Job-Hunting Strategies and Tips

A friend entering the job market asked me for some job-hunting strategies and tips.
Networking is sometimes the most effective way to hunt for jobs. 

Here's a link about conducting an effective job search from Career Builder.

Resume and Digital Portfolio

Having a good resume is important.  It's a building block.  Many recruiters want a Microsoft Word version--probably as a .doc rather than as a .docx.  I recommend getting help with the resume, through affordable help.  I worked with WordSharp.net to revise mine.  I started with a Microsoft Word template, then had the professionals at WordSharp fine-tune it to its present form.

A digital portfolio (a YouTube/TeacherTube video) promoting yourself is the latest step in "resumes."  It will be helpful to have one--find someone with the software to help.  You can see mine at this link. 

Job Hunting Websites

There are several websites to subscribe to.  All are free to job seekers, then most have fees for extra services.  Some of those extras are worthwhile and you'll have to check.

http://www.monster.com


http://www.jobfox.com

http://www.careerbuilder.com


http://www.myjobhunter.com

http://www.theladders.com 

Search Engines

You need to set-up search engines to look for likely jobs for you to apply to.  Each of these websites has its own search engine for you to use.  You can have these engines feed you the jobs they find on a daily or weekly basis.

Cover Letters

In many cases, you will need to create a cover letter for each application.  Remember to respond to the requirements of the job description in the cover letter to show how you are a match for what they are looking for.

Tracking Applications

It's a good idea to set-up a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (or a spreadsheet by another vendor) to track the detail of your applications.  I'm putting the headder data from my spreadsheet here.  I have a list of the different referral sources that I use and I make that a part of my spreadsheet.

Hints and Tips

Most of these websites offer hints and tips for your job search.  Be sure to read many and save the ones you like.

Some locations want lots of money to rewrite resumes or to publish them to lots of people.  Be selective.  More money invested doesn't necessarily lead to good results, especially in a down economy.

Be willing to volunteer for the experience, if you need it.

Social Networking Sites

While there are many social networking sites, LinkedIn seems to be especially focused for professionals.  Facebook and Twitter are also good sites, though some of the most practical business connections seem to come more consistently from LinkedIn.