The Job Search Process

Understanding the Job Search Process is important
- if you want to do it right, that is...

Why do you need to think through the job search process? Well, for starters, many of your competitors are doing so and if you don't, it gives them an edge. You need the edge, not them, so focus on your job search like it is the only thing that matters.

Thinking through the entire process prepares you for everything that it entails. Finding a great job takes thought, time and effort.

Before you do anything else, make sure your resume is a work of art. If there is any doubt at all as to its quality, find someone to proofread it for you. Nothing is more important than a stellar resume.

When you find a job that you think is a good fit, do some research and find out about the company. Check out their website. Go to the library. What does the company do? How many people do they employ? How are their sales/revenues? What does their future look like? Without this knowledge, you may find yourself sending a resume to a company that is headed for financial trouble or is looking to reduce their employee base a few years (or even a few months) from now. This information will be beneficial prior to sending your resume out - and - if you are called for an interview down the road, you will be prepared with valuable information about the organization.

What's next in the Job Search Process?

So, you have your resume and you have your job target and the company looks good. Now what? Start writing your cover letter. Make sure you address the company's needs point by point if they are not already addressed in the resume. If you need to revise your resume to further target it to the job you for which you are applying, do so.

Do your best to ensure the cover letter and the resume fit like peanut butter and jelly (or chocolate if you prefer). One complements the other.

After you have applied for the position, prepare for the interview. If you need to do more research about the company, now is the time. Working through a solid list of possible interview questions is also a top priority at this point. Write out the answers and then practice them in the mirror. (It's really best to warn friends and/or family members when you do this). Or, even better, have your friends and family role play the interview situation with you. If you can maintain your composure and respond appropriately to their questions, you can ace any interview.

Now, it's time for the interview. Since you prepared your own resume and cover letter, you know your skills and qualifications better than any other job candidate. You have role played those interview questions until you can answer each one while mowing the lawn and listening to an i-pod. You are confident and calm.

The rest is up to your negotiation skills...and that is another article altogether.

You deserve a great job after all of that, don't you?

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