The Job Search
Ten Steps

Searching for a professional job can be a challenging endeavor that entails hard work, time and effort. However, it is a rewarding experience as well since the end result is often a job that will develop your professional skills, increase your work experiences, and offer meaningful projects and relationships. In any economy, particularly in a slow economy, it’s important to be prepared when starting a job search. Using diverse job search resources and interpersonal contacts to speed up your search time will make your job search more efficient and productive.

Here are several tips to help you launch a successful job search:

1. Understand the reality of job hunting

• Job hunting is a job – it takes time!

• Job hunting is all about promoting yourself and your talents!

• Know how your talent can benefit employers.

• Have a plan to stick to – but know when to be flexible.

• Don’t quit until you succeed.

2. Know yourself

Ask yourself some questions regarding your job search.

What jobs or types of work are interesting to me?
What type(s) of work am I qualified to do?
In what geographic area(s) do I wish to live?

Identify and write down your interests, skills, values, needs and work habits.

3. Determine your objectives

What type of position do you want?
What type of job activities would be the most satisfying?
What kind of employer is right for you?

If you know what you want before you look, it can save you time and energy.

4. Create a career portfolio

Be organized about your job search. Prepare and gather documents such as:

• Sample cover letters

• Sample follow-up letters

• Your resume

• Business cards

• School or college transcripts, degrees, diplomas and certifications

• Awards and citations

5. Organize a support group

Talking with others about your interests in pursuit of a specific line of work often yields positive results. Pull together three to six people who can help you complete your job-hunting tasks. Call upon your network to help you with parts of your job search such as finding job leads or researching companies. Your network can pass along job leads and put you in touch with people who can hire you.

6. Target employers

Research potential employers and identify those you think might be a good fit. Find employers who have a need for your talents and skill set, and then get the names of individuals at each company who are responsible for the positions you want. Spend some time researching employers in your desired field of work. Demonstrating some knowledge of the companies you apply to shows your initiative, drive, interest, commitment, work ethic, and desire to succeed.

7. Apply

Prepare all necessary cover letters, resumes and supporting documentation to apply for employment at each target employer. Make sure documents look professional and then send, email or fax them to the person with the power to hire you. Clearly illustrate how you can be of value to each employer. Keep repeating this step until you land the job that you want.

8. Interview

Research the company before you interview. Know what the company is about and how you can contribute to its goals. Dress appropriately. Follow up each interview with a thank you letter stressing how you can benefit the employer. Repeat this step until you land the job you want.

9. Accept or reject the job offer

Mail a well-written letter to each employer upon notice of an offer or rejection. If responding to an offer, state your appreciation, repeat the offer terms and indicate when you will start your new job. You should also respond to rejection letters as well. Again, state your appreciation for the interview process and how you can be of value should a relevant position open up.

10. Evaluate the process

If you don’t get that target job, ask yourself these questions:

•  Have I done everything necessary?

• How well did I accomplish each step?

• Where can I improve?

Remember to involve as many people as possible along the way. Be persistent and don’t give up! Keep in mind that finding a job takes a full-time effort. It may take 2-12 months to find that ideal job. Be patient - your hard work WILL pay off!

Good Luck!