Time-Tested Job Search Tips - Part II:

Begin collecting the data you need by uncovering all there is about employers
in your field. Get current on issues and developments in your industry. Read
trade journals, professional publications, and local newspapers. Most major
cities have “Business Journals” that publish invaluable rosters of companies
and organizations, so find the nearest to the location where you want to work.
It’s extremely impressive during an interview if you know about the latest
merger or coup in the industry.

Also, research your target organization’s culture. Does it appear employee-
and family-friendly? (For example, child care.) What’s the average age of
employees, racial mix, and predominant gender? You can uncover data like
these from Annual Reports, newsletters, local publicity, and talking with
employees.

Create a contact data base. Write down the employers you contact, the
date you sent your resume, contacts made, people talked to, and notes
about those contacts. Keep a notepad with you at all times, and make
entries as soon as you hear about an opportunity or when you leave an
interview. Make certain to update your data base daily.

Follow-up with leads immediately. If you learn about a position late
in the day, call as soon as you’re organized. Don't wait until the next day.
“Cold call” target organizations and set up “information visits.” This way,
you’ll meet the people who work in the areas or departments where you’d
like to be employed. You need to take the initiative and meet prospective
employers face to face. Information visits let you do this without the stress
and stigma of the typical interview situation. In this more conversational
setting, it’s common for your “host” to reveal job openings or names of
contact persons about whom he or she knows.

Target your Resume. Make sure your resume is geared to the employers
who receive it. Be sure your resume is easy to read, and the most important
details stand out. Create more than one resume if you’re applying to more
than one industry. You might also expand the areas where you list skills.
For example, if you’re in marketing, you’re probably also involved in sales,
advertising, public relations, and promotion. Figure out what makes you
good at what you enjoy doing, and market those accomplishments and
skills in your resume.

Prepare an “elevator speech.” Develop and memorize a three- or four-
minute synopsis of your skills, experience, and accomplishments. You
never know who you'll meet, or when. Be ready! Know your abilities
and how to communicate them. You must be prepared to tell prospective
employers and others you meet about the benefits you can provide. You
must be able to discuss your skills, and relate these to the industries that
interest you.

Learn how to talk about yourself. Throughout your job search, you will
speak with many people at different levels. You need to be comfortable
discussing yourself and your talents with other people. Keep in mind that
you never know who may end up being useful to your job hunt.
Practice for each interview. Rehearsing is key to performing well during
interviews. Ask friends, relatives, or career services counselors to help
you formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate. Our
“Effective Interview Techniques” CDs at http://stores.lulu.com/propman01
will help you prepare.

Above all, stay confident. Job hunting takes time and energy. Remain
positive, and get ready for the challenges ahead. Don’t be disgruntled
if you just graduated and are still seeking work. Most students do find
jobs after graduation. And, you will, too, by conducting your job search
in a professional, disciplined, and timely manner.