Job Search Checklist

Finding the right job is more like a road trip than a Sunday drive. If you plan your trip, have a map, and write a schedule, you’ll arrive at your destination and be there on time. I have developed a simple to follow strategy to systematically pursue the job you want. I invite you to use the checklist and let me know how it works.

Step 1 Sharpen your job search skills.

The job search process is one that requires careful analysis, planning and dedication if you hope to succeed. For this, you will need a plan of attack. I suggest using a simple composition notebook or a word document on your computer to write down and track all of your steps from the first contact to all of your follow up.

Step 2 Identify potential companies that interest you.

These are companies that may offer positions comparable to those that would interest you whether advertised or not. Create an entry in the log for each of these companies with all available information you can find.

Step 3 Find out who’s hiring.

Identify companies that are actively advertising positions that interest you. Create an entry in the log for each of these companies with all available information that you can find. Include the contact person’s address, email and phone number, and date stamp each time you are in touch with them. Develop a timeline for contacting them so that you are not over stepping boundaries or even worse, failing to follow up in an adequate amount of time. Try going to their website or look them up by other means to find out as much as possible about these companies.

Step 4 Know what they’re looking for.

Carefully read through job advertisements to identify common requirements among the companies/positions that interest you. This should be done according to the most basic skills and work your way up to more advanced skills.

Step 5 Highlight your strengths.

List these requirements from least important to most important or most demanding requirements. Now, go down the list and determine which of the key skills you possess. Of the skills that you possess, start with the most advanced qualifications and make sure that these qualifications are mentioned on your resume without using the same exact words. Although key words are important, you do not want it to look like you merely copied their words. Do not re-write your resume or add content that is not complimentary to the rest of the resume to do this. The resume likely has this information already if you have accurately selected jobs that you possess interest and are moderately qualified for.

Step 6 Revise your resume to match the job.

If various positions differ greatly in requirements or fall into two or more groups of similar companies/jobs, it is a good idea to use a certain resume for one group and another copy for another group. A subtle change such as re-arranging sentences to fall in an order so that the content of interest is mentioned first is suitable in most cases. You resume should be specific to the job that you are applying for. Your resume is a living, breathing document that should be updated with each new accomplishment that you want a future employer to know about. Even if you are not actively looking for a job, you never know when an offer for a better position may come along.

Step 7 This is your first impression so do it right.

Print your resume on quality 20 lb paper that is light in color. If you do not want to purchase a pack of paper (some can be rather pricey) take your resume to a professional printing center on a USB to have them laser print your resume. Get matching full-page size 9 x 12 envelopes. If you’re able to print addresses directly on the envelopes or can print labels to address the envelopes with it will look more professional than hand-written envelopes. Be sure to include the contact person’s name if available just below the company name and above the address so that it is delivered directly to the intended recipient. Mail all of your resumes out at once, ensuring that each company has the appropriate copy enclosed.

Step 8 Step ahead of the competition.

Allow 2 days for local delivery, and four business days for the rest of the addresses you have sent your resume to. On the anticipated day of arrival of your resume, send a copy by email and announce the arrival of the hard copy in the mail. It is best if your email goes out the day before or the exact day that your resume arrives. Mention in the email that you will follow up with them by phone on a specified day and state whether you will call in the morning or afternoon. You should call no later than three business days after your resume arrives.

Step 9 Follow up!

Make follow up calls with your resume and the advertisement (if available) in hand. If you have to make another follow up call next week, ask them if you may contact them next week to see how their selection process is going if there has been no decision made at that time. Continue this process until you have an answer, interview or rejection letter. Befriend the person you are calling, call them by their first name after the first call and keep your resume copies handy at all times during the process so that you are better prepared if they should call you unexpectedly. It is easy to contact someone through email or social media, but nothing you do will leave a greater impression than a face to face meeting. When applicable, (and without seeming like a stalker) casually bumping into someone or scheduling an appointment to meet them can leave a greater impression.

Step 10 Prepare for an interview

If you follow all of these steps, I am sure that you will be invited to interview with a recruiter or a hiring manager. In a previous blog, I mention having some “go to” answers for stock interview questions. The best way to avoid looking nervous is to be prepared.

For more interview and job prep advice, please check out my Facebook page and be sure to follow, like and share it with your friends and colleagues: https://www.facebook.com/NYMinuteResume