1. Job Hunting Know How

Before you start looking for your dream job there are a few things you should do that will help increase your chances of landing the position you really want. One of those things is learning how to market your skills and talents effectively.

Start by making a list of your skills, talents and interests (like a cheat sheet) this way you can evaluate each one carefully and be better able to describe them accurately on your applications and resumes. This will also help you narrow down your search when you begin looking for possible positions to apply for as well as make the task of applying much easier.

It’s a good idea to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, so be prepared to update it frequently. Most employers expect to receive a well-written resume or at the very least an overview of your experience and other qualifications as well as a cover letter or letter of intent.

After creating your cheat sheet and preparing your resume it’s time to start searching for possible positions. Using the Internet can be very helpful during this phase of your hunt.

Here are a few places you can start:

Career Builder
www.careerbuilder.com

Monster
www.monster.com

Indeed
www.indeed.com

They provide a full set of resources for people looking for a job, which makes the process a little less painful. Of course, there are many other job sites to choose from, including ones specific to your own local area. You can also go old school and look in the classified ads section of your local newspapers.

– Finding more places to apply

Businesses don’t always advertise job openings in their organization. If you have the desire to work for a company that doesn’t have any current positions available the best thing you can do is submit an application or resume for them to keep on file. It’s also a good idea to check back with them frequently and update your information regularly. Many larger companies allow you to perform these tasks online.
One place that many people often forget to check when they are looking for a job is the Yellow Pages, which is available both on and offline. It can provide you with a list of potential employers in your chosen area to contact. Another overlooked resource is your local library. Most of the time they can provide you with a list of potential local employers. If you aren’t sure where to look check with the librarian for assistance.

Keep track of your progress by jotting down the name of the companies where you’ve applied. This may not seem necessary but it will help you know when It’s time to check back with them and when to update your resume.

Here is a short checklist that you can print out and use to help keep you on track.

1. Identify experience list
2. Identify prospective employers
3. Prepare documents
4. Plan schedules
5. Contact companies and/or employers
6. Prepare for interviews
7. Evaluate progress

2. Job Hunting Know How

As we touched on briefly in the last segment, when applying for a job it’s important that you take time to identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can market yourself effectively. Being able to articulate your abilities and expertise can put way ahead of your competition.

Many people have a hard time talking about their skills and an even harder time putting them down on paper because they feel like they are bragging, which is something most of us are taught not to do from a very young age.

However, when it comes to getting a job you can’t be shy or afraid to discuss your skills and abilities. In fact, it’s important that you convey to your potential employer exactly what tasks you are capable of. You have to sell yourself. It’s the best way to stand out from other applicants and get the job that you want

On the other hand, it’s just as important not to sell yourself short, come across as arrogant or appear condescending. Write your resume in a way that highlights your skills and talents. Have an appropriate answer prepared in advance for tough questions like; what are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What separates you from the other applicants?

There are two main types of skills, hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are tangible in the sense that they are things that you can do like: knowing how to operate different kinds of machinery, knowledge of a specialized computer program, ability to type fast, skills on using many types of tools, credentials regarding special crafts, etc.

While soft skills are more abstract in nature like your personal talents and abilities. This may include being a good team player, having the ability to work on your own, being enthusiastic, organized or decisive.

When it comes to evaluating your skills start by making a list of your previous jobs and the experience, you acquired while you were employed with them. For some this will be a long list. Be careful enough not to forget even the smallest task or activity. You never know what an employer may find valuable. It’s also a good idea to list your volunteer activities too.

Although it might sound silly, make a list of all your hobbies as well. While most companies don’t want to see your hobbies listed on your resume if you have one that relates to the company, it’s a good idea to include it. For example, if you were part of the school’s debate team, then your employer may deduce that you have good analytical skills. If you were a champion chess player, then your employer will have the impression that you are good at making critical decisions.

Think about your daily routine and the things that you do that are often taken for granted. Are you an organized person who always keeps your things in proper order? Are you an extrovert that can easily make friends instantly? These may seem like ordinary things to you, but a potential employer might think otherwise.

It’s important to know your skills when you are job hunting so that you can always put your best foot forward. Always take time to consider if your skills are relevant to the job that you are applying for and remember to tailor your resume to meet the needs of the position you want.

3. Job Hunting Know How

It doesn’t matter if you are planning to apply for a million-dollar company or a small, independent firm. When you face an interviewer, it all boils down to how you present (sell) yourself. It can be the deciding factor on whether or not you are hired.

The next step is to prepare for the interview so you are ready when you get the call. When you do get the call to set up an interview respond in a timely manner and remember to be friendly and polite to the assistant or receptionist when setting up your appointment.

When you show up for the interview, make sure you’re on time. Turn your phone off to avoid unnecessary distractions and present yourself in a professional manor. Dress appropriately, be well groomed and be conscious of how you carry yourself throughout the process, because all of these factors contribute to making a lasting impression on potential employers. Remember, your appearance will be the first thing to make the impact on your interviewer.

Do your research and use all your resources to make sure that you know as much about the company as possible before the interview. You don’t want to appear unprepared when they ask how you heard of them, what you know about them or the position you’re applying for.

While it’s impossible to know exactly what questions your interviewer will ask it’s a good idea to prepare answers to a few basic questions, so that you don’t get caught off guard.

Do your best to make a great first impression by maintaining eye contact, giving the interviewer a firm handshake, a friendly smile and a polite greeting. Sit only when you are asked to and don’t forget to thank them for taking time see you. Maintain professionalism during the process so that you can start and end on a positive note.

During the interview, answer the questions briefly and accurately. The key is to be honest. Make sure that as a prospective employee, you impart to your future employer what you really are and what you can do for the company, not the other way around. Stay positive and don’t give a bad impression about your previous employer.

If you are applying for your first job, don’t let your lack of experience hinder you. What you lack in experience you can make up for in confidence and your eagerness to learn, which can give you the advantage even over more experienced applicants.

Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. Ask yourself, if I were on the other side of this desk, what qualities would I look for in a potential employee? Can he contribute to the development of the company?

As you near the end of the interview, make sure that all bases are covered. Now isn’t the time to discuss or even ask about the salary and the benefits that you will receive once employed. There is plenty of time for that once you do get the position and you are discussing the job offer.

Wrap things up by summarizing your strengths and pointing out your positive traits. Finally, as you end the interview, make sure to thank the interviewer again for his or her time, thus leaving a lasting impression.

After the interview is over don’t forget to follow up by sending that a thank you note. Thank the interviewer for their time and for giving you the opportunity. This is also a great way to remind them that you are very interested in the position.

4. Job Hunting Know How

As we know, identifying your skills is very important in the job hunting process. It’s also very important to emphasize them during the interview to show the employer what makes you different from all the other job candidates who applied.

In today’s competitive job market, companies search for the most qualified employees by weighing skills of the candidates and determining how they would benefit the company.

Majority of the top companies search for employers who stands out based from their expertise, ability to give new developments, and pleasing personalities that would enhance the organization.

Skills are grouped into three types: knowledge-based, transferable, and personal traits.

Knowledge-based skills are those learned from experiences. These may include educational attainment, additional training, seminars attended, and other practices that you have studied to enhance your expertise.

Knowledge-based skills include computer and communication skills, marketing or managerial knowledge, product development, and many more. These skills vary depending on the field of industry of each job candidate.

Transferable or portable skills are those you bring to a specific job. This is the reason why interviewers ask, “What could you offer the company?” Transferable skills are important because companies strive to look for quality employees that would improve the development of the workforce.

Portable skills include problem solving, team leader potential, organized, writing and communication skills, customer service oriented, time and project management, and good with numbers and budget. This kind of skills varies depending on the experience and versatility of each job candidate.

Personal traits determine who you are. In a job interview, one of the most common things an employer says is “Tell me something about yourself.” Your response is vital because it would set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Personal traits include good judgment, well organized, analytical, goal oriented, flexible, creative and many more. Try to sell yourself in as modest as possible within a limited time.

– Self-assessment.

In order to provide an impressive presentation, examine your resume and list all the skills you have used for each past job experience. Make a comprehensive list of your skills and strengths including personal traits, knowledge-based and transferable skills. This would be the basis for your personal commercial.

Once you have completed your script, you are now ready to face the interviewer. Remember that employers are interested in your accomplishments. Use words that are concise, direct and clear.

Although many companies require a unique set of skills, you should still highlight your technical skills in the interview. These skills, which top companies usually seek, include leadership, communication, confidence, flexibility, problem solving and energy.

Emphasizing all of your strengths and skills during your interviews will increase your chances of landing the job you really want.

5. Job Hunting Know How

Whenever you go for an interview, keep in mind that the potential employer has no idea of who you are. They usually see your resume first, so it’s important that it makes a good impression. It’s also important to remember they are usually going through several resumes at a time and at most yours will get about a 30 second glance to catch their attention.

Therefore, you have to make it count by making sure that your resume is well written and grammatically correct. It’s a difficult task to present your best assets in such a small amount of space. You should always start with your pertinent information such as your name, age, address, contact number and social security number.

Next is the career objective, which is the reason why you want to apply for the position. Make it clear and concise. Avoid being to general and make sure that you tailor it to the position you are applying for. This will give the employer the impression that you are confident know what you want and that you’re serious about working for their company.

The next section should include your relevant skills and the knowledge you have acquired during your previous occupations. Use this as a way to highlight your accomplishments. Try to include as many details as possible without using too many words. This information will be the basis for the employer to see your potential before calling you in for an interview.

After that, it’s time for your educational background. Some companies prefer people who hold a degree in a certain field. Employers use this as an indicator of the type of training you have had and the accomplishments you have achieved.

The last section should provide details of a personal nature such as hobbies, interests and character references. Being active in an organization, certain social skills and leadership abilities can show employers that you work well with others.

Remember, employers look at potential applicants who not only have the qualifications they need for the job, but also those who are well rounded. Just keep these thoughts in mind as you are writing or updating your resume and it will help you present yourself in the most positive way possible.

If you are stuck and need help when working on your resume, there are many tips and resources available online. All you have to do is search for examples related to the type of job you are applying for and you can find tons of ideas you can use for your own.

If you want, even more help there are people and services available that will help you tweak or even write your resume for you. Just look for resume writing services and you will find plenty to choose from.

6. Job Hunting Know How

When it comes to achieving any goal, there is a normally a process follow. When it comes to job-hunting this process is to streamline and analyze your objectives. Once you understand your objective, you will have a better idea of what actions need to be taken to achieve it. It will also help you develop a plan kind of like a set of directions to follow so the path to your goal won’t be as difficult.

The Practice of Management written by Peter Ducker in1954 was the first book to look at management as a whole and being a manager as a separate responsibility. In that book he talks about management by objectives (MBO). MBO is the development of simple processes that companies use to make sure they reach their goals and meet commitments within their organization and it’s still used today.

I’m telling you this because it’s also applicable to personal plans and you can use this process to make sure you reach your objectives when it comes to landing a job.

MBO commonly consists of five steps:

1. Is it specific?

When it comes to getting a job it’s important to clarify exactly what you want to achieve first and give that task your full attention. It’s better to accomplish one goal at a time rather than trying to achieve several different goals at the same time.

For instance, listing your skills, writing your resume or following up after an interview. Each of these are small goals. It’s important to focus on each specific one until you reach your main objective, which in this case is getting a job.

2. Is it measurable?

Measurable objectives are used as assessment tools. Once the objective is defined, it then becomes the foundation for an actionable plan. When it comes to applying for jobs it’s important to have a clear objective along with a plan for completing the tasks necessary to achieve it. For instance, you could plan to compile your list of skills on Thursday, write your resume on Friday and begin applying for positions on Monday.

3. Is it achievable?

The next important factor to setting objectives is that they are achievable. For instance, an objective, which states “100 percent customer satisfaction”, isn’t really achievable. It’s naive isn’t to expect everyone to be 100 percent satisfied even under perfect conditions.

Your goals should be challenging, but they should also be attainable. For instance, if you just graduated with no experience it is unreasonable to think that you’ll get a top management position as your first job. A more attainable objective would be to get an entry-level position with the possibility of moving up to a more prominent position.

4. Is it result oriented?

When you are looking for a job consider the things that matter most to you and set your objectives accordingly. For example, if stability is more important to you than flexibility, set objectives that relate to stability such as getting a job that has a long-term contract with set hours, rather than on that offers different shifts and flexible hours.

5. Is it time bound?

You should set a time limit for accomplishing your goals and reaching your objectives. This is a little challenging when it comes to job hunting because of the outside factors involved, but if you don’t attach a time line to your goals, then they can be difficult to achieve. For example, you may set an objective of applying to ten companies a month, finding a new job in three months or getting a promotion in two years.

Taking the time develop job hunting objectives that are specific, measureable and achievable within a certain amount of time will make the process easier and the end results more obtainable.

7. Job Hunting Know How

Career advisers often tell jobseekers to send a thank you note after an interview as you may recall me mentioning in a previous issue. Many people skip this step because they think it isn’t important or they feel awkward about contacting the company before hearing a response to their application. But it’s an important courtesy that can put you ahead of the competition especially in today’s competitive job market.

When it comes to this specific task the question I’m asked most frequently is how and when to send the note.

The general rule of thumb is to follow-up right away. This usually means within 24 hours of your interview. In most cases, it’s best to send a handwritten thank you note. Surveys say that more than half of hiring managers prefer a handwritten note to an email.

However, if the interviewer indicates that they will be making a decision soon email can be a good option to not sending anything. If timing isn’t a factor you can cover all of your bases by doing both. First, send a quick email and then follow up with a thank you card. Either way, be sure to ask the interviewer for a business card so you have their contact information.

– Handwritten or typewritten?

Many debates have spawned the question of whether or not the note should be typed or written by hand. In this case, it doesn’t really matter. What is important is getting it done and tailoring it to the prospective company and the person who conducted the interview.

– Panel of interviewers.

Another question I hear frequently is “If I am interviewed by a panel, should I send thank you letters to all of them? The best answer is yes. The same letter will work fine for each member of the panel. Just make sure you customize the notes with the individual names of each interviewer. A special notation about your experience with them is also a nice touch.

– What if there is already an offer?

Even if you have already received an offer, it’s still a good idea to send a thank you note. It could include your intention to accept or decline the offer. It could also be used as a confirmation of your agreement or understanding of the (salary, benefits, other compensation, starting date, vacations, etc.) offer they extended to you. This can help iron out any discrepancies before starting the job.

When it comes to sending a thank you note to potential employers, the most important thing to remember is to be professional and personalize it as much as possible. If you get stuck for ideas while writing your thank you note don’t worry you can find plenty of helpful resources online. Just to a quick search for job interview thank you note examples or templates. You will be presented with a wide variety of options to help you write the perfect note for any circumstance.

8. Job Hunting Know How

As we have discussed before, when it comes to applying for a job, your resume is the first chance you’ll have to make a lasting first impression. This simple document will help you get your foot in the door, get an interview and inevitably help you land a job.

Having a great resume can get you to the top of the applicant pile. When it comes to writing a resume there are several options and styles available. While some may say that a basic template is all you need, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to choose a style that suits the type of position you’re applying for.

There are four general types of resumes: chronological, functional, combination, and targeted. Understanding their purpose can help you choose the one that will work best in your situation.

– Functional

This type of resume focuses on your skills rather than your work experience. It’s great for first time job hunters that don’t have a lot of job experience. It gives you the flexibility to emphasize your skills and present them in a way that will help distinguish you from other applicants. You may also want to consider using it if you are changing careers or you have large gaps in your employment history.

– Chronological

A chronological resume is the most common type of resume. It allows you to list your work history first. The list usually begins with your most recent job and works backwards through the rest. It gives potential employers a good overview of your work experience at first glance, which is important in almost every situation. Remember most of the time they will only spend approximately 30 seconds on a resume unless something catches their attention. So make your words count.

– Combination

The combination resume is a way to combine the parts of a functional resume and a chronological resume to provide employers with a good overview of your capabilities. This type of resume lists your skills and experiences first. Then your work history in reverse chronological order. This resume allows you to highlight skills that will help you get the job you’re applying for, while showing your work history as well.

– Targeted

We have discussed tailoring your resume to the job you’re applying for in previous issues. This is referred to as the targeted resume. It is the most difficult and time-consuming type to use because you have to update it for each individual position. It gives you the opportunity to highlight the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the available position.

While those are the main four types of resumes, there may be times that call for a nontraditional or mini resume. A mini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights and qualifications. It can be used instead of full-length resume for networking or reference to provide potential employers an overview of your accomplishments.

A nontraditional resume is usually a web-based version of your resume on job site or social networks like LinkedIn. It can include photos, graphics, images, graphs and other visuals to help you sell yourself.

Choosing the right type of resume is a very important part of the job hunting process, so make sure you take the time to understand the pros and cons of each type.

9. Job Hunting Know How

Usually when you are looking for a job, you’ll ask everyone you can think of if they know of any openings. These are often referred to as your warm contact list. Your family, friends and even acquaintances with whom you’ve had at least some personal association with belong on this list.

When it comes to getting a job, it’s important to sit down and make a list of warm contacts and update it regularly. The more people who know you are looking for a job the better.

Who are a few ideas that can help you during the brainstorming process:

– Relatives and Friends

These are the people who are always willing to help you in your job search because they have your best interests at heart. They can provide you with information and introduce you to people they know who may be able to help you.

It’s the best place to start building your list of warm contacts. When they introduce you to some of their contacts, chances are those people will introduce you to even more contacts that can provide you with valuable information about available positions that you may be interested in.

– Same interests

You may not realize it, but people who share the same interests, faith, beliefs or hobbies may also be able to help you find a job. While, you may have a different career from theirs, they still may know people in the same field as you and be able to provide you with an introduction. You never know who will be able to help you further your career.

– Local retailers

You may think that your relationship with the sales associates in the stores where you shop is based strictly on professional interaction. However, people who sell you things are usually great sources of information especially when it comes to finding a job.

After all, they come in contact with large numbers of people every day. They often hear about openings before the position is listed publicly. Most of the time they are more than happy to help you, since they know that maintaining a solid relationship with you means repeat business and if you have a good job it means you have more money to spend in their store.

– Former associates

Maintaining a good relationship with previous employers and colleagues has more benefits than you can imagine. That’s why it’s always a good idea to and leave any job on a good note. Aside from the possibility that your potential employer will call previous employers when they review your job history, former employers and colleagues are also a good source of information when it comes to finding a new job.

– Professional organizations

Many professional organizations help their members find jobs, or at the least, offer job listings from members who may be hiring. If you don’t belong to any, consider joining one because they can be very beneficial to the growth of your career. If you do belong to a one related to your chosen job market be sure to check into their available resources. Often they will be able to provide you with unbiased information on current job openings as well as company profiles and even current career trends.

Remember when it comes to creating a list of warm contacts no stone should be left unturned. The more contacts you have the better chance you will have of finding a job.

10. Job Hunting Know How

Salary negotiation is an art that relies heavily on timing. If you bring it up too early and you may lose out to your competition. If you bring it up a too late and you may not get the compensation package you are hoping to get.

When it comes to the hiring process money is one of the most sensitive issue you’ll have to address. Discussing compensation packages often causes stress for both employee and employer. But, there are things you can do to help reduce that stress and help ensure you get the best possible salary and benefit package possible.

Let’s go over a few!

– Research

Before the interview process begins, do your research so you can have a good idea of what the general compensation package is for the position you’re interviewing is. Sometimes you can good ballpark figure by doing a little research online. You can also contact a professional organization that represents your career field and see if they can provide you with general salary information. This way you can be armed with the facts before the topic of money is discussed.

You should also keep in mind that approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted for taxes as well as insurance and retirement plan deductions, so make sure you figure that into the equation before agreeing on a final amount.

– Determine your skills

As we have discussed before, skills are an important part of the job hunting process especially when it comes to being paid what your worth. Once you have established what your skills are worth in the current job market, you will have more control over the negotiation process.

When it comes to your stating salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. It can be helpful to find a source that helps you calculate the potential value of your personal skills and background such as education, length of experience, certifications, and management responsibility.

To do this there are a wide variety of tools and calculators available online. Just do a quick search for Salary Calculators. You should have no trouble finding one that will work in your situation.

– Weigh the compensation package

To determine the fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.

– Sell yourself

As I have mentioned many times before, it’s important to sell yourself. If you know, what you can bring to the company is worth more than they are offering use that as a negotiating tactic to help get the best employment package possible.

The entire salary negotiation process can be quite intimidating and it calls for a strong stomach and a professional attitude. It’s never an easy task, but when you prepare properly and approach it armed with the facts you are that much closer to getting the salary you deserve.

11. Job Hunting Know How

No matter what job that you’re applying for the prospective employer will want to see a list of professional references. The norm is to have at least three references listed when you apply for a job. These references need to be of a profession not personal nature.

This means that your references should be people that you have worked with and not family or friends. In today’s job market, it can be challenging to get professional references. Some companies will even tell you that they don’t offer references to past employees, but there are ways to get references even if they are unwilling to provide them.

For instance, you can check with coworkers. While they may not be in a supervisor, they can still verify your length of employment and your make a statement about your work ethic. Just be discreet when you ask them to avoid getting them into a sticky situation. Make sure you let them know that you are willing to do the same for them if they should need references at some point.

You can also ask people that you have volunteered with to be your reference. These people have seen your work ethic and can talk about your time management and dedication to what you are doing.

If you don’t have a previous job to go back to for references, you can check with people you attended school or college with. Don’t forget to check with staff, teachers and counsellors as well to see if they are willing to be a reference for you.

The most important thing to remember when compiling a list of references is to ask the person that you want to use first. You need to ask them before you list them as a reference. This way they will be expecting to hear from companies where you applied.

Lastly, when you finally land a job, make sure that you send a note to all of your references and thank them for the help that they gave you.

12. Job Hunting Know How

As we well know, finding a job can be daunting task so it pays to explore every available option. Most of us look in the newspaper, search online and check with family and friends when we are looking for a job but we often forget to check out job fairs.

For many this is because they aren’t aware that they exist, for others it’s because they don’t like the crowds and some it’s because they don’t think it will help. However, a job fair can be a great resource when it comes to landing a job or at the very least make some contacts to add to your warm list. These big expos allow companies to set up tables or booths where they collect resumes, business cards and talk to you about their available openings.

One of the things that make job fairs a good opportunity is that several companies participate in the event, giving you to apply for multiple positions and to speak with company representatives to explore the possibility of employment.

However, they can be crowded, busy, competitive and sometimes confusing events. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, standing, and waiting around. Be sure to dress appropriately. You want to present a confident and professional appearance while being as comfortable as possible.

– Research

Make sure you do your research before the event so that you can be as prepared as possible. Usually, the organizers of this event will post the companies that are participating in the fair. You can use this information to make a list of the companies and positions you are most interested in so you can check them out first.

– Resumes

Make sure you have enough resumes prepared, at the least print out 25, before going to the event. This way you will be able to provide resumes to all of the potential employers you are interested in at the fair. The more applications you deliver the better chances of landing a job.

– On the spot interviews

As with any interview, it’s always best to be as prepared as possible. At an event like this there is a chance that you will have an on the spot interview which can lead to an immediate hire. It’s a good idea to have a list of answers to standard questions memorized and a cheat sheet to fall back on in case you get stuck. There is nothing worse than going blank when you’re asked a question, so practice your answers ahead of time.

Doing your research and being prepared ahead of time can help you go into an event like this with more confidence. It will also help you make the most out of the experience. Who knows if everything goes well you could end up coming out gainfully employed.

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