Top Ten Tips - Preparing Yourself For A Job Search
By Tip Diva | Jul 23, 2008
Categories: Activities, Adult, Backup, Behavior, Boss, Clothes, Clothing, Computer, Employment, Etiquette, Facebook, Goals, Hiring, Hobbies, Internet, Interview, Job, Job Search, MySpace, Networking, Personality, Social Networking, Tips, Web Search, Websites, Work, Workplace
If it’s time for a career change or you’ve recently found yourself the victim of a lay-off or firing, it’s now time to hunker down and start preparing to look for another job. Here are things you should keep in mind before starting the search:
- Know Your Goals - What do you want to achieve from your job search? Is it a higher salary? Position growth? New field? Write down your goals, and refer to them often throughout your search.
- Lay Out A Strategy - Figure out how you’re going to tackle the job search, especially if you’re searching while already employed. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Job Searching While Employed.
- Prepare Your Resume - Now is the time to create a resume or update the one you already have. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Creating A Resume.
- Get References Lined Up - Find at least three references who can attest to your work ethic and talk about your skills and personality. Good references include former bosses, former colleagues, clients and educators. If you’re currently employed, avoid using a reference from your current company or one who might let your boss know you’re on the prowl for a new job. Get phone numbers, e-mail addresses and job titles/company.
- Take Care Of Your Online Identity - If you’re active in social networking, photo album sites or online message boards, now is the time to make sure your image is squeaky clean, just in case a potential employer Googles you. For more on how to do so, see Top Ten Tips - Controlling Your Online Identity.
- Buy Interview Clothes - If you’re applying to certain types of jobs, especially white-collar ones, you’ll need a suit. If you don’t have one, buy one. Make sure it fits property, and is altered and pressed. For more, see Alison Doyle’s Dressing For Success - What To Wear On An Interview.
- Brush Up On Interview Etiquette - Avoid any possible interview faux pas by knowing the etiquette. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Preparing For A Job Interview.
- Network, Network, Network - You never know who’ll you meet. The guy you shake hands with today may be your boss or partner tomorrow. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Effective Networking.
- Have A Back-Up Plan - Don’t just focus on applying to your dream job - apply to others in case that job falls through, especially if you’re currently unemployed.
- Keep Busy - If you’re unemployed, it’s best to keep busy during the gap in your employment. You want to show a prospective employer that you’re not a Cheetos-popping slacker who sits in front of the television all day. Volunteer, get a part time job, start a freelancing business or get a hobby - there’s so much you can do to fill your time.
Other Tips To Check Out:
Controlling and enhancing your online identity is huge! Great tip. I don’t see this mentioned in all the “how to” employment articles flooding the web.
These are some helpful and interesting tips. I would like to share my thoughts on your tips pertaining to ‘Network, Network, Network’ and to ‘Keep Busy’. Networking can turn out to be very productive in your quest of a job. It helps you to meet people belonging to your niche and broaden your chances of being considered for a job. In a formal interview you only have a chance to demonstrate your abilities related to your job, but a network allows you to portray your interpersonal skills which may fetch you a job. If you are unemployed or laid off, just keeping yourself busy doing something that has got nothing to do your qualifications can be a waste of time and may fail to impress employers. Instead, you must focus on being more knowledgeable and acquire additional education and degrees. Keeping yourself updated is of great help. When I was laid off, I decided to continue education and enrolled for a graphic arts degree at CollegeAmerica. Earning this degree was a highlight of my resume and am enjoying its perks till date.