Quick Tip:
When looking for a new job, it’s a great idea to set regular goals for yourself! Plan to send out a certain number of resumes a day or by the end of the week. Spend an hour or two each day combing through listings in the paper or online. Remember, the more resumes you send out to companies and positions you’re interested in, the greater the chance you’ll get that all important first interview!
Good luck!
In today’s technological world, it can be easy to forget the importance of a tailored cover letter. When your resume is online and you can apply for a job with a few clicks of a button, the optional cover letter might seem unimportant. But don’t underestimate the importance of taking the time to customize a cover letter for the position you’re applying for! While some employers only glance at a letter, others won’t even look at a resumé without one – and you never know who’ll be looking at it!
Remember, a cover letter can be used to:
Remember, it’s very important to keep your resumé professional – but it can be the added touch that gets you that crucial first interview!
As a career counselor, one of the tools I like to use is personality tests. While your personality is far from the only thing that can determine your job success, sometimes it can point you in the direction of a career path that you’ve never thought of before.
There are a number of online websites that offer free (and fun!) personality tests, such as the Myers-Briggs test or the Keirsey Temperament sorter. If you’re not sure of the direction you want to go in, take a moment and take a test - you might be surprised by what you find out!
A career change can be a big step. A move can be an even bigger one. But sometimes those are the very kinds of changes that really pay off! If it’s at all possible when you’re doing a job search, try not to confine yourself to just your location – explore options in other cities and states! The Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index can be a great indicator of job growth can and give you a clue of where to check.
Remember when searching in another city to pay attention to the cost of living – doing a salary and cost of living comparison is really important! The last thing you want to do is pack up and move to your great new job only to find out that it’s actually harder to make ends meet! But with some research, you could end up with not just a wonderful new career, but also a whole new life!
The Dallas Morning News just published an article addressing many of the same points I made in my choosing a career series - including additional questions you might wish to ask yourself!
For more in depth reading, including searching questions and worksheets, try one of the following:
Your Dream Career for Dummies
Changing Careers for Dummies
I Don’t Know What I Want, But I Know It’s Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work
It Takes All Types: The Guide for Finding a Job, Changing Careers, and Understanding Yourself at Work
