Traditional Method of Job Searching

Picture thousands and thousands of job seekers doing the exact same thing: Getting on a computer and e-mailing off resumes, but it is not effective by itself. What about calling employers and asking them if they're hiring? TURN OFF for the employer, and a sign of laziness. Next we have faxing and mailing resumes. Statistically, only 1% of those who get hired do so by faxing resumes.


Method that works

Go there, walk in, and ask for a job. Dress for success. Seem eager, friendly, enthusiastic and polite.

Check back regularly. Fill out the application correctly. Follow up with a thank you letter. Be Prepared!

Have a resume with you, and be ready for an interview.













Finding a job is a full-time job!

Plan how many hours you can spend searching. Set a target date for when you want to be working. Make a list of contacts. List the companies or places you want to explore. Use Mondays & Fridays for preparation and follow-up.


Be Positive

Every day before you start the day, visualize yourself getting a great job. Every time you don’t hear back or get turned down, assume it is because the right job is still out there. Do not get discouraged. Expect rejection, understand there is competition.


Job Search Web sites

Career Builder

Nationwide and regionally filtered employer database focusing on industry and individual job listings

 

WorkSource

State of Washington's official site for online employment services.

 

Monster.com
Browse Jobs by Company, Location or Categories & Industries


Craigslist

Job ads are inexpensive to advertise. Beware of scams but this site is also a must use because of the amount of legitimate employers that use it.


Indeed.com

Collection of job announcements taken from a variety of web sites and filtered into one location.


SimplyHired.com

Similar to Indeed, but some of your search results will be unique.


Dice.com

Technology (IT) web site for those pursuing entry level to advanced jobs in this field.


US.jobs "provided by leading U.S. employers in alliance with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) as a public service for all employers and all job seekers" - go2worksource.com






Job Search 101

The Psychology of "Job Search"

This seldom realized but critical component of your job search will make or break you.


You’ve probably experienced this feeling before (I know I have)…hundreds of applicants applying for the same job, rising debt and anxiety over bills, past experiences of rejection and chronic worry taking over in a very common but perfect storm – completely incapacitating a person's ability to job search as they are overcome with a sense of fear or failure. Suddenly a sense of doom takes over and runs a person’s life. This scenario is played out every day by the thousands, sabotaging a person's prospects as they struggle to find work and provide for their family.... read more

Go2ResumeSource.com

Free Resumes, Tips and more

Print These

Strategic Job Search Strategy Tips

"Work smart, not hard"

  • Identify Your Interests BEFORE you write your resume (MyNextMove)
  • Identify Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for any occupation (review skills, knowledge and abilities) AND (ONET)
  • Complete a Generic Application that contains your chronological work history (will serve as a template of information)
  • Complete a Master Resume that contains all your skills, broken down by industry, all of your work history (suggested length is 10 years, with exception) and education
  • Obtain a job search only email address not shared with friends and family. Suggested: lastename.firstname@gmail.com (Gmail)
  • Conduct a mock interview to determine strengths and weaknesses (more...)
  • Ensure all of your social media accounts are professional or set to private (a link to a friend that shows partying/drinking/other may harm your chances)
  • Write your first targeted resume (see resume section) for an advertised job opening.
  • Have someone review this resume to offer critiques or suggestions.
  • Save this resume by Industry and number (Office Resume 1). You will be able to use some of the language later to write targeted resumes for other similar positions. Save in folders on your thumb drive for each industry you apply for. (see example to the right)
  • Set a schedule so you know your plans for the next day the night before. Prepare clothing and lists of things you have to do the night before to reduce your stress
  • Target 6 jobs a week minimum that you apply for (advertised listings up above and to the right) Check listings daily
  • Locate one or two jobs you can apply at in person (always research companies when possible before you apply for jobs online, in person...). Google is a good source
  • Ensure your references are readily available (3 professional, 3 personal), always contact them after interview so they are ready to help
  • Develop a positive network of people you communicate with often for job search purposes
  • Intentionally establish methods for staying positive and getting breaks from stress
  • Utilize your local WorkSource office to attend Job Search Strategy, Resume, and Interviewing classes