Looking for a job used to be a pretty easy. You would get your local paper, get to the classifieds section and look for employment ads that would match your career profile and needs. While the arrival of the Net 10 years ago took the job market to the next level by increasing the number of opportunities available to both candidates and employers, this also made the job search world more competitive than ever, most particularly during these months of high unemployment. As a result it is now necessary to have a good strategy when it comes to employment search.
First, you need to know what to looking for. Write a list of what you're looking for, whether it's the type of job, wage, company, benefits or location.
Second use the Net to look for jobs. There are hundreds of sites that you can go to, from the big ones like HotJobs and Employment911 to employment sites that are specialized by profession or area. If there are companies you are interested in, you can also check their openings online.
Third, write your resume. Your resume should not only be based on your experience and skills but also be customized to each job " so make sure to include any important keyword you find in the ad.
Fourth, prepare a cover letter that will showcase the skills that you have that are related to the job you are applying to. This is also your chance to list points that might not fit in your resume.
Fifth, apply to the job, following exactly their application requirements and deadline. It is essential as not respecting their guidelines might get your application disqualified even if you have what they are looking for.
Sixth, prepare for interviewing with these employers by knowing what you will say about yourself and anticipating their questions. This is essential as most companies have the first interview over the phone so you want to be ready when they call you.
Finally, if you get to interview in person, do not forget to send a follow-up letter to show them that you are indeed interested in the position. As a result you will get more chances to be included in the top candidates for the job.
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