Get Involved

In previous posts, I outlined several reasons for writing a blog.  Less than ten posts later, my goals are already evolving.  Since this is my first blog, I anticipate constant changes.  That means you'll have to keep reading, lest you miss out on this excitement.

The first is that I want you to get involved.  I want your advice, and here’s why:

I have spent a year searching for a job outside law enforcement.  During the first six months, I was not particularly motivated.  I sent out a few applications, but didn’t do much else.  Since mid-summer, when I finished graduate school, my motivation has increased steadily.  I began to put more effort in to the search and try new approaches.  I updated my LinkedIn page, started a log of all my applications, reached out to most of my network, and began sending out more and more applications.   Unfortunately, nothing seemed to stick.

I have applied to more than 300 jobs since June, but all I have to show for it is one phone interview (after which I was turned down).  I can no longer blame the economy.  The problem is me.  I have a rock-solid job history, a great education, a sense of humor, and the willingness to move anywhere for the right job.  This means that I am doing something wrong, but I can’t figure out what.  That is where you come in.  I welcome any constructive criticism or helpful advice (along with comments totally unrelated to my job search).  Maybe somebody out there on the interweb can help me fix the glitch.

I’ll start with a question: How do I market myself to industries outside of law enforcement?  What are some ways that I can set myself up for success as I seek jobs in sales, management, marketing, or operations?

Until next time.

-Taft