Whether you're a newly unemployed businesswoman or a college student looking to get his first real job, looking for work can be frightening.Learning how to network, craft a good resume, and keep a positive attitude can make it easier to find a job.The first step is to get started looking for a job.
Step 1: You can craft your resume.
The resume is a good way for potential employers to see what you have to offer.You have to make sure that it is formatted in a way that draws attention, it's free of errors that could cost you the job, and that the information is accurate.It's best to think in the specific for each employer and write down three characteristics you would best offer a potential employer.A person reading your resume will get a sense of the three characteristics.Instead of saying you're a creative thinker, highlight examples of times when you presented useful solutions to a problem.Tell a specific story.You want your resume to tell a story about who you are as a worker.If you worked at a restaurant, don't say that you managed up to 5 tables during busy nights and ensured a positive customer experience.This shows that you care about the customer and can handle stress.The chronological method is one of the most common ways of doing a resume.Your employer can see what jobs you've been doing if you list your work history from the latest to the first.This is a good way of showing how much work you've been doing, especially if the work has been in areas similar to the job for which you are applying.The way to format your resume is to put your work experience first.You have a section detailing the jobs you have done that correlate to the job you're looking for.You might have a section with other jobs in chronological order after that.The potential employer can easily see how much experience you have.
Step 2: Prepare for the interview.
Even if you think you can't fail to get a menial, basic job, you should never go into a job interview without having prepared for it.You should consider the questions that you will be asked at the job interview.Your experience at a previous company is likely to be asked by your employer.They want to know how your past experience will relate to the job you're interviewing for.What is your biggest professional achievement to date?Provide an example of why you should get this job.To answer the question "Why are you the best person for this position?", you need to give an example or two about what distinguishes you from the other candidates.The scariest question is what is your greatest weakness?To answer this question in a strategic way is the best way to do it.You should address what you're doing to improve your weakness.I have a tendency to take on too many things at work.While still maintaining time for and quality of the smaller projects, I have been working to get better on giving closer attention to the most important projects.The 2 minute SAFW response method is a good way to practice."Say a few words; statement; amplify; few examples; wrap-up."If the interviewer asks about your experience at a previous company, say something like "X company was really great with honing my customer service experience."I worked with many customers to make sure they had a great experience.The previous people he'd talked to had gotten really frustrated with his lack of English, but he and I worked through.I learned a few new words.
Step 3: Take the time to research your potential job.
One of the most important parts of showing why you're a good fit for the company is preparing for a job interview.If you want to get an interview, you need to know enough about each company you are applying for that you look like you know what you're talking about.If possible, know who you're interviewing with.Do you know if it's the manager, owner or both?It is possible to learn their name and a little about them.If you can learn a little about what they look for in an interviewee, that can help you tailor the interview to their standards.Have an idea of what the company does.A simple internet search can help you here.Asking obvious questions about the company will make you look desperate for a job and not interested in that job specifically, which will limit your chances at getting the job.
Step 4: Good questions to ask.
Interviewers are paying attention to the questions you ask, so this is just another part of the assessment.Ask your interviewer to give you some examples of projects you might take on, ask about typical job trajectory for the position you're applying for, and ask how you would contribute to the company.If they have any concerns about you or your qualifications, you can ask.Asking what the culture is in the company is a really good question.Anything you can find on the internet, ask if the company does background checks, or ask about the interviewer's qualifications should be off the table.
Step 5: It is appropriate to dress appropriately.
You don't want to show up to your place of employment dressed like you just woke up.You can ask about job openings, or drop off your resume.Try to understand the dress code for the company.It depends on how you'll be dressed.It's going to take different clothing to work as a barista.Make sure that your clothes are clean.Some shelters, nonprofits, and local laundromats offer discounts or free services to people who can't afford it if it's difficult for them.
Step 6: You should be realistic.
If you want to get far with your job, you need tenacity and guts, as well as knowing that you're probably going to be rejected more than once for a job.It can take a long time to find a job.They don't just fall into your lap; the ones that seem to do that come about because of your commitment to previous jobs.It's not likely that you'll get the first job you apply for.You can't allow that to discourage you.Each time you give someone your resume, look at it as an opportunity to make a connection and learn from any mistakes you make.The more you interview and write, the better you will be.
Step 7: Ask people you know.
Word of mouth is the best way to find a job, and it's usually done by someone already in the company.Let your friends and family know that you're looking for a job, and specify what kind of job you want.It's more likely that you'll be hired if the people who work there are good.A personal recommendation can make a big difference to your resume.University alumni networks are a great way to find a job.Most universities can connect you with former alumni who can answer your questions about getting a job in a specific field, write recommendations, or even offer a position in their company or field.
Step 8: There are local listings.
There are usually bulletin boards throughout your community.There are a lot of job opportunities in these places.You never know what will happen in these places, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them.You can find the listings at the library.There are different kinds of jobs listed in libraries and public spaces.You can find job listings in your local newspaper.Some unusual jobs can be found in the classified ads.It is possible for anyone to put a classified in the newspaper.Don't get too far into the interview process if you check things out first.
Step 9: The internet is a resource.
The internet is a great place to find a job and network.You will have to make sure you research a job you find on the internet before you commit to anything, and that you filter out the resources that aren't very good.There is a website for your niche.There are websites that provide information about different types of jobs in journalism.LinkedIn is turning into a really good networking tool.You can network with people in your profession by adding them to your area of interest.It can be difficult to find that one gem of a job in the midst of the rest on sites likecraigslist.Again, make sure to check up on the company when you're looking into a job onCraigslist.Take care of your social media presence.Employers are more and more checking the internet presences of potential employees, which may seem unfair.Make sure your settings are private and that your steamy erotic fiction can't be linked to you.
Step 10: You can find a temp job, internship, or part-time job in your field.
Part-time, temp, internship, or seasonal jobs are available.These are a few ways to get your foot in the door at a company or field that you're interested in pursuing.People they know are more likely to be looked at by employers.If you've worked for them in one of these jobs, you are more likely to be considered favorably than someone who has only seen their resume.These jobs are a good place to network.Keep in touch with the people you work with, make sure they know the kinds of jobs you're looking for, so that you are first in their mind when they hear of something.You can check the bulletin boards at your college or university.Part-time, seasonal, and nanny jobs are usually posted here rather than online or in the newspaper because the employers are looking for a specific type of person.
Step 11: Network by taking advantage of opportunities.
Networking is one of the most important things you can do to find a job, because it opens up opportunities and introduces you to people you might not have met before.People are more likely to hire someone they know.Go and meet people.Conferences, events, trade shows, and business meet-ups are places where you can network.If you want to meet people, follow the news about your area of work and keep an eye on the newspaper.Sometimes people feel like networking is cheating, but it isn't.It's natural for people to want to help people that they know, because they love to be asked for their opinion or talk about what they do.If you're willing to help others as much as possible, there's nothing wrong with networking.
Step 12: There are places to network.
There are many networking events.You should take advantage of those.Many of the deepest and most useful connections form from unusual places, so don't limit yourself to specific networking events.Depending on your area of work, there are lots of organizations dedicated to different job types and these organizations often have annual meetings and other types of conferences.Information about meeting opportunities can be found in websites and magazines associated with your work.While volunteering at your coffee shop, look for people to talk to at the gym.One good thing about networking with people outside of work is that you are more likely to develop a personal connection, as people often talk about work.It's important to make the person you're talking to feel important.Get rid of the conversation.Networking requires you to be able to start conversations on your own.A good way to introduce yourself is to compliment the other person.If you can use that compliment to get them talking, it's even better.If you're sitting next to someone on a plane, compliment her on the pin she's wearing, and ask her the story behind it.People like to tell stories.
Step 13: A strategy is developed.
An effective networking strategy is needed to effectively network with potentially useful people.You have to come up with a way to get people to notice you.Knowing who you want to meet and a little about them is what it means.Make a list of the people you want to meet at the event and find out who will be attending the networking events.Try to find out a little about them before the event so you know what to expect.Practice your elevator speech, which basically says who you are and what you do, in as natural a way as possible.It should be short and easy to remember.Mary-Ellen Jones is a copy editor for an up-and-coming internet company.Get better at striking up conversations with people by looking at every interaction as practice.Make sure you have your business cards with you, but don't put them in the wrong hands.People will see you as here to get what you can and not actually interested in the networking part of networking.
Step 14: There is a specific image.
Similar to your elevator speech, you want to have a short, specific summary of who you are.It's easier for people to remember you and to describe you to potential employers.Make sure that the qualities that you highlight are the ones that define your work experience.Specific examples are what this means.Examples of work difficulties that you overcame, projects you've done at work, etc. are examples of information you give out in a natural manner.If you use your three qualities in conjunction with one another, you would have short examples of times when you used them on their own.These qualities are what you want people to remember about you.
Step 15: Networking is a two-way street.
If you think of networking as what can this person do for me, you're wrong.Networking is about what someone can do for you and how you can help them.Helping other people will make them more likely to help you down the road.People will remember you more favorably if you ask more questions and listen more than you talk.Ask the people you meet questions.What are they?What are they doing?What do they like about their work?How did they get the job?You don't need to be very specific about your questions, but you should be interested in what they do.
Step 16: Your network should be maintained.
You need to keep in touch with people you have connected with.Constantly re-examine who you need to keep in your network and who isn't as useful.Don't burn bridges.Badmouthing people or having a public fall-out with someone can be used against you in other people's eyes if you don't know who to trust in the future.
Step 17: The right time is now.
It seems that the best time to look for a job is in the fall.It's possible that companies use the unspent money in their annual funds to hire in the fall.This is a good time to get your resume out there.Seasonal jobs usually start hiring before the holidays.If you prove that you are a good investment, you can get a more permanent job later on.In the winter and summer both retail and food service have seasonal jobs.It is possible to find good outdoor jobs in the summer.There may be different hiring spikes for different jobs.The start and end of the school year seem to be when teachers hire the most.May and January offer opportunities for people looking to work in healthcare.
Step 18: Make yourself unique.
You have to find a way to make yourself known to the person or people who might hire you.If you want to get a job, you need to show your unique combination of qualities and experience.Personalize your cover letters, resume, and interviews to the company that's looking into hiring you.The interviewer will be less interested in you if you have generic and vague cover letters.You are trying to answer why company, why job, and why.Specific answers to those questions will make the company interested in you.Again, use the rule of three.People tend to limit themselves to remembering three things: the person they met, the movie they watched, and the situation they were in.Don't forget to have three qualities that you're looking to push home in your cover letter, resume and interview.You should give examples of these qualities in your job seeking material.You can find ways to get involved with the company.If you want to learn more about Human Resources or volunteer at an event the company is sponsoring, try to get a tour of the facility.It's important to find a way to put a face to your resume.
Step 19: Don't be rude during the interview process.
The people on the lowest rung of the company ladder are included.It's possible that your next opportunity could come from anywhere.Everyone in the company could give the hiring manager feedback on whether they liked you.
Step 20: You should be politely persistent.
The people who get the jobs are the people that keep looking for jobs and keep being persistent.There is a line between persistent and annoying.The latter will hurt your chances.Ask what the next steps are in the process.Is it possible to follow up with you?If you haven't heard back, this will give you a better idea of when to contact them.Make sure the people you're speaking with know that their time is valuable when you follow up with a potential job.Say something like "I know you have a lot of work to do and I really appreciate the time you've taken to help me out with this."They should always be thanked for their help.If you don't get a response, the best thing to do is check in three times and acknowledge that you probably did not get the job.If you know someone in the company, you can ask about the hiring process and who is the best person to get in touch with.
Step 21: Thank you for the follow-up.
You should send a thank you message after a job interview.If you want to stand out, you should consider sending a handwritten note.Make sure your thank you note is specific.Thank the person who interviewed you, go over a few of the points that you discussed in the interview, and reiterate your interest.If you want to send a more formal thank you note, you can email it.A thank you note can show your interviewer that you're interested in the job, polite, and remind them about you.