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Looking for a job sounds simple, but it can be a
daunting task without a guide. Once you devise your
plan and use it, keep it handy and ready to
reactivate. Research shows that you will be back in
the job market several times during your lifetime.
Use
these 10 steps to guide you in your job search.
1.
Assess career options based on determining your
strengths, skills, and passions. This is the perfect
time to determine if your goals are up to date and
in alignment with what you love to do. Ask yourself
questions. What provides meaning in my life? What
are my core strengths and purpose? How does work fit
into my vision for life?
2.
Create a resume that encompasses your work
experiences, training, and formal education. Start
with an overall statement that describes you as if
you were being introduced. Follow with your work
experience, most current to your first job, list
training classes and formal education. Always be
completely truthful in this document.
3.
Gather reference letters from former colleagues,
mentors, trainers and supervisors. If you are new to
the workforce, consider who you know who can create
an accurate account of your work habits: for
example, a college professor, the leader of a
volunteer organization, or the director of the
summer camp where you worked as a counselor.
4.
Network. Everyone you know is your network. The more
people who know you are looking, the more people
there are who can ultimately refer you to a hidden
job opening.
5.
Research companies as potential employers. You read
about this in step 4, but it is very important to
know what types of companies best fit your
requirements. Do you want to gain experience, have
the ability to move up, and/or secure medical
benefits? Learning more about what options are out
there and how they match up against your
requirements will ultimately help you through the
negotiation state.
6.
Search online job sources. Jobs are posted on the
major job boards, corporate sites, industry
associations, professional organizations, local
sites and many, many more places.
7.
Attend job fairs and networking events. Dress much
as you would for an interview, take copies of your
resume, business cards, and be prepared to answer
what type of work you are seeking. If you are not
sure, review step 1.
8.
Practice interviewing. This is a critical skill
where you discuss your strengths, perhaps also your
weaknesses, your abilities and your related
education and work experience. You will need to pose
intelligent questions that you craft based on your
research of the company, its customers, its
services, and what real world problems it is in
business to solve.
9.
Prepare your interview clothes. Business attire,
matching pieces, clean, and pressed will present you
as a serious candidate. Polish your shoes, avoid
heavy perfumes and colognes, and accessorize with
restraint.
10.
Send a brief, thoughtful thank you letter after the
interview. Pick up a business card from the person
who conducts the interview so you can address the
letter with the correct name and title. This step
alone will make you stand out since it is rarely
done, but always appreciated.
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providing all job level career coaching and resume
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Visit
http://careercoaching.careermogul.com for full
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