THREE CRITICAL STAGES OF A JOB SEARCH

STAGE I: Prepare Yourself

Exploring the job market is exciting. Take time to get to know yourself, you will learn alot about you and your talents. Each one of us is unique with something valuable to offer an employer. The challenges for us are to: identify what we have to offer; find out who can best use what we have to offer; then to decide how to best communicate what we have to offer. Ask yourself questions like:

1. What is it about me that I have to offer an employer? (Experience/Education/Talents)

2. Who and where are the employers that can best use my talents and abilities? (Industry/Geography/Functions)

3. How can I best present my talents and abilities to an employer? (*Resume/*Letter/*Phone/*Network)

STAGE II:  Explore your resources to get information

Do your homework. Find information about the position and companies you want to approach. In this stage, you must not hesitate to ask for help! Seek people who are knowledgeable in the jobs in which you are interested. Ask these questions:

1. What is your opinion on my background and where are my best opportunities?

2. What resources are available for me to use to seek information on these opportunities?

3. What are significant factors I should be aware of in the area in which I am interested?

4. Who would be my best contacts in the companies I approach? (Departments/Titles/Functions)

5. What companies are best suited for my background?

6. What is the best method in which to initiate my contact?

STAGE III: Approaching the person about the job you want

You have taken the time to prepare yourself. The resources you have uncovered have given you valuable information on the industry, job, and maybe the individual you need to contact. It is now time for you to make the approach. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Who do I want to contact? (Hiring Manager, Department Head, Human Resources, Potential Coach)

2. Why do I want to contact them? (More information, Schedule interview, Ask for help)

3. What do I want to say? (Prepare opening statement/How can I make an impact?/What is important to them?)