How to Start Looking for a Job
Finding a job or career that suits your needs can be an overwhelming task. You have to take many things into consideration: The job must pay enough to provide the lifestyle that you desire, and you should find a job that is enjoyable and that you have the skills to excel at. You must take several steps to determine what kind of job to target before you begin the application process.
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Instructions
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Choose Your New Job Title
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Decide what type of job that you want. Decide if you want to stay in your field of experience or if you intend to find something new.
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If you want to change fields, make a list of activities that you enjoy doing. This should include physical, social and mental activities.
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Write down the skills that you currently possess. This could include your level of education, the ability to operate machinery, areas of knowledge or unique skills.
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Analyze the interests and skills you possess and determine the type of jobs that would fit those characteristics. Target one or two job descriptions that you would like to hold.
Prepare Yourself
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Use the lists that you have already made to prepare a resume. Most word processing programs offer suitable resume templates. Assemble your resume using an appropriate template and the lists of interests and skills you currently possess.
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Put together a generic cover letter targeted toward the positions that you will be applying for. Every letter should be different, but having a generic letter prepared will help you prepare a well-written cover letter quickly.
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Prepare yourself for interviews. This step includes selecting an interview outfit that will be appropriate for the job for which you will apply and getting any necessary haircuts or minor cosmetic work done in advance. You must be ready on a moment's notice when the interview opportunity arises.
Finding Open Positions
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Search the "help wanted" ads in your local newspaper. Write down any potential positions in a notebook dedicated to your job search.
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Search job postings on websites such as monster.com or careerbuilder.com for positions you are interested in. Again, write down all of your potential job positions.
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Contact local employment agencies and state unemployment agencies. These organizations often have job listings that are unavailable elsewhere. Continue noting all information in your notebook.
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Begin to prepare your cover letters and send them, along with your resume, to potential employers. Make sure that you do this in accordance with each specific potential employer's guidelines. Do not mail a resume if a company specifies that you should apply in person. If you're applying via email, take note of whether the employer wants your resume and cover letter sent as attachments or in the body of the email.
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Tips & Warnings
Always have someone else review and critique your cover letters and resumes, if possible. Be prepared for short-notice interviews and always have a positive attitude.
