| The New Year is now in full swing. Is a new job on | | | | research to learn the many types of questions |
| your list of resolutions? Have you given any thought | | | | interviewers ask to determine if a candidate will be |
| to your job search? What do you need to do to | | | | the right fit for their company. Don't answer the |
| prepare for an effective job search? What type of | | | | questions with answers you believe the interviewer |
| position is on the next rung of your career ladder? | | | | will want to hear. Give some thought to your own |
| Do you know what qualifications will be expected in | | | | values and views and answer accordingly. This way |
| most cases for the job? | | | | you will also be interviewing the company and be |
| First of all, you need to know exactly what you are | | | | better able to determine whether or not a particular |
| looking for in a job. Next you will want to review the | | | | company is also a good fit for your values. |
| qualifications for the job and make a list of your own | | | | - 4. What salary are you striving for or expecting? |
| qualifications. Do you have what it takes? Most | | | | Determine what you believe your expertise is worth |
| important, what have you accomplished for your | | | | to an employer. Be fair to yourself and to potential |
| present and past employers that will impress a | | | | employers. If you aren't sure what salary range to |
| potential new employer? Keep this list handy because | | | | aim for, do your research using salary calculators |
| it will be needed to write your resume if it isn't | | | | online. Prepare your response to job postings that |
| already up-to-date. | | | | state a salary history is required with resume |
| Here is a list of five aspects of job searching which | | | | submission. This issue is best addressed with a salary |
| need thorough review and planning in addition to an | | | | range stated in your cover letter rather than a list |
| up-to-date resume before you take off from the | | | | stating the salary you received from previous |
| starting line. | | | | employers. The range informs the potential employer |
| - 1. Do your qualifications meet the requirements of | | | | how much you value your skills and knowledge |
| the job or position you have in mind? If not, what will | | | | without cornering you into the same low pay you |
| it take to acquire the qualifications you don't already | | | | may have received in a previous job. |
| possess? Do you need to register for classes at your | | | | - 5. Are your references aware you are planning to |
| local college or maybe attend a seminar or two to | | | | include them on your reference list? Call your |
| add to your continuing education credits? Earning a | | | | references and make certain they are agreeable to |
| degree isn't always the finish line of your education. | | | | being listed on your reference list. Give them an idea |
| Many professions require continuous education in | | | | of the direction you are heading with your job search |
| order to stay abreast of the latest skills and | | | | so they will have time to think about how they will |
| knowledge in a given field. | | | | respond if contacted. Receiving a call out of the blue |
| - 2. Have you prepared your USP or unique selling | | | | could spring too much surprise on your references |
| point? You will be marketing yourself at networking | | | | and the caller will hear it in their voice. That would not |
| and social events so have your USP prepared. | | | | be a good thing. Don't take the chance. |
| Remember to project a confident, positive attitude | | | | Preparing yourself will boost your level of confidence |
| when you are asked the inevitable question, "What | | | | and alleviate some of the stress associated with a |
| do you do?" So what if you have been laid off. You | | | | job search. A confident person communicates more |
| ARE still skilled and knowledgeable in a particular field | | | | effectively with contacts which increases their odds |
| and/or profession. Let it be known with your own | | | | for the position desired. Research, plan, and practice |
| unique selling point. | | | | your job search or career management strategy. You |
| - 3. Have you practiced answering the questions you | | | | will be assured you are doing all you possibly can to |
| expect to be asked in an interview? Do your | | | | move ahead. |