Takamasa Y's Preparing for a Job Search

Where are the jobs and how am I suppose to find them?

The only person that knows what you want, need and like in a job is you. Yeah you can ask for advice and support from family and friends, but only you can prepare and go on the job hunt. Here are a few steps to follow to finding and obtaining employment.

1. Find out what your career objective is and gather information from resources. Verify your interests, values, personal skills and abilities. When you are in the middle of an interview, you should be confident and "sell" yourself as the best person for the job. By gathering information, I mean getting a sense of what kind of jobs are available and what qualities each of them look for.

2. Update or create your resume, cover letter and if needed, reference letters. The resume is the first impression the employer has of you and will most likely use it during an interview. Along with a resume, there should be a cover letter. Cover letters are what may make you stand out from all the other applicants, you have the chance to catch the attention of the hiring manager. References are important. Employers have the resources to check with your previous employers and see how you are as a worker, so be honest. The following is a link to a YouTube video about resumes, cover letters and references: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fMebeC6ecU.



3. Find out who is hiring and apply,apply,apply. Search and apply online through search engines, such as craigslist.com. You can also visit and apply directly with the company, this may give you a chance to meet the potential hiring manager. In this case, you will want to dress apropriately and in a way that will make you fit in with the industry you are applying to and showering does help.

4. Next comes the dreaded interview. I know I know, just thinking about sitting across from someone who will determine if you are good enough or not good enough for their company is intimidating. In order to prepare for the interview, go online to the companies website and research as much as you can. Not only will they ask you questions about your experiences and what you can bring to the table, they will most definitely ask you something like, " So what did you think about our website or what do you think about our products?" If you properly prepare you will know all the right answers.

5. Send a follow-up thank you letter 24 hours after your interview. This is your opportunity to show that you are interested in the job and the interviewer will most likely remember you when it comes time to hiring.

6. YES they called you back with an offer! What do you do now? Well....take the job if it is what you want, need and like, remember only you will know. You will most likely be ask to come back and fill out paperwork and discuss things such as salary and benefits. If everything goes well, you have yourself a job.

I hope that these steps were helpful. Stay confident, do not take a job rejection as a personal attack on you, keep your eyes on the goal and keep in mind that whatever you input, your results will definitely reflect that. GOOD LUCK!

References:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/referencesrecommendations/a/recommendation.htm
http://www.collegegrad.com/jobsearch/1-1.shtml
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/intfollowup.htm