For many people, job hunting can be a daunting task. This is especially true when you’re down to your last savings, and in urgent need of some great work.

When you’re looking for a job, there are a few steps you can take which will help make the process a lot easier.

Know what you want

When you know what you want, you can quickly review job availability, see what it is that interests you, and efficiently apply your efforts in the most logical way. A big part of this is being aware of your skills, characteristics, and inclinations.

Additionally, knowing how your current educational achievements align with the role you desire will help to narrow the field as you pursue the job of your dreams.

Create a List

As you scan through resources to find jobs that interest you, it’s important to make a “wish list” of sorts. Pulling together 10 – 12 companies / roles that fit the bill in this area allows you to move more decisively into the next phase of the process.

Research

Hand in hand with creating the list above, is researching the companies you’re interested in. Initially, you research in order to get a handle on whether or not the jobs are a good fit for you.

Next, you research in a more focused manner in order to learn all that you can about the companies, so that you’re ready for the application and interview processes.

When you move into the interview phase, the goal is to know key points about the company, and be able to discuss these points intelligently.

Draft a Winning Resume

Depending on what the job requires, you may want to assess your resume in order to determine if it’s worded in the correct way, and whether you are highlighting the skills that you have which align with what the role requires, and the culture of the target companies.

We will discuss resume drafting in detail in an upcoming post.

Apply for the Job

In this modern era, the job application process for corporate roles is typically online. A lot of this is simply reiterating what is stated on your resume. Often, there is a spot to attach a cover letter, which we will discuss in a future post.

Know the Players

Assuming the company contacts you with interest regarding your resume and cover letter, they will reach out to you with some interview dates. Once you move into this phase, it’s helpful to know the individuals who you will be interviewing with. Who are they? What are their roles? How long have they been with the company? LinkedIn and internet browsers such as Google are great tools here.

Review Your Skills

Whenever I prepare for a job interview, I sit down with a blank word document, and create a bullet point list of my relevant skills and experience, and accomplishments.  I write them as clearly and succinctly as I can, and I make sure they are applicable to the role in question.

Next, I memorize this list and recite it in front of a mirror… over and over and over.  I practice this repeatedly, so that all of my relevant skills are fresh in my mind and so that I can discuss them with ease during the interview.

Chart Your Course

Once you get an interview time and location set up, it’s helpful to map out and travel the route you will take to get there. I typically do this a few days before the interview so that it’s fresh in my mind for the big day.

This will help you feel more comfortable on the day of the interview, as you’ll have familiarity with the location, and key landmarks.

Additionally, It might not hurt to stop by somewhere local for a quick lunch at a local restaurant so that you’ll have something in common that you can discuss with your prospective employers

Dress for Success

It’s very important to dress for the role that you want. If you’re going for a corporate role, wear something like a nice suit, slacks, dress, etc. which conveys professionalism. Additionally, it’s important to arrive on time, and be courteous throughout the interview process. Strive to achieve the “put together” presence.

Utilize Great Communication Skills

When you’re in the actual interview, actively listen and engage with the interviewers. Make great eye contact, ask relevant questions, emphasize relevant skills (where applicable) and try to enjoy the process.  There’s a balance here, which we can discuss in a future post.

Overall, when you’re enjoying the process, those interviewing you will likely enjoy it too. When you can convey that “likability” factor, it will make you that much more memorable to your prospective employers.

What have you learned throughout job the hunting / job interview?

Would you add any other key points to the list above?

JD