The best time to look for a new job is while you are still employed. But that is not always possible in a difficult job market, in which layoffs and downsizing are common. 1. Be positive about your abilities and your chances of finding the right job. 2. Know yourself. For instance, if you would find a long commute or the need to travel frequently on business stressful, do not apply for jobs that include such requirements. 3. Know what you want. Identify short- and long-term career goals. 4. Assess your skills. Make sure you are fully qualified for the field you want to be in. 5. Be good at what you do and take pride in your work at any level. 6. Keep your resume current and customize it for each job application. One size does not fit all, particularly in a tight job market. Check and recheck your application. One spelling, punctuation or grammatical error and you might be out. 7. Use the KISS principle and the "you" attitude in your application: Keep It Short and Simple. Write any cover letter from the point of view of the employer. Focus on how your skills fit the company, not simply on why you want the job. 8. Incorporate the wording in any careers ad in your application and/or covering letter. Some career advisers suggest cutting and pasting the entire ad to the end of your resume and turning it into white ink so that it is not visible. In this format, it can still be detected by the computer scanner that checks applications for key words. This ensures that your application passes to the next stage. Applications that do not contain the key words -- and they are in the ad somewhere -- do not move on. 9. Network. Let friends, former employers, colleagues and other contacts know the kind of job/career you want. Find a mentor. Ask for advice. 10. Be there. Be ready, willing and able for any assignments that improve your skills and expand your contacts. 11. Volunteer. Helping others also helps you. You learn new skills, make new contacts and possibly land a job with the organization that takes you on as a volunteer. 12. Be prepared for job interviews. Make sure you know something about the company and/or position that you are being interviewed for. Dress smartly and simply. Be especially particular about hygiene. Arrive early, so you have time for last-minute grooming and perhaps a moment to relax before starting the interview. Greet the interviewer(s) with a smile when you enter the room. Stand until invited to sit. Sit straight during the interview. Listen carefully. Answer questions clearly and simply. Thank the interviewers for their time at the end of the session. 13. Be ready for such standard questions as "What is your greatest strength?" and "In which area are you weak?" For strengths, focus on innate aspects of character, e.g. ability to rise to challenges, adaptability, being a team player. For weaknesses, concentrate on things that can be learned, such as improving a second language, learning a new computer program. 14. No one should need to be told this, but be sure that your cellphone or any other beeping device is turned off during an interview. |
