8 Steps to an effective job search

8 steps to an effective job search.

• First, Identify your career goals

  Identify your career goals.  What is your ideal, dream job?  What do you want to do?  Put your career goal in writing.  This will provide the focus of your job search. Your goal will guide you to search for those jobs that best match your career goals.

  Second , Evaluate your job skills

  Evaluate whether you have the skills needed to get the job of your dreams.  If you need to update some skills or freshen up your resume consider a class that can give you the current skill boost to be competitive.

  Make sure you have the basic skills to be competitive in the current marketplace. This includes knowing the basics of computer software: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2013, Introduction to Microsoft Excel 2013, Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, Introduction to Microsoft Project 2013, Introduction to Windows 7, Introduction to Windows 8, Introduction to Adobe Acrobat X, Introduction to QuickBooks 2014,  or Computer Skills for the Workplace.

  Be sure that you have basic business skills: Mastery of Business Fundamentals, Accounting Fundamentals, Fundamentals of Supervision and Management, Employment Law Fundamentals,  Total Quality Fundamentals, Managing Customer Service, Supply Chain Management Fundamentals, or Leadership.

  Third, Research job announcements

  Use job boards to research job announcements.  Use some of the most common job search websites to look for job announcements that match your career goal: Indeed, Career Builder, Monster, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, Snag a Job, and so forth.

  You can also find job announcements on corporate web sites.  Identify a company you want to work for, go to their web site, and look for job opportunities.  This can add to your job list.

  When you find an announcement that matches your requirement; then add it to your list of job options, apply online, and submit your resume.

  Fourth, Network

  Network with others. Talk to others in your field and see what job openings they know about.  Friends, colleagues, other professionals may be able to give you good job leads.  Attend professional development luncheons, continuing education seminars, and other professional events where you can mix and mingle with others in your field.

  Also consider online networking. Set up a profile on LinkedIn, Facebook, or other social network websites.  This kind of online networking can help you gather more job leads, opportunities, and trends.

  Fifth, Prepare a cover letter and resume

  Prepare a cover letter.  Your cover letter should highlight your capabilities and draw attention to how well you meet the job requirements.  It should be short, one page, and be formatted professionally.

  Make sure your resume is in order.  It should include a list of your job experience, skills, professional training and development, and contact information.  Keep it to one page, format it professionally, and save it on your computer or thumb drive to easily upload with a job application.

  Sixth, Prepare to interview

  Search online for common interview questions.  Review the questions, prepare a short answer to each question.  You want to be truthful and also prepared for the job interview questions.

  Consider things you would like to know about the company you are interviewing with.  Do a google search to find out about the business, make a list of questions you want to ask at the interview, and consider what you need to know to decide if the job is a good match for your skills.

  Finally, prepare a one minute response to the question “Tell me about why we should hire you for this job.”  You want to talk about the main three or four reasons you would be well qualified for the job.  You will want to use your one minute response in the interview to make it clear why you should be hired.

  Seventh, Get into the job market

  Sometimes the job search process seems slow.  Consider ways to get your foot in the door.  Some people like to volunteer as a way to gain skills that they will need for their desired job.  Look for ways to volunteer while you conduct your job search.  This keeps you in the job market and helps you learn new skills.

  Consider a job internship.  An internship is often arranged through a school.  You work at a company for school credit in order to get “on the job” experience.  Other times an internship can be arranged individually.  Ask whether it is a paid or unpaid internship and how long it lasts.  An internship will typically end after a few months.

  Take the financial pressure of the job search by getting a part time job. This keeps money coming in to pay the bills while you prepare for and look for your dream job.  A part time job will keep you busy while you conduct your job search.

  Eighth, Accept a formal offer

  Your job search should lead to a formal offer of employment.  Once you receive the formal offer, review the terms and conditions of employment, and if acceptable to you; then accept the offer.  Set a date to begin employment.  Clarify any job expectations that are still unclear.  Make sure the salary and benefits have been clearly explained.

  Once you have accepts the formal offer, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!  You have successfully completed your job search and landed a job.