7 Biggest Resume Mistakes

Are mistakes on your resume keeping you from landing your dream job? These top resume blunders are all too common--and they could mean the difference between landing your dream job and another six months spent searching.

1. You say too much

You should be proud of your career training and accomplishments, but it's important to highlight your best, most relevant achievements on your resume. Consider trimming extra information, including repeated mentions of individual skills, your knowledge of commonly used software programs, and vague positive qualities (such as your ability to work on a team).

While you're at it, cut some unnecessary fluff from your pages. Employers assume that references are available upon request, so you don't need to say so.

2. You say too little

We were all taught to keep our resumes to one slim page, but times are changing. With more people changing jobs multiple times over the course of a career, multiple pages are becoming necessary. If you have decades of education and work experience behind you, two pages should give you enough space to fit it all in.

Make sure you note your career training and education, including associates, bachelors, and master's degrees along with certifications and other details.

3. Negative language in the cover letter

For applications that require a cover letter, stay positive. If you're still earning an associate's degree in accounting, note your anticipated graduation date instead of admitting that you don't have the degree yet.

If you're applying for a job in a new career field, don't highlight your lack of experience in your cover letter. Remember that everyone has to start low on the career ladder, and talk about how your previous work experience and education relate to your career future.

4. You stretch the truth

It's all too easy to fib on your resume, particularly if you don't remember details such as when exactly you worked at a previous company or the name of the software or technology you worked with.

However, it's important to stay as close to the facts as you can. Potential employers checking on details will see any discrepancy as an immediate red flag. Stay on the safe side and call your old employers to confirm your facts.

5. It's a design disaster

Your impulse should be to have a resume that stands out from the crowd. However, curly fonts and clip art aren't the way to rise above the rest. Think of the resume itself as a window through which your future employer views your skills: the more clutter surrounding that window, the harder it will be to look through.

Consider using a resume template that comes with your word processing program. If no templates are available, check online for resume styles that look classic and simple. Don't try to reinvent the wheel with your resume's appearance; let your work and training history speak for itself.

6. It has mistakes

Even small errors can seriously undermine your chances of getting an interview. Any employer hiring for a job that requires precision and attention to detail (and what jobs don't?) will strongly prefer resumes that don't contain spelling or mechanical errors in their content.

After you've spent weeks or months working on the perfect resume, it might be difficult for you to see any mistakes on it. To help ensure that the document is as perfect as you can make it, show your resume to a few friends and family members to get second opinions.

7. You generalize your skills

Get specific! If you have a bachelor's degree in business management, mention a few courses that would be most useful to the position you're looking for. Employers like to see resumes and cover letters tailored to their business. Staying too general can make it look like you've submitted your resume everywhere; even if you have, it's best to not make that clear to hiring managers.

5 Tricks to Manage Your Manager

When the job market falters, many employees try to stay below the boss's radar for fear they might be next on the chopping block. However, it's far wiser to take the opposite approach. Now more than ever, it's important to be noticed (though for the right reasons).

"When companies trim staff, they will save the people who stand out because they manage their managers well," based on my experienced . "There are also more temporary workers now who could manage upward to get hired." So instead of being the good-enough team member the boss has trouble remembering, use these tricks to become noticed and indispensable.

1. Understand your boss 

"Managing upward requires empathy". Instead of becoming frustrated by the boss, observe her work style and communication preferences, and then adapt. You may be flooding the boss with emails while she finds it easier to speak via phone. Subtle adjustments on your part will make her job easier--which makes you look better. You should also read your manager's reactions to the way you present information For example, you may work for someone who loves numbers and has little patience for more abstract thinking. In that case, try presenting your boss with a quantitative analysis first, and then succinctly explain its impact. Notice, too, if your boss prefers being asked questions or given answers. Decide if you should cut to the chase or soften your opinion by adding, "Would you agree?"

2. Stay three steps ahead 

Dealing with a boss can be like a game of chess. "Always stay three steps ahead of your opponent, and take the lead". Employees who anticipate their boss's needs before they arise will be seen as leaders and problem solvers. Once you understand and start to think like your boss, you'll be in a better position to take initiative. Let's say, says, you're asked to find a person's contact information because your boss is working on an insurance policy renewal. Respond by saying, "Yes I have his information, and would you like me to follow up with him regarding the renewal?" "For every action there's a reaction and then another action to follow". In other words, anticipate additional questions or requests and handle them before you're asked.

3. Be the better half

Become indispensable by learning your manager's weaknesses and complimenting them with your strengths. Perhaps your boss is a brilliant visionary but impossibly disorganized. Rather than griping about how difficult she is to work with, make up for what she lacks by taking on the role of organizer. Suggest deadlines, remind her of appointments, and follow up on items she's forgotten. Not only will you have gained your boss's trust, you'll become the most valued member of her team.

4. Don't be afraid to speak up

From the Career expert  says most employees are afraid to approach their managers about issues with their work style. In a survey he conducted, 50 percent of employees said they'd left a company because of a disagreeable boss, but only one in five had spoken with the boss about their concerns. Career expert:  the most common frustrations that employees face are micromanaging bosses and absentee bosses. Yet they rarely speak up. "People think it's risky to address these problems, but if it's handled professionally, it increases your boss's opinion of you". When initiating a tough conversation, Expert's suggests that you offer an example of a specific behavior, explain how it made you feel, and then ask for the manager's perspective.

Here's an example of what you might say: "Last week you checked in three times on a routine project. It made me feel as if you didn't trust my ability to handle it. Is that the case?" This formula opens the door to an honest conversation without the manager feeling attacked. It's important to point out specific behaviors and not characteristics of your manager, so that he/she doesn't take offense.

5. Ask for more responsibility

If you want to ensure a path to the top you should make an impression with the even higher-ups--your manager's managers. Allow yourself  to shine but don't overstep your boundaries, she warns. Your immediate boss controls your projects and promotions, so you need to maintain his trust. A great way to gain an audience with company leaders is to ask for more responsibility. Identify a big project that you're confident you can handle, and then pour yourself into it to show what you can do. Another handy trick: Offer to head up an initiative. Maybe you become the resident expert on new software or organize a company event. Suddenly, people come to you with questions and view you as a leader. Ultimately, make yourself valuable. Not only will you receive respect, but you may be in line for a raise.

The 10 People You Need in Your Professional Network

1. The Mentor: This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their success as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.



2. The Coach: The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.


3. The Industry Insider: This is someone in your chosen field who has expert-level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed of what's happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.


4. The Trendsetter: This is someone outside of your chosen industry who always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic that you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.


5. The Connector: This is a person who has access to people, resources, and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities that most people would overlook.


6. The Idealist: This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how "out there" your latest idea is, this is the person who will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flesh out your dreams in high definition, even if you don't have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.


7. The Realist: On the flip side, you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is the person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations exceed your effort. These are not people who knock down your dreams; rather, they challenge you to actively make your dream happen.


8. The Visionary: Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.


9. The Partner: You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities, and information.


10. The Wanna-Be: This is someone you can serve as mentor to. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell that you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing that someone is watching.


Obviously you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on that fit into the roles listed above. Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities.


Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work or in your business? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps.

The Company Interviewing Technique

Instead of lying your way into a company by saying you are informational interviewing, be honest and let them know you want to work for them. Then seek out a person who is willing to be interviewed in a company interview, that is, an interview where you interview that person about their company. This does not have to be a formal interview setting; in fact, it does not even have to be face to face over the phone is usually sufficient. The key is to choose your potential interviewee wisely. They should not be a potential Hiring Manager, and not someone in Human Resources.

Ideally, they should be a contact you have generated through your personal network, someone who has a personal desire to help you. Your network is your personal connection with others who can help you in your job search. And also those whom you can help with their job search. Networking is all about helping others. The subject of networking will be fully covered later in the Network Intelligence Gathering chapter. Next best option is a member of a professional association of which you are a student member.


The key questions you should be asking are:

What type of person does your company typically hire?
What is the hiring process and who is involved?

In addition, ask your contact questions about why they joined the company, why it is a good company to work for, and what the company culture is like. You need to be careful in asking your questions so that you are not asking the person to give out Confidential or Internal Use Only information. For example, it would be inappropriate to ask for a company phone directory or a copy of internal correspondence. But if you build a rapport with this person, you can usually get not only the broad overview of the company, but also the basic information identifying the specific steps taken in the internal interview process. Then you will be prepared to proceed through those steps with advance information already in hand.

Using Computer Experience to Your Advantage

There is one area of experience where you will likely outshine the great majority of the working world: computers. You have grown up with computers throughout your school years and have a level of comfort shared by few in the work force.

Take advantage of this experience by highlighting your proficiencies on your resume and within the context of your interviews. Just having user-level knowledge of PC software (such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) will greatly increase your potential value for most companies.

An understanding of computers and technology in general is essential for all professionals in the 21st century.

In addition, Internet knowledge and experience is another area where you can shine. Most companies are looking to hire people who bring practical skills to the position, and computer literacy is a very practical work skill in almost every profession. It is a mistaken impression that computer knowledge is important only in technical professions. It is important in the majority of professions, where your level of computer knowledge can produce an experience difference that actually tilts in your favor over more experienced job seekers.

If you still have time before graduation, seek to learn the software programs and packages that are most common within your target profession or industry. Not only will it prepare you well for your eventual work, it will prepare you well for scoring points during your job search.

Job Prep Proverbs

Following are some initial thoughts for you to consider as you prepare for your job search:

• Only you can find your dream job. Do not depend on anyone else to hand it to you on a silver platter.
• Your college owes you nothing other than a great education. Your diploma does not come with a guarantee of a job. That is something you need to secure on your own.
• Seek work you love. You will be spending the greater portion of your life working. Make it an enjoyable experience.
• You are infinitely better off making $25,000 and being happy than making $50,000 and being miserable. No, the extra $25,000 is really not worth the misery. Happiness is priceless.
• Extracurricular activities count. Whether a club or athletics, it shows you are a well-rounded person. And it may be your best opportunity to exhibit leadership skills.
• Experience is experience. You gain new experiences every day. You do not have to be paid for it to be considered valid experience.
• A part-time job during school is a great way to pay the bills and gain some experience. Yet dont let it take priority over your education or your eventual entry level job search. Remember what you came to accomplish.
• Grades do matter. If you are reading this early, keep your grades high. If late, you will need to provide potential employers with a very good reason if they are not at least a 3.0 (B average) or above.
• Keep your ethics high and it will soon become one of your most admired qualities. Very few remain committed to their ethical standards. Do not let yours down. Be the exception rather than the rule.
• Truth is still the truth even when everyone else abandons it. Stand for honesty and truth in all you do.
• Dont be afraid to ask questions in your job search and life in general. There are many people willing to help. But first you must be willing to ask for their help.
• Develop the key computer skills for your field or industry of interest. If you are not sure what they are, check out current job postings.
• Thoroughly research each employer you pursue. It is not enough just to show up for the on-campus interviews and hope for the best.
• The most qualified person does not necessarily get the job. The person with the best job search skills will typically get the job over the most qualified person.
• Job search is a game, complete with a defined set of rules. You need to play by the rules. To win, you will need to push those rules to the limits.
• Remember that managers hire people who are like them. Do your best to reflect common attributes.
• Always think about meeting the needs of others. This is the only way you will be able to meet your own personal needs.
• You are unique. There is no one else out there exactly like you. Learn to recognize your unique strengths so that you can communicate them to others.
• A smile will carry you a great distance in your job search. A warm, friendly attitude communicates the message that you are enjoyable to work with.
• What you lack in experience, compensate for with passion and enthusiasm.
• The better you get at your job search, the easier it becomes. And when you have finally mastered the process, it is over. But it is a life skill that you will return to again and again.

Develop Your Personal Career Mission Statement

Almost every major company has a mission statement. A mission statement is a short, descriptive statement of the common objective and focus of the organization. It is their purpose for existence.

Plan out as early as possible what your mission in life will be. Do not abdicate this responsibility to anyone else.

In developing your personal career focus, take the time to prepare your personal career mission statement. It will help you in crystallizing your vision of who you are and where you want to go in your career. Keep your career mission statement limited to no more than two sentences and no more than thirty words. Begin your statement with the words, My personal career mission is… and finish with qualifying words and phrases to describe your mission. Following are some examples:

• My personal career mission is to become  an IT professional :to utilize my knowledge and engineering skills to a position that would promote professional growth while being resourceful, innovative, flexible and productive.

•    My personal career mission is to gain experience in the public accounting field toward earning my CPA designation.

• My personal career mission is to master the leading Web development tools and become a best-in-class Web Developer.

Your personal mission statement should be tightly focused toward the first three to five years of your career. You can give specifics about the job type and/or industry, as appropriate. This personal career mission statement will form the foundation of your career focus and will guide you toward successful completion of your entry level job search. The material developed here will be utilized again in the development of your resume and cover letter, in interviewing, and in all future job search contacts.

A mental conception of your personal career mission statement is not enough. You must write it down on paper. Then tape it up on your wall, ideally, where you can see it every day. Or, better yet, on your bathroom mirror, so you see it and review it each morning. And if it needs to be changed or modified over time, continue to make changes. But keep your career mission statement in sharp focus in your mind. As you zero in on your larger goal, your short-term goals will also become clearer.

How to Apply for a Part Time Job

Applying for a part-time job is a little different from applying for a full-time professional position. 

You may not need a resume and cover letter, but, you should follow these basic rules:

 

Dress should be, at the least, neat and tidy. business casual is usually appropriate. For example, khakis and a neat polo shirt would work well. No jeans or shorts, no tank tops, crop tops or anything especially low cut (shirt or pants) or too short (skirt). "Muffin top" jeans or khakis, with your belly showing, should also be on your list of what not to wear when applying for a job. 

Make sure your hair and fingernails are well groomed. Extreme hair styles or colors aren't going to help you get a job.

Wear moderate shoes. Don't wear spike heels, platforms, flip flops or old dirty sneakers.

If you have multiple piercings you might want to consider removing some of them while you are job searching.

Bring the information you'll need to fill out an application: 

 

• Schools and dates attended
• Names and addresses of previous employers, if you have a worked before
• Dates of employment
• References (can be neighbors or teachers)
• Resume (if you have one)
  
  

Know what days/hours you are available to work. 

Be prepared for a brief on-the-spot interview.

Print out a sample job application, so you know what information you'll need to know while applying for a job.

Manage Your Career

 Manage your career 

Evaluate your career path   Deal with transition   Develop a network   Learn throughout your life

Manage Your Career: Evaluate your career path

Periodically evaluating your career helps you to assess the progress you've made and plan your next move. Are you where you want to be in your professional life? Is it time for a new job or should you stay put and invest your energy in learning new skills at your current job? Though everyone evaluates their careers differently, here are some helpful questions to ask yourself before you choose to look for a new job or begin to explore other careers: 

Past

• What have you liked most about jobs you've had in the past?
• What are the most and least appealing aspects of the companies you've worked for?
• What are the reasons you've left past jobs?
• What technical skills or industry-specific knowledge have you gained?
• Which of your personality traits or soft skills have employers liked?

 

Present

• Do you like your current career? Are you satisfied in your present job?
• Do you like the company you work for now and the goals it is trying to accomplish?
• What does your future look like in the company you work for now?
• What are your favorite and least favorite parts of the job you have now?
• Do you belong to any professional associations or participate in any career-related activities outside your job (volunteering, mentoring, training, etc.)?

 

Future

• Are there other careers you have a strong interest in exploring?
• Are there other companies you'd like to work for?
• Are there other jobs or departments in your current company that interest you?
• What skills and knowledge would you like to use more often? What skills and knowledge would you like to learn?
• What other types of work might be more satisfying than what you do now?
• What professional goals do you hope to accomplish in the next two years? Five years?

Manage Your Career:  Deal with transition

Change is constant in the workplace. New deadlines, a different boss, a promotion with new responsibilities, a demotion, or a lay-off are all examples of workplace changes. Sometimes it's expected and other times it is not. There is no way to completely prepare yourself for the changes you may face in your career, but there are strategies to ease the stress that sometimes accompanies changes.

 

• Get plenty of sleep. It is difficult to make up for lost sleep and being tired magnifies stress, so make sleep a priority. Also keep in mind that sleeping too much could also be a problem, so try not to overdo it. Contact a physician if you have question about how much sleep you need.
• Eat right. What you eat plays a big role in how your body copes with stress and fights illness. Avoiding junk foods and big changes in your diet will help keep you well.
• Exercise. Not only is exercise good for you, but it's a great tool for eliminating stress and anxiety.
• Pay attention to your body. The body often shows signs of stress that the mind hides. Pay close attention to any changes you see.
• Talk about it. Expressing your feeling and concerns about job transition with your friends and family will help alleviate your stress. Getting feedback from other people will also help to keep the situation in perspective.
• Focus on things you enjoy. It's not going to be easy to ignore, but doing things that you enjoy can help take your mind off of something you find stressful - even if it's only momentary.

Manage Your Career:  Develop a network

The idea of networking might make you cringe. It sounds formal and complicated. But it doesn't have to be. Below are some questions and answers to help understand what networking is and how to do it.

What is networking?

Networking is simple. Just keep track of people you know in your personal and work life. Especially people who might be a resource for you later when you think about or make job changes.

Why is networking important?

Networking is a good way to look for jobs and other opportunities. It's even more important when looking for specialized work or higher level positions. Networking can also help you find jobs that aren't widely advertised.

Who should be part of my network?

Anyone you meet or know can be part of your network. When you are looking for jobs or changing career paths you never know who will have what you are looking for.

How should I check in with contacts in my network?

How well you know your contacts will influence how often and in what way you stay connected. Sometimes a casual conversation is OK and sometimes a formal meeting or business letter is appropriate. Stay connected with contacts even when you are not job searching by offering to help with their career goals or sharing industry information.

How can I expand my network?

Take advantage of the people your contacts know. Ask people in your network about others who can help you get the information you need. Get in touch with schools and organizations you are or have been a member of; they will refer you to alumni, members, and other resources.

What should I say when I contact someone in my network?

If you don't know them well, explain who you are and how you know them. Tell everyone you talk to about your current situation and what you want. Be clear and specific so they recognize opportunities that will work for you. 

 

Manage Your Career:  Learn throughout your life

Being a lifelong learner does not necessarily mean you have to be enrolled in a school or formal training program. It means that you are open to learning new skills, technology and ways of doing business. People who are willing to learn new things about their profession or company are more likely to have job stability and continued career success.

 

• Find organizations and associations to help you stay up on new things in your profession.
• Find opportunities for professional development through short-term training or community education courses.
• Finding the right job is useless unless you know how to keep that job. Knowing what employers expect of new employees will help with job retention.

 

Maintaining the right attitude toward your work will affect how you react to job transitions and new opportunities.

Professionalism is not something only managers or people working in office settings should worry about. Workers in all industries can benefit from staying positive and understanding business etiquette. Having a professional attitude can help you to get along with coworkers, give better service to customers and advance your career. Below are some tips that can be used by people in any occupation.

 

• Treat others with the same respect and kindness that you would hope to have them treat you.
• Show enthusiasm and interest in all of your job duties.
• Maintain an appearance that is appropriate for your workplace and shows that you take pride in yourself.
• Pay attention to your telephone and email etiquette. Use grammar and style appropriate for business communications.
• When talking with employers and other professionals, remember to speak clearly and don't use slang. Talking to an employer the same way you speak to your friends might be seen as a lack of respect.
• Have realistic expectations and time lines for your career goals.
• Recognize opportunities to increase your skills or take on new projects.
• Learn from your mistakes but do not dwell on them.
• Don't blame others or let outside circumstances keep you from trying new things.
• Take responsibility for your actions but don't take things too personally.
• Find one or more people to support and assist you with your career goals.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Know what is expected of you and how your job performance will be monitored or measured.
• Know the priorities of your department or company and find ways to help.
• Do more than what is expected, instead of just doing enough to get by.

Create a job search plan

Find a Job: Create a job search plan

It's a good idea to have a plan before you start searching for specific jobs. A plan should be a flexible outline of what you want to do and how you expect to do it.

 

• Start with a job-related career goal that will be the focus of your job hunt.
• Think about the skills and experiences you have and the types of jobs that match. Use the Skills Profiler to identify your skills and the Occupation Profile to finding matching jobs. If needed, update your job goal(s) with what you learn about your skills and matching occupations.
• Think about what you will need when you find jobs you want to apply for. Will they ask you to fill out a job application? Have your job application information ready. Will they ask for a resume and cover letter? Create or update your resume and cover letters to highlight what that employer is looking for. Use the Resume Tutorial to find detailed information about resumes and cover letters.
• Learn about the employers you want to work for. Try networking with people in the field for information about employers. The Employer Locator is a good starting point to locate employers near you. You will need to contact each employer to see if they are hiring.
• Identify good places to look for jobs.
• Keep track of your money. Budgeting while job searching will help you to organize and prioritize your life while in transition.

 

Looking for work is a full-time job in itself. You may find it helpful to create a job search schedule as a part of your overall plan. An organized job seeker with a weekly action plan will feel more accomplished, more confident, and will likely get hired faster.

If you are currently employed, it might be more difficult to look for another job, but it is still possible. You will need to schedule time during business hours (like on your lunch break) to make phone calls and do the rest of your searching at night and on weekends.

Here is a sample schedule with time management tips for any job seeker: 

Day 1

• Review your resume and cover letter. Update both as necessary.
• For job openings, check the print and online versions of local and national publications job search Web sites. Apply via email and Web to as many jobs as possible to get yourself motivated. and

 

Day 2

• Set your alarm each morning. Don't make a habit of sleeping in or you will be groggy for job interviews and will have a difficult time adjusting to your new schedule when you do start a new job.
• Check your phone messages and email and respond to employers right away.
• Make a list of your networking contacts.
• Choose 5-7 people to use as references. Ask each person if they would mind being a professional reference for you and give them an updated copy of your resume.
• Create a job search worksheet to keep track of which jobs you apply for at which companies. Leave a space to make notes on your follow ups.
• Relax. You accomplished a lot today.

 

Day 3

• Follow up on the resumes sent on Day 1.
• Check newspapers and Web sites for new job openings. Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• Job searching can be lonely and depressing. Pick 5 people who are also job searching (even if not in your field) to create a "support group" or contact your nearest One-Stop Career Center and join their job club.
• Look up professional organizations and Web sites in your field. Sign up for free emails from the groups and get a list of their upcoming events.
• Stay organized. Create a space in your house for your job search that is near the computer and the phone.
• Check your phone messages and email. Immediately follow up with employers.
• Get some exercise. Take a break and clear your head. Stay active, stay alert.

 

Day 4

• Get local. Walk or drive around your neighborhood. Make note of every business that could have use for your skills. Be creative and think broadly of ways you could fit in with a company.
• If you only job search in your house you will go nuts. Pick a secondary place to job search like the library or a One-Stop Career Center.
• Stay informed. Watch the news, read the business section of the newspaper. Pay attention to local and world events.
• Follow up with the jobs you applied for on Day 2. Check to make sure they received your resume.
• Apply to at least 5 jobs.
• Spend time with people you enjoy. Take your mind off your job search and reconnect with other important things in your life.

 

Day 5

• Identify 5 people with whom you want to do informational interviews.
• Think long term. Expect to be job searching for 1-4 months, depending on the type of job you are looking for. Make a budget for the next few months.
• Use or increase your professional skills while job searching. Sign up with temp agencies for short-term jobs in your field. Volunteer for a nonprofit agency or school in a position that uses your professional and technical skills. Even if you don't get paid, it will look great on your resume and you can use these new clients as references.
• Make a plan of action for next week's job search.
• Take a few days off. The less stressed you are, the more positive you will be during job interviews.

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 Remember to ask for help. At any time during your job search, don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask the people around you or a career counselor for a new ideas on how to find work. Find resources and assistance for job search you're not in this alone.