I hate looking for jobs. I really do. I hate the time that it takes to create every cover letter for each and every job and making sure that it exemplifies all the requirements that the position holds.
However, I love that feeling of accomplishment when you have completed your last spellcheck, have attached the final version of your cover letter and resume, have given your email a digital blessing, and have hit the "Send" button.
I have done massive job searches now four times in my life. In the last three years. Although this might seem odd on paper, I consider this another huge gain for me. I have been through enough crappy versions of resumes, enough mistakes that HR representatives have pointed out to me, and many, many applications to obscure companies that don't list their name on Craigslist. Be careful of those companies that give small one-liners about the job. Be especially wary of those who say you can gain anywhere from $300-$3,000 a month. Also, don't be careful but just plainly don't apply for those where they ask you to pay or sign up before you apply. You are desperate for a job, but you aren't that desperate. Pull back a bit and try out some research about the company before you apply.
1.) If they list a phone number or fax number - type it into a Google search along with the State that the job is in. It will turn out in the search results and from there you can dig in a bit deeper about the company.
2.) Sometimes the job poster wants you to email a certain person at the company. Look up that person. Although this person might not be your boss you might find a couple good tips to help you through your interview or email, such as you both might belong to the same co-op or that the person is really into those detailed Edward Gorey drawings. Try not just a Google search, but look them up on Facebook, Twitter, and professional networking sites such as Linked In. You also might find out more about the position that you are applying for, and what role that person will be playing in your possible career.
3.) No matter what, keep your resume to one page. Keep detailed information on the cover letter, keep the relevant information on your resume.
4.) Get as much input on your resume as possible. Check out the resources that Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com have on resume feedback. It will take some time to complete, but it's valuable! Also, shed the shame and post your resume on headhunter sites such as Filtertalent.com and Boly Welch (for those in Oregon). Look around on the internet for other headhunter places that are more specialized. There are ones that are focused on sportswear, others that are focused on office jobs, and ones that specialize in placing people in higher positions such as executive and CEO levels.
5.) There are other places to search for jobs other than Craigslist.
*www.idealist.org
Non-Profit and volunteer opportunities. Also, it's a great networking tool, as you can create your own profile and list what your interests are and post your resume.
*www.indeed.com
This lists posts from both Monster and Careerbuilder and several other 3rd party sites. One thing is you can always be assured that you know exactly who you are applying to.
*Your local newspaper
Bringing it back old-school. You never know what you will find
*Your State employment website
It's one of the first resources given to you while you are being laid off.
In Oregon: www.employment.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/ES/seeker/index.shtml
*Make a list of companies that you've wanted to work for. Look them up online, go to their About Us section and more than likely they will have a "Career Opportunities" section. You don't know what you'll find
So there you have it. 5 tips to keep in mind for tomorrow when you spend three hours of job applying/searching after your long, leisurely coffee you'll enjoy after waking up!
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