Top 10 Tips for Job Hunting

Top 10 Tips for Job Hunting – In a Slow Economy

1. Make a Plan – Decide what types of jobs you are seeking, then plan out how you will contact employers at the companies you are targeting.

2. Stay Organized – Keep a small notebook with you at all times and use your notebook or an electronic organizer if you prefer the high tech devices to record details about your job search. You will want to note the names of each company you’ve contacted, the date/time contacted, whom you contacted, what the follow up should be, and any other notes about each company or contact. Organization at the beginning of your job search will help make the process of finding a new job much smoother.

3. Treat Job Hunting Like a Full Time Job – Make sure that you actively work on finding a job each day. Get up at the same time as if you were going to work, get dressed in your work or interview clothes so that you are prepared to interview if offered an interview right away, and basically, treat your job search process like a work project.

4. Don’t Procrastinate – If you already have a job but know you will be laid off or if you are not happy in your current position but know you need to find another job, don’t wait until the last minute to find a new employer. Even if you have a severance package that is set to last you for several months, it is never possible to predict exactly how long a job search will last. Start sooner, rather than later to better increase your chances of finding the right type of employment for you.

5. Create different versions of your resume: Start with a basic version that can be used to apply for a variety of jobs, but during your job search, create specific targeted resumes for jobs with specific qualifications. Read job advertisements carefully, then craft your resume to address the specific skills that an employer is looking for.

6. Keep Learning – Need to improve your skill set? Find out what types of additional education or certifications are available and continue improving your education and experience. The additional knowledge you gain may just be the difference between your landing the job and the employer giving the job to someone else.

7. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help – Many communities have employment offices with classes on helping you write resumes, practice for interviews, and or find out where you can get additional training. Research online and offline sources so that you can find out where to post your resume, attend job fairs, speak to career counselors, utilize the Department of Labor Resources in your specific state, etc.

8. Get your Reference List Updated: – Make sure that you have already developed your reference list, before you embark on your job hunt. When leaving an employer always ask for a written letter of recommendation and keep these letters in your “work file” so that it grows along with your employment history.

Notify your references that you are job searching so that they are prepared to receive a call from a prospective employer and are prepared to discuss your skills.

9. Communicate and Update Everyone Around You – Let your References know the types of jobs you are applying for. Better yet, send them an email with details about the employers who may call them about you, and include a brief “overview” of your skills that apply to that job. This way, you are helping your reference person/s prepare for a call, and are being pro-active making certain that they understand how your specific background will apply for the new position.

10. Keep Going – Even though Job Hunting can sometimes seem daunting, it is sometimes the one more call that you make on the day that you want to quit early that will yield a great job offer. So just focus on the end result “your new job” and keep plugging away. Persistance is key and very soon, you’ll be sending out thank you letters to everyone in your network for helping you with your job search and celebrating your new position!

Getting a New Job can be easier if you follow the Top 10 Tips for Finding a Job