Orientation Overview

There are several elements involved in a successful job search. The following are presented in roughly the sequential order you will study and develop them., though you may be working on more than one at a time. The topics presented  are intended to be initially reviewed and then returned to for more indepth study.  A hierarchy is used allowing you to 'drill down' to the essential detailed information you need, in most cases the material for a topic is succinct enough to be presented in a single page. We won't be eating the whole onion at once, it will be taken in layers.

1. Take Stock - Know yourself

If you have been laid off, recognize the emotional stress that can accompany an extened job search.

One of the first steps to seeking employment is to inventory and record your employment history. This will provide a place to srart in preparing your resume and in filling out job applications.

If you know your strengths and weaknesses and what you want in a career, then you have a much better chance of finding a job. If you don't yet have s specific career or trade consider taking a career and personality assessment as a first step towards optimizing your personal career path. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment is the most widely used personality instrument. This test is available at the Regional Employment Center.

2. Networking - Know others

Many jobs are obtained through networking. It is a very important tool for job seekers and is an extremely fast and effective way to find your next job or career. While many employers advertise open positions on internet job boards, you should find out about the hidden job market as well by talking to as many people as possible and letting them know you are looking for a job.

3. Accomplishment oriented Dynamic resume - Know how to write it well

The purpose of a resume is not to get you a job, but to land an interview. An organized, industry-specific and accomplishment-oriented resume will get employers to take notice. In todays hyper-competitive job market, you simply cannot afford to submit a resume that is less than perfect.

Two Common Yet Easily-Avoidable Resume Mistakes

• Always use a professional email address on your resume. While footballfan@aol.com may be fine with friends, it gives employers a negative perception of your level of professionalism.
• If your resume includes an objective statement, it should describe how you can add value to the company and show potential employers that your goal is to provide a long-term commitment.

4. Job Proposal - Know your value

Get the attention of decision-makers at a company through a Job proposal. It's a one or two page mini business plan that's intended to get you an interview with the decision-maker of a targeted prospective employer. While a resume tells someone what you have done in the past, a job proposal shows in some detail what you are going to do for the company down the road. Specifically, it lays out how you will help them achieve their vision of success. When you challenge the relevance of traditional job search strategies and begin utilizing tools and techniques that clearly distinguish you from the pack, most anything is possible, including landing a job with a great company during a down economy.

5. Industry Knowledge - Know your market

During your job search, it is imperative to show initiative and drive while continually looking to improve your industry knowledge. In today's competitive job market, staying up-to-date on your industry is crucial to your future success. To be a truly outstanding employee, you must not only understand trends and developments in your own industry, but the trends and developments in an average consumer's industry.

 6. Research - Know the players

7. Interviewing - Know how to communicate

The biggest mistake in interviewing is not being fully prepared. It is crucial for job-seekers to use every conceivable means possible to prepare for an interview and to allow ample time to fully prepare. Understand that interviewing is a skill; as with all skills, preparation and practice enhance the quality of that skill. Preparation can make the difference between getting an offer and getting rejected.

Although your resume lands you the interview, it is ultimately the interview that will get you the job. So, being well prepared for whatever an interviewer throws at you is crucial. Located below are a few simple tips that you can use to effectively handle the interview process:

• Conduct Research – It’s important to be confident and prepared. Conduct research on companies of interest before applying to a job or showing up for an interview. By understanding and showing interest in the company, you can customize your pitch, demonstrate the value you will bring to the organization and confidently convince employers that you are the right candidate.
• Practice Interviewing - Prepare for an interview by running through commonly asked interview questions. Understand that interviewing is a skill and as with any skill, practice makes perfect!
• Dress Professionally –When you are on an interview, you are marketing yourself as the best candidate for the job, so it’s important to dress professionally. Appropriate attire and good personal hygiene demonstrates that you are not only willing to take that extra step to look your best but also do your best.
• Make a Positive First Impression – First impressions are critical. Arrive early, give a firm handshake and make eye contact throughout the interview. It is important to be confident, but most importantly, be yourself!
• Go Beyond the Canned Response – Behavioral interviewing is an ever-growing interview technique. Rather than merely telling the interviewer what you would do in a situation, demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities by giving specific examples from past work experiences.
• Ask Questions – Express interest and willingness to learn about the company by asking questions and listening to details about the organization. This portion of the interview is your chance to shine. Not having any questions for the interviewer can show that you are uninterested and unprepared.
• Follow Up - Reinforce to the employer that you bring value to their organization by developing a hand-written thank you note. A thank you note is an easy and surefire way to show your appreciation, reiterate you are the best candidate and demonstrate your initiative and follow-through. It is also appropriate to make a follow up call, unless instructed otherwise by the employer.
• Be Prepared - Regardless of the position, you should always dress appropriately to show the employer that you take pride in yourself and as a result you take pride in your work.

8. Marketing - Know how to sell yourself

An interactive marketing portfolio of yourself pulls together your accomplishments, education, experience and awards in one place. It is an effective job-hunting tool that you develop that gives employers a complete picture of who you are :- your experience, your education, your accomplishments, your skill sets, and what you have the potential to become, much more than just a cover letter and resume can provide. You can use your career portfolio in job interviews to showcase a point, to illustrate the depth of your skills and experience, or to use as a tool to get a second interview.  These kinds of portfolios can be built and distributed to employers through the Internet.

9. Background Check -Know your history

With thousands of resumes to choose from, employers may select from pre-screened candidates first, as these job seekers appear more serious in their job quest and commitment. Pre-screening by the job seeker saves the employer valuable time and money, and places pre-screened candidates ahead of the competition.

10. Learning Never Ends - Know more