1. Just layed off? Thank your employer for the opportunity to work for them and ask if you can stay in touch--they may let you know when they hear of openings.
2. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. They may know people hiring. Don't be ashamed to be unemployed--especially not in today's economy.
3. Prepare your resume: Don’t include an objective—they can be deadly. Instead, post an experience (or skill) summary at the top of your resume, making sure to tailor it when applying for a specific job. Buzz words to include in your online resume: any and all that are listed in job openings. Resumes can be more than one page—especially when posting a general one on the Internet and for applicants with technical skills. Avoid fancy formatting and don’t overstate your skills—employers may think you are overqualified and not committed to remaining in the position if you get it. Give specific examples of how you helped a business.
4. Post your resume (and look for jobs) on these free resume posting sites ("live" links at the end of article):
Jobcentral
CareerOneStop
Craigslist
Indeed
Monster
CareerBuilder
College Career Service Centers
Your company website (if have a business)
Your personal website or blog
Industry-related resume database sites
5. Drop in on companies with your resume on good paper. You may show up just as they were thinking of posting a job opening.
Interviewing
Bring employer’s phone number (in case held up in traffic) and extra copies of your resume on good paper. Research the company beforehand and have questions/comments such as, “When do you expect this product to be launched,” or “I think it’s great that your company is…” Come prepared with a list of your strengths and examples of how they specifically helped your former employer. If asked about a weakness, have one, but mention your strategy to overcome it. If the interviewer wants to talk about himself, let him, he’ll like you for it. NEVER say anything negative about a former employer. If asked about compensation, have a figure in mind but state that it is not as important as getting a position where you can contribute since you are confident the company will be fair over the long haul.
While you wait for a job
• Attend functions given by business organizations like the Chamber of Commerce because employers go there to network. Also, go to funerals, parties, art openings, Motor Vehicles—anywhere there are people! When you meet people, focus on being interested in them instead of trying to get them to be interested in you. Ask them what they do, etc. Ask them for their business card, then offer yours—a simple, high-quality one with just your name and contact information. Tell them you are looking for work and ask if they have any advice (that sounds better than asking them to help you get a job). Prepare a one-minute statement about yourself –how your experience and “can do” attitude can help an employer. For example, I might say, “As a publicist, I help people or their businesses become known as experts in their field and contributors to their community."
• Volunteer, intern, apprentice, job shadow—even if you are not a student (see internships.com for opportunities in your area). You need to be seen by potential employers, meeting new people to recommend you, and learning new skills or industries.
• Learn new skills at your library, online, community college, etc. You MUST keep your skills current
• Becoming a speaker or a writer can lead to a job offer or secure clients
• Start your own business (visit your Town Hall to get the required information needed to begin) or become an independent consultant--at least temporarily (even when the economy improves, the Department of Labor states that many jobs are unlikely to return).
I have written articles and free e-books on the topics above. Contact me if you can't find this information on my blog.
Lisa Saunders, a former job recruiter and winner of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion Award, helps individuals or organizations promote themselves or their work through Internet marketing, public speaking, networking, and creating news that leads to free publicity. Visit http://www.authorlisasaunders.com/ or write to saundersbooks@aol.com
Activated Job Opening links:
http://www.jobcentral.com/ct/index.asp
http://www.indeed.com/
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/
http://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.careerbuilder.com/
http://www.job-hunt.org/
http://www.monster.com/
http://www.theladders.com/
http://careeronestop.org/
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
http://usajobs.gov/
Only if interested in these particular institutions:
http://www.mysticaquarium.org/about/employment
http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=E36BC236-929C-6708-261A906B15D4D34B
http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/
http://community.mitchell.edu/page.aspx?pid=395
http://www.conncoll.edu/employment/JobPostings.cfm
Read this article on the importance of social networkings sites such LinkedIn.com at: Click here: How Social Recruiting Is Revolutionizing the Job Hunt: A Q&A with the CEO of JobFox - DailyFinance
Caution: some interviewers like to ask "behavioral" questions. See the complete list at: http://blog.emurse.com/2007/05/21/complete-list-of-behavioral-interview-questions/
Normal questions:
3. Rehearse Beforehand
Every once in a while an interviewer will ask an unexpected question, but for the most part, many interviews play out the same way.Prepare intelligent answers to common questions the interviewer is likely to ask, such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"; "Why do you want to work here?"; "Why should we hire you?"; and "Tell me about yourself." Conduct a mock interview with a trusted friend as practice.
