Job Hunting

To: New Jobhunter
From: Your Mentor

Congratulations on you new position!
Job hunter is an age-old position with many rewards and challenges.
Here is an outline of your duties:

1. Set your own work hours and keep them.
~~~ a. No one is going to supervise you or call you when you miss work
~~~ b. You will have to get yourself ready to job hunt each day
~~~ c. You may change your hours as necessary.
~~~ d. If you are already working some, keep doing it and also your job hunter hours.
~~~ e. File unemployment if you might be eligible. Follow their rules, please.

2. Make your own work area.
~~~ a. Don’t spend a lot of time on this, but cover the basics:
~~~ b. Phone, phone book, pad, computer, access, lighting.

3. Narrow your search:
~~~ a. What location will you work in?
~~~ b. What types of jobs would you do?
~~~~~~ i. Jobs you’ve held before
~~~~~~ ii. Continue a career you’ve started
~~~~~~ iii. Begin a new career. Idea sources:
~~~~~~~~~ A. Your hobbies, passions and loves
~~~~~~~~~ B. Browse Help Wanted and local business listings online and print media randomly

4. Contact every one who might have a job for you:
~~~ a. By local phone call to potential employers in your area and interests:
~~~~~~ i. Dial and talk to whoever answers:
~~~~~~ ii. Introduce yourself and let then know you are looking for work as a (fill in the blank)
~~~~~~ iii. Ask if they might have an opening for someone like you.
~~~~~~~~~ A. If yes, find out what they want and produce it.
~~~~~~~~~ B. If not, ask if there anyone who might need someone like you.
~~~ b. By personal contact:
~~~~~~ i. Let all your friends, relatives and people you work with know you are looking.
~~~~~~ ii. Talk to everyone: the stranger in line at the store may need you.
~~~~~~ iii. Visit http://www.angelfire.com/nj/counseling/50cents.html for more ideas.
~~~ c. By any other means you have:
~~~~~~ i. Online applications (do them fully the first time)
~~~~~~ ii. Cold mailed resume
~~~~~~ iii. Newspaper and online want ads
~~~~~~ iv. Local Internet search and Phone book Yellow page listings

5. When you learn of a lead, follow up fully and professionally with whatever they ask.
~~~ a. Resume: one page, please, absolutely truthful.
~~~ b. Cover letter: do your homework and make it about THEIR business
~~~ c. Interview: Dress as though you already have that job. Get enough rest.
~~~ d. Follow up each of the above: it impresses and can lead to more leads.

6. Accept the right offer.
~~~ a. You don’t need to accept your first offer unless you are desperate.
~~~ b. The beginning is the time to negotiate.
~~~ c. Commit only to what you really can do.
~~~ d. Leave your options open if a better offer arrives.