"Na-Na Why Don't You Get A Job"

unemployed? looking for a change? this is how you get a job: 


the resume:
a resume is just a piece of paper (resume paper is always nicer). you can be whoever you want to be on it. each time you submit your resume, you should edit it to include key words listed in the job description of the position that you are applying for. remember - it's okay to stretch the truth. only fib about skills about tasks that you may not have much experience in but are totally capable of doing. use fancy words to describe your skill set. I think having your resume professionally (re) written is a good investment. it costs about $300 and you can usually pay in installments. I used JOBFOX .


the cover letter: 
your cover letter is your first impression. use it to grab the reader and spark their interest. include key words from the job description just like you do for your resume. 


the hunt:
okay. you have your ressie and your cover all ready to go. now its time for the shitty part. look often and look thoroughly. get yourself into a routine of looking every day at the same time (excluding weekends). Utilize all of the job boards out there like: MONSTER, CRAIG'S LIST, HOT JOBS, JOB FOX, THE READER, SD UNION TRIBUNE and CAREER BUILDER. frequently check the websites of companies that spark your interest. hiring a head hunter or looking to a recruiting agency is something to consider depending on what industry you are in or want to get into. Whatever you do, don't use Apple One. APPLE ONE YELP REVIEW. 


the interview: 
do tons of research on the company and the hiring managers you will be interviewing with. if its a phone interview, be prepared with notes, have the company website up but don't make it obvious by shuffling papers or loud typing. I'd say it would be alright to have one sheet of notes on the top page of a professional looking notebook for "in person" interviews. be ready to answer COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. bring extra copies of your resume and cover and offer it to any manager that shows up without a copy. dress to impress. unless you are looking to be a bartender, server or retail rep, you really should wear a suit. it can only help, not hurt your chances. if you are trying to get a bartending, serving or retail position wear an outfit that will fit into feel of the establishment. dressing your best subconsciously increases your worth to the employer. bring work samples. I find presenting them via your laptop or iPad always produces favorable results. people are impressed by technology. 


the references: 
its important to keep in touch with a few key people from each of your past companies so that you can use them as business references. choose people that your worked closely with (preferably managers). employers like references that have fancy titles. ask before permission before you use someone as a reference and give them a heads up whenever you do so. for personal references, use friends that know your strengths and can portray trust and confidence over the phone and email. 


the follow up:
say thank you. its may be old fashioned to send a "thank you card", but it a nice gesture and a subtle reminder to get the ball moving on making a decision. these days a "thank you" email is sufficient as well. it should read : "Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about the _________ position. I am really excited about the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you in the future." short & sweet.   you can also follow up by phone, email or in person on your resume a few days after you submit it. some posts tell you not to contact them so make sure that's not the case before doing so. 


the offer:
do your research to find out what similar positions pay in your city. I use SALARY.COM. if you can, try to avoid disclosing your salary requirement. If the employer asks what you want to get paid, say "what is the salary range for the position?". give yourself at least a 10% raise. if the employer asks how much you made at your last job, and you made $60,000/yr tell them $70,000. that way, if they undercut you a bit, you still come up. you get the biggest raises when you switch companies. if for some reason, your salary expectations are too high for the employer, tell them you are willing to be flexible for the right company (and also depending on which benefits are offered). remember that paid time off is usually also up for negotiation.




I was looking for a new job for almost a year. be patient, it's a full time job looking for a full time job. good luck!