(1) THE SEARCH

• Take up "Job hunting" as your second job. Start subscribing to emails for your positions that get posted online. Look at any and all positions that get posted.
• It's always good to be looking for a job when you already have a job.
• Update and revise your cover letter and resume according to the job description
• Make calls (to the company) to find out the name of the HR person the Cover letter should be addressed to
• Always attach resume in pdf format. That way you can be sure the formatting will be exactly the same when it is printed.
• Apply directly through the company's website rather than another site where you found the posting like careerbuilders or indeed etc
• Do not go through a recruiter or staffing agency. (a) They don't do the work of actually looking for a position for you, (b) They don't care if you're a good fit for a position or not, they're just trying to fill a position so they get the commission, and (c) If you do end up getting hired, the staffing agency gets a cut of your pay since you're a temp employee at the company through a staffing agency. Plus you're in the waiting pool to just become a permanent employee at the company so you get the proper benefits through that company.

(2) PRE INTERVIEW

• RESEARCH
  • Know the organization and its objective - really study what they do through their website
  • What you can bring to the company
  • Know the job description well!
  • How and why you would be great for the position - how you would fit into the job, why would you be good for it, how are you a suitable match?
  • Industry buzz words - use correct terminology
  • Average Salary for this position - in the company, in the area, in other companies (glassdoor.com, indeed.com)
• FOLDER WITH PRINT OUTS
  • Resume printed and copies
  • References printed and copies
  • Writing samples printed and copies
  • Bring a writing pad and pen - ready to take notes

(3) THE INTERVIEW

• Arrive early
• Right clothes, hair, nails
• Know your resume - Be prepared to talk about it
• Listen intently as they tell you about the position. It might just be an information dump, but listen. They may not even be asking you any questions. A lot of times, depending on the interviewer, instead of it being a formal interview, it's more of a conversation and you have to fill in your background and experience into the conversation as they talk. Listening and learning about the details of the position also allows you to figure out whether or not it's the right fit for you. Bring a writing pad to take notes.
• The 3 Cs:
  • Clear
  • Concise
  • Confident
• Give examples when answering a question.
• Be prepared for questions like:
  • Tell me about yourself
  • Why are you leaving your current position? - no room for growth (Don't ever speak negatively of any of your prior work places)
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - the interviewer in looking to find out if working at this company is in your long term goals.
• Ask thoughtful follow up questions
  • What would you say is the biggest hurdle to this position?
  • How is success assessed at this position?
  • How would you describe a typical day at this position?
  • What would a successful candidate bring to this position?
  • What do you like most about working at __.

(4) POST INTERVIEW

• Send thank you emails within 24 hours after the interview.

(5) THE OFFER

• Don't just accept the job offer immediately. Negotiate your salary. You do not have to accept the offer immediately. You are allowed to have time to think about it.
• The biggest factor in determining whether or not you get a higher salary is based solely on whether you ask. So ask. The vast majority of companies are willing to negotiate salary, but the vast majority of employees never even try.