A Methodical Approach to Finding Employment

There are a lot of people who are in a rush to find a job because they are worried they won't have enough money or time to take the time to get themselves prepared. Instead of wasting time hunting for information, following unsuitable leads, or hoping for your dream job to magically appear, you may save time and effort by organizing your job search. An entry-level position can take up to a month to fill, and a high-skilled one can take up to nine months. You may avoid a lot of hassle and wasted time by getting yourself organized before you start looking for a job.
Before you start actively looking for a job, there are a few things you should do first. To begin, take stock of your abilities, hobbies, ideal clientele, and any potential obstacles, such as a lack of reliable transportation or child care, that you may face. In this regard, and for the creation of all other job search materials such as resumes and cover letters, a career or employment counselor can be an invaluable resource.

Having a well-organized schedule, workplace, and contacts will serve you well once you're ready to enter the job market.
When You Need It
Establish a weekly plan of action after you've determined how much time you can reasonably devote to your job hunt. Do not forget that trying to get a full-time job is a full-time work! While it's true that you'll need to set aside some time to peruse job postings and submit applications, you should also set aside ample time to conduct research, make phone calls, compose thank-you notes and other correspondence, visit placement offices, employment agencies, and other service providers; and review old leads for follow-up. Seek advice from those around you to find out what works best for your industry or region when deciding how much time to spend on each task; this can help you set realistic goals.
The majority of people have distinct optimal times of day for various tasks. Before you make any plans, think about how your energy flows naturally and whether or not you have access to peaceful time to do research or make phone calls. An employment resource center is a great place to go if you don't have access to peace and quiet at home throughout the day or night.
Before you start making plans, think about what you like. If you find chatting on the phone to be a source of stress, it might help to schedule your calls so they are out of the way first thing in the morning or to space them out so you don't feel overwhelmed. If you want to deliver unsolicited resumes to certain companies, it's best to prepare ahead so you can visit all of them in a single day. You won't have to dress up as often, and you'll save money on gas and travel time.
You can tell if you're on the right track and if you're falling short by keeping track of how much time you actually spend on each activity. Make time in your schedule for self-care and other personal hobbies, such as visiting the salon or gym, because it's normal to feel dissatisfied and melancholy when you're unemployed.
Your Office
You should have a spacious desk or table, a chair, and enough of room to organize your information, make and receive calls, and plot out your employment search. You should keep your phone book, paper, pens, index cards, staples, and paperclips within easy reach. All the many versions of your resume and cover letter, job ads, company profiles, business cards, and other job search materials won't help if you can't locate the information you need. If you organize your documents in a binder or file system according to topics, you'll be able to immediately access the job posting and your application in the event that a potential employer calls you. Additionally, any additional information you may have obtained regarding the company prior to your interview will be immediately accessible.
A library or employment center might serve as a good "job search office" because it is a place apart from home where you can concentrate on your studies and writing without interruptions. If you don't have access to a computer at home or have to share one with family, you can use one of the many available computers to look for jobs online and create your cover letter and CV. A portfolio or briefcase is a good way to organize all of your job search materials, such as your printed and disketted resumes, calendar, and notepad for taking notes on leads and ideas, if you intend to use this service frequently. Get your prospective employers' contact information (cell phone, pager, or voice mail) ready because most places won't let you receive calls.
A calendar is an absolute must for keeping track of all your crucial meetings, including job interviews. A way to record your job applications is also essential. In order to verify your eligibility for social assistance or unemployment insurance, or to follow up on your applications, this information may be required.
Persons to Contact
Keeping track of all the contacts you make during your job hunt is essential if you want to make the most of the network you build. You're likely to communicate with hundreds—if not thousands—of people during this time.
A card file system, where each contact is represented by a card, is the most basic approach. Proper contact information should be included on each card, including the following: name, title, organization, address, phone number, fax, and email address; the lead's origin; and dates and details of any talks, letters, or interviews. In a "recipe box" with one set of dividers labeled "weekdays" and another set numbered 1-31 for the months, you might keep track of your recipes more easily. Each card can be filed according to the date you would like to get in touch with that individual. On the 10th, you might have a conversation with someone who recommends that you give them a call in two weeks. Put the index card with the 25th's information in the appropriate spot so it will remind you to follow up after you've noted it.
In order to facilitate your job hunt, there are fantastic software packages that may assist you in arranging your contacts. You can include your contact information with your cover letter in WinWay Resume, for instance. In addition to mail merges and task scheduling, ACT! also lets you set reminders. Email address books in Outlook, Outlook Express, or free Web-based email packages are also great alternatives to purchasing or learning new software to keep track of your connections. The information may not be accessible at all times unless you have unfettered access to a computer or a portable system like a Palm Pilot. A system's ability to be easily recorded and retrieved is its most important quality. Do not use an electronic system if doing so will add unnecessary complexity and time to your job hunt.
Finding a new job can be a daunting task, but if you keep your time, space, and contacts well-organized, you'll have a much easier time staying on track.
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