The process of finding a new job, whether you’re employed or unemployed, causes many people anxiety. The time, expense, preparation, energy, implementation and follow-up can be daunting. Unfortunately, many people have no systematic strategy or battle plan. They may take a few tentative steps, get frustrated and then give up.

To help you focus on how to prepare and then set in motion a more productive method, we’ve established a six module outline. Incorporated in the outline are informative articles already developed in previous Career Corner segments coupled with information on basic “how to” steps.

I. GOAL SETTING

In beginning your search process, first take stock of these realities:

• Your job search is a process that is labor intensive, involving many hours of work.
• Keep in mind that sending out information (resumes, fact sheets, etc.) about yourself can infringe on your confidentiality, especially if you don’t know the final destination of the material.
• You must develop realistic determinations of your salary requirements, relocation potential, commute, type of position, etc.
• You determine your success: The more time, effort and resources you focus at the issue, the probability of finding that “correct fit” increases.

II. PLANNING YOUR JOB SEARCH

Listed are things to do so as to ensure your highest probability of success.

• Use newspapers as a resource to determine market trends and find out positions within companies that are currently available.
• Find search firms and agencies that do business in your specialty.
• Find service or industrial directories relevant to your profession.
• Explore the Internet for possible companies and positions suitable for you.
• Business Contacts: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
• Personal Contacts: NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
• Go to the library to research resources.
• Focus on 100+ companies that meet your criteria and develop your marketing plan. Call the hiring executives and market yourself.
• Alumni organizations – many companies are known on college campuses.
• Find and research trade periodicals/magazines.
• If you belong to any associations, check with the officers (Membership, Education, President) in helping you network.
• References – do some background work as to whom you will use, what will they say and why they’d say that.
• Personal Schedule – begin planning exactly when and how long each day you will spend marketing yourself.
• Develop a checklist of personal accomplishments.
  • Exactly what did you do.
  • What role did you play.
  • What was the result.
  • Give specific dollar amounts and percentages.
  • What were the benefits to your organization relevant to your accomplishments.

  III. RESUME & COVER LETTER    Click Here…

  IV. INTERVIEW PREPARATION    Click Here…

  V. FOLLOW-UP TECHNIQUES    Click Here…

  VI. RESOURCES

  a. Books

  The Real Life Guide to Starting Your Career
  By Margot Lester: Pipeline Press

  What Color Is Your Parachute?
  By Richard N. Bolles: Ten Speed Press

  Job Hunters Sourcebook
  By Gale Research, Inc.

  Knock `Em Dead
  By Martin Yate: Bob Adams, Inc.

  b. Directories

  • Directory of Executive Recruiters, Kennedy Publications
  • National Directory of Personnel Services, National Association of Personnel Services
  • The Encyclopedia of Associations, Gale Research, Inc.
  • Harris Directory
  • Thomas Regional Directory

  c. Internet