Finding a job can be a daunting prospect for some, whether it's a career woman who has just lost her job or a fresh graduate trying to find their first job. Learning to make a great resume, knowing how to network, and maintaining a positive attitude can make job hunting easier. See step 1 to start looking for a potential new job!
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Part 1 of 4: Prepare to Search
Step 1. Work on your resume
A resume is one of the main ways for potential employers to see what you might be able to offer their company. You need to make sure your resume is crafted in an attention-grabbing way, that there are no mistakes that could take your chances, and that it's accurate.
- Consider the three best characteristics you would offer a potential employer (it's best if you set up specific characteristics for each job, creative might be good for office work, but not so great for welding) and write them down. You want people reading your resume to know these three characteristics. For example: instead of saying that you are a creative thinker, give an example of a time when you provided a creative and useful solution to a problem.
- Be specific and tell. Your resume tells you what you want to say about what type of worker you are. For example, if you've worked in a restaurant, don't say "waiting for a table" but say "handle up to 5 tables during a busy night and make sure the customer has a positive experience." It shows that you handle stress well, you can do multiple jobs at once and that you care about your customers.
- One of the most widely used resume preparation methods is the chronological method. This means that you list your work history from last to first, so your potential employer can see what work you have done. This is a great way to show how much work you've done, especially if it's in a similar field to the job you're applying for.
- A slightly different way of formatting a resume is to place relevant work experience at the top. This means that you create a detailed segment of work experience related to the job you are applying for. After that you can create segments for other jobs in chronological order. The advantage of this method is that potential employers can easily see how much experience you have.
Step 2. Prepare for a job interview
Never go to a job interview unprepared, even if it's a job you think is rough and basic and unlikely to fail. There are certain questions that are bound to be asked during a job interview that you should consider beforehand.
- Potential employers may ask about your experience at a previous company. What they want to know with this question is how your experience will relate to the job you are applying for. They may ask your professional achievements so far. Use this as an opportunity to give an example of why you are a good fit for the job. For the question "why are you right for this position" you should provide an example or two that will set you apart from other candidates.
- The biggest and usually scariest question is what is your biggest weakness? The best way to answer this question is to be honest but strategic. Answer honestly, but state what you did to overcome/improve your weakness. For example: "My biggest weakness is that I have a tendency to overwork. I've tried to remedy that by paying closer attention to the projects that matter most, while still putting in time and maintaining the quality of smaller projects."
- Exercise with the SAFW response method 2 minutes. That is "say a few words (say a few words); statement (statement); amplify (emphasize); few examples (examples); wrap-up (cover)." For example, if the interviewer asks about your experience with a previous company, answer something like "Company X has been really great at honing my customer service skills. I work with many types of customers to ensure an optimal experience. an expatriate from Germany who is 80 years old for the registration process, although he can barely speak Indonesian or English. The previous person who answered his phone was very frustrated with his language barrier, but he and I made it through the process. I even learned a few words in German!"
Step 3. Do thorough research on the job you are applying for
Since research is a part of interview preparation, it is an important part of showing why you are the right person for the company. Even if you've produced a lot of resumes, you should know enough about each company you're applying to so you'll know what you're talking about when you land an interview.
- If possible, know who your interviewer is. Find out if the interviewer is the manager, owner, etc. If possible, find out his name and title. If you can find out a little bit what they are looking for in an interview (eg if you know someone who works for the company) it can help you prepare for the interview to their standards.
- Have an idea of what the company does. Even a simple search on the internet can do a lot of good. Asking very obvious questions or not having a clear idea of the company makes you appear desperate for a job but not specifically interested in the job, which will limit your chances of getting hired.
Step 4. Create good questions
The interviewer pays attention to the questions you ask, so this is part of the assessment. Ask the interviewer to give you an example of a project you might be working on, ask about a typical job trajectory in the position you are applying for, ask why they like working there, ask how best to contribute to the company.
- You can also ask if they have any doubts about you and your qualifications that might prevent them from taking you to the next level. A very good question to ask is "what is the culture like at this company?"
- Avoid specific questions like the following: anything you find on the internet, ask what the company does, ask if they do a background check, ask if the company monitors internet or email usage, or ask about interviewer qualifications.
Step 5. Dress appropriately
You don't want to come to work dressed like you just woke up. Including when you come asking for a job opening or submit a resume.
- Try and find out what the company dress code is. Of course the way you dress depends on the type of company. Working as a barista requires different attire from bank employees.
- Make sure that you and your clothes are clean. If that's difficult for you (because you can't afford it for various reasons), a shelter, nonprofit group, or local laundry can offer discounts or free services for the poor.
Step 6. Be realistic
In order to find a job as well as to work, you must have tenacity and courage, and be aware that you may be rejected more than once. Finding a job can take time and effort. Usually work doesn't fall into your lap by itself. If anything, it's because of your commitment to your previous job.
It seems highly unlikely that the first job you apply for is the one you will get. You shouldn't let that discourage you. Instead, every time you apply, think of all those interviews as an opportunity to make connections and learn from all the mistakes you made. The more often you interview and build your resume, the better and more polished you will become
Part 2 of 4: Looking for Jobs
Step 1. Ask
Although many people look for jobs on classifieds or the internet, the best way to find a job is from your mouth, preferably from someone who works for the company in question. Tell friends and family that you are looking for a job, and be clear about the type of job you want.
- Having an acquaintance who is already working for the company you want increases your chances of getting hired, especially if the acquaintance is a good employee. Personal recommendations can be a great asset on your resume.
- The university alumni network is a fantastic way to find work, or get contacts. Most universities can put you in contact with fellow alumni who can answer your questions about how to get a job in a specific field, who can write recommendations, or even offer you a job with their company or line of business.
Step 2. Search in the job advertisement
There is usually a bulletin board (online, newspaper, or wall-mounted) around your neighborhood. People advertise all kinds of job openings in those places, including some unusual ones. It's a good idea to look in places like that, because you never know what will be there.
- Look for job advertisements in the local library. Libraries and public spaces often advertise different types of work.
- Look for local newspaper vacancies. Classified ads advertise all kinds of job openings, including unusual ones. Make sure you know the company and the people who offer the job, because anyone can post a vacancy in a classified ad. Check everything before you get deep into the interview process.
Step 3. Use the internet as a resource
Some people find the internet a great job hunting and networking opportunity. You should make sure that you filter out the not-so-good sources and make sure you do your research on any vacancies you find on the internet before you do anything.
- Look for websites that are specific to your field. If you want to become a journalist, for example, there are specific websites that provide information about the types of jobs available in journalism.
- Sites like LinkedIn turn out to be excellent networking tools. You can add professionals in your area of interest and network with people in your profession. Sites like Craigslist, while good, can be difficult to navigate through one after the other to find the one job you're looking for among the many. Again, when you're searching for vacancies on Craigslist make sure you check the company offering the job before you interview or engage.
- Clean your presence on social networks. Employers are increasingly checking job candidates on their social networking sites, even if that sounds unfair. Make sure your account settings are private and that any erotic fiction you've created can't be linked to you.
Step 4. Find a temporary job, internship, or part-time job in your chosen field
Whether it's a part-time, temporary, internship or seasonal job, they are all great paths to the door of the company or field you are pursuing.
- Employers tend to seek from people they know. If you've worked with them in one of those types of jobs you're more likely to be considered and benefited from people they only know from a resume.
- These jobs (especially internships) are also a great place to network. Keep in touch with people you've worked with, making sure they know the type of job you're looking for, so you'll be the first person they think of when they hear a vacancy.
- Go to the campus library and check the job advertisement on the bulletin board. Part-time, seasonal, and babysitting jobs are often advertised on the site rather than online or in the newspapers, because employers are looking for a very specific type of person.
Part 3 of 4: Networking like a Pro
Step 1. Take advantage of the network
Networking is one of the most powerful and most important things you can do to find a job, as it can open up opportunities and introduce you to people you might not meet under normal circumstances. For example, people tend to hire someone they already know.
- Get out and meet people. Networking requires you to attend events where you can network: conferences, events, trade shows, and business meetings. Always keep an eye on the newspapers, or follow the news about your line of work for opportunities to meet people.
- Sometimes people feel that the network is "cheating" or dishonest, but it's really not. People love to be asked for their opinion, or talk about what they do and it's natural that people want to help people they know. There's nothing wrong with building a network, especially if you're open to helping others as much as they are helping you.
Step 2. Find a place to build your network
There are many events, such as conventions, meetings, introduction parties, etc. where you can network, and you should take advantage of those opportunities. However, don't limit yourself to specific events, because the deepest and most useful connections come from unusual places.
- Depending on your line of work, there are many organizations dedicated to different types of work and these organizations often hold annual meetings and other things like conferences or conventions. If you can, check websites and magazines related to your work, as there is often information about meetings there.
- Find someone you can talk to at the gym, volunteer, at the coffee shop, on the plane. What's great about networking with people outside of your job is that you may be able to develop personal connections, but still be able to explore work (because it's an area people talk about a lot). Make the other person feel like the most important person you've ever spoken to.
- Start a conversation. One thing about networking is that you have to be able to start a conversation. A successful way to do this is to briefly introduce yourself, and compliment the person you're talking to for something. Even better if you can use the compliment to get him to talk. For example: If you're sitting next to someone on a plane, compliment the pin they're wearing and ask the story behind it. People love to tell stories.
Step 3. Develop a strategy
To network effectively with people who are likely to help you, you must develop an effective networking strategy. This means you have to find a way to quickly introduce yourself. It also means knowing who you are meeting and a few facts about them.
- Find out who will be attending an event and make a list of the people you would really like to meet at the event. Try and find out a little about themselves before the event (not stalking or spying, just a little idea about their work and interests).
- An introductory exercise in the elevator, essentially stating who you are and what your job is (and maybe what you want to do) is as natural as possible. The introduction should be short and memorable. "I'm Mary-Ellen Jones and work as a copy editor for a rising internet company." View every interaction as an exercise to build networks, to get better at starting conversations with other people.
- Make sure you always carry business cards with you, but don't cram them into everyone's hands. People will only see you as limited and not really interested in the networking part of networking (the part where you talk to other people).
Step 4. Have a specific self-image
Like an introduction in an elevator, you need to present a brief but specific image. This way it will be easier for people to remember you and describe who you are to other people, such as potential new employers.
- Look again at the three qualities that you feel describe your work experience, and make sure that they are all qualities you want to highlight. It means giving specific examples, when the time is right. This is the kind of information that you provide in a way that seems natural (e.g. job difficulties you managed to overcome, projects you worked on, etc.).
- For example: if your three qualities are hardworking, creative thinker, punctuality, you should cite examples where you have used these three qualities, either individually or in conjunction. You want these qualities that people will remember and that they will pass on to others again.
Step 5. Use the network as a two-way street
When you only think of networking as what other people can do for you, you're using it the wrong way. Networking goes both ways, what others can do for you and what you can do for others. Offering help to others will make them willing to help you in turn.
- When you ask questions and listen more than you talk people will remember you more favorably and are more likely to recommend or help you.
- Ask the people you meet questions about themselves. Who are they? What are their jobs? What do they enjoy about their job? How did they get the job? You don't have to ask very personal questions, but you do have to show an interest in what they do.
Step 6. Take care of your network
Once you connect with people you have to maintain that relationship. You need to constantly re-evaluate who you want to keep in the network and who you don't.
Don't cut ties in a bad way. You never know who might be able to help you in the future, and saying bad things about someone or fighting in public will put you in the shoes of someone else
Part 4 of 4: Applying Appropriate Job Search Ethics
Step 1. Choose the right time
The third quarter is one of the best times, it seems, for job hunting. Many companies hire in the third quarter, which may be related to using the remaining funds from their annual budget. Whatever the reason, this is a good time to submit a resume.
- Of course, pay attention to seasonal work, which usually starts hiring at the end of the year (November and early December). This can be a great way to set your foot on the threshold of a permanent job later, especially if you prove that you are a good worker. The retail and food sectors often have seasonal jobs that are usually in the middle and end of the year. You can also find work during the holiday season (make sure you start looking months in advance).
- Different jobs may have different hiring peaks as well. For example, teacher recruitment usually peaks in March, November, December and September (beginning and end of the school year). On the other hand, May and January provide opportunities for people who want to work in the health sector.
Step 2. Make yourself unique
You have to figure out how to make an impression on people who could potentially hire you. To do so you need to ensure that you display the unique combination of qualities and experience that makes you a good fit for a job.
- Personalize cover letters, resumes, and interviews according to the potential employer. A general, vague cover letter will make the interviewer less interested in you. Remember, you are trying to answer the question why the company this, why work this, and why You. Having a specific answer to that question will go a long way in getting the company interested in you.
- Again, use the rule of three qualities. People tend to limit themselves (unintentionally) to remembering just three things about whoever they meet, the movies they watch, etc. Always keep these three qualities in mind and look for ways to include them in cover letters, resumes, and interviews. Provide specific examples of this quality throughout your application.
- Find ways to engage with companies or areas of work that interest you. Try and get a visit to a company facility, and ask to be introduced to Human Resources, or offer to help with a company sponsored event. Finding a way to get people to know you on a resume can make a big difference whether you get hired or not.
Step 3. During the interview process, be polite to everyone
That is to say even to people who are at the lowest level of the company's composition. You never know, your next opportunity could come from anywhere. Assume that everyone in the company advises the manager on whether they like you or not.
Step 4. Be persistent in a polite way
People who are hired don't stop looking and don't stop their persistence to get the job they want. There is a fine line between persistent and disruptive. Persistence will help you, while being intrusive will ruin your chances.
- During the interview ask "what's the next process" and "when can I follow up on this interview with you?" This gives you a better idea of when you can reach them if you haven't heard back.
- When you're seeking follow-up on a potential job, make sure that the people you're talking to know that you value their time. Say something like "I know you have a lot of work to do and I really appreciate the time you took to help me." You should always thank them for helping you.
- If you don't get a response, the best chance is to check three times and then admit that maybe you didn't get the job. If you know someone in the company you can ask if the company is still in the hiring process and who is the best person you can contact for a response
Step 5. Send a thank you note
After any job interview, you should send a thank you message. A lot of people send email these days, so if you want to stand out, you should consider sending a handwritten greeting.
- Make sure your thanks are as specific as possible. Thank the person who interviewed you, mention a few points you discussed during the interview and the reasons why they were important to you, and reiterate your interest in the position.
- While it may be a bit overwhelming, you can send emails as well as a more formal greeting.
- A thank you note has the added benefit of your interest in the job, namely that you have manners, and that it reminds the interviewer of you.
Tips
- Don't be afraid to look in unusual places. You never know where you can find a job. You may be able to look at the required fields of work and fill them in yourself.
- Stay positive during your job hunt, even if you experience setbacks. People will remember the positive side of you and are more likely to hire you than if you have a negative attitude, despair and lose.
