Looking for work – create a job search checklist

During a job search, many job seekers overlook important steps during the process.  For this reason, I have created a convenient job search checklist for job seekers below.  Making a job search check list is like making a grocery shopping list.  By making a list, you are a more efficient and you won’t forget anything along the way.  Well, the same reasoning applies to “job shopping”.  So if you are currently in the market looking for work, take a look at the list to see if you have missed anything important.

Remember that an intelligent job search is beyond firing out a few resumes in response to online job sites.  It is a well-thought out and executed plan.

CLARIFY YOUR JOB TARGET

• Decide what types of positions you want.
• Make a “To Do List” in order to outline your job search methods.
• Keep a list of all the companies you have contacted or plan on contacting (get contact information)
• Do some company research prior to applying (e.g. location, market, service, company culture etc.). Use the internet as a tool to check company websites.
• Select your preferred geographic location and starting salary.

WRITE YOUR RESUMÉ AND COVER LETTER

• Attend a workshop; use book and/or internet services to help with resumes and cover letter writing.
• Use the handouts on writing resume and cover letters to assist you.
• Hire a professional resume writer.
• Have a friend, family member or other professional(s) look over and critique your resume and cover letter before sending it out.
• Make sure the information on the resume and cover letter is correct and current.

PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH

• Networking is very important. Let people you know that you are looking for a job, especially if you know someone that works in the field in which you are interested in.
• Join a professional association related to your field of interest. This is a good way to network.
• Use different methods of looking for the right job (e.g. Newspapers, internet job sites, notice boards and recruitment agencies).
• Send unsolicited cover letter and resumes to targeted employers of interest.
• Use different methods of sending your resume and cover letter to companies of interest (e.g. In-person, fax, mail or e-mail).
• Keep extra copies (hard copies) of your resume at all time.
• Purchase professional business attire for your interview.
• Make sure all your references are in current and aware

CONTACT POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

• Begin contacting potential employers with phone calls, visits, letters, and e-mail
• Start keeping records on employer contacts.

PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

• Attend a workshop, read a book and/or use internet sites to help you prepare for an interview.
• Gather as much information on the company as you can.
• Set up a mock interview with friends, family members or hiring professionals. Use an audio and/or video recorder as coaching tools. Both are helpful ways to improve your interviewing skills.
• Hire a job interview coach.
• Dress To Impress.
• Pack case/portfolio for interview (extra resumes, references, work sample, pad/paper, company research and questions for the interviewee(s)).

FOLLOW UP

• Send thank you letters to organizations that interviewed you.
• Contact organizations again that interviewed you, if you have not heard from them after 5-10 business days.

Information provided by HR Difference.

Our HR team specializes in providing small and medium sized companies with cost-efficient and customized human resources consulting solutions and learning management systems to meet your need and budget. We also provide custom resume writing and telephone job interview coaching for job seekers.

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