The Job Search Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like finding a new job, you are never alone.  Countless men and women have faced the exact same challenge and have survived and thrived.  The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.  

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best job search resources: articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of financial, emotional and other challenges that you face. 

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this Job Search Guide even more helpful to survivors like you.     

JUST FOUND OUT

Survivors Say: Best Resources for Job Searches

• About.com: Job Searching - Job Advice 
• CollegeGrad.com: Job Search Advice
  
• Job Hunters Bible

The Big Picture

Most people change jobs more than once in their adult lives. The key to making a successful transition to a new job is taking the job search seriously. The old adage is true -- finding a job is a full-time job. Whether you're currently employed or unemployed, each day’s schedule should include steps to find new employment.

Ball State University: Career Center - Steps in the Successful Job Search

Before you begin your job hunt, think about what is important for you -- in terms of career field, location, etc.

PR LEAP: Things That are Key to Know Before You Begin Your Job Search

Your Job Search

How you approach your job search depends in large part on where you are in the employment continuum. Entry-level workers will need to polish resumes that focus on educational and community achievement.

Money-Zine: Writing an Entry Level Resume

Meanwhile, mid- and senior-level professionals should leverage the personal and professional contacts they already have. Networking is key to finding the right job.

Job Whiz: Hidden Job Market Secrets - Ten New Commandments for Career Success

Your World

Looking for a job can be stressful and draining. It may also be daunting. If you find it overwhelming, you may consider meeting with a professional career counselor. Before the meeting, know how to make the most of your time:

Monster.com: Make the Most of Career Counseling

If you're considering changing careers, there are numerous online resources to guide you. 

About.com: Career Choice or Change

Job Search Myths

• A good cover letter isn't important.
• Thank you letters are a sign of neediness.
• In an interview, only the interviewer should be looking for a good match.
  

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors

• The Job Bored: Job Search Hack - Organize Your Search Using the Rules of Thirds
• Quint Careers: Ten Surefire Ways to Organize Your Job Search

Methods of Job Searches

Internet

The Internet can be a powerful tool in your job hunt. But don't be tempted to passively post your resume on job boards and leave your Internet search at that. Know how to best leverage the Internet in your job search:

Job-Hunt: The Dirty Dozen Online Job Search Mistakes

Networking

Fewer than half of all jobs are ever posted on job boards. Many jobs are filled through networking. Your contact list may be the greatest advantage you gained from your last job, so be sure to leverage those contacts -- and to create new contacts -- to find job opportunities.

About.com: Job Searching - Successful Job Search Networking

Cold Calling

Another approach to the job hunt is creating a list of companies where you'd like to work, and then approaching those employers directly. Know how to create a cold-calling strategy:

Quint Careers: Cold Calling - A Time-Tested Method of Job-Hunting

Creating a Support Circle

• Set up your TSC Survivor Profile
• Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own
• Interact and provide updates on your profile or our forums

Dress & Salary Matters

Dress Matters

When you’re searching for a job, being appropriately attired is vital to making a good first impression.

Seeking Success: Career Article 166 - Appropriate Interview Attire

Salary Matters

Know how to negotiate for the best salary -- as this figure will play into your annual income, as well as subsequent salary figures.

Seeking Success: Career Article 148 - The Components of a Salary Offer

Professionals Who Can Help

If you need help with your job search, consider reaching out to a headhunter or employment agency, both of which will look for jobs on your behalf. If you feel that your resume needs professional help, consider hiring a resume writer.

Most colleges and technical schools offer continued career services to their alumni. Visit your school's website to connect with the career services department.

Resources to Find Professionals

• Choosing a Headhunter - About.com: How to Select a Headhunter
• Finding a Resume Writer - Blue Sky Resume: Choosing a Resume Writer
• Picking an Employment Agency - Kudz: Choosing an Employment Agency

The Emotional Rollercoaster

When you’re going through a job search, you may find yourself dealing with emotional highs and lows. You may feel like you're hitting a wall in your search, or that none of the job postings you find are for jobs you'd want to take. Educating yourself about job search strategies can help you best handle your job search.

Books Survivors Recommend

• Acing the Interview: How to Ask and Answer the Questions That Will Get You The Job 
  
• Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters: 400 Unconventional Tips, Tricks, and Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job
  
• In Search of the Perfect Job 
  
• The Job Search Solution: The Ultimate System for Finding a Great Job Now!

What Survivors Wish They’d Known

Communicating with Your Potential Employers

When you go to an interview, always have a few questions about the company in mind. You need to show that you’ve prepared for the interview and that you are knowledgeable about the company.

Follow up on your job applications. Call the employer a week after applying for a job to confirm receipt of your application and to express interest in the position.

Once you get a job offer, be upfront about your salary requirements. Leave yourself some negotiating room, but if you know a company’s initial offer is 10% or more below what you can accept, tell the employer that.

Dealing with Job Searches: Information and Recommended Links for Co-Survivors

How you can help

• Assist your friend or family member in the job search by reading through their resume and cover letters. Being a good proofreader is a great service to a friend or family member going through a job search.
• Make it a point to spend some time with your friend every week that doesn’t involve the job search. Have lunch together or get a coffee and chat. A job search can be stressful, so try to engage them in some fun activities.
• Be sure to let your friend or family member know that you’re available to be a sounding board or to brainstorm career ideas.

What to say  

• "You have an excellent skill set, and you’d be a great asset to an employer. I’m sure you will find a job where you will be valued.”
• "I’m happy to help you with the search -- let me know how I can."
• "This time is tough, but you can get through it."

What not to say

• "I told you that you shouldn’t have dropped out of college."  
• "I doubt you’re going to find anything in this market."
• "What do you expect? Your skills are a dime a dozen."

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC Co-Survivor Profile
• Create a support group for your friend or family member.
• Interact and provide updates

After you have completed a successful job search, and a new employer makes you an offer, know how to negotiate for the benefits, vacation and salary you want. You can prepare yourself to handle the job negotiations well and make a good impression on your new boss at the same time.

Negotiations

When you enter negotiations, consider the whole picture -- salary, health insurance, vacation and retirement plan. Know the importance of each of these elements for you, and negotiate accordingly.

Salary Negotiations

USNews: Negotiating for job perks; ask and you might receive

Settling In

Once you have the job, make sure that you have the tools to excel. Know what your boss expects you to accomplish -- on a day-to-day basis, and over the long-term. Here are some ways to ensure that your job performance will meet, and exceed, expectations:

Money CNN: Fatal Mistakes When Starting a New Job

If you can’t find a job in your field, then you may be facing the prospect of taking a job at a lower pay than what you need. That decision is difficult and can have long-term repercussions. Consider it carefully.

Marketing Jobs: Should You Accept a Low-Paying Job Offer or Stick with Unemployment Benefits?

Being unable to find a job over the long term can be very discouraging. Take a breather and then educate yourself on what may be holding you back:

CNN - 10 Reasons You Can't Find a Job