Top Ten Job Search Tips
1. Treat job hunting as a full time job (only you are working for yourself!). Have a plan, get daycare for your children and be 'on the job' 35-40 hours per week.
2. Ensure that your resume provides the best possible "first impression" and always have one with you. On the spot hiring does happen.
3. Only hand your resume to the person who hires (introduce yourself and shake their hand). If they are not available, find out when they will be, and go back.
4. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up, by phone and in person (keep a diary of dates, names and notes to track your contacts and then, most importantly, be methodical in following-up).
5. Make sure your voice messaging system is professional. Coach your roommates or children on how to politely answer the phone and take a message.
6. Read the newspaper every day. Besides checking out the classifieds, find out what is going on. Apply to the companies that are growing. Spend a day with the yellow pages in the section of interest to you, and another day with Internet job search sites.
7. Participate in as many volunteer activities as you can... the networking opportunities are priceless. Let everyone know you are looking for work, including your family, friends, the coach, mail carrier and neighbors (you would be surprised at how many excellent jobs come about as a result of an unexpected recommendation).
8. Approach people in the places you would like to work, and ask them about what they do, and why they like it. Pay attention to how they are dressed and their approach to e.g. customer service.
9. Be prepared for interviews. Practice answering generic interview questions, do your research, know about the company that you are applying for and be prepared to get your message across (what you have to offer to the employer)
10. Don't get discouraged if you are not immediately successful.
Use the most powerful job search engine on the Internet to date!
Job search in Canada
Job search in the UK
Job search in the USA
Good luck with your job search!
