How to Organize a Job Search Book

Creating a resume is part of the job searching process.

Organize your job hunting by creating a job search book. This is a place to keep your resume, job applications, portfolio, tips and notes for interviews. Keep your job search book with you at all times so that at a moment's notice you can hand a resume to a prospective employer. Stay competitive with other job searchers by being organized during the job hunting process. Spend a set amount of time each day working on finding a job. Organize your job search book so that every piece of your job searching paperwork has a place and is up to date.

Things You'll Need

• Binder
• Tabs
• Plastic sleeves

Instructions

1. Create a job search book by using a three-ring binder. Use plastic insert sleeves to store your resume. Set up several tabs to organize the papers. Label the tabs: calendar, resume, tips, portfolio, applications, business cards, associations, elevator speech, resources, potential employers and so on.

2. Write a list of the different types of jobs that you would like to have. Create a list of employers who you would like to work for. Keep this list in your binder under potential employers.

3. Write a resume. Update the resume to match the focus of the job opening as needed. Write a cover letter and a follow-up letter. Keep copies of your resume, cover letter and follow-up letter in your job search binder.

4. Find articles and tips on how to do an interview. Print or add copies to your job search binder.

5. Write an elevator speech to give to the prospective employer. Include a quick overview of who you are and what your goals are. Find a list of questions that interviewers typically ask. Write short answers to them and keep these in your binder.

6. Use the applications tab to organize a list of all the applications and positions that you have applied for. Make notes on each application as to the date of interview and follow-up status. Make a note of the interviewer's phone number or email. Send a follow-up letter or email to the interviewer.

7. Create a list of places to network. Join groups and attend their network meetings. Plan a schedule for networking. Some groups will meet at the same time each day of the month. Store all of this information under the networking tab.

8. Create a list of job searching resources. Look online for job sites that match your niche. Check job boards in your community. Keep this list of job resources in your binder.

References

• Georgia Dept. of Labor: Explore Career Options and Plan Your Job Search
• DOL State Georgia: Four Steps to a New Career
• Georgia Tech: Organize Your Job Search

Resources

• Riley Guide: Career and Employment Information