SETTING UP YOUR JOB SEARCH

A successful job search strategy will need to include several, if not all, of these important categories:

Assessment
1. Have I decided on a specific job or jobs to pursue?
2. Have I assessed if my current skills are up to date and if not, am I taking appropriate steps to upgrade my skills to what employers are asking for?

Occupational Research
1. Have I completed appropriate research about my occupation/job/career and the industries in San Diego?

Attitude
1. Am I displaying a positive, friendly attitude that employers are looking for?
2. Ame I taking care of myself on a daily basis to keep an upbeat attitude?

Organization
1. Am I writing daily and weekly objectives and a daily calendar of job search activities?
2. Am I prioritizing my work, spending time on job search activities that are effective and apply time management techniques?
3. Am I keeping good records and documenting my job search activities (i.e. copies of resumes/cover letters, record of networking contacts, etc.)?
4. Have I established a routine work schedule and created a workspace in my home?

Communication Techniques
1. Have I practiced my phone voice?
2. Am I prepared for a phone call at any time from an employer or recruiter?
3. Do I have a professional outgoing message on my answering machine/service?
4. Do I prepare for each phone call?

Networking
1. Have I made it a habit to “network” and chat with people whenever I have the opportunity?
2. Have I made a list of all the professional and personal people I know?
3. Have I contacted each person on my networking list and clearly communicated how he or she can assist me in my job search?
4. Have I increased my networking group by asking contacts for referrals?
5. Have I offered my assistance or help to my networking contacts?
6. Have I asked those appropriate persons for an informal interview?
7. Have I maintained contact with my list of contacts and referrals throughout my job search?
8. Have I sent thank you notes to all of those individuals who have assisted me or offered assistance?

Job Leads
1. Have I used all the available resources to look fo rjobs?
2. Do I read the daily paper and specific industry/occupational literature to look for job leads, stay current on job market trends, and review the classified ads?
3. Have I attended job fairs to gain information about companies and make contact with resource professionals?
4. Have I used the Internet to look for a job?
5. Have I made a list of companies I would like to target and developed a strategy to make contact?
6. Have I registered with several placement agencies that specialize in my desired area of employment?

Resumes and More
1. Do I have a well-written, concise cover letter that I always include with my resume?
2. Have I written a current, up-to-date resume?
3. Have I had a job search professional review and critique my resume?
4. When possible, do I research the company and position being offered prior to sending my cover letter and resume?
5. Do I customize and tailor my resume to mirror the position I’m pursuing?
6. Do I have a list of references prepared?
7. Do I have a sample application completed, which I always bring with me?
8. Do I have a list of my salary history or salary requirements prepared to send out upon request?

Interviewing
1. Do I research the company and job description prior ot the interview?
2. Do I know the most commonly asked interview questions?
3. Have I practiced answering the most commonly asked interview questions out loud, or role-played with a friend?
4. Do I have my interview suit ready? (Suit is dry cleaned, appropriate shoes and accessories are chosen?)
5. Have I followed up each interview with a thank you note?
6. Do I have my portfolio prepared, including a copy o fmy resume, a list of references, and questions to ask the employer?

Salary Negotiating
1. Have I researched and learned the current salary range for my occupation?
2. Have I practiced negotiating by role-playing with a friend?