Finding Your Dream Job

Be pro-active in searching for your dream job. Use various sources when looking for job including the Internet, newspapers, job magazines and other sources that may be available to you. Networking is one of the best ways to find a new job, but it involves talking to lots of people. If you're going to be frank about your desire for a new position, make sure the person you're telling can be discreet. You might even ask the person up front not to tell others without your permission. Give recruiters and potential employers your cell phone or home phone number and a personal email address. Never use your work computer or company-owned cell phone for your search. An integral part of any successful job search is keeping track of the details. Also, prepare well for job interview.

How often are you sending out resumes? How much time do you spend networking? Have you followed up on every lead? Which contacts have you called? Can you even remember how many jobs you've applied to? Also, keep a list of the companies to which you've sent resumes, the names of any recruiters you've spoken with at the company and notes on your conversations. Also, it is helpful to clip or print the corresponding help-wanted listing as well.

The purpose of cover letters is to interest prospective employers enough so they call to schedule an interview. Do not think of your cover letter as an autobiography; it should be brief and to the point. The purpose of the cover letter and resume should demonstrate that you meet or exceed the requirements listed in the job description. To fulfill this purpose, you'll need to target each cover letter to a specific company and position, showing how your background and abilities fulfill a particular company needs. More tips about putting together a cover letter:

• Tailor your letter to the target audience and industry

• Be positive about your current employment situation and potential future career

• Indicate how you found out about the position

• Emphasize what you can offer employers

• Communicate in short sentences

• Refrain from using unproven claims about your abilities

• Keep the letter to one page unless otherwise instructed

• Proof read your letter

• Use the same high-quality paper stock for both your cover letter and resume

• Be sure to sign your cover letter

Prepare your CV to match whatever job that may interest you. If you find an organisation you really want to work for, avoid all setbacks by overcoming key factors, which may impact your chances of geting the job. Listing your job responsibilities on a resume may get you on an employer's job-candidate roster, but if you note some solid accomplishments as well, you may be able to make the jump onto a recruiter's short list. To make your resume easy to read, keep the chronological format and integrate your accomplishments into each job listing. Ask yourself the following questions about each of your previous jobs:

• What was your impact on your division, company and group?

• What would not have happened if you hadn't been there?

• What are you proudest moment or achievement during your time with the company?

Sometimes we are so busy working and don't realize how good we are. One good source can be a spouse or friend who heard about your complaints and successes on a regular basis. Ask him or her what you bragged about or were proud of at work. If your employer has recognized you with an award, cite it on your resume. Give an indication of the award's criteria so the recruiter can see why you were selected and what you accomplished. But make sure any award you cite is based on merit. Read more on CV Tips.