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.