Steps for Job Search Success

♫ Evaluate your current level of job satisfaction

♫ Assess your interests, values and skills

♫ Utilize self reflection; journaling

♫ Brainstorm ideas for career alternatives with friends and with professionals in the field

♫ Seek emotional support; friends, family, counselor

♫ Know your financial situation clearly to determine what salary you require for thriving not just surviving, believe in your value

♫ Research the possibilities; gather the background information you will need for completing job applications and creating your resume

♫ Get the resume "done"; competency-based is best to reflect your accomplishments, seek help from your college career services office

♫ Create a job search plan and write it down! (this includes setting goals and determining the steps to reach them)

♫ Consider options for career growth; classes, computer skills, professional conferences

♫ Stay active and energized, stay organized: try putting details in Excel

♫ Network, network, network! Keep track of who you meet. Send follow-up communication

♫ Apply to posted jobs of interest but remember...you MUST actually leave the room for this to be considered a true job search. Most opportunities are found through connections and not online. The computer should be utilized mainly for research and preparation but then get out into the the real world and starting connecting, build and nurture those professional relationships.

♫ Follow up on all employer contacts. Make sure to state in your cover letter to employers that you will call them, and follow through with it. Be sure to send thank you letters to those individuals who interview you or provide any job assistance along the way.

♫ Take good care of yourself. The job search can be long and exhausting, especially in this type of economic turn down. Make time for treating yourself to something special each week as a reward: take a long walk, have a soothing Carmel latte, play with the puppy, read a book...whatever brings you joy...do it!