CRITICAL RESOURCES FOR THE JOB HUNT Maureen J. Chemsak, LPC 1.
2.
PAPER TOOLS:
a.
Copies of 23 different resumes; worksheets from developing resumes; kept in file folders in briefcase; nice stationery, note cards for thank you’s
b.
Cover Letter to be adapted for each job applied for; strive for unique
c.
Application information – practice block printing handwriting
d.
Business Card – free at www.vistaprint.com; nice business card case
e.
Portfolio – 3ringed binder with plastic sheets, which contains resume, mission statement, transcript of schooling, copies of licenses, certificates of completion and diplomas; copies of written recommendations, work samples, writing samples
f.
List of 36 References on sheet of paper with their name, professional title, business address, business phone and business email; get permission and ask for good recommendation
g.
List of all potential personal contacts and organizational contacts; minimum 100; 70% of jobs found through NETWORKING!
h.
Organizational chart of job search activities; business card holder
i.
Local Sunday newspaper
j.
Map of area; perhaps detailed map of Huntsville
k.
Yellow Pages of phone book
l.
Others:
TECH TOOLS: a.
Computer access – personal or through library, college, AL Career Center
b.
Email address – professional sounding
c.
Telephone access – land line or cell phone
d.
Voice mail – professional sounding
e.
Social networking: Facebook, LinkedIn – make sure professional looking
f.
Weekly web contacts to locate advertised job availability:
i.
www.indeed.com
ii.
www.usajobs.gov
iii.
https://joblink.alabama.gov/ada/
iv.
http://www.asmartplace.com/getsmart/work.html
v. vi. vii.
http://www.monkeydoit.com/jobsmorgancounty.php http://www.decaturalabamausa.com/departments/personneldept/employmentapp s.html http://www.aidt.edu/jobs/
viii. ix.
3.
4.
http://www.accs.cc/employmentoverview.aspx
x.
http://www.rileyguide.com/
xi.
Others:
OTHER TOOLS:
a.
Nice Briefcase; appointment book (each night, make an agenda for the next day)
b.
Interview clothing, (extra tie, nylons, etc.)
c.
Reliable transportation
d.
Nice watch or clock to carry with you
e.
Nice pen that writes in black ink, nice binder with notepaper
COMMUNITY/INTERNET RESOURCES TO USE and REUSE:
a.
ONET http://www.onetonline.org/
b.
Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/
c.
Job Hunter’s Bible http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/
d.
Chamber of Commerce – Industrial Directory; Alabama Career Center; Better Business Bureau
e.
Professional Organizations, e.g. accounting associations, electricians group, Veterans groups, etc.
f.
College Career Centers – Calhoun Community College, UAHuntsville, Athens State, Wallace State, etc.
g.
Job Clubs: Decatur, Huntsville, Madison, Veterans, Scottsboro, Nashville, Birmingham
h.
Job Fairs, Business Expos, Volunteer Centers, Library, etc.
i.
Books:
i. ii. iii. 5.
http://www.alsde.edu/TeachInAlabama/
What Color is Your Parachute ? 2012 by Richard Bolles Damn Good Resume Guide by Yana Parker Knock Em Dead by Martin Yate or Sweaty Palms by Anthony Medley
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Get enough sleep, exercise daily, eat well, practice gratefulness and spiritual activities, get support of others, stay healthy (get physical if necessary), eliminate unproductive habits, work on personal self development,….REMEMBER, YOU ARE VALUABLE BECAUSE YOU ARE, not just for what you do!
Presented at The Job and Career Networking Club of Decatur, 16 November 2011