Steps to Job Searching

Whether you're a target of the current recession, a soon-to-be college or high school graduate, or just looking to change careers...how do you find that job to pay the bills, while not making you dread waking up in the morning? Here are a few simple tips from someone who's been in the recent graduate's shoes...and the "looking to change careers" shoes...and has also been affected by the recent recession.

1) Simple as it seems...figure out what you're good at doing! What is your passion in life? Where are your strengths? (or weaknesses? need to know what to avoid, as well!) If you're an extreme people person, chances are a job where you're on the phone all day and not in client contact would grate on your nerves. Likewise, if you're not on friendly terms with math, chances are that running a cash register or teller window would not be your forte. Like children? Try looking at day cares. Enjoy working with cars? Check out the local mechanic's shop.

2) Once you've figured out where your strengths are, start researching jobs in that field. What is available in your area? If you're pursuing health care, is there a major hospital or medical center nearby? Compile a list of all the possible businesses or companies that you would be interested in spending eight hours a day with. Find out who their HR directors are, and add their names to your list. You always want a contact person's name.

3) SELL YOURSELF! Dust off your typing skills, pull up Microsoft Word, and put your resume together. Emphasize the experience and education you have that correlate to the jobs you are trying to get. If you're looking to work for a bank, chances are they will not be impressed by your high school job cutting grass. However, if you've had customer service experience with a previous retail job, that can be included in a positive light.

4) Two words: Cover letter. Some thing this is highly over-rated...however, it never hurts to go that extra mile. Explain who you are and why you're interested in this position. Tell the potential future employer why you would make a good match for their company. What experience do you have that they would benefit from?

5) Now it's time for some old-fashioned pounding the pavement. Print the resume and cover letter. Pull out the list from step 2. Start sending the resumes to every company you would like to work for. Ensure that you address the envelope, and include the contact person's name. If a specific person's name is not included, the chances of your letter making it to file 13 faster increases. And here's a common mistake to avoid: do NOT skip a company thinking, "There's no way they would ever hire me". Do NOT sell yourself short! If you skip the company, you're right...your chances of getting hired do greatly decrease.

6) Follow up, follow up, follow up. Oh, wait...did I mention follow up? Give the postal service a week or two to do their job...and the internal workings of company mail room efficiency a chance to deliver your resume to the appropriate person's desk in HR. Then start making some phone calls. Ask to specifically speak with the contact person you sent your resume to. Don't be pushy...but call to verify that they did receive your resume, and reiterate the fact that you are interested in a position with their company.