The job search. If the mere words scare you, you'd better get used to them. You will be engaged in this process at least once, but almost definitely more than that, in your lifetime. It is not a pleasant activity, nor is it easy, but it is a reality. It is in your best interests to become as skilled at the job search as you are skilled at anything else you do. You never know when you will have to embark on this journey.
You can have the greatest set of skills and experience, yet finding a job may elude you. Your success is dependent on many factors, some of which are under your control and others not. For example, a bad economy may slow down hiring, making it take longer to find a job. You may be considered too young or too old. There's nothing you can do to change those things, but you can work around them. Employers may frown upon the fact that you are returning from an extended absence from the job market. Again, there's nothing you can do to change that, but you can make the best of it. Regardless of your circumstances, there are things you can do to make yourself as competitive as possible.
First of all, you must make sure you are looking for the right job for you. If the job you get isn't the right one for you, before too long you'll find yourself back where you started. You must treat your job search like a job in and of itself. You must plan your job-search campaign and stay focused and organized.
Since your resume introduces you to potential employers, it is important that it makes a good — no make that a great — first impression. Your resume should entice employers to call you in for an interview. Make sure it conveys why you are qualified for the job.
As an astute job seeker, you must utilize all the tools that are available. It is impossible to look for work today without using the Web. Learn how to get the most out of your online job search. Once an employer contacts you, it is in your best interests to learn as much about the company as possible. The Web is an invaluable tool at this point in the job search as well.
The way you present yourself in a job interview can mean your success or your failure. Your resume got you in the door, but your job interview can garner you an invitation to stay. Be prepared for any question an interviewer might ask you. Learn how to get around sticky situations and inappropriate questions.
You may breathe a sigh of relief when you finally get a job offer. And you should — it means you were successful at the job search. It doesn't mean you have to accept the offer. You should first determine whether the job is right for you. If not, you may just have to keep going until you find one that is.
This book will take you through the entire job-search process. You will discover how to put together a resume that opens doors. You will find out where to look for jobs. You will learn how to perform well on job interviews. Finally, this book will teach you how to determine if a job offer is right for you. Good luck and happy hunting.