JOB SEARCH MANUAL

The material that follows is designed to assist you through the more pragmatic, day-to-day activities of your job search. For it to work though, you will need to know yourself, your abilities and have a plan. We have found that successful job seekers had four things going for them:

1. A systematic, analytical approach to the task.
2. A keen perception of what they had to offer and what they were looking for.
3. A willingness to listen, take advice and try new things.
4. The support of friends, associates etc.

The last item is vitally important--support of spouse, children, parents, in-laws, people you have worked with, etc.. Keep them up to date on what you are doing. Get them involved. Get their ideas and suggestions. Get their help in practice interviews and mock telephone calls.

Organization and planning are the keys to success. Good time management is critical.

First, let's get to know ourselves better. Then we can develop a Plan of Action that's a sure winner.

Feel free to print material from this web site for your own use. You might prefer to do the activities that follow in pencil or to make photocopies of the originals. Studies show we are likely to be job hunting 3-5 times during our working years. Also, friends and family may gain from this manual as well. Teachers and employment professionals are permitted to make class sets as needed. See below for ordering the printed version in binders.

To begin with, let's take an inventory of the job skills we have to begin with.

Most of our education loads us with information and skills but very few ideas about how to put them to work. All payload and no delivery system.

You may freeze when faced with the need to be proactive in creating your future. You may not be accustomed to taking the initiative in your career, although this is one of the most important capabilities you can develop for yourself.

Learn the skills of a self-directed, responsible job search. Exercise your will and courage to find new pathways in the hidden job market. Don't wait for opportunity to knock. You may have to break the door down.

Activity One - Job Search Skills Inventory