The job market can seem like
an exclusionary and hostile place unless you are
provided with the information and tools that will
help you penetrate and navigate through this
dynamic and sometimes volatile arena. If you are
embarking on your first job search or re-entering
the market after a prolonged absence, it is
imperative that you refresh your knowledge and
skills. Libraries and the Internet can provide you
with a wide range of resources to help you chart a
career path, target your search, structure your résumé
and prepare for and succeed in interviews. Use all
the resources that are available to you. Be
persistent. Be flexible. Stay motivated.
Mandrake's Top Ten Do's for Job Seekers
- Treat your employment search like a full-time
job. Organize your time and be consistent in your
search methods. Create daily and/or weekly plans
that involve researching companies, conducting
informational interviews, networking and analyzing
your skills.
- Construct a résumé that is concise (one page
preferably; two if necessary), error-free,
targeted to the job for which you are applying and
formatted to best showcase your particular skills
and achievements. Cover letters and thank you
letters should be equally polished.
- Know yourself and market yourself. Be clear
about your transferable skills, key
accomplishments, management style, unique
abilities, personal and professional strengths and
specific marketable skills.
- Conduct informational interviews and research
the industry in which the company of interest is
situated.
- Always be prompt for interviews.
- Bring with you to interviews a specially
prepared folder containing several résumés, a
list of your skills and goals, references, samples
(if appropriate), a list of relevant questions, a
pen and notepad.
- Define what is important to you in an
employment environment and find out how a company
can respond to those needs and desires. Ask about
financial incentives, career advancement,
insurance, environment, job security, stress,
educational initiatives, vacation and sick leave
and other benefits.
- Follow up with thank you letters immediately.
- Reconnect. Use your free time actively
pursuing other interests or hobbies; volunteering;
meeting with family and friends; finding part-time
or temporary work. All these will help alleviate
the stress of finding a job and may lead to
valuable opportunities and networking
possibilities.
- Stay healthy. Don't let the stress of a job
search affect your physical health. Eat well,
exercise and practice relaxation and stress
management techniques.
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