How I Found a Better Job

The worse part about losing your job is that hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach. I remember not knowing where to begin looking for a new job. Then I crafted a resume and started browsing newspaper classifieds and employment agency listings. Most of the jobs I came across offered too low a pay. But in three weeks I had several job offers, two of which met my requirements. I was in the position to choose the best one. Here's how I approached my job hunt, interviews and salary negotiations to end up with the job and salary I wanted.

Write a Professional Resume

Using the resume template that comes with my word processor, I crafted a professional account of my experience. I kept my resume to a single page, with concise bullets that delivered the information with a punch. I used an action-oriented voice and focused on my strengths. And for each job interview, I amended my resume to shift its focus, so for example I focused on my office management skills when I interviewed for managing a small printing business; but I focused on my criminal law office experience when I interviewed for a high-stress relocation specialist position. (Learn more about how to get your resume noticed .)

Be Aggressive in Your Search

I reviewed the newspaper classifieds daily and contacted every potential employer by phone, to set up a job interview or fax my resume. I contacted the large employment agencies operating in my city and made appointments for job interviews. And I drafted a resume email and sent it to friends, family, former co-workers and acquaintances. Despite feeling that my self-esteem had hit an all-time low, I projected a bright, energized personality in my emails, resume and telephone conversations. This got me many job interviews, and I made sure each interviewer was aware that I was juggling several interviews with other companies.

Be Professional During the Job Interview

I dressed professionally in conventional colors, such as black-and-white or beige. I arrived a few minutes early and introduced myself politely. I came with two copies of my resume in a dark blue folder, one for me, one for the interviewer. During the job interview I allowed the interviewer to set the tone at first, but soon I become actively engaged, allowing my enthusiasm to shine throw. While I was being interviewed, I also interviewed my potential employer to find out in what ways I would be suitable for the job. Then I sold myself as a good fit for it. This technique eliminated the "I need this job badly" impression and instead raised the question, "Are you good enough for me to work here?" Here are 6 job interview skills worth mastering .

Sell Yourself Before You Discuss Pay and Benefits

Only after I was sure I sold myself successfully did I bring up the question of pay and benefits. With recruiters this came up fairly early in the conversation, with small business owners this took a lot longer. But in every case I made sure the hiring manager or recruiter wanted to have me as an employee before I discussed the terms I would like to be hired under. One small business owner wanted to hire me on the spot, but he refused to meet my pay requirements. I was tempted to give in but decided to walk away. A week later I received a better job offer elsewhere when that same businessman called to say that he couldn't find another candidate to compare with me and that he wanted to offer me the job on my terms. The job I did selling myself had a lingering effect that lasted well-past the interview.

Be Prepared for a Series of Job Interviews

Interview loops, in which a series of people interview you, are more challenging. You have to adapt your interview focus to each person. When I interviewed at a Fortune 100 company the first interview was done by a recruiter, the second by someone who would be my co-worker, the third by another co-worker, then the fourth by the hiring manager. In each interview I focused on the job the particular person executes and I asked what he expected from the rule I would fulfill. Then I could sell myself to the specific points that person found relevant. This personalized approach allowed me to display the skills that would best win over each interviewer.

More from this Contributor

First Person: 6 Tips for Landing Your Dream Job

5 Best Career Aptitude Tests to Help You Find the Perfect Job

5 Lifelines for People Drowning in Debt