According to some of those who already have jobs, the search for one has three stages: preparation, implementation (letting your feet, not your fingers do the walking) and suspension and/or maintenance. Let’s take an objective albeit somewhat painful look at each stage.
Preparation
While this might seem self-explanatory, the whole matter is like that old Chinese proverb about journeys of a thousand miles beginning with a single step. This is probably the hardest phase of your search as you must realize that it is truly impossible to find a job if you don’t know what kind of work you want to do. Lay this foundation and the rest will come. Spend some time researching the options on your computer and at the library. Pull together your resume, including an Internet version, and get a personal e-mail account. You may choose to have a nervous breakdown instead. While this does present its own particular set of problems, it will at least delay your decision for a little while.
Implementing Your Job Search
You will quickly discover that the wealth of material available to you is simply too much to evaluate in even a few concentrated and very sincere sittings. It is estimated that there are 80,000 web job sites that have openings, and that’s too much to choose from even if you are very picky. Realize that the Internet is one tool that will help in your job search, but it is far from the only one.
You will want to access the hidden job market, which can be a problem for the very fact that it is indeed hidden. So where is it, you may ask? Well, the market may be invisible, but it is really standing right in front of you. These are the jobs available through networking and research that may not be advertised in local papers. Visit companies you might want to work for and find out what they need. Use your friends for information and connections. After all, what else are they for?
Maintaining Your Job Search
Keep track of where you have been and where you have left a resume (even if you don’t drink or do drugs). Withstanding the onset of amnesia, you will probably visit so many job sites that you might forget where you have been. Keep the information in a journal or in some file on your computer. Even if you land the job of your dreams, you never know when you might need the information again.
Good luck.
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