Job Search Tips

If you are searching for a job or thinking of switching jobs, begin by creating a few good lists.

• Make a list of everyone you know who can help you in your job search, including former bosses and coworkers, HR personnel, instructors, friends working in companies where you would like to work, and so forth.


• Write down your strengths, your skills, and your personal characteristics. Be sure to include transferable skills--those that you learned somewhere along the way that could be useful to an employer; for example, customer service, sales, problem solving, etc.


• List any skills or personal characteristics you need to work on improving. List ways in which you can accomplish this; for example, take a class, attend a seminar, read a self-help book, etc.


• List specific achievements and positive results you have accomplished while on the job. Include specific amounts of money you saved the company or the percentage of increased sales you had.


• List at least six reasons why an employer would want to hire you over other job candidates. Give specific examples of your worth to an employer.


• Write down questions you think an employer might ask you and your answers to those questions.


• Make a list of people you can use as a reference to attest to your work history and personal attributes.


• Make a list of places where you can apply for a job.

Now that you have created these lists, use them in your job search.