Job Search Preparation – Where to Start Before You Start

Job Search Preparation Mini Checklist

Job Search Preparation Question #1 - What do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?

Job Search Prepartion: When you search for jobs it is necessary to know what you want to do for a career. If you are fresh out of college or just burnt out of the job that you are currently in, you may want to think this through. Do you want to stay in the field that you are currently in, just in a different area, or do you want something totally different?

For example, if you are an accountant and you have just had enough of seeing the same thing day in and day out but you still love numbers, what about forensic accounting. With this career you would be able to stay in the accounting field, but you would be hunting down people who are misusing funds.

Job Search Preparation Question #2 - Do I Need More Training?

When you start these job searches and you are potentially changing fields, you need to ask yourself, “Do I need more training?” If you do need more training, you may want to think about the possibility of getting an education while doing your job search and working at the same time. If you are able to, you may want to forego your job search and continue your education. Once you are finished you can then continue your job search.

Job Search Preparation Question #3 - Do I Want to Move?

With change comes the potential for big change. Do you want to continue working in the city that you currently do, or would you rather commute? Would the salary be better in a neighboring town? And if you are ready for an even larger change, you may even consider moving to another state. At this juncture you will need to decide where you would like to continue your job search.

Job Search Preparation Question #4 - What Kind of Company Would You Like to Work For?

When you prepare for your job search you will want to decide which type of company you want to work with. Do you prefer small companies, medium size companies or large companies? This will also play a large part in determining which type of company you will look for when you are sending your resumes out.

Job Search Preparation Task #1 - Get the Paperwork all Ready!

The most important part of preparing for your job search is writing your resume, cover letter, and references. There are articles that can help you with handling this job, along with software, and volunteer services that can help you. You want to make sure to have a basic resume that you can have on hand to change as needed when the time comes for certain job opportunities. Remember, all jobs are different and so should each resume. Match resumes to the job!

Job Search Preparation Task #2 Practice, Practice, Practice!

Make sure to practice your interview. Even though it is nearly impossible to determine every question that your interviewer will ask, you can still practice proper body language and the answers to the most common interview questions. You can ask yourself the questions or have a friend or family member sit with you and prepare. This will help build your self-confidence and enable you to make every interview the best interview you have.

Job Search Preparation Task #3 Clothing Makes the Man & Woman!

It is necessary to wear the most professional clothing that you can, to an interview. Some people even have ‘interview’ clothing that they only wear to interviews. It is considered proper etiquette to wear either black or navy blue to your interview. A woman should either wear a dress, skirt, or pant suit with a white shirt. Do not wear anything floral or with loud prints. It is not advised to wear perfume or cologne due to individuals who may have allergies or asthma.

A man should wear a pair of black or navy blue suit pants with a white button up shirt and tie. Always remember to have your clothing ironed.

Points to keep In Mind:

Dress professionally
No perfume
Have resume ready
Do you need more training
Do you want to move
Do you want to change careers
Where do you want to work