How to Look for a Job
A) The Chronological Curriculum:
1. First and foremost you have to be able to write an effective
resume or curriculum. Now there are two types of curriculums
that you have to consider. One is the Chronological Curriculum
while the other is the Functional Curriculum. But since the
Chronological Curriculum is the one that is most used, I'm going
to start in explaining how to most effectively write and use
this one. 2. One of the most important items often left out of
this type of curriculum is the objective or direction that
you're trying to set-up for yourself. In other words you should
have some idea as to what kind of position or job you're
applying for and state this in a very bold fashion either at the
top of the curriculum or in a covering letter. Otherwise your
curriculum will probably be ignored. 3. Secondly, your
curriculum should be no longer than two pages, preferably one,
and written on paper that highlights your skills. 4. Thirdly,
your schooling and job experience should start with the most
recent to the less recent. 5. Fourthly, your experiences whether
schooling or job wise should start with those experiences that
are recent and most related to the position you're applying for.
Also if you have university experience you normally don't have
to put down your primary or secondary school experience. 6. And
finally, if you know more than one language or have a
specialized skill or interest that could relate to the position
that you're applying for, put this in a most prominent place on
your curriculum.
After finishing this, your curriculum can be distributed as a
result of newspaper ads or any other situation that might lead
to a potential job that you might be interested in.
B) The Functional Curriculum:
1. The Functional Resume or Curriculum, however, is the one that
is much less frequently used. The reason for this is that,
although you normally would get a better job, you have a lot
more to do to put this curriculum into operation. 2. To begin
with you should write the story of your own life, but only the
positive aspects of it. Then you should relate the talents that
you used to make these life events so positive. After this you
have to rank the five most important talents (1,2,3,4,5) that
you used. 3. On the other end of the scale you have to determine
the direction you want your life to take job wise based on your
past experiences and education. Then you have to relate those 5
talents mentioned above to your job search by writing them in
importance order under your goal, and giving two examples of
each on how you used these talents in the past, but related to
experiences that would help you in your job search. This then is
your curriculum. Goal + Talents + 2 Examples after each talent.
4. After finishing the curriculum you do not send it out. You
memorize it, not in the sense that you're memorizing it word for
word, but in the sense that you should memorize the essential
essence of the curriculum. Then practice the verbalization of it
with trusted friends. 5. In the meanwhile you should start
contacting by letter executive decision makers of companies you
would like to work for, but not asking them for a job. Instead
you would be asking them for an interview whereby they can give
you some advice on what you could do with your talents, and you
should mention to them in the letter that in a few days you will
be contacting them by telephone to set up such a meeting. But
remember; don't contact the personnel directors unless you want
to work in that area, but the decision makers who can usually
override their personnel directors. 6. At the interview,
remember that with a Chronological Curriculum the interviewer
controls the interview, but with your verbalizing the Functional
Curriculum in front of the interviewer, the interviewee controls
the interview. 7. Using this approach you can develop many
important contacts because your initial interviewer can put you
in contact with many people at the same executive level of
companies similar to the one you're interested in, if he or
she's impressed with your presentation. Also remember this: Many
times when you're dealing with executive decision makers and
they like your capabilities, they could create a job for you if
none is currently available.
C) Suggestions on Interviews:
1. Always dress neatly and somewhat conservatively. 2. Never be
a "yes" person. Always express your honest opinion, but in a way
that shows respect for the other person's opinion. 3. And always
send a thank you note after each interview.
This information was attained from two executive employment
agencies in New York.