Job Seeker's Checklist

Dreamfedjob.com

Download Now!

by Amin Huffington

Dreamfedjob - Turning unemployed into employed.

Online searches are much more efficient and successful when you take these steps to prepare before you start:

Create a professional email account
The username on the account should be simple and generic. Offensive usernames such as those with drug/alcohol references or those with sexual innuendos should not be used. Also, if your current email account receives excessive amounts of mail, create a new account that will only receive work-related mail. This will ensure that you don't miss an important message from a potential employer. Check the account daily.

Write a resume and cover letter
Many online job applications require applicants to attach a resume in order to complete the application process. While resumes and cover letters should be tailored to each specific job, having a "template" to work from makes this process quick and easy.

Update your voice mail/answering machine
The message should be brief and professional. Music or extended messages should be replaced. If you do not have voice mail or an answering machine, be sure to provide a phone number where potential employers can leave a message.

Coach household members on phone etiquette
Be sure that everyone answering your phone is well-trained in proper phone etiquette. Have a pencil and notepad next to the phone for messages.

Locate or replace important documents
Once you are selected, the hiring process can go quickly. Locate or replace your social security card, birth certificate, and legal photo ID.

Contact 3 references
Never use a reference without his/her permission. Notifying your references that you are looking for work also serves as a form of networking. They just may have some leads to jobs that meet your skills and interests.

Google yourself
Employers often do a Google search of job candidates prior to offering them a job. If you have a Facebook or MySpace account or any other web page, be sure that the information that it contains is something that you would feel comfortable having a potential employer viewing.

Compile a list of information needed for a job application
By having job titles, contact information, dates of employment, and other pertinent information at your fingertips, you can make filling out online applications quick and painless.

Create a journal
Visiting job sites, posting resumes, and applying online often requires applicants to create multiple usernames and passwords. Major companies post numerous jobs that can only be distinguished by keeping track of individual job numbers. By compiling a record of important job information, you'll be more in control of your job hunt.

Professionally written resumes now available through dreamfedjob.com.  For inquiries email us at  resumes@dreamfedjob.com