BIN Extras

AARP Employee Job Search Tools

Who:

• Target a specific industry and position. Don’t waste time searching or applying for jobs you don’t really want.
• Identify the type of employer you think you’d be interested in—large, small, entrepreneurial, non-profit?

What:

• Assess yourself. What are you looking for in a job? What are your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves”? What are the things that don’t matter to you?
• Look at all options—full time, temporary, part-time, contract, or seasonal work; consider a broad swath of jobs and industries.
• Know your skills and match them to the job you are seeking.
• Consider a job with less responsibility if you’re changing careers.

When:

• If you have recently been laid off, take a couple of weeks if you can to get that experience behind you. Rather than jumping in and trying to get interviews, focus on developing your job-search strategy. If you have to, consider a part-time job to generate needed cash.
• Carve out a specific time to begin and end your job-search efforts each day.
• Spend about 4–6 hours a day on your search, but make sure you add some variety. For example, conduct industry research for an hour, research employers for an hour, then do some networking and follow-up with contacts.

Where:

• If you are conducting your search from home, make sure you have a “professional” set-up, with a phone, fax machine and computer.
• Attend networking events and career fairs. Contact your Alma Mater’s career center (many have alumni services).
• Visit the gym, take a walk, or go for a run. Being out of work is one of the best times to get in shape. You’ll feel better about yourself and make a good impression during those important first moments with interviewers.

How:

• Have a “conservative” e-mail address.
• Network to find the hidden job market. Try to get interviews with hiring managers rather than concentrating only on human resources.
• If you feel that an employer is discriminating against you in the hiring process, move on to the next employer.

Click here to go back to the January/February 2009 Extras.