A job search to do list can be as simple as 1, 2, 3, 4: Inventory & Update, Learn, Connect, and Search.
Missed the beginning of my story? Read Part 1: Working Mom Unemployed: Now What? , Part 2: Unemployment: Why Did This Happen to Me?, Part 3: The 5 Step Guide to Surviving a Layoff Financially, and Part 4: How To Spend Your Unemployed Days.
Inventory & Update
After being out of the job market for a few years, you may need to update your documents.
- List skills, accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Update resume to include any relevant full time, part time, volunteer experience.
- Make a list of position titles to consider.
- Create a resume for each position type.
- Update list of professional references.
Learn
The current state of the economy has made it much more difficult to find a job competing with recent college graduates, entry level employees and more experienced employees. It is important to equip yourself with current knowledge on how to break through the resume pile and stand apart.
- I would highly recommend reading Cracking the New Job Market: The 7 Rules for Getting Hired in Any Economy.
- Make a list of target companies in your local area or in your area(s) of expertise.
- Have another professional review your resume.
Connect
An important part of a successful job search is connecting with companies and professionals to find out about opportunities that may not be listed in traditional ways.
- Attend networking groups.
- Let friends, family, former co-workers, and business associates know of your search.
- Attend job fairs.
- Connect on LinkedIn.
Search
There are many sources that feature open job listings in your area. Here are some to start with.
- Create profile(s) on the job section of your newspaper(s).
- Create job searches on each newspaper(s) site.
- Create a profile on online job boards.
- Use a spreadsheet to track positions applied for, company information, contacts, and results. (This will be required if receiving unemployment benefits, too.)
Stay tuned for the next post with easy tips to automate your job search.
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