Quick Job Search Tips

 

I've been asked to share a few quick job search tips for those seriously looking for a job.  Here you go.

Resume

Inventory your strengths and weaknesses. Come up with examples of your strengths as they fit the open position. List 6 – 8 of your key strengths; making them a combination of your soft and hard skills.

Review descriptions or requirements of your position. Look at job search sites, look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Using these, your strengths and your accomplishments, create a resume template.

Review the job posting requirements and match your skills to these. Create real life examples of these matches.

Create a tailored resume to each position. One size does not fit all.

Create a cover letter and again match it to the open position.

 

Interviewing

Create a two-column list of your accomplishments as they relate to the open position.  

Practice describing your accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation or Task, Actions, Results.) Do this for each of the responsibilities listed on the job posting.

Come up with responses to general interviewing questions such as, “What are your strengths?”, “What as Your Weaknesses?”, “Tell me About Yourself?”, “Why should we hire you?”, “What are your salary expectations?”

Come up with three or four questions for the interviewer.

Ask about next steps.

Get all the interviewers’ cards or email addresses.

 

Follow Up

Send a thank you email to each interviewer describing something that you spoke about. This way they will remember you.

Follow up within 2 weeks if you have not heard back from the company representatives.