Many job hunters confide that finding a job has become too complicated - so confusing in fact that they become paralyzed before even starting the process.
It's true that today's job search is very complex. Many organizations have very specific requirements you must fulfill to be considered for their openings. Here are some tips to jump start the process and mobilize you for success:
1. It is imperative to understand that to be considered for employment, you must comply with an organization's application requirements.
2. While exploring organizations and opportunities, make note of the application requirements for every job of interest.
3. If unsure of the application requirements, search the organization's Web site or call the human resources department.
4. Prepare an effective resume that clearly indicates how your qualifications match the requirements for the jobs you seek. Store it on your personal computer to change, enhance, and modify to target jobs of interest.
5. Learn the qualities of scannable and electronic resumes. You must be prepared to take your resume, save it as a new document, and enhance and organize your qualifications to meet an employer's resume requirements.
6. Don't be thrown by a request for a confusing format. Just take your resume data and carefully fulfill the employer's application requirements.
7. Employers may request a variety of narrative statements or essays. Always bear in mind when completing these attachments that the employer is trying to assess how your qualifications match their job requirements.
8. When in doubt, always use a cover letter. It works as a partner with your resume and more carefully targets your specific skills, experience, and accomplishments and how they match the job you are seeking.
Good luck!
Send questions or comments to: rkaplan@job-resources.com
Copyright © Robbie Miller Kaplan. All rights reserved.
Revised: August 31, 2002
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