Getting a Job

It has been said that getting a good job is a job in itself. In attaining any good job, you need to develop a career plan; develop a resume and cover letter; conduct research; and prepare for the interview. Research shows that most jobs are filled through networking.
Interviewers are often turned off by candidates who have no idea of what they want in a job and career. On the other hand, they are usually impressed by candidates with realistic career plans. Having a good career plan gives you a competitive advantage over those who do not.
The cover letter should be short-one page or less, as some recruiters don’t even read it. Its purpose is to introduce your resume and to request an interview. The standard cover letter states the job you are applying for and summarizes your qualifications, and end by asking for an interview.
Research is required to determine where to send your resume. Many colleges offer seminars in job search strategies. There are also a number of articles and books on the subject. Most people today find jobs through networking. Career websites are common places to research jobs.
The interview is given the most weight in job decisions in most cases. It is vital to make a very positive first impression. This means conveying a relaxed presence and an ability to convey accomplishments and to pique the interviewer’s interest quickly. A career path is a sequence of job assignments that lead to more responsibility, with raises and promotions.