Job Search

• After a layoff

  If you have been laid off from one job and given a generous severance package, don’t take a long vacation. Future employers will want to see that you used the time between jobs wisely and productively.

• Attend Job Fairs

  Attend job fairs in your area on a regular basis. This is a great way to meet employers in person. Employers attend career fairs specifically to find and hire qualified candidates.

• Check e-mail often

  When you’re applying for jobs, check your e-mail at least once a day.

  Many recruiters prefer to contact candidates electronically, particularly for high-tech jobs. Respond promptly. You do not want to be left behind as the company moves ahead with the hiring process.

• Don’t wait to apply

  See an employment ad that interests you? Don’t wait until tomorrow to apply. Send in your resume and cover letter right away. Companies don’t wait long to start granting interviews, and you don’t want to be left behind.

• Focus on the employer’s needs

  The primary reason why most job seekers fail in their job search is that they are too focused on themselves (job title, responsibilities, compensation, location, growth opportunity, and status). The job seekers who achieve success in their job search are focused on the needs of the organization to which they are applying and the needs of the people in that organization.

• Get your dream job

  Chances are your first job will not be your dream job, but one of many as you work your way to the top. Know what your career goals are and talk to other professionals so that you know what steps to take to obtain your dream job.

• Know your industry

  Looking to move ahead in your field? Familiarize yourself with trends in your industry. What sectors are experiencing growth? Where are the jobs available? Knowing your career field will help you navigate the maze to success.

• Long distance job search

  If you are looking for a job in another city, make your travel plans and then schedule as many interviews as possible into that time frame. This will give you a chance to meet many employers in only one trip.

• Looking while working

  Are you employed but searching for a different job? Follow these guidelines to prevent your job search becoming the topic of office gossip. Don’t take off too much time from your current job to look for another one. Schedule interviews for after work or during lunch. Never search online job sites while at work. Many employers monitor the Internet, so your job search might not remain secret for long.

• Networking

  Talking with professionals in your desired field is a good way to get your foot in the door. You may even find out about vacancies that are not advertised.
  

• Notify your references

  Choose your references wisely. Select people who can attest to your good work habits. Speak with your references in advance so that you know they are available and they have time to prepare a letter singing your praises.

• Pursue other options

  As your job search continues, you might be tempted to focus on one or two companies after passing their first or second round of interviews. But keep your options open. Follow up with other firms until you have accepted an offer. Nothing is final until it is final. You don’t want to miss out on any opportunities if the other companies unexpectedly eliminate you from their pool of candidates.

• Resume on file

  If you applied for a job and the employer only replied to say that your resume is “on file,” don’t give up hope. While this usually means the position you applied for is filled, an opening might occur unexpectedly and the employer will call you.

• Return calls promptly

  When job hunting, check your voice mail regularly and return all calls within 24 hours or by the next business day. When companies start calling candidates, they often move quickly into the final stages of the hiring process, and you don’t want to be left behind.

• Search newspaper classifieds

  Frustrated by gargantuan job sites? Try searching your the classifieds of your local newspaper. Many of these jobs will not be listed anywhere else.

• Sound professional

  If necessary, change your voicemail message and email address to be business appropriate.

  This may be the second impression they have of you. The first being your resume.

• Telephone etiquette

  After you send out your resume, be prepared for employers to call you. Keep a calendar, a pad of paper and a pen by the phone so you can jot down notes and schedule an interview. Even if you don’t talk for long, you will leave an impression. Do your best to sound confident and professional.

  Before you send out your resume, make sure you have a simple and polite message on the answering machine. Annoying music or a long message will make you seem unprofessional to employers who call.

• Turn a degree into a career

  If you’re graduating with a liberal arts degree, don’t think you’ll have to find a job that has nothing to do with your major. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Career Services and Careerpath’s Career assessment test suggest occupations based on your interests and major.

• Use a local address

  When applying for jobs, particularly at companies that do not pay travel or relocation expenses, use a local address on your resume if possible. If you do not live in the immediate area, perhaps you have relatives who do. Using their address is not meant to mislead the recruiter but rather to show that you have a connection to the area and are able to come for interviews without prohibitive expenses at hotels and the like.

• When not to call

  While recruiters appreciate applicants with initiative, phone calls are not always a good idea. If the job listing specifically says no calls, don’t call. Companies don’t want people who can’t follow basic instructions.