Start your Job Search Here

If you haven't had to do it in a long time or if you're looking for an entry level position it's hard to know where to start. Competence or even excellence in your chosen field rarely translates into job finding or job getting know-how.



The action steps below are designed to give you a step-by-step approach to your job search. Don't skip the first step. By taking a few minutes to consider your position preferences up front you will save time down the road.

Job Getting Action Steps.

• Gain a clear understanding of your position preferences
• Update or write a strong resume
• Investigate job lead sources
• Identify opportunities to pursue.
• Post your resume. (optional)
• Prepare a strong cover letter specific to the opportunity
• Submit your candidacy to the right person
• Follow-up as appropriate
• Participate in a telephone screening interview
• Schedule the interview
• Prepare for interviewing
• Complete the employment application
• Ace the interview(s)
• Successfully navigate pre-employment screening
• Follow-up as appropriate
• Receive the offer
• Negotiate the offer
• Win the Job!

The purpose of this web-site is to provide you, the job seeker, with access to inside information about every aspect of the job getting process. Armed with this information your mission is to...

Take charge of your job search. Do it right away.

No matter how good you are or how in demand your skills are. Do not under estimate how long it will take to find a position you really want. And upper level management or executive job searches will take longer because there are fewer positions to go around.

Ideally you want multiple offers from which to choose. That takes either luck and/or focused effort.

Over which of those factors do you have the most control?

Your effort of course! Being immediately proactive will also ease the nagging worry of No Job in the back of your mind.

I know because I’ve been there.

In November of 2001, a month after the World Trade Center was attacked, I was laid-off in a corporate downsizing. I had been with that international staffing company for 8+ years and had survived through two previous rounds of lay-offs.

Because of my personal situation I needed to find another job and fast. So even though I had an 8 week severance package I got to work on my job search the very next day.

For me (a type A personality who needs to feel in control of her destiny) taking time to reflect was not an option. Taking a proactive approach to my situation from the get-go went a long way toward easing my distress.

Too many people fall into the time trap.

It's easy to do. Especially when you have the luxury of severance pay or anticipate several weeks of unemployment compensation. By taking charge with a well thought out approach, you’ll give yourself breathing room. (Read that as Time.)

This will help keep you from taking a position you know is not a good fit out of desperation. Desperation also has a way of coming through in the interview.

I was fortunate. My focus and determination backed by 13 years experience in the recruiting and hiring business stood me in good stead. I got a good job offer and went back to work three weeks after I started my job search. (Seven years later I'm thrilled with the course my career has taken.) The point is...

I knew where to look, what I needed to do and how to do it. And so can you.

Stay focused and don't get bogged down on any one step. Keep moving ahead. You're half way there once you know what to do along with how and when to do it. Your own determination will take you the rest of the way.



For more free tips and advice on gaining an employment edge go here.

Starting your job search immediately after being laid off is not the advice you'll get from outplacement professionals. Career coaches and others will typically advise those who are suddenly thrown into the job market to take time to (re)evaluate their careers before beginning a job search.

There are legitimate reasons for taking a little longer to get clear. For instance if you've recently graduated. Or if you want to change career directions.

However, in the real world people need money to live. So if this is you, do take time to consider your situation and decide what your first or next position should be. Just don't take too long!