Six Steps to your Job Search

There are six steps to your search for employment.
1. Assess your skills and interest.
2. Match your skills and interest with career possibilities.
3. Decide on which fields you want to pursue.
4. Formulate a strategic plan.
5. Set your time table.
6. Follow-up on everything.

Assess your skills and interest:
Do you have relevant work exerience? Even if this is your very first job you still have some skills. Reflect back and remember if you arrived at school on time or early. If so this is a valuable asset to employers. Do you complete assigned tasks in a timely manner? This is also a valuable asset. Employers want employers to arrive on time and complete their assignment on time. This is called efficiency. It's a skill every employer wants from their employees. Have you completed recent training? Have you just completed high school, trade school, or college? Congratulations! This is a plus. Employers want to hire people who have recent training or those who can be trained. It doesn't matter which field of employment you are seeking, if you are trainable then you bring value. Do you have effective communication skills? People communicate through speaking, writing, listening, and body language. Do you speak clearly using proper english or do you usually use slang or ebonics? The employer wants to project a positive and professional image because image is everything. If you use standard english then your chances for getting hired increases. Do you use proper grammar and sentence structure when writing? This is an asset you'll need if you plan to get promoted to a higher payng position. Do you possess proficient computer skills? Do you have extensive product knowledge? The use of technology is essential in todays workplace. Weather it's in a resturant, bookstore, or the office. Technology is all around us. If you have computer skills then your chances of employment will increase greatly.

Match your skills and interest with career possibilities:
Some employers hire individuals because they have entry level skills. Entry level positions are a foot in the door. Learn about the company before submitting an employment application or resume. Ask about their mission statement and then decide if you agree with their philosophy.

Ask yourself: what part of my work do I value? Do I prefer to work alone or as part of a team? Some people prefer to work alone, some prefer to compete with others, still others enjoy making decisions.

Decide which fields of employment you want to pursue:
You may be multitalented and capable of pursuing more than one career. Decide on which direction you would like to concentrate your career. Formulate a strategic plan: Pllanning your job search is an important step. Set goals and plan ways to accomplish your goals and then do it. Some may use the internet to search for employment and research companies while others prefer to pound the pavement and visit job sites. Still others tell friends and relatives they are looking for work and ask for referrals. Some like to attend career fairs or utilize the yellow pages. All are very good methods. You may want to try a combination of each. The most important thing to do is set goals, make a plan and then do it.

Set your time table: If your goal is to become employed within a specific period of time then conduct an aggressive job search that will yield at least three to four interviews per week. Plan each step, monitor your progress.

Follow-up on everything: Networking efforts, telephone interviews, word of mouth leads, information interviews, resume mailings and employment.

Dona Woodley-Davis
Tips from your Job Coach...a strategic guide for employment seekers