Tips to Find a Job
Nine Tips to Help you Find a Job
Are you trying to find work? Do you need long-term employment? Just looking for a summer job? Whatever the case, getting a job is not always the easiest thing to do. It can be a difficult, time- consuming task. It might take months to find a job-maybe longer. Then-even after you find a job-it isn't for sure that you'll be the one to get it. Discouraged? Don't let it get to you. Your job search will require effort, a lot of determination, and a lot of time. Here are nine tips to help you find (and get) a job.
Finding Work
Assume you'll be looking for a job for 4 months. Then add a month for each major change. (i.e. Industry, Position) This should give you a realistic view on how long it will take to find a new job.
Finding a Job
How do I do it?
There are nine steps you can take that will make finding work a lot easier. They're not hard; they just take a little bit of time and preparation. You don't have to follow these nine steps-but if you do it will make getting a job a lot easier. You need to network, build a targeted resume, be prepared to talk to people, make contacts, talk about yourself, know what you have to offer, research the market, follow-up with potential job offers, and stay positive!
Network
Make a list of all the people that you know, who could help you in your job search. This could include family, friends, classmates, old co-workers, etc. Talk to them about your job search. Ask for advice and see if they know anyone who needs someone like you. If people know that you need a job, they are more able to help you find one.
Targeted Resume
Build a targeted resume. Tailor your resume to fit the employer you are giving it to. Take out information that isn't relevant to the job you're seeking and add in stuff you left out the first time, or that has changed since the last time you went looking for a job. Make it brief, easy to read, and truthful. Only include information that will get you an interview.
Be Prepared
You never know who you might run into while you're out and about. Keep an extra copy of your resume with you and have a few of the key points on it memorized. Always take a few extra copies of your resume to interviews, along with a few good questions and answers.
Create a Contact Database
Keep good track of all the employers you contact, when you talked to them, their name, their company, if you sent them a resume, etc. Also keep track of who contacted you. Keep a notepad with you; so you can write down names and numbers when you hear about a job opportunity.
Talk About Yourself
No, don't brag to others all the time, but learn how to "sell yourself." During your job hunt you will have to talk to a lot of people about yourself. Why they should hire you, what you have to offer that no one else has, etc. If you can't convince them that you're perfect for the job-you probably won't get it.
Know About Yourself
You never know: your new employer could be standing in front of you in line for his Egg McMuffin. Know what your skills are and be able to communicate them to others. If you can't tell your employer why he should hire you-without using notes-you'll have a hard time getting a job.
Research
Keep up with what's happening in the industry. Read trade journals, professional publications, a business book, even the newspaper! You'll really impress your future employer if you are up-to-date and know about the latest market trends.
Follow-Up
As soon as you find a lead, jump on it. Call right then and talk to someone about job openings. Don't wait until tomorrow-by then your opportunity may be gone.
Stay Positive
A job hunt can take a lot of time, and you may lose a few leads. Don't let it get to you. Don't be glum if you don't get the job you thought you had "in the bag." Just go right back out there and keep looking!
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Books on Finding Jobs
Theses are great books to help you the job you want and love.
