The 10 Commandments for Job Seekers

Do you wish there was a better way to make the most of the time you spend looking for work?  Well, there is!  Read on.

1. Thou shalt treat your job search like any other job.  Start work, looking for work, at the same time every day, take regular breaks and end your day at a specified time.

2. Thou shalt use the time you spend looking for work on the Internet wisely.  You do not have to read your horoscope, or play Freecell, or watch popular videos on YouTube, or read articles that are not directly related to your industry when you should be looking for work.  Do not check your e-mail more than 3 times per day - As soon as you sit down at your computer, after lunch and once more in the middle of the afternoon.  Anything that is work related and comes in after your last e-mail check can wait until tomorrow.

3. Thou shalt read the job description and only apply for opportunities for which you are qualified.

4. Thou shalt read and follow the instructions given for applying for the job opportunity. 

5. Thou shalt take the time to customize both your cover letter and résumé to suit the job

opportunity.

6. Thou shalt incorporate social media job search techniques as part of your job search strategy -   Follow companies on LinkedIn, Facebook &Twitter.

7. Thou shalt show appreciation.  Always send a note of thanks to those you have responded to your job enquiries or granted you an interview.

8. Thou shalt share content and information with others in your industry. Keep it relevant but don't hesitate to answer questions from would-be peers, share your blog, article , upcoming events, or other important information with others.

9. Thou shalt diversify your job search techniques to include both on-line and off-line activities.

10. Thou shalt be persistent and follow up on all applications sent.

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Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved. Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2011, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino. “Career Matters” is a blog hosted by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters. This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same. For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca