Tips for Getting the Job You Want

• Set a goal and timeframe for researching careers that interest you
  
  
• Set a goal and timeframe for doing research on a certain number of companies you are interested in
  
  
• Set a goal and timeframe for sending out a certain number of resumes over a period of time well in advance of the deadline you have for obtaining a job
  
  
• Adjust your goals along the way if necessary and pace yourself accordingly
  
  
• Review job descriptions and make notes on jobs that are similar to ones you would like to have
  
  
• Create a list of skills and experience (courses, certificates, degrees, workshops attended) you have with a brief note of how you obtained each skill or experience
  
  
• Create a record or file for each job that you are applying for
  
  
• In each record include a list of the skills that are noted in the job description or newspaper ad
  
  
• Add to the list of skills necessary for each job, others you think might be needed
  
  
• Develop individual resumes after reviewing the list of skills each company wants against the list of skills you have
  
  
• Highlight in some way the skills you have that directly match the ones asked for
  
  
• It may not be enough to simply say you have a skill; you might need to show what led to the development of that skill
  
  
• It is always preferable to quantify or qualify your accomplishments ("80% increase" or "always")
  
  
• Never apologize for, or draw attention to skills and experience you don't have
  
  
• In each of your cover letters, take time to include information specific to each company
  
  
• Add a copy of the resume and cover letter used and any other correspondence to the appropriate job file
  
  
• Keep a date log of all correspondence with potential employers
  
  
• Be prompt and courteous in all correspondence with all employees of the company