Once you know what you want to do and have the qualifications to do it, the next step is to find a job opening and apply for and get the job! Of course it isn't as easy or simple as it sounds -- looking for a job is a full time job in itself, after all.
Finding Job Openings
Only a fraction of open positions are ever listed in newspapers or employment websites . In today's competitive market, the position that is right for you may be hidden. The key to uncovering these positions usually lies in networking - making contacts with people within your chosen field and asking them to let you know if they hear of any job openings. Informational Interviewing is one technique to expand your network, learn more about a career field, and research a company at the same time. Wetfeet.Com has some great information on Networking .
Research
Researching the companies that you are applying for will help you to tailor your resume and cover letter just as advertisers tailor to their target audiences. This research can be conducted online, at the library, or, better yet, through the networking contacts you have made. Find out if the company culture fits your personality and working style. Look for challenges and successes the company is facing to get an idea of where they are headed and where you might fit in. Figure out what a job with that company would probably entail. You can use all of this information both to decide whether or not you want to work for that company, and for your resume, cover letter, and interviews.
Resume and Cover Letter
A Resume and Cover Letter are advertisements of yourself to get you an interview. The Cover Letter allows you to introduce yourself to an employer, highlight your qualifications, and explain why you want that specific job with that specific employer. The Resume shows that you have a proven track record of performing the functions that will be required on the job. We have quite a bit of information about cover letters and resumes in our office, but you can find a wealth of information online from the career sites listed in the sidebar.
Interview
Interviewing skills are essential to getting the job you want. There are tons of resources online to help you make the most of your interviews, but here are some general tips:
Know the ropes.
Find out what duties the job requires and be ready to explain how well you do them or how quickly you can learn by using examples from your past employment.
Practice.
Whether in front of a mirror or with a friend, practicing your responses to different kinds of questions will help you feel more comfortable in an interview.
Act the Part.
Spend the day before and the morning of your interview pretending you have the job and tell yourself how good you are at it because of the skills and personal qualities you already possess. Doing this will help you tell the hiring manager why you will make an excellent employee.
Answer Questions Honestly but Stay Positive.
Never say anything negative in an interview if you can avoid it. Shed a positive light on past employers no matter what the circumstances. Put a positive spin on negative questions such as "What are your weaknesses" and "what did you dislike about your last job" with honest but positive responses like "I am somewhat of a perfectionist" and "I disliked having to make unpopular decisions in the best interest of the company." Always be ready with an example to back yourself up.
Thank Yous
A thank-you letter is an essential tool that lets the employer know you are still interested in the job and allows you to use the information you learned in the interview to sell yourself one more time. Even if the interview did not go well and you know you did not get the job, send a thank you so that if you apply again you will be remembered favorably.
Learning from a No
If you do not get the job, it is always helpful to call the company and ask what would have made you a better candidate for the position. This will help you on your next job and let you know if you are applying for jobs your appear over- or under-qualified for. |
