Organizing A Job Search

There is no place that organization is needed more than in a job search. It is very important to keep track of research you do, resumes and applications you send, interview notes and reference conversations.

How do you organize a job search?

1.       Become a researcher! The Internet can provide a wealth of information before you begin sending out resumes and filling out applications.

a.       Become informed about the company(ies) you are applying to; know who their competitors are as well.

2.       Visit job data banks to find what skills those employers are looking for in your chosen career.

a.       Update your skills as needed. Look at the skills for the positions that you are qualified to apply for as well as the next level positions for future use.

3.       Prepare your resume in advance and update as needed. Have a qualified individual review your resume for ideas and pointers.

4.       Create a file system for follow-up as appropriate

5.       Create a file for every company that you submit an application or resume to.

a.       Keep research information you have gathered and every communication that you have with that company in the file.

b.       Keep the cover letter that you send, the resume, a copy of the application, a copy of the references you send, and notes from every interview.

6.       Keep these files in a location that is quick and easy to get to and file them in alphabetical order by company.

7.       The media for the file makes little difference. You may choose paper or electronic files. The more important issue is that all information is stored in each file.

Some additional thoughts:

Preparing for the interview

1.       Start now with the basics, like a simple TO DO list with such things as:

a.       Polish shoes

b.       Get best suit pressed

c.       Bring information needed for applications.

d.       Bring resume, paper and pen.

e.       Prepare your questions about the job and the company to ask during the interview.

2.       Practice/rehearse delivering a one to two minute speech about your qualifications, job experiences, and reasons for applying for a new position. Be sure to highlight the value that you bring to the position.

3.      Professional appearance (suit and tie, dresses or business suits) still goes a long way in making a great first impression with your interviewer. The objective is to make a lasting impression with the limited time that an interview provides.

4.      After each interview add other tasks to your TO DO list that will improve the next interview.

5.      Keep your career plan and company files updated with interview results.

Follow-up after the interview

1.      It is very important to follow-up your interview with a hand written Thank you note to the interviewer.

2.      Flag your company follow-up system for follow-up as appropriate. Do not forget this important step.

a.      Paper follow-up system using an index card box with A-Z tabs.

     i.      Write the Company name in the upper left corner.

     ii.      Write the location and any other pertinent information.

                       iii.      Place in Alphabetical order by that category.

                       iv.      Remember to write in any follow-up information preceded by the date for each time you contact the prospect.

b.      Computer-based follow-up system: Type in the Company name for filing purposes. In your notes section keep the original contact date and location and any other pertinent information. Remember to type in any follow-up information preceded by the date for each time you contact the company. Use that flag to alert you to appropriate follow-up date.

Valerie J. Simpson 4/2/05 Rev. 9/20/05