
Writing down a goal is great. But if you want breakthrough results, you have to reinforce it until it's crystal clear in your mind's eye, like the North Star.
To do this, read your goal out loud 10 times every morning. Then, put your 3x5 "goal card" in your pocket and refer to it during the day -- at least three times, if you can.
Soon, your life will organize itself around finding your ideal job, as your subconscious goes to work. You'll start to see employment leads where before there appeared none.
Example: someone you haven't heard from in 10 years will call, and the conversation will lead to a job interview. Or your hair dresser will volunteer the name of a hiring manager who's looking for someone like you. Or your next-door neighbor will bring back a hammer he borrowed last year ... along with a job lead.
I've seen this sort of thing happen too many times to dismiss it as chance.
Try this two-step process for the next 30 days and see for yourself. The worst that can happen is you'll have a very clear idea of the job you seek. At best, you'll be working.
What have you got to lose?
Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes. Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.