WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE NEVER LOOKED FOR A JOB

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE NEVER LOOKED FOR A JOB


First of all, pick some sort of career direction, knowing that it may well change as you progress. Ideally, pick something you like—and go for it. Direction helps. 2010 may be worse than 2009 for getting jobs, so be prepared for a ride. Persistence pays off. You will get a job, but it may be something totally different from what you expect or really want.

The job you get will most definitely not be one “for life”. We are talking about you finding that thing we call a “bridge job”, kind of something to tide you over until we see what the new world of work is going to look like.

So be sure you have targeted a career before you go forth looking. Too much mental scatter can be a disaster.

Where do you find openings? Start with AOL. Around the first of every week, they print a list of where the jobs are. If that doesn’t work, try your local business newspaper. And always, there are the Internet job postings for your area.

Be sure, though, to do your homework. Sort of interview the company before they interview you. This means finding out everything you can about the company, what they do, and what problems they might have that you can help solve.

If you can get an internship, by all means do that. An internship is kind of like having a job, without having one. There is usually no money involved, but it is a great learning experience.

Internships look great, too, on a resume. When you finally do get a chance for an interview, take it—no matter what. Practice makes each interview get better. Practice doing mock interviews with a coach, if you can. Interviews are very competitive now, and you have a much better chance of maxing an interview if you have practiced and practiced.

Potential employers are very interested in how you can help impact their basic bottom line in a positive way. Create a “niche” that makes you unique for the advertised job.


Remember: your resume is your calling card. It needs to be clear, crisp, concise, and formatted correctly. Here again, get some professional help in creating your presentation. They don’t want to read a rendition of War and Peace. What you did in high school is usually not of any interest. Stick to facts that are relevant to the job description that you are attempting to fill.

Have a list of your very own career success points ready. Put together, too, a list of questions to ask the interviewer. This shows intelligence and sincere interest in the hiring company. It also shows that you can think.

And: it is not just the resume that is important. Your cover letter is crucial to getting positive attention. A cover letter is never more than a page long, and it summarizes your qualifications and your knowledge of the company, and your sincere interest in the company.

Pay attention to things like eye contact and your listening skills. Look and act the part.

Enthusiasm goes a long way. Show your enthusiasm and spirit in every way. People are ultimately, almost always, hired because somebody really likes them.

Always follow up after an interview. Thank them for their attention to your candidacy. Be sure to ask them what next steps will be, and get ready to say yes, when an offer comes.

Remember: care, but don’t care too much. No job is the only one in the world. Keep the momentum going. You will get better and better at interviewing. Keep at it. Affirm daily that you will get a good job.

Best of luck--