If you are new to the tasks related to a job search or you have not been involved in a search for some time, it can be overwhelming. What do I do first, second, and so on? What is the best use of my time? How do I keep from running myself ragged or not doing enough of the right things during my day?

Using Your Job Search Resources

1. Networking – contacting anyone that you know or that works in the
company/organization where you would like to work or may already have a job opening that meets your goals.

2. Look on Companies or Organizations web sites for job openings – Most companies, governments, and other types of organizations list their job opportunities on their web site.

3. Internet Job Posting Sites – Job posting sites on the Internet provide a huge resource for conducting a job search. A person could go into a search engine, submit either “job postings” or a specific title such as “sports job postings” and come up with thousands of sites to search. Some job sites require that you register while some will even charge a fee.

The choices are enormous so you would need to proceed with some caution. However it is a good resource for finding job opportunities no matter what type of job you’re searching for. To simplify matters, here is a list of the Top eight Job Search Engines.

Corporate web sites are another excellent source on the internet. A significant number of companies have job posting pages within their web site. On some company sites a search is required since they do not make the link easily accessible.

The Human Resources section of a company web site is the most likely location to search to find the company job postings. There are also many of the companies that require a person that wants to apply to complete an online application or submit their resume via email or both. When you apply using either of these systems you should always make contact within a day or two to verify that your information was received and could be accessed.

4. Federal, State and local government web sites – It has been predicted that the U.S. Government will need to replace as much as 50% of their workforce due to retirements.

5. Newspapers – Most newspapers publish a classified ad section dedicated to job advertisements. These classified ads usually are published on Sunday.

When you begin your job search, it pays to be organized. To identify your career objectives answer the following core questions:

a. What type of job am I seeking?
b. Where do I want to live?
c. What do I value in my work?
d. Who do I know that may be able to help me?
e. What is the minimum salary that I need to make to survive?

Things to Do

1. Is my resume up to date? Continue to make changes as you focus on job areas of interest. Keep multiple variations of your resume depending on the types of jobs you are seeking. Consider a Functional style as well as chronological. Have someone look over your resume for typos and consistent layout.

2. Research to Determine Employer Requirements – Find out as much as you can about what an employer desires as qualifications for the type of jobs you are seeking. Often you can find this through the Internet or looking at stock portfolios in the public library.
Then apply for those jobs that you can provide at least the minimum skills, knowledge, experience or abilities.

3. Schedule Time Each Week to Search for a Job – Spending scheduled time each week of at least 12-15 hours to search for a job will certainly increase your chances for finding and applying for job opportunities.

4. Read and Follow Directions Carefully – When you are applying or sending a resume and cover letter include any and all information requested. If you do not provide the information being requested, it is likely that you will not be considered for the job. However, do not provide your social security information, your driver’s license, bank account numbers or other personal information that can be used by scammers. Legitimate companies do not ask for this kind of information.

5. Keep a Record of All of Your Contacts and Job Applications – Always keep a record of any resumes or applications sent to companies or organizations. Also be sure to record any names of people that you contacted or met from a company/organization. You may need to contact the people later to send a thank you or find out the status of your application.

6. Be “pleasantly persistent” – Do not be a nag but continue to pursue a job opportunity by contacting the firm that received your resume. The rule is that two or more weeks after the initial contact is reasonable. If you apply online, follow up with to assure your information was received, opened and is now being considered.

7. Networking - is connecting with people that know about your job search and career goals. Many of these people can serve as contacts of possible job openings and can, in some situations, be an inside contact to give your resume to the hiring people in an organization and represent you. Anyone can network.

Your network consists of any person you have come into contact with and anyone that person knows or came in contact with. Here are some of the contacts that could be in your network.

• Your parents
• Your parent’s friends
• Past Colleagues and coworkers
• Your friends
• Church members and church leaders
• Your friend’s parents Classmates/Roommates
• Teachers and Neighbors
• Past Supervisors Relatives
  

Your job hunt ladder:

• The care and tuning of your "Ambition Engine" Rung 1



• Preparing a resume and cover letter : Rung 2



• Gathering your references: Rung 3



• Improving your chances and super networking: Rung 4



• The Interview: Rung 5



• The Job Offer: Rung 6

 

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