Finding a job is typically a stressful process.

 

CareerOneStop (www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers information on the job search process, from how to make a list of contacts to how to write a resume.

 

One recommendation is to tap into your “network,” of friends, family, and professional affiliations. When someone in your network refers you to an employer, make direct contact in-person, by phone, or by email, making sure to mention your networking contact’s name. When you tell someone you will call, it is critical that you follow up in the time frame you specified. If you said you will call within a week, then be sure to call within that week. If your contact is difficult to reach, keep trying. Perseverance is key—it will prove to the contact that you are serious about being employed at their company.

 

If you are using email, CareerOneStop offers the following tips:

• Avoid nicknames or unprofessional names in your email address.

• Keep messages short and to the point.

• Identify yourself in a professional manner.

• Introduce yourself with something of interest. Let them know right away why they might be interested in you.

• Be specific. For example, ask for information or ask to schedule a meeting.

• Give your message a descriptive subject.

• Finish with your intent to follow-up. Provide an alternative way for the person to contact you. If you send email to someone without their permission, find out if they would prefer some other form of communication. Include a phone number where they can reach you.

• Check for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• If you do not receive a reply but are serious about making contact, call them on the phone.

• If you are lucky enough to obtain an interview, this is your opportunity to learn more about the employer and the available job(s). Employers interview candidates to find a good fit for their business. Preparation is key, so make sure to learn about the company and position before you interview.

 

Use these tools, offered by CareerOneStop, to gather whatever information you can about your potential employer:

 

Gathering facts about a company helps you answer potential interview questions. It also gives you important information on how to match your skills to the company or position. To complete a successful match, try this exercise from CareerOneStop:

1. Divide a piece of paper in half by drawing a line down the middle.

2. On one side, list specific skills, experience, and abilities needed by the employer.

3. On the other side, write down your qualifications that meet each requirement. If you have a hard time identifying your skills, use Skills Profiler (www.careerinfonet.org/skills) and Tools & Technology (www.careerinfonet.org/tools) provided by CareerOneStop for good phrases to use.

4. Draw lines from each employer need to your matching qualification.

5. Identify weaknesses by highlighting any areas where you did not have a matching qualification.

6. At the bottom of the page, write down how you can and will learn the skills you lack. Or, list the other skills you have that make up for this weakness.

 

This exercise will help you successfully communicate your qualifications to an employer. Targeting your skills to employer needs will show how serious you are about the position or company.