Applying for Jobs
Although it is tempting to jump headfirst into your job search, taking time to think, learn and strategize will improve your results.
Five Tips for a Successful Job Search
1. Treat the job search like a job
- Reserve blocks of time each week to focus on your job search.
- Set realistic daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Strive to meet these objectives. For example, plan to make a certain number of phone calls, mail a specified number of letters and résumés, and follow up on a finite number of leads per week.
- Keep thorough records, including an appointment calendar and a detailed log of calls, e-mail, mail, and follow-up activities.
2. Research—online and in person
- Researching career options and organizations is an essential part of the job search.
- Will help you identify the right places to look for opportunities.
- In order to persuade an organization to hire you, you need to understand what they need.
3. Use multiple job search techniques
4. Be realistic
- Try to maintain an optimistic, self-confident, and realistic attitude when looking for a job.
- Prepare for a long job search, especially during difficult economic times, and expect the process to last anywhere from four to eight months.
- Rejection is inevitable, so be prepared. Try not to take it personally and seek out feedback that will help you improve your search.
- Depending on your experience and field, you may have to start with an entry-level position. Do not let this discourage you—this may be a great opportunity to enter a new field.
5. Career serendipity
- Be flexible and open-minded.
- You never know where an opportunity will lead, so take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself.
- Just because the organization or the job is not exactly what you envisioned, don't write it off automatically. Do your research first.