A job search is a time consuming process but if you are organized and proceed with a plan, chances are that you will be find the job best suited to your career goals and interests. Below we provide a job search checklist to guide you in planning an effective campaign.

Step 1: Job Search Preparation

• Obtain a clear understanding of the steps involved in a job search campaign and create a job search strategy based on my career goals.

• Prepare a list of all jobs that interest me and that I am qualified for in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs).

• Prepare a list of target employers which may be based on industry or company size, geographic location, etc.

• Research on all companies on my target list using such resources as Dun and Bradstreet, Moody’s,  LinkedIn, Google, as well as industry  and business magazines.

• Create my “unique value proposition” (UVP) which is a succinct three or four sentence statement regarding the value I can bring to each company in terms of my experience and KSAs and which distinguishes me from other candidates for the position.

• Develop a strong network of contacts that can refer me to jobs for which I am most qualified.

• Prepare my list of references and notify each person that I included their name.

Step 2: Cover Letter Preparation

• Review the importance of a cover letter to a successful job search

• Review the basic structure of different cover letter styles in terms of formatting (e.g. centering my name and contact information, indenting paragraphs, using bullet points, etc.)

• Prepare cover letters that target each job specifically and that address the recruiter or hiring manager by name, where possible (many job ads use blind “reply-to’s” and in this case a salutation such as “Dear Hiring/Recruitment Manager” is acceptable).

• Use action verbs to explain all accomplishments in prior employment

• Provide specific examples of accomplishments with quantifiable data (such as “Increased sales by 25 percent in the third and fourth quarters”).

• Clearly state the value I bring to the company “With my extensive background in intangible sales, I am confident of my ability to quickly develop a strong pipeline of qualified prospects”.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the company and reason(s) for wanting to work there

• Keep my cover letter to one page and use several paragraphs, with bullet points to outline specific accomplishments

• Did not just repeat what is included in my resume but value added content

• Edit and proofread each letter carefully for spelling and grammatical errors

• Allude to some action I will take at the end, such as “I will follow-up in three days to further discuss this opportunity.” If this is a blind ad, this last might be hard to do but you can still invite the employer to contact you with any questions and provide all contact information under your name.

Step 3: Crafting Your Resume

• Understand the different types of resume formats (chronological and functional).  The chronological is the most common format for those with 0 to 5 years work experience.

• Create a header with all contact information: full name and address, primary and cell phone numbers, along with email address.

• Prepare a list of 5 key accomplishments for each position held. The accomplishments you select should most closely reflect the duties of the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a Paralegal position within the real estate section, your resume should highlight your skills and accomplishments the areas of math, negotiation, client service and language (not necessarily within the real estate sector).

• Use bullet points and short sentences to list each accomplishment, remembering to place the most important first.

• Omit pronouns such as “I”, “me, “my”, “we”, etc. and start each sentence with an action verb (such as created, facilitated, implemented, etc.)

• Replace the statement ”Responsibilities included” or “Job Duties included” with “Key Accomplishments and “Skill Set.”

• Create a “Summary of qualifications” section at top of your resume (this replaces “Career Objective” which is not used to a large degree any longer).

• Not list any personal information such as martial states, age, etc. Many people also choose to leave off the dates of college graduation if more than 10 years in the past

• Edit and proofread resume carefully and asked family or friends to also look over to catch any mistakes I may have missed

 ©Copyright 2012 Lisa Ann Burke. All rights fully reserved.