Effective Job Search Tips- Preparation and Strategy

The first step in effective job searching is preparation. How prepared are you in regards to looking for a job?  Preparation and strategy are vital aspects of job searching, whether you are a seasoned professional, a recent college graduate, or endeavoring to get back into the job market.  Keep in mind that searching for a job can be quit challenging, especially in these tough economic times.  This means that it might take you longer to find a suitable job in your profession than it normally would have. Regardless, you must sustain a strong mindset.  No matter how difficult things may get, you must try to stay positive and focused during your job search.  

  

 

Preparation

When searching for a job, preparation is key. Before you can begin looking for work you need to know what you want in a job. You should do a self-assessment prior to your job search to determine your career interest, skills, values, and the type of job industry and company you desire to work for.  This will help to narrow your search in looking for a specific job and industry that is just right for you.  What are your career goals? What is your educational background? What distance are you willing to travel?  What are your salary expectations?  What about benefits?   And so on… These are important aspects of job search preparation.

Strategy

Strategic planning is necessary. You will need to implement an action plan. Professional networking is a valuable tool in the job search process.  You should use professional social networking sites such a LinkedIn, to market yourself.  Post your profile and resume on the web where potential employers can find it. For certain the web is an excellent source in which to find suitable work- and for employers to find qualified job candidates. Most companies use the internet to post job openings and to select qualified candidates to interview from the interested pool of applicants.


Your resume is also a crucial marketing tool that shows potential employers who you are and what you are capable of doing.  When submitting your resume to various employers online, make sure that you present a professional looking resume that is free of grammatical errors and spelling typos. What is your target job and company/industry? You should only apply to jobs and employers that interest you.

Customize your cover letter and resume specifically for the job you are applying for as to grasp the attention of the recruiter/hiring manager thus have a better chance of getting a call for an interview.  You should also research potential employers beforehand. Go to the company website and learn everything you can about the organization. This way you will have knowledge of the company business should you win an interview with that company. How impressive!
You can also find jobs in your local newspaper, employment agencies, job fairs and internet job boards such as career builder and Monster.com…these sites are free to join and can direct you to employers who are seeking to fill job vacancies.  Some employers look for job candidates on Facebook as well.

Your interview

If you are fortunate to win an interview with a potential employer make sure that you are on time for your interview.  In fact, you should try to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to get situated and tidy up.  On the day of your interview you should:

• Wear professional business attire only
• Be neat and well groomed
• Be sure to cover any visible tattoos
• Remove excessive body piercing (modest earrings ok for women)
• Bring an updated resume, clean and professional looking
• Bring at least three letters of reference
• Bring photo ID (could be your drivers license)
• Put your cell phone on silence
• Have a successful interview
• Send a thank you letter to everyone you interviewed with
• Follow-up