Beginning a job search
The first step in your job search is preparation. Start by researching companies and career environments that meet your skills and interests. Most companies have a web site that gives insight into the corporate culture. Develop a list, with a minimum of 30 - 40, of the top companies where you would like to be employed. Next, do the preparation work needed for your job search; write a resume and cover letter that sells your skills, prepare your networking list, and develop a sales pitch (a brief description of your background and key skills).

There are basically four main methods for seeking employment. The most effective methods are Networking and Direct Employer contact, over 70% of jobs are found using these methods (The Two Best Ways to Find a Job, J. Michael Farr and Susan Christophersen, Jist Works Inc., Indianapolis, IN). However, including a variety of methods can speed up your search and provide more job opportunities to explore. Try using a combination of the following methods:

1. Networking
   • To prepare for this method, develop a sales pitch, and then create your networking list. To help jog your memory, divide your list into sections. Start by listing all of your family and friends, past and present work contacts (don't forget contacts from professional associations), past and present school contacts, and community contacts.
     
     
   • Then, decide the type of information you are seeking from your contacts. REMEMBER YOUR QUESTION SHOULD NOT BE " DO YOU HAVE A JOB?" Asking for employment first can bring your conversation to a screeching halt. The goal should be to establish a connection with your contact, ask questions that can give you "insider's information", and additional contact names. Ultimately, you are trying to make contact with individuals who are actually in a position to hire you or the names of people who work at companies on your target list. Before calling your contacts, write down what information you are seeking and develop some related questions.
     
     
   • Keep your networking meetings/calls brief (about 20 minutes is a good length). When talking with each contact you want to use this opportunity to sell your skills. If you are fortunate enough to have a hiring manager as a contact you should treat your meeting or phone call as if it is a screening interview. Finally, make sure to:
     
     
   • Follow calls or meetings with a note that thanks contacts for their time and lets them know what action you will take regarding any advice they have given.
     
     
   • Keep in touch. Let contacts know how your job search is progressing. Send a resume if they are in a position to forward it on to other contacts or for positions.
2. Direct Company Contact
   • Direct company contact takes two forms. Sending a targeted cover letter and resume or calling the company (preferably as a result of networking).
     
     
   • Before sending your letter, thoroughly research the company and highlight areas where you can make contributions to the organization. Whenever possible, your call and letter should go to the hiring manager of the department in which you are most interested. For example, contact the Chief Engineer or the Supervisor of Maintenance Mechanics if you are interested in a machine repair position. Additionally, if sending a letter you should send a copy to the Human Resources Department to follow company protocol. Follow your letter with a phone call and ask when you could come in to meet with the employer to discuss your skills and opportunities. If you are told there are no positions, be persistent. Let the employer know you are interested in their company and would like to meet with him or her to discuss future positions. If you still are not able to arrange an interview ask to call at a later date to see if the employer's needs have changed.
     
     
   • When calling a company, having a good sales pitch is key. Employers need to know why they should take the time to meet with you. Capture the employer's interest with a brief summary of your abilities and background and how you could be an asset. When calling a company, ask for the name and spelling of the department manager where you would be interested in working. Call and briefly explain your background, then ask if you could meet to discuss your background further and where your skills could be used in the company. Be confident (but not conceited) and enthusiastic during your call. Even if the manager says he or she cannot meet with you, ask if you can call back to see if the employment needs have changed. Also, you can turn this call into a networking contact by asking if he/she knows of any companies that may use someone with your skills. ALWAYS FOLLOW UP WITH A THANK YOU NOTE HIGHLIGHTING YOUR SKILLS AND A RESUME.
3. Published Sources of Information
   • This method includes responding to any source of advertised postings. Use Sunday newspapers, trade journals, professional association web pages and the Internet. When responding to advertisements make sure to tailor your resume (make sure the objective is appropriate) and cover letter for each position. If the name of the company is provided, you will want to do some research to further develop your cover letter. Also carefully read any instructions the ad provides regarding applying for the position. If the ad asks for salary information, the best way to respond is to say, "My salary needs are negotiable and depend on the responsibilities, hours and benefits of the position." If you are responding to an Internet ad you should include a full text cover letter and attach your resume (Microsoft Word documents, with few special features are preferred). When sending a cover letter via email, change the margins so that the reader does not have to scroll from left to right to read your letter. Complete a follow-up call about 5-10 working days after sending your letter, unless the advertisement says "No phone calls please".
4. Agencies
   • Staffing agencies can be a useful tool in your job search, however job seekers must be careful when using them because there are some disreputable companies. Start by knowing what type of staffing agency you are contacting. Do they provide primarily temporary positions, temp to permanent positions or direct full-time placements? You will also want to find out the type of companies and geographic locations they serve. Keep in mind you should never have to pay a fee to use an agency's services. Fees are paid by the employer to an agency. For job seekers, the difficulty is that the primary customer of an agency is the employer who is paying their fees. As a result, you must make sure the positions they offer will be in your best interest rather than the employer's. To apply to an agency, send your cover letter and resume. Unlike applying to companies, you do not need to complete a follow-up phone call. DO NOT PAY ANY FEES TO STAFFING AGENCIES OR SIGN AGREEMENTS THAT LIMIT YOUR ABILITY TO WORK WITH OTHER AGENCIES.

Tips for your job search

• Stay organized. Keep copies of all letters, notes on phone calls, contact names, and advertisements to which you have responded. Keep your records accessible to a private phone where you can make or receive employer calls.
  
  
• Establish goals for your job search. Decide how much time each week you can devote to the process, then set daily and weekly goals. You may decide to make one networking call, one direct employer contact and review one resource for job postings per day. Each person's time and goals may differ but the more time you devote to your search the more effective you will be.
  
  
• Always present yourself professionally. Poor grammar, impatience when making phone calls and sloppy resumes/cover letters will keep an employer from considering you for positions.
  
  
• Finally, searching for a job can be a stressful activity. Maintain your physical health and stay connected with people who can encourage you in your search.