Job Helpful Tips

The process of getting a job involves many aspects. Certainly you need skills to do the work. But you will never get a chance to demonstrate those skills unless you get the job.

The internet is a wonderful place to gather the background on job search technique and application skills.

One of my favorite web sites for job seekers is Careers.org  SOURCE Here is some of the detail from their web site:

Have you ever heard the phrase "looking for a job is a full-time job"? Well, it can be and frequently is if done right. However, most people dedicate more time to looking for that perfect gift for a loved one than to their own job search. Then they wonder why they haven't found that "perfect" job.

Job searches for that "perfect" job often take 6-18 months. However, factors that influence how long it may take include:

For example, unemployed jobseekers can spend 40-60 hours per week in a job search. Employed jobseekers may be able to dedicate only 10 hours per week. If all other aspects of their job search are the same, it could take the employed jobseeker 4-6 times as long to complete the job search.

The following techniques, if applied to their fullest, can improve your job search success.

A necessary part of a successful job search is to first explore yourself. Having a clear understanding of your interests, values, skills, work style and work environment preferences will help you to:

Use the Matching Careers to Self-Exploration section for online surveys and CDC resources which will assist you in clarifying your interests, values, skills, and personality and identifying careers and environments that best fit you.

It is important to thoroughly research careers you are already considering as well as new careers identified through self-exploration in step 1. Comprehensive career research will help you to:

Use the Researching Careers & Majors section for online and CDC resources which will assist you in researching careers and focusing your career goals.

Now that you have clarified what you want in a career and/or specific position, researched and identified careers and work environments, and focused your job search goals, it's time to market yourself. Well-written resumes and effective interviews focus on what is most relevant to the employer about your education and experiences. Dedicate time to developing a focused resume for each type of position you apply for as well as practicing interviewing techniques. Don't wait until you have scheduled interviews to begin to hone your skills.

Use the Resume & Cover Letter Development section for guidelines, writing techniques, and examples.

Use the Interviewing Techniques section for online and CDC resources on interviewing techniques, styles, and questions.

Surveys indicate that advertised openings represent at most 15-20% of all jobs available. Even though these positions represent a small portion of opportunities they are easiest to identify and therefore the most responded to by jobseekers. While it is still worthwhile to pursue these openings, it is recommended that you spend only 5-20% of your job search time focusing on them.

Use the Advertised Job Openings section for information on online, UWM, and community resources for identifying advertised full-time, part-time, internship, and volunteer positions.

Experts state that up to 85% of jobs are never advertised. These unadvertised positions are referred to as the "hidden" job market. Use the following techniques to access these hidden jobs.

Direct application refers to the process of sending your resume and cover letter to organizations or companies of interest without waiting for an advertised job opening. To identify these organizations and locate appropriate contact information utilize various types of directories. These include career specific directories such as the Classified Directory of Wisconsin Manufacturers and broader directories such as the yellow pages. You will also want to consult directories that list directories such as the Directory of Directories which can be found in public libraries. Be sure to ask the librarian for additional suggestions.

Informational interviewing and networking can be used to gain information about locating jobs. Integrate into your job search the practice of asking people for information about job leads and developing a web of people from which to gather information about job opportunities. Some people you informational interview and network with you may speak with only once, others you will maintain long-term contact with. Informational interviewing and networking should be done with friends, family, professionals, and others. This is the most powerful technique to get that "perfect" job.

Use the Informational Interviewing and Networking section for information on how to identify people, make contact, and maintain a network.

Following up after making that initial contact with an organization is something most jobseekers are reluctant to do. Many feel as if they are being a pest. Actually the person who gets the job is frequently the one who makes two, three, four, or more follow-up calls. If you feel uncomfortable calling back, you could ask, "Is it okay if I call back in two weeks to check again?" This persistence demonstrates your enthusiasm, interest, and professional skills.

An organizational record keeping system is a crucial aspect of the job search. It will help you keep track of your network of contacts, dates and follow up information, and job search goals.

Have a system to record and organize the following:

A key point in creative job hunting is to understand that most jobs are never advertised. One source put the figure of unadvertised jobs at 80%. Perhaps this figure is rather high but it illustrates the point. So why is it that many jobs are never advertised? Here are some of the reasons:

Follow the links in this link rack to access aspects of the employment process:

This search box may help you find details you seek in a hurry. Try Google:

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