Creative Job Search

Job Search Preparation - Organization

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A successful j Clock and Man Writing ob search requires organization and effort. You cannot simply walk out the door and wander around asking about jobs. Nor can you look for work only when you feel like it or when it's convenient. Planning and organizing are critical to job search success. For those who are accustomed to self-directed activities, this won't be difficult-- but for those who are used to having someone else organize their activities, this will require mastering new skills. You may not consider yourself an organized person, but you can learn this skill. Organizing your job search will save you time and effort. Good self-management and organization skills are valuable resources no matter what your experience might be.

You will need to develop a new routine to be successful in your job search. You may have to create a new set of priorities and schedules. Be aware that there will be many things that will distract you. Just about anything will sound better than looking for work. Don't be fooled; your number one priority is finding that new job. Don't let anything get in your way.

Time and Job Hunting

Before we look at the finer points of organizing a job search, we need to make something clear-- looking for work is hard work! It takes time and energy to be successful. Most people work a 40-hour week. If you're unemployed, those hours are available for your job search. If you're employed but seeking new opportunities, you need to make time for your job search. Be consistent in the amount of time you spend each week looking for a job. Don't spend 40 hours one week and then nothing for the next two weeks! The hardest part is getting started. Once you get the momentum into your search, you will want to keep moving forward.

Don't think of yourself as unemployed. You have a job-- a full-time job. If you're employed, think of your job search as a part-time job. You're engaged in a very calculated sales and marketing campaign designed to sell your skills and experience to a prospective employer. You're now self-employed-- you're the boss. It's up to you to make sure the job gets done. Set your schedule and stick to it. The only reasons you wouldn't conduct your job search would be the same reasons you'd use for not going to work.

Advance Scheduling

Successful job seekers have mastered the art of managing their schedules. Job search scheduling and goal setting should be done daily and weekly. Establish measurable goals. For example, block out the hours you've committed to the search and identify what you plan to accomplish. If you set 9-11 a.m., Monday, for library research, your goal could be to identify 10 new employers you can pursue. Tuesday's goal could be contacting the 10 new employers you identified Monday. Tuesday, 1-3 p.m., may be scheduled for making direct telephone contacts. Be realistic, but challenge yourself. (See Checklist of Job Search Supplies.)

Make Yourself Accountable

Create an area in your home where your entire job search is centered. This will help you feel like looking for a job when you're in that area. If you keep all your job search equipment, supplies and information there, you will stay organized and ready to look for work.

Check your progress at the end of each day and week. See if you accomplished your goals. When you do, commend yourself and decide if you can set tougher goals next time. If you didn't accomplish the goals, explore why and decide what you need to do to succeed in the future. Maybe your goals were not realistic-- you tried to do too much. Learn from this and plan more realistic goals for the future. It may be a good strategy to involve someone else in your search. Talk with a trusted friend; give them permission to hold you accountable to your plans. Attending a job club would also enable you to discuss your job search with others.

Keep Accurate Records

If you're conducting a serious job campaign, you may make hundreds of contacts and generate new opportunities daily. Don't simply rely on your memory. You need to have and maintain a filing system, just as you'd make a grocery or "To Do" list. There are a variety of systems you can use including alphabetized three-ring binders, small pocket calendars and notebooks. Check your local office supply or discount store for examples. Just keep it easy to use and maintain. (See Checklist of Job Search Supplies.)

People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan.

Checklist of Job Search Supplies
Having the necessary tools and supplies available for your job search will help manage your job search time. Below is a sample checklist of helpful job search supplies.
Notepads (Scratch Pads) Three-Ring Binders Sheet Protectors Sheet Dividers Notebooks Pocket Calculator Stamps Envelopes (different sizes) Paper (draft and quality) Address Book Calendar (desk and pocket sizes) Printer Ink Cartridges Pens (blue, black and red ink; erasable) Pencils Correction Fluid (use sparingly) Correction Ribbons	Erasers Stapler/Staples Paper Clips Staple Remover Business Card Holder Three-Hole Punch Manila File Folders Hanging File Folders _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________

Job Seeking Activity Goals
Filling out this sheet will help you plan and achieve your job goals.

Period: _________________ to ________________

Activity

Contact Minnesota WorkForce Center (WFC)

Familiarize yourself with the WFC Resource Area

Review electronic job search tools

Attend job search training sessions or related training

Research employers or go to the library

Attend support groups/job clubs

Read local newspapers

Read trade journals

Read other publications

Network

Make cold calls (phone/in person)

Complete/update resume

Send cover letters/resumes

Attend job fairs

Participate in informational interviewing

Talk to someone every day about your job search

Attend professional organizations

Talk to your references and write your reference sheet

Make follow-up phone calls

Follow-up on job leads

Interview with employer

Send thank you/follow-up letters

Others

_________________________________________

Goal
(# or date)
__________

__________

Actual
(# or date)
__________

__________

Job Search Schedule Sample

Week of September 7

TIME	SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY
8:00	Shower and dress. Read the newspaper.	Shower and dress by 8:30. Set goals for the day/week.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday.	Go to the farmers' market.
9:00	Read Sunday paper. Get to the ads by 9:30.	Respond by phone to Sunday ads.	Make networking calls.	Return calls. Schedule appointments.	Attend Job Club.	Return calls. Schedule appointments.
10:00	Take a walk, play with the kids, etc.	Get info for writing responses to ads. Go to the Minnesota WorkForce Center.	Make networking calls.	Attend Job Fair.	Attend Job Club.	Make networking calls.
11:00	Have some fun!	Write cover letters. Make changes on resume.	Return phone calls. Schedule appointments.		Do informational interview.
12:00	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch	Lunch
1:00		Appointment	Appointment	Check out Minnesota WorkForce Center computer.	Appointment	Research the employer for the interview next week.
2:00		Appointment	Appointment	Call on leads obtained at Minnesota WorkForce Center.	Appointment	Research the employer for the interview next week.
3:00		Appointment	Appointment	Appointment		Research the employer for the interview next week.
4:00		Walk	Walk	Walk	Walk	Walk
5:00		Evaluate today. Review tomorrow. Send thank you notes.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday.	Same as Monday and review the week.

Job Search Schedule

Week of ____________________

TIME	SUNDAY	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY

Networking Log

It's important to document and follow-up all job leads. Use this sheet for keeping track of all your networking activity. Always ask if your contacts will suggest another contact. Keep the ball rolling!

Contact Name ________________________________________________

Date Called __________________________________________________

Employer Name _______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________

Action Plan ___________________________________________________

Fax _________________________________________________________

Appointment Date/Time __________________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________________

Follow-up ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Contact Names Received In making your network contact, did you receive other job leads? If so, list them below.
Name	Name
Position	Position
Employer	Employer
Phone	Phone
Fax/Email	Fax/Email

Name	Name
Position	Position
Employer	Employer
Phone	Phone
Fax/Email	Fax/Email

Job Lead Worksheet

No matter where you get your job leads, it's important to keep track of them. Follow-up on each lead, which may provide you with other job leads. Don't be afraid to ask for other contacts or leads.

Employer

Contact Person

Address

Phone

Fax/Email Address

Position

How did I find out about this job?

Response

Date Sent or Faxed Resume

Follow-up Date

Results and Other Useful Information

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