Ten Job Seeking Tips

1. GET YOURSELF TOGETHER! Get your emotional stability first. You will not be effective in the job search until you have collected yourself emotionally after losing your job. It is natural to feel worry, shock, disbelief, anger, or even relief. However, don’t dwell on negative emotions. Accept your new situation and develop an action plan. The loss of your usual routine is a big source of stress.

To cope with this, try infusing your day with structure. Plan your work, work your plan, and don’t forget to plan some leisure every day. Be sure you are focusing your attention on the solution and not the problem. Problem focused individuals do not make good job candidates.

2. ASK FOR HELP! Everyone needs a little help now and then. Take advantage of opportunities you become aware of. We are always learning; always evolving into who we are becoming.

3. WRITE IT DOWN! Create your own personal portfolio. Be an organized record keeper in the job seeking process. Keep a “memory sheet” detailing each phone call made, each resume submitted, and each job lead you become aware of. Don’t expect yourself to remember everything. Write it down!

4. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! Networking is the #1 means of finding a job. You cannot network unless you get out everyday and mingle. When you talk to friends and acquaintances, don’t just ask if they know of any job openings. Ask what is going on with the companies where they work, and with any other businesses they know about. Ask them to help you think of people who could be good resources for more information about companies and contacts.

5. VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME! Participating in volunteer activities is a good way to stay involved and come into contact with people who can help you network. It also enables you to make a contribution and helps you feel positive about yourself.

6. CREATE A SAMPLE APPLICATION! Filling out an application may seem like the easiest part of looking for job. Yet many employers say the reason they do not hire some job seekers is that the application is not filled out correctly. Following instructions and filling out the application carefully give the employer a good impression of your future work. Keeping a sample application in your job seeking portfolio will help you to complete the application quickly and accurately by copying the necessary information easily. Get someone to proofread your sample application and give you feedback. An erasable black ink pen will prove a useful tool when completing the application.

7. BE PREPARED! Keep extra copies of your resume and references in your personal job seeking portfolio. You never know when you may encounter a group interview or have an opportunity to share a resume in an unexpected networking encounter.

8. THINK AHEAD! Purposely place your portfolio, pen and paper near your telephone while you are at home. This way you won’t be caught off guard by a returned call. Take your portfolio with you each time you go out, especially if you use a cell phone as a point of contact.

9. PRACTICE INTERVIEW ANSWERS! Obtain a list of frequently asked interview questions and practice answering these ahead of time. This will help you feel more prepared for your interview.

10. SMILE! Remember . . . . the job interview begins the moment you leave home. After all, the person you cut off in traffic could be your future boss!


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Source: http://www.cabarruscounty.us/JobLink/tips.htm