Introduction

Many of us will find a job that satisfies our desires and provides for our future. Some of us will succeed in locating a job providing a superior work environment, but the benefit package is less than desirable. A few job searchers will snatch the golden ring and land the perfect benefit package, but a work environment that cost them 60 hours per week. You, on the other hand, locate the best work environment and a sound benefit package.

All of our successes in the job search arena stem from hard work and a thorough strategic process. This guide was designed by the Human Resource Association of the Midlands (HRAM), to build awareness and increase your effectiveness while searching for the perfect job!

There is no way to predict how effective your job search will be once you get started. One thing is for certain; it will require focus and a persistent effort on your part. Patience and a positive attitude are very important in keeping the big picture in perspective. Your goal obviously is to obtain a position within a company, but the process is quite involved and time consuming. There are many areas to consider when developing your strategy.

• Set realistic objectives and priorities (i.e. identify how much time you can realistically spend on your search, and don’t expect to find something immediately).

• Reward yourself for every goal that you achieve-not just for the final goal of finding a job.

• Establish a routine, and develop a schedule to meet your goals. This is very important. Keep a date book to be sure you don’t miss any appointments, and develop a weekly action plan with specific goals for job search activities. This will help to keep you "on task."

• Take care of your self-esteem. See people that make you feel good and do things that make you feel good.

Before you evaluate specific career opportunities, it is important to know what your job-related preferences are. This understanding increases the likelihood that the job you accept will be a good match for you and will help you to prepare a list of questions to ask during interviews. If you are not sure what you want to do, a book like, Do What You Are by Paul D. Tieger and Barbara Barron- Tieger would be a good resource.

• What aspects of my job do I find most satisfying? Least satisfying?
• What personal qualities are needed to be successful in my field?
• What special skills, education or certification are necessary?
• How much social contact is there with others-employees and clients?
• What is the normal pattern of advancement in my job?
• What is the normal salary progression?
• How much physical activity is required?
• What activities do I perform during the day?
• What geographical restrictions exist in this type of job?
• What is the long-term employment outlook in my field?
• What part of my job do I find to be the most difficult?
• Is there travel involved in this type of work?
• How much overtime am I willing to work?
• If I were in charge of hiring someone in my profession, what experience, skills and personal characteristics would I consider most important?

Before you contact anyone from your networking list, make certain you have updated your resume. Your contacts may want to review it or send it to an associate on your behalf.

Remember that your resume is a first impression of you. You will want to insure that it communicates quickly, clearly and accurately your objective, qualifications, experience, and accomplishments.

Your resume is not guaranteed to get you the job, but it can get you an interview. There are lots of excellent books that have been written about the interviewing process.

An excellent way to prepare is to practice role playing the interview process with someone who will be objective and provide you with constructive feedback.

Remember to send thank you notes to each person with whom you interview. Don’t overlook receptionists and other people in supporting roles. These individuals are frequently asked to provide their impressions of you.

Networking

• Letting people know that your are ready for hire
• Opening channels of communication to increase your knowledge of companies and industries
• Talking to people to discover unadvertised or "hidden" jobs
• Impressing people, especially those with the power to hire, who can create a job for you
• Practicing and improving your interview skills

A majority of jobs are found through both personal and professional contact. Professional contacts are people you may or may not already know. They can be found by looking in:

• Professional journals
• Annual reports
• Membership directories
• Calling a company directly
• Job Fairs

Personal contacts can be developed by making a list of people you know such as:

• Family members
• Friends
• Neighbors and community contacts
• Social organizations or professional associations
• Co-workers
• Current or past employers
• People from organizations where you have worked
• Vendors, service people and suppliers
• Classmates or professors from college or educational institutions you have attended

Keep Yourself Motivated

Job searching and networking is a full-time job! There are bound to be highs and lows. Treat your job search as though it is a full time job. Make a schedule and stick to it. Organize your days so that there is some kind of structure. Establishing a routine is important while you are job hunting. Schedule certain hours of the day to make phone calls and set a number of calls you make daily. Try to schedule networking appointments outside of regular work hours. Books on job searching and motivation will help you get re-energized. Make time for recreational activities. Stay involved in your hobbies and outside interests. Get out and meet people who share similar interests. Make a plan to organize your time and stick with it. It is easy to lose your focus. Keep a schedule and maintain your focus.

Job searching and related tasks are skills that can be learned and improved upon throughout our career. No matter what your talents, experience or abilities, your accomplishments won’t mean much if you can’t sell them to potential employers. Gain new contacts, maintain old ones and keeping resumes updated are just as important as staying current in our profession. By continuing these activities, even as we are happily employed, we maximize the opportunity for personal growth, the chance to help others in their careers and increase the likelihood that wonderful opportunities will find us as well. Good hunting and good luck!