Put Your Job Search into “Focus”
By Karli Timpano

Looking for a job is a fulltime job. If you don’t know how to find work, the process can be overwhelming. In the past, there were no resumes and cover letters. Nowadays, it’s a competition on paper – an employer’s market. You have to stand out.

The first step is to explore your skills and qualifications as it relates to the job to create the resume and cover letter. Every job requires a customized one as employers want to feel important. Do the research, find out what the employer wants and “sell” it back to them.

The interview is just as important. Generally, it is the process that most dislike. Look at it as going to write a test that you already have the answers to. Really, the employer is asking you questions about you. Therefore, there should be no answer that you cannot give. The problem is the fear we have about it. Fear is: False Evidence that Appears Real. It is something we have created – something that isn’t there. Don’t let negative thoughts take over! You know you can do the job, so prove it and be positive!

Utilizing technology is crucial. Employers use social media sites to verify or supplement what they find on an applicant’s resume. Simply “Google” yourself and clean up any “digital dirt” as some Facebook profile pictures have helped to screen out applicants. Staying connected to people via social media will aid your chances in finding employment. Linkedin.com was designed especially for that. Create your employment profile online to start building network connections. This increases your chances of getting connected to employers and with people in a similar field.

Helpful hints job seekers should know:
1. Skills Inventory: List all of the skills you have acquired and how you have used them.
2. Résumé Format: Choose the format that best highlights your skills (the chronological- employment based resume, or the functional- a skills based resume).
3. Company Research: Appeal to them in your cover letter. Tell them why you want to work for them in that particular position.
4. References: Contact 4-5 previous employers, supervisors, coworkers, customers, etc. to vouch for you.
5. The Interview: Anticipate typical questions and prepare responses with examples. Prove you can do the job.
6. Thank you letters: After the interview, send a thank you letter reiterating your interest in the position. Some have been chosen based on this gesture.
7. Network: Tell people you know what you want. Be specific.
8. The hidden job market: 80% of the jobs are not advertised. Contact companies of interest. Don’t wait for the job to be advertised!
9. Technology: Use Linkedin, Facebook & Twitter to create a profile to attract employers.
10. Follow-up: Call after you have applied or after you have submitted your resume. Did they receive your material?

So, there you have it – all you need to know about job search! Just remember, you need to be ACTIVE. Don’t wait. Go out and grab it!