Job Search Advice:

#1 Remember: Quality over quantity. You only need one company to hire you. Spend time identifying the right companies to work for, not contacting hundreds of companies.

 

#2 Learning how to sell yourself in a job search is the most important skill you will ever need, no matter what job you have.

 

#3 Do what you love; the money will follow. Learn what you are good at. When you find what type of job you do best, it will be easier for you to
go out and get it.

 

#4 With a local job search, don’t overlook local media. These organizations may provide access to employers who use radio, TV, and websites to advertise job openings.

 

#5 When conducting a confidential job search, don’t submit your resume to job fair organizers; often these are distributed to all participating companies.

 

#6 Eliminate time-wasters from your job search. A lot of the time that could be spent on finding a job is squandered with activities that seem productive, but aren’t.

 

#7 It’s tempting to spend time on the Internet when you’re job hunting. It can help alleviate stress and it feels like you’re doing something, but it’s not always productive. 

 

#8 Being the first to reply to an ad doesn’t mean you’re more likely to get the job. Most employers don’t sit in front of their computers reading each resume as it comes in.

 

#9 Treat your job search as a full-time job. Write out task lists and perform them systematically. Action leads to results.

 

#10 Always try to find a human being to connect with at a target company. Never email generic departments (like HR@companyname.com).

 

#11 Follow up email applications with a mailed application. Anyone can send an email; far fewer people go the extra mile to follow up with a real letter to a real person. 

 

#12 Write down the reasons why a particular job is perfect for you. You don’t just need to sell an interviewer that you’re the right person; you need to convince yourself as well.

 

#13 Remember that prospective employers won’t know your strengths, weaknesses, or working styles. It’s your job to convince them that you’re exceptional.

 

#14 Willing to move? There is no such thing as a global recession. When one part of the world is having a job market issue, another part of the world is flourishing.

 

#15 The two best things you can do to land a job in another state are: 1) Tap your contacts for any referrals you can arrange, and 2) Physically visit the state.

 

#16 One of the biggest problems with extended unemployment is that being unemployed can make it more difficult to get your next job. 

 

#17 If you’re having trouble finding a job, why not spend an hour or two a day taking some sort of class? Keeping your skills sharp during unemployment is critical.

 

#18 Unemployed? Volunteer in your field. That way, your unemployment is spent doing something meaningful, while also keeping your skills sharp. (And it may lead to your next job!)

 

#19 The government is usually hiring. About 2 million people are employed by the U.S. government at any given time. Consider a federal job in your search.

 

#20 Know a job’s requirements. Some jobs require a degree; others require a background check or security clearance. Don’t apply for jobs you aren’t qualified for.

 

Visit the Career Corner to learn more!