Headhunter -
If your looking for a new job, an online job search may be one of your
best tools for finding a new position. Nonetheless, it's not easy to
know how to find a job in an employer's market and really set yourself
apart from the competition out there. This article strives to provide
some helpful hints to make your job search successful.
Hint One: Polish that Resume & Get Your References Together
If
your resume has spelling or grammar errors when it goes out, you can be
certain that's one job lost. Professionalism is a huge factor in the
employer's mind. They don't want gimmicks, scented paper, or frilly
borders - they want someone who looks (on paper at least) like a good
candidate.
One of the key rules of how to find a job is this:
tailor your resume to specific skills. If you're a secretary who also
happens to be a writer, for example, then have a resume that emphasizes
your office aptitude, and one that stresses your work as a writer.
You'll need both for either the online job search, or responding to
newspaper ads.
You'll want to create some pre-fabricated cover
letters too (ones that can easily be tweaked to respond to specific
skills and qualifications that are listed in the ad).
Finally
make sure you have two personal references and three professional ones
on which you can depend. If you're new in your field remember that you
can use volunteer work, and look to guidance counselors, teachers, and
clergy members as potential references.
Hint Two: Consider Your Options & Identify Transferable Skills
With
a market filled with qualified people, you could be applying for the
same position as hundreds of other individuals so choose your options
wisely. You don't want to waste time and money sending resumes to every
ad that even remotely represents what you want in a job. Remember
potential employers aren't going to hire you if they thing you're
settling for that position until you find something better.
That's
where transferable skills come in. A second rule in how to find a job
is to recognize skills you have that can take you into new territories
successfully. For example, that same secretary may be fantastic with a
budget, so why not look into purchasing as one option. Plug that word
into the online job search engine and look at the difference in pay
rates too!
Hint Three: Use the Technology And Networking Resources You Have Effectively.
This
means having a resume online (that's cooked to perfection). Also put up
information about yourself on job boards, MySpace, Live Journal,
professional chats and/or groups, etc. These days it's all about
networking, especially on the internet where you're bombarded with a sea
of job sites with job listings, not all of which are legitimate.
If
you haven't already now's the time to become very savvy about the way a
legitimate ad presents itself vs. the scam/redirect/bot ads. These ads
will list a huge range of potential income for a position that you know,
full well, isn't paying that much in your area. They will often have
imbedded images, or ask you to go fill out a form at a site that they've
"created to avoid viruses."
These ads are nothing more than an
effort to collect email addresses / personal information, or sell you
goods / services and they'll eat up precious time if you don't begin
recognizing them in your online job search. Rule three in how to find a
job: if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a false lead.
Other
good tools you can use at most job sites include job alerts (you'll
automatically get an email when jobs come up with key words you've
specified), running queries to narrow the list of jobs that suit you,
and perhaps find an online recruiter. If nothing else, these folk can
filter out the spam from real opportunities (just make sure to find out
what fees or contracts they require in advance of signing with the
agency).
Hint 4: A Face Is Still Worth 1000 words
Unless
an ad specifically states no in-person applications consider paying a
personal visit to an employer. Dress for success, have a clean copy of
your resume and a pen, and fill out their application dutifully.
Remember to get a business card if you can, ask for the name of the
person to whom you give your resume, and say THANK YOU. A good secretary
will make a mental note of your effort and he or she is your first
hurtle to overcome in talking to a person in charge.
Hint 5: Keep Meticulous Documentation
Headhunter -
Rule four in how to find a job is always remember to whom you've
applied. Create an alphabetized spreadsheet with the name of the
company, the job title, any name/contact information, the ad or company
URL if it was an online job search, and the date on which you sent your
resume. This insures you don't duplicate efforts and allows you to
follow up with potential employers after 7-10 days to reiterate your
interest. It also allows you to keep in touch with placement agencies
(who are often looking for that person who steps up and stands out).
