Career Toolbox
Finding a job is tough. This next section will provide you with some valuable pointers to an effective job search. Everything from being prepared to knowing who to contact, is covered.
Before You Start
- Are you in a positive state of mind? You need to be. Staying positive throughout your job search is important and it won’t always be easy.
- Take charge! You are responsible for your life and the success of your job search.
- Create a schedule and stick to it. Knowing what you’re supposed to do each day can prevent you from feeling lost.
- Get organized. Designate a clean private space for your search and keep it clean.
- Stock up on necessary provisions: Phone books; Scissors; Paper; Tape; Stapler and staples; Pens and pencils; Paper clips; Calculator.
Note: The ability to create documents is essential in the job search process. You’ll need to be able to print such things as resumes, cover letters, and thank-you notes. That means you’ll need access to a computer and printer. If you don’t have these, you can use them for free at your local public library or contact your local One Stop Career Center that will provide access to a computer and a printer.
Job Search Strategies
The traditional method of looking for work involves reading job ads, pounding the pavement and sending out a pile of resumes. While this is still an option, there are many other alternatives that may be more effective. Just remember, everyone’s job search is different. You will want to decide what combination of strategies outlined below suits your personal needs. Using a variety of methods will increase your likelihood of finding employment. Accessing both the advertised and unadvertised job markets is a good place to start.
Advertised jobs tend to be in newspapers, on the Internet and on job boards. Remember, this represents only about 20 percent of what’s out there, so don’t stop at this point.
Unadvertised positions account for the majority of job opportunities. How can you tap this hidden job market? By becoming a networking expert. Spreading the word that you are looking for work increases your chances of hearing about unadvertised positions. Ask people for advice, information and referrals. We all have a built-in network that we can use to tap the hidden job market, even if we aren’t aware of it – boyfriend/girlfriend, parents, relatives, neighbors, friends, friends of friends, classmates, teachers, former employers.
Learn how to establish job contacts. People in the industry or job you are interested in may be valuable sources of information. So how do you contact people with whom you have no prior ties? The only way is to take the plunge and call or write them:
1) Introduce yourself and state why you’re contacting them;
2) Describe your skills for the job;
3) Ask if you can send them your resume; and
4) Thank them for their time.
Follow-up is an important element of every job search strategy you use. Whether you have mailed a resume, answered a newspaper ad or made a cold call, contacting the employer again by mail or phone can be very effective.
