Finding a job is not just a casual event in life; there is a science behind how one needs to prepare to find and achieve the job of their dreams. Different types of jobs require different types of preparation, different styles of resumes or curriculum vitaes, and different types of interviews. There are also a myriad of ways of going about finding a job ��� networking, online applications, walk-ins, and more. This guide was created to help those looking for their first job or for a new job or position by breaking down the main steps in the job seeking process.

Job Searching Techniques

The first step to obtaining a job is to find an available position. Luckily the internet makes this easy through job-finding websites. Also, networking tools like Linked-In can now help connect people to future employers. Most jobs are found by already knowing someone in the job industry of interest. It�۪s always beneficial to talk to others who are already in a job in the industry to find out what one needs to do to get to that position. Job fairs and informational interviews are helpful aids in learning about a job and can potentially help one land a new position.

• Landing an Academic Job: The Process and the Pitfalls
• Job Hunting on the Internet
• Job Search Online Resources
• Rutgers University Library�۪s Job Searching Guide
• Job Search and Building a Career Portfolio
• Job Skills Identification
• Ten Steps to Job Success (PDF)

Resume/CV

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) are essential items to have at a job interview. Many companies ask for a resume to be attached with the job application if one is provided. Resumes detail a person�۪s job history as well as education and special skills and are usually about a page long. A CV is multiple pages long, includes references, publications, research work, and detailed information about the person�۪s history in their job field. Resumes are made for a more general audience, and CVs are for a more select audience of other employers in the specific job industry. These tools are pertinent to have available for the future employer as they are able to briefly summarize the skills a person have which allows the employer to decide whether or not the person will be able to competently work in the job position.

• What is a Resume?
• Purdue OWL�۪s Resume Workshop
• Writing Guide: Resume Writing
• Resume Help
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) Help and Information (PDF)
• Resume v. CV ��� When and How to Use Each

Cover Letter

A cover letter focuses more on skills gained from past jobs and education than job history as in a resume. It can repeat what a resume says, but in more detail as to show how these skills are applicable to the job in question. Cover letters are generally a page long and are written to try and ask for an interview by proving that the person�۪s skill sets are appropriate. The cover letter should be addressed to the hiring manager or the person who will be reading the cover letter; although this name is not always easy to find, it should be used so the letter addresses an actual person. The end of the letter should refer to the enclosed resume and have a date at which the applicant will contact the employer by to discuss the job opening.

• Cover Letter Tips (PDF)
• Cover Letters: Types and Samples
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Dos and Don�۪ts
• Tips for Success - Writing the Resume Cover Letter

Interview

Preparing for an interview is necessary to ensure that the person is confident on the interview day. One can prepare by practicing job interview questions, having a mock interview, or by simply going over their skills sets and knowing how to speak of them in a manner applicable to the job. Many employers will ask trick questions or make an applicant wait a long time to see how they will react in certain situations. There are questions that are illegal for an employer to ask, although not all employers adhere to these laws. The questions an employer asks are designed to find out whether or not the potential employee will be successful in the job position.

• Preparing for a Job Interview
• Indiana University Law School�۪s Interviewing Tips
• USA Jobs Interview Tips
• FAQs about Illegal Interview Questions
• Handling Illegal Interview Questions

Following-Up

After the interview, the job hunt is not over. Following-up with the employer after the interview is an important step to show courtesy and interest in the job. Thank you letters are a good way to remind the employer of the interview and to state a date in which they should expect a follow-up phone call. Even if the interview did not go as well as expected, it is important to thank the interviewer as they may always reconsider the applicant. If a job is proposed, one must take the time to think over whether or not they truly want to accept the job. If a job is not offered, a person may ask to be kept in mind for the next available opening and keep the employer within their network to learn about future possibilites.

• After the Interview
• Thank You Letters Following an Interview
• After the Interview: Thank You Letters
• Interview Follow Up/Thank You Letters
• Job Search Tips: Plan to Follow Up
• The Occupational Outlook Handbook�۪s Guide to Evaluating a Job Offer
• Follow-Up After the Interview