How to Get a Job 

These are the essential steps to take in the job hunting business. For more details on any of these steps take a look at Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in my book How to Control Your Career for Life. It will help you get a job.

Step 1. Know what your skills are with people; with things like computers, trucks, cameras, tools and so on; and with ideas or data. These are called transferable skills; the ones you take from job to job.

If you need help look up www.occupationalinfo.org, appendix B. This website will help you understand your skills.

Step 2. Especially check your relationship skills. Working is a social game and you will rarely work alone. You need to be able to work on a team.

Step 3. Determine your values; what your ethical standards are.

Step 4. You also need to know what your technical skills are such as plumbing, brain surgery, truck driving and so. These skills will determine your field of work. It is absolutely essential that you are very competent in your work.

Step 5. Determine your weaknesses. These are the things which will destoy your career. They could be in your relationships with people, with things or with data or ideas. All jobs will require you to do things which you do not do very well; it is essential that you become competent in these areas; turn your weaknesses into strenghths.

Step 6. Research the general job market in your country, state or area. These numbers are often produced by your government. This will give you a general picture.

Step 7. Narrow your search down to a specific city or area where you live or want to live. Many places will have an office called something like Economic Development Office or the Chamber of Commece. They will have information about specific companies.

You can also use the interent. Look up information about a city you are interested in. Do a Google search; enter " job opportunities in ........"

Step 8. Look up the company web site to both learn all about the company you are interested in and also see if they are hiring. Many will have a section on career opportunities. 

Step 9. Select two job targets and start developing a plan to get one of these jobs.

Step 10. Research these jobs by reading, talking to people, shadowing or an information interview.

Shadowing a job sounds spooky, but it just means visiting a possible workplace and asking permission to see what is happening.

For example, I was interested in a franchise and spent a day in their office seeing one of their people work. At the end of the day I decided this was not for me, thanked them and left.

You can also do this with a home business.

There are many excellent companies which can help you.

Before you buy the package make sure you can return it. Try it out and see if it helps you get your business started. 

Step 11. When you find a job whch interests you ask yourself these questions:

• Does this use my highest skills?
• Can I handle my weaknesses?
• Do I feel challenged?
• Are the salary and benefits acceptable, especially health benefits?
• Does the company match my ethical standards?
• How far to commute?
• Does it fit my age level?
• Am I really interested in their product or service?

Step 12. At some stage you need to set some goals which will stretch you, are acheivable and measuable. Break your major goals down into small steps which you can acheive in one day. Write these goals out by hand.

Step 13.Make a comprehensive career plan: where you have been and where you want to go. My book has a chart which will help get organized.

Step 14. Develop a short term action plan which you can acheive in six months. This will emphasize the skills you need to get the job.

Step 15. How to apply for the job.

• If not employed by the company try for a part-time position or contract work. Most companies hire from within so get you foot in the door. You might also volunteer to work for nothing.
• Apply in person and, if appropriate, take a sample of your work.

For example, a college or university grad could take appropriate assignments or your thesis, a carpenter or cabinet maker could take photographs of your work. Make sure the photographs are high quality.

• Use your contacts to find out where the jobs are.
• Apply on the internet either through a job placement agency or directly to the company. Please note that there special rules for applying in this way.
• Apply by mail or e-mail.
• Look at my section on "Career Tips" for ideas on using the internet.

Step 16. You need to write a cover letter; the only purpose is to get the reader to read your resume. It is a one page promotional letter, promoting you.

Step 17. Make a resume. It is a promotional piece about you. The only purpose is to get the reader to invite you for an interview. Pass it out to all your contacts and friends. Make sure everyone you know knows the kind of work you are looking for.  This is called networking.

If you need help go to www.resumesolutions.ca .

Step 18. Prepare for the job interview. Wear appropriate clothing, if older make sure your Blackberry is visible, rehearse the interview with your mentor, know about the company and be ready to ask some questions at the end.

Step 19. Follow up with a typed letter and make sure you spell the person's name correctly.

Step 20. If hired get ready by reading the pages on  "How to Keep Your Job." If rejected move on and keep working on getting a new job. 

Do not give up, the jobs may not be there, a more qualified person may have been hired or for some reason they did not hire you. Nothing is a sure thing.

If rejected and you still want to work there phone them up a few months later; it may be that they hired a real turkey and the job is open again.