Top 5 Tips for Successful Job Search

Did you know that more than a million-and-a-half companies and employment recruiters search the Internet job search and career sites every day for new workers?

That means that there is a lot of opportunity out there for you as a job candidate.

Here are five very good ways to find the best job for yourself quickly.

1) Networking

Networking is probably the best job search tactic there is, if it is used professionally and appropriately. Networking is not making a lot of contacts just to see what they can do for you. A good network is full of people that you have taken the time to get to know long-term. Get out there in your working and social community and meet people in order to learn more about them. Than hand out your resume or JIST cards (see link below) and gain some outstanding results. Stay in contact with friends, business associates, coworkers and others and make the effort to communicate regularly. Ask them for referrals. Find out what they want out of life and see out how you can help them.

2) Informational interviews

An informational interview is not a job interview. Your primary goal is to gain information about your chosen field of work. Call and ask people in your line of work if you may have 30 minutes of their time to talk to about their business. Make sure to keep your appointment with them and meet at their convenience. Find out what the person looks for in a job candidate. What qualifications? What does the job require? What educational and work backgrounds do their employees have? What advice can they give you? How should you go about your job search in this field? What employers do they think will be hiring in the near future?

3) Self Assessment

Compose a full list of everything you have to offer an employer. Identify and write down all of your skills, abilities, education, self-taught knowledge, and work experience that will make a strong contribution. Do all of this before writing your resume or starting a job search so that you will KNOW yourself in order to be able to SELL yourself.

Ask your family members, friends, church members, club associates, and coworkers what they see your strengths and weaknesses to be. They may see good tings you cannot see because you are to close to yourself to be able to be objective. Organize your list of assets into categories according to the functions in which those qualities allow you succeed. You will then be able to present yourself to new employers in an organized and professional manner that they will respect and admire.

4) Organization

Keep track of all of your job search contacts. Use a computer database in a simple program like Excel. At least keep written records. Write a list of potential employers and then note every resume you send, every phone call you make, and the name and title of everyone you talk to. You will be following up with each contact, going by your list. Keep these records organized and review the information from time to time. Carry your records book with you if you must.

5) Follow-up

Follow up every initial contact you make.. If you send a resume, follow up with a phone call in 3 days to one week. If you are interviewed, mane SURE to send a Thank You letter. If you speak with a company representative, send a Thank You note and a JIST card. Follow up on all of your job-related communications, even if you decide you don't want a particular job. It will build your good reputation. You will show respect, good manners and etiquette, and the big "IT" factor of success - you'll be a STAND OUT in the employers' opinions. Most people do not take the time to follow up and think a job will come to them - all they have to do is wait!(??) Those who follow up regularly will obtain the best jobs.