Successfully Finding the Perfect Job

Are you searching for a job? Have you been laid off due to the economy? Have you tried to figure out how to start the job search, or what to do? This is a stressful time for many, and you need to find the best options and resources to help you find the perfect job for you. If you are looking to start your own business and be self-employed, you'll need to figure out what it is you like to do, and what you are good at. It is said "love what you do, and the money will follow" - there is a lot of validity in it. If you have a passion for something, it is easier for you to do and not a constant drain. It can be fun, and rewarding, and challenging. Take this test at http://doubleii.com/entrepreneurtest.html to see how well you rate in the ability to be self employed. You might not really be suited for it, and might be better off to read the rest of the article. If you are looking for a job, you can look online, but don't expect that it will come easily. You will need to register with many areas, and keep checking for new jobs that come up. You should sign up with various temp agencies in your area - many have sites and send email updates. In all honesty, for most people and jobs - the best way to find a job is to network - talk to people you know who work at the type of places you want to find a job at. Meet more people at those companies. Sometimes you can make a good impression and even create a new job by telling about your talents. The trick is that people need to KNOW you are there and have the talent. You need exposure. Talk to everyone you know - people always know other people who can be useful to you. Go to job fairs, go to events, visit and learn about the companies you are interested in (you especially need to study up if you are looking to interview - the more you understand the company, the better your presentation will be about what you have to offer to the company). Also, don't forget to talk to others looking for a job - there are many ideas that work and don't work, plus leads others can't use. You need a good resume. No one knows your skills and strengths better than you - you need to put all the information together for your resume. If you can write your own resume, and have others read it and help you tweak it, then all the better. After all, if you can't present yourself in a resume, how will you present yourself in an interview? This is your first chance to be noticed. Prepare your resume and get it posted online - get it sent to people whom will look it over. Register it with recruiters. You will probably need more than one resume - each focusing on a different aspect of your skills. There are different types of resumes - chronological (listing your job experience over the years), functional (emphasizing functional skills), and others which aren't as common. Use the functional if you are looking to change careers, or have more skills than your employment shows. Use the chronological one to highlight your work history - if that is what you are best known for. Your resume is your calling card and advertisement - its purpose is to get you an interview. You must tailor it for the job you are applying for - you need to show the employer why YOU are the perfect person for the job. Write your resume to be no more than 1-2 pages long - and stay with one page if your accomplishments aren't significant. Put all the most important points on the top and left portions of the resume - those are the areas that are scanned first. Your cover letter must be written for the job, as well. Mention specifically why your skills are the ones the employer wants for that job. Some employers don't bother with cover letters, but the majority still do - err on the side of using a cover letter, but make it brief, no longer than a page. Prepare a 1-2 paragraph profile of your experience and your preferences in a job. Prepare a 1 minute "commercial" that you can use when you meet people - you have to say it in 30-60 seconds for effect. Many networking groups go around the group for the one minute speech - and that one minute is all you have. Make it a good one minute speech. There are many resources you can check into for resume help, places to search for jobs, places to post your resume. There are temporary jobs, contract jobs, and career opportunities posted on various sites - some are better than others. Check them out because you never know just what will appeal to your interests. You need to get out on as many areas as you can to look around and to be posted on. Some won't apply to you, and several may. You should be sure of those you want to sign up with - pay for the ones of most value to you, and take advantage of the free areas. Some are WELL worth the price - but you need to see if it is worth it to you. There are free resource areas at most of the sites. With your various methods of looking for and telling others about your job search and experience, you will find the job you want. You might have to settle for some lesser job for an interim period, but keep looking for the job you want , using the same search tactics.