Job Search Tips and Techniques

Looking for a change in job? Fresh out of college and looking for a job? Re-entering the job market? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, where do you start looking for a job? Now, looking for a job is a full time job in itself, and requires the same systematic approach, perseverance and hard work. Yet, the task of job search can be broken down into simple steps, and each step tackled individually. If you follow the steps diligently, there is no reason you will not land the job of your dreams-

” First of all, make a decision about the type of job that is ideal for you. Do you want to go into the sales function, or would you rather be an expert in Personal finance. Beside your obvious interest and liking for a field, your work area will be greatly determined by your technical qualifications and training. For example, if you want to be an engineer, you have to be technically qualified and trained for that. ” Make a list of your technical qualifications, vocational courses, interests, skills and strengths. Also list down your previous work experience, if any in the field of your interest. ” Go through the want ads in newspapers, magazines, industry journals and internet. Make a note of the companies and specific jobs and positions that interest you as per your experience and qualifications. Now, do some research. List down the job descriptions of these positions, and match them with your list of skill sets. Select the jobs which you find most appropriate. ” Network, network and network. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job and ask them to help. Refresh you old boys’ network. Call your contacts in other companies and ask them if they know of any vacant positions. You can even call up a former employer and ask for help if you have been able to maintain cordial relations. It is fact of life that companies prefer to fill the positions with reference from their present employees. So go ahead and network. ” Write a resume and a cover letter for each of these positions separately. Take care not to send the same resume to all the companies, since the job descriptions might vary slightly. State your objective in the resume. List your skills and strengths, and your specific results and achievements using these skills. ” Send the resumes to all the companies, addressed specifically to the concerned person. Do some research to find out the name of that person; do not address it “Dear HR Manager”. Upload your resume in various career sites like Monster, Hot Jobs etc. If you can find the e-mail addresses of the HR managers, you can send your resumes over the mail. Call the concerned managers and ask for a possible vacancy or an interview. ” Last, but of course, not the least, follow up. In fact, follow up endlessly. Persistence pays while searching for a job. So, if a response is not forthcoming within a reasonable time, get back to the hiring manager, and inquire about the position. You can make the inquiry over the phone or through e-mail. If possible, schedule a meeting. Ask whether you can deliver additional documents or portfolio to support your application. In conclusion, a job search requires a systematic approach, and a lot of persistence. Identify your skills and strengths, match them with the job descriptions of the desired vacancies, and make a fresh resume and cover letter for every position. Ask everyone for help; use your network of family, friend and colleagues. And be persistent in the follow up. You will definitely get the dream job. Wish you all the best! Hi, my name is Siddharth Singh. I invite you to my blog for your suggestions, feedbacks, bouquets and brickbats. Click here to learn more about effective resume writing and interview techniques.

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