Looking for a job? Your first impulse may be to grab the help-wanted section or surf the Web for job ads. But your job search will be more effective if you first take the time to create a plan. As you get started, keep these two job-hunting truths in mind:

• Job hunting takes time. Whether you’re currently unemployed or working 50 hours a week, it’s important to commit as much time as you reasonably can to job search activities.

• Job hunters need goals and a schedule. Job search scheduling and goal setting should be done daily and weekly. For example, block out the hours you are committing to the search and identify what you plan to accomplish. If you set 9-11 a.m., Monday, for library research, your goal could be to identify 10 new employers you can pursue. Tuesday’s goal could be contacting the 10 new employers you identified Monday. Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., may be scheduled for making direct telephone contacts. Be realistic, but challenge yourself.

GROW YOUR NETWORK

One effective tool for seeking employment is networking. It can be a crucial element of job hunting because many jobs are never advertised. Employers prefer to interview and hire people referred to them by friends, family, or current employees.

Here are some tips for building and expanding your network, practicing good networking etiquette and effective communication, and being prepared for unexpected opportunities.

• Visit or join a professional association in the field you wish to pursue. Many members are eager to help job seekers and often know employers with open positions.

• Find a mentor who has experience in the field you’re pursuing. Ask her for advice and use her as a sounding board for your thoughts and ideas. Ask to shadow her on the job.

• Talk with your friends, family, teachers, professors, former supervisor, or managers. Practice selling yourself first to those who know you.

• Follow good networking etiquette. Always look for opportunities to give something back. Be prepared to offer something of value to those who are taking time to help you. When gathering information about your field or about specific opportunities, ask for information, not for a job.

• Keep your promises. When you tell someone you will call, be sure to follow up. If someone is difficult to reach, keep trying. It’s your responsibility to connect.

• Practice effective communication. Keep your contacts informed about your efforts in the job search through phone calls or brief handwritten notes.

• Be sure to send a thank-you letter within 24 hours of an interview.

• Keep your conversations friendly but businesslike. Give a brief summary of your objectives, and then explain how your accomplishments support this objective.

• Be prepared for unexpected opportunities. When networking, you’ll be introduced to new contacts frequently, often at a moment’s notice. Make sure you’re ready to communicate your job search objective, strengths, etc.

• Have business cards and copies of your resume with you at all times. Opportunities will arise anywhere and everywhere.

WRITING A RESUME

The hardest part of writing a resume can be getting started. One method is to set a clear goal or career objective, and make sure your resume reflects that objective. You don’t necessarily have to state your objective on your resume, but write a summary statement to show how the particular job matches your career goals.

When writing your resume:

• Be truthful. State your abilities accurately.

• Target your audience. Highlight skills and activities relevant to the job.

• Keep it brief. Limit your resume to one or two pages, and use fewer words for scannability.

• Write and rewrite. Plan to write several versions of your resume before it feels right.

• Be professional. Print your resume on high-grade paper using a quality printer.

• Be accurate. Proofread your resume (and have a friend do the same) for any errors.

• Follow up. Call or send a letter to the employer to restate your interest in the position. 

For more information on obtaining employment, visit www.careeronestop.org.