Job Search Plan:
Decide what type of job you want (industry, career field, full-time, part-time).
Decide what type of job you want (industry, career field, full-time, part-time).
Decide where you want to work (geographic area).
Write a resume or be prepared to complete job applications.
Find job listings.
Write cover letters.
Apply online.
Follow-up.
Use your contacts.
There are also some basic tools you will need to conduct a job search. Access to a computer and an email account you can use for job searching are a must. It helps to have a dedicated email you can use so your job search correspondence doesn’t get jumbled with your personal correspondence.
Email Accounts
Free web-based email services are available (Gmail, Yahoo) and if you use one, you will be able to check your email from wherever you are. You will also be able to set up folders where you can keep copies of the resumes you have sent and the correspondence that needs follow-up.
Store Your Documents
Set up a job search folder on your computer (click on Start, My Computer, Your Computer, Make New Folder). Keep copies of the resumes and letters you have sent, so the information will be readily available when you start receiving calls to schedule interviews. Also keep a copy of the emails you send.
You can also store your job search documents online. Upload your resume and cover letters to Google Documents and you will be able to access them from any web browser. That way, you’ll have everything you need to apply for your jobs available on any computer.
Job Search Tools
Consider using a job search management tool like JibberJobber (jibberjobber.com) to manage your activities online and keep track of where you have applied, who you have contacted, and what you need to do next.
An Excel spreadsheet works, too. Set up columns for:
Company Name
Date Resume Sent
Contact Person
Follow Up Date
Notes
Another option is the contact manager that comes with some email programs, like Microsoft Outlook. Regardless of what product you use, you need to be able to keep track of your job applications and the people who are helping you with them.
Get all the tools you need in place before you start. It’s much easier to apply for jobs when you’re organized, than when you have to run to the store to get paper for your printer or to the Post Office to get stamps, so you can get a resume in the mail.
Job Search Tools:
Computer
Printer
Phone (landline or cell phone) with voicemail
Email Address
Organizer / Planner
Contact Manager
Paper
Mailing Envelopes
Stamps
Get Organized
Set aside some time to work on your job search. Job searching really is a whole lot like work and it’s going to take a dedicated effort to find a new position. One thing to keep in mind is that most people don’t look for jobs on the weekend. So, if you can spend a few weekend hours on your job search, you’ll have an edge over other applicants and your application may be among the first the hiring manager sees on Monday morning.
Get Help
If you’re not sure about what you want to do or are having difficulty with your job search, remember that there is help available. If you’re a college student or graduate, your career services office may be able to assist.
Job Search Tools
Consider using a job search management tool like JibberJobber (jibberjobber.com) to manage your activities online and keep track of where you have applied, who you have contacted, and what you need to do next.
An Excel spreadsheet works, too. Set up columns for:
Company Name
Date Resume Sent
Contact Person
Follow Up Date
Notes
Another option is the contact manager that comes with some email programs, like Microsoft Outlook. Regardless of what product you use, you need to be able to keep track of your job applications and the people who are helping you with them.
Get all the tools you need in place before you start. It’s much easier to apply for jobs when you’re organized, than when you have to run to the store to get paper for your printer or to the Post Office to get stamps, so you can get a resume in the mail.
Job Search Tools:
Computer
Printer
Phone (landline or cell phone) with voicemail
Email Address
Organizer / Planner
Contact Manager
Paper
Mailing Envelopes
Stamps
Get Organized
Set aside some time to work on your job search. Job searching really is a whole lot like work and it’s going to take a dedicated effort to find a new position. One thing to keep in mind is that most people don’t look for jobs on the weekend. So, if you can spend a few weekend hours on your job search, you’ll have an edge over other applicants and your application may be among the first the hiring manager sees on Monday morning.
Get Help
If you’re not sure about what you want to do or are having difficulty with your job search, remember that there is help available. If you’re a college student or graduate, your career services office may be able to assist.
There are career counselors and coaches that can provide assistance. Visit the National Career Development Association (www.ncda.org) for a list of certified counselors in your area. Many state department of labor offices provide workshops and assistance for job seekers, as well.
Be Active
You need to actively work at your job search. One job seeker lost an opportunity for what could have been a dream job because he didn’t check his email in a timely manner. By the time he got around to checking it, someone else had been hired.
Job Search Checklist:
Apply Immediately – Don’t wait to apply for jobs that match your specification.
Check Email – check at least twice a day – early in the morning and mid-afternoon, so you can respond the same day you received the message.
Respond to Email – answer recruiter and contact email immediately.
Telephone – Check for messages throughout the day (if you’re working, check your voicemail during breaks and/or your lunch hour).
Mail – Check your mail, too, you may get a letter or postcard asking you to call to schedule an interview.
Networking Sites – Outreach to contacts and respond to messages from anyone who is helping you with your job search in a timely manner.
Be Active
You need to actively work at your job search. One job seeker lost an opportunity for what could have been a dream job because he didn’t check his email in a timely manner. By the time he got around to checking it, someone else had been hired.
Job Search Checklist:
Apply Immediately – Don’t wait to apply for jobs that match your specification.
Check Email – check at least twice a day – early in the morning and mid-afternoon, so you can respond the same day you received the message.
Respond to Email – answer recruiter and contact email immediately.
Telephone – Check for messages throughout the day (if you’re working, check your voicemail during breaks and/or your lunch hour).
Mail – Check your mail, too, you may get a letter or postcard asking you to call to schedule an interview.
Networking Sites – Outreach to contacts and respond to messages from anyone who is helping you with your job search in a timely manner.
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ReplyDeleteExcellent advice here. You are really helping ex-offenders with your post. Here are some Resume Tips for Convicted Felons That you might find helpful.
ReplyDelete