Steps to a Successful Job Search

It has been said that the toughest job you'll even do is the search for a job. It is very stressful and very hard. It doesn't have to be if you follow these ideas in this article.

Idea 1: Know where the great jobs are listed. What do most people do when they start their search for a job? They look in the newspaper employment section. The problem with that is the best jobs are not listed in the newspapers. Today, people look to the Internet to find their next job. They register with a few online job search websites, such as Monster, Yahoo Jobs, or CareerBuilder. You won't find the best jobs listed there either. You find an OK job there, but the odds are against you finding a great one there.

This is usually what people do not want to hear, but the best jobs are found by networking. You'll find the best jobs by tapping into the network of people you have around you. When you do a job search, talk to everyone you know about what you're doing and what type of work you are looking for. Often times the people you know will give you a lead on a great job.

Idea 2: Get to know what the employer wants. The people who hire and pay employees care greatly about what skills and experience you bring. They also look for people qualities like being able to work as part of a team. Your first job is to find out about each employer's needs.

Idea 3: Create a powerful resume and a great cover letter. After you've located the job you want to pursue, you'll need to send them a resume and cover letter that will attract their interest and want them to interview you. If you think of your resume and cover letter as a sales letter whose job it is to sell you to the employer, you're thinking correctly. There are lots of resources on the web and in bookstores to help you write a powerful resume and a great sales letter. You may also want to hire a professional to write one for you.

A few pointers on resumes and cover letters will help. Keep them simple and clearly written and to the point. Use bullets and action words to highlight your accomplishments. Your cover letter should highlight specific points or expand on certain areas. You need to customize each cover letter to the needs of the employer and the job for which you are applying.

Idea 4: Thoroughly prepare for the interview. You must make a strong positive impression during the interview. Take time to research the kinds of questions employers ask and think carefully how you will answer. Think of some questions you can ask about the job or company that will show your sincere interest. Don't be afraid to ask what the nest steps are after the interview and when they will let you know of their decision.

Step 5: Follow up after the interview: When you follow up, you show interest and a professionalism that is missing from most people looking for the same job. As a rule of thumb, a week or two should be the time between the interview and follow up. The follow up can be a letter or at least an email to thank them for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the job and the employer. You can also emphasize again what you have to offer the company.