Preparing for Your Job Search

As you approach your job search, keep in mind that it is best to utilize more than one strategy. Following are a few areas to consider as you develop your plan.

Manage your time

An efficient and successful job search campaign is one where you develop a plan with a schedule for each of the strategies and steps you will take. Map out which activities you will do each day and stick with your plan. Your job search should be treated as a new job (part time if you're employed, but full time if you are not), which is far easier to manage when you give it structure and have a routine.

When you are employed, devote as much time as possible (relative to the urgency of your need to make a change); for example, this could be a couple of hours in the evening, a few lunch hours during the week and a Saturday.

Keep in mind that if you are strapped for time, there are many professional services (resume writing, recruiting, resume distribution) available to assist you.

Take care of business

If you are employed, don't let your job search interfere with your work. The search for your future position shouldn't jeopardize your current employment. And remember, when you apply using a current employer's resources (email, phone number, etc.), you are potentially sending a message (and not a good one) about your respect for your employer's time and money.

If you are unemployed, you can devote more time to your job search campaign. You will also need to work out a budget for essentials: food, housing, transportation, and job search expense. As you budget, keep in mind that the actual amount of job-search time varies greatly depending upon your occupation, experience and training, job market demand, and the strategies and resources you utilize.

If your immediate financial situation is urgent, you need to think in terms of a short-term goal to generate income as well as a longer-term career goal.

You need to:

• Determine your immediate minimum monthly income requirements. Examine your expenses for the past six-to-twelve months. Determine what you can do without and what you absolutely need. Remember to plan for new expenses related to your job search, e.g., postage, travel expenses, communication costs (Internet, telephone, cellular services), resume development, etc.
• Assess your current skills and determine where you have the quickest potential for immediate income but also consider occupations that will be most rewarding.
• Use local temporary employment services for immediate income from temporary assignments; these may not use all of your skills; however, temporary assignments can help with immediate cash flow and provide the flexibility needed to conduct an effective job search. Temporary employment services may be available online or as walk-in.
• Visit a free, nonprofit consumer credit counseling service in your area if you are deeply in debt. This service can reduce your stress by helping you with a repayment plan, and they will often contact creditors on your behalf.

Have the right tools

A successful job search begins and ends with the right tools.

• The right documents include a well-developed resume for each of your job targets, cover letters, follow-up letters, and reference sheets. You could create these yourself or take advantage of a resume writing service.
• Solid professional references can include current or past managers, professionals in your industry with whom you've worked, or key clients. Most companies will be seeking three to five professional references. These should be provided when the employer requests them... not before!
• A professional network, whether developed face-to-face or online, can get you access to job opportunities before they are posted, which may provide an additional edge.
• Polished interview skills are built from a clear understanding of core employer motivations and the potential “red flags” in your background that become the focus of a hiring manager's concerns.

Maintain a positive attitude

Regardless of your circumstances, conducting a job search is a challenging process. It is important to maintain a positive attitude; one important means of doing so is to have a support system. Beyond family and friends, professional and peer support can prove to be a valuable asset.