Looking for a job is often a long process. According to Kate Lorenz of CNN Living, it takes a minimum of three months to find a job--longer if you are looking for a higher-than-average pay rate. In addition to patience, you need to pay close attention to all the details and prepare well in order to beat out other applicants for the job.
Identify Opportunities
Before you finalize your resume, you need to find job openings or companies that might be hiring. Dick Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute," recommends that you take advantage of the the Internet. Research companies that you might like to work for. Join networking sites like Linkedin or look through job boards. You also can check your local newspaper for job listings. And let your family and friends know that you are looking for a job. You never know who could give you a lead on a position.
Resume Preparation
According to Martin Yates, author of "Knock Em Dead," you should tailor your resume for a particular job to highlight the skills that are important for that job. Using the job openings you have identified, list your skills in order of importance to the job, addressing what the employer is seeking. Even the most impressive resume won't help you unless it showcases what the employer needs. Choose keywords from the ads, and use them in your resume to increase your visibility when filling out online applications. A resume database might contain up to 30 million resumes, so make yours shine.
Interview Preparation
As soon as you get an interview, start preparing. Research the organization so you can talk knowledgeably with the interviewer. Prepare questions about the company. Make a list of questions interviewers usually ask, and practice answering them. Rehearse your responses with a friend so that you appear polished and confident. Choose your interview clothes ahead of time. Try them on to check for fit and condition, and don't over-accesorize. Remember you are aiming to look businesslike, not trendy.
Interview Considerations
Now that you are well prepared for the interview, be sure you know the location of the business so that you are not late. When you meet the interviewer, take note of her name and give a proper handshake. Show enthusiasm about the job, and be courteous to everyone; the receptionist probably will report his observations about you to the interviewer. Try to relax or at least give the appearance of confidence. Don't talk about salary and benefits unless you get a job offer. And whether you get an offer or not, send a thank you to anyone who interviewed you.
Expert Insight
Lorenz advises going a step beyond want ads. Identify industries that are short on workers, and research the skills you would need for those jobs; you might already have skills that would transfer. Take a course or read material on persuasion and negotiation. You might not be aiming for a sales job, but looking for work involves selling your skills to an employer. If you are unemployed, consider taking temporary work. You will be practicing work skills and you will meet people that could help you find permanent work.
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