Step 1 - Career Planning
Before you start your job hunt, you need to be clear on your career goals. You need to plan your career as a first step because there are many factors that affect your career choice. Some important factors are your skills, interests, wants, values and constraints. The key to your career planning is to know what you like, rather than focusing on what you are good at. Once you select your career in this way you won’t need to compromise on your selected fields again and again.
Step 2 – Job Hunting
The key to a successful job hunt today is to employ all the sources in finding a job. Regular visits to Job web portals, Newspapers to get a clear idea about hiring patterns, and the skills that employers want. Job agencies and executive searches may not be a good idea for entry level or low end jobs, unless part-time, temporary or hourly-based. Job fairs and networking are good sources too.
Step 3 – Building Strategy
As soon as you come across a job of your choice it is the time to float a job application. But before this you‘ll need to build a strategy. The purpose of the strategy building is to acquire a focus. In recent tight employment market, the key to be successful is being focused in your job hunt. This means emphasizing on what the recruiter or hiring manager wants to know about you rather than telling what you want to tell him/her. It’s a good idea to develop a list of 6 to 8 requirements that are essential for the job you are applying for and then comparing your strengths and skills to it.
Step 4 – Resume and Cover Letter Writing
After strategizing your selected job it is a time to write a cover letter and resume. While writing your resume two things to consider the country you are applying in and the skills/competencies required by the job.
Your records and achievements can not be changed but how you describe them can make a real difference. Resume should be customized for every job being applied for.
Step 5 – Interviewing
Interviewing is about interpersonal communication. I this process you are given the chance to impress the interviewer up to the extent of your abilities. Paying attention to every aspect of communication is crucial as many candidates are usually not aware of their body language and voice-control communications.
Preparation and rehearsal for the interview should not be overlooked. You will have and extra advantage if you know the job, company and industry before you go for the interview. It would be good idea to relate all your answer to one basic point that is reminding interviewers again and again that you are the best suitable candidate for that particular job.