To be successful in any job search, first you need to have a solid foundation of self-assessment ---to know yourself well. Everything in the job search process begins with a clear understanding of who you are. Once that is in place, it then becomes relatively easy to develop effective resumes and correspondence (E-mails) along with an ability to effectively discuss skills, strengths, and experiences in an interview setting. It is the quality of effort you choose to invest in the preparation and conduct of your job search that will have a direct impact on your eventual results.

Here are six basic steps in the job search process:

Step 1: Assess Skills and Accomplishments
Clearly identify, understand, and describe your skills and accomplishments. Know your strengths and limitations; your likes and dislikes. The effectiveness of your resume, correspondence, and interview skill begins with effective self assessment.

Step 2: Target Employers
Know the market. Research companies and agencies. Determine viable employers interested in hiring people with your skills. Identify companies that really interest you. Focus on finding specific employers rather than flooding the market with resumes.

Step 3: Develop an Effective Resume
Based on your skill and strength assessment, together with market knowledge and list of targeted employers, build an effective resume. Include key words, technical skills, leadership, school, and work experiences.

Step 4: Contact Employers
Develop polished E-mail communications requesting interviews or information regarding opportunities. Actively participate in career fairs. Adapt resume objective statements to specific employer needs. Thoroughly complete employer application forms when required. Follow-up regularly until an interview is scheduled.

Step 5: Practice Interviewing and Interview
Review descriptions of skills and strengths. Anticipate interview questions and verbally practice responses to questions using specific examples. Be able to effectively discuss the match between your skills and employer needs. Continually evaluate your interview preparation and work to improve your interviewing skills. Understand that the 1st screening interview normally leads to a 2nd on-site interview. Follow-up after each interview

Step 6: Make Informed Job offer Decisions
A job offer requires careful evaluation to make sure it is the right job for you. If it is, accept the job and prepare for first day of new career. Some of the things to consider include: Job content, salary, benefits, travel, work environment, company culture, and growth opportunity. Job Offer Checklist