Applying for Jobs

Target Potential Employers

Assess the company and its policies as you decide whether it would be a good "fit" for you:

• Geography : Is it within commuting distance or in a desirable location?
• Product/Service : Does it produce a product or service with which you are familiar, that you can support and/or have experienced?
• Size : Is it a large, medium, or small sized business? Is it local or international? Based on size, what are your advancement opportunities?
• Pay Scale : Does it have a good reputation?
• History : Does it have a strong financial growth pattern? Is a merger or decline projected?
• Philosophy : Does it prize individuality or teamwork? Reward creativity or status quo? Encourage employees to take risks or play it safe? Are employees proud to be associated with the business?
• Mission : Does the company have a clear sense of why they are in business and of what they hope to accomplish?

Before you write your resume :

EVALUATE:

1. Focus your objective.
2. Review your goals.
3. Decide where you want to work and what type of work you want.
4. Determine your likes and dislikes.
5. Specify the tasks you would never consider doing.

TAKE INVENTORY:

1. Review work-related knowledge and skill base: informal and formal training; hands-on experience
2. Evaluate job-related strengths and weaknesses.
3. Appraise accomplishments on and off the job.