Page 31 - Complete Idiot's Guide to The Perfect Resume

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Chapter 1 ➤ Mapping Your Job Hunt

Bonus Check
A wonderful way to stay on track with your career plan is to keep a log where you record
decisions, achievements, and ideas. Your log can be either electronic or on paper and
should be kept somewhere handy so it will both inspire and facilitate your career adventure.

By pushing your own motivational buttons, you’ll get things
done!

The Interview Scorecard

With that terrific resume of yours (which you’ll have in just a few
chapters), you’re going to land an interview. In fact, you’ll proba- Job-Hunt Hint
bly interview with several employers before finding the job you
Take an early or late lunch
want.
and allow some of that time for
Interviewing is like any skill: The more you work at it, the better your job search. That way you
you’ll get. So take every opportunity to hone your interviewing can reach your contacts during
skills: business hours when they’re apt
to be at their phones.
➤ Go on as many interviews as you can, even if they’re not for
your dream jobs. You’ll gain more and more confidence with
each meeting.
➤ Attend career fairs where you can practice chatting to
recruiters about your qualifications.
➤ Practice interviewing with a career counselor or coach. You
may want to find someone who can videotape your practice
sessions so that you can review them later.
➤ Make a list of the questions you’re afraid to be asked, and Career Casualties
then rehearse your answers until you feel comfortable. Your attitude, dress, and body
➤ Invite (or bribe) a friend to look at your resume and ask you language could make or break
questions about items you’ve listed. the interview. Be sure to get
good advice on what’s cool and
➤ Read books, listen to audio tapes, and watch videos about
what’s not (like, don’t arrive
interviewing. You’ll find them in libraries, bookstores, and
with twenty bags and briefcases
catalogs.
hanging off your arms) before
stepping into the manager’s
Many job seekers don’t bother to prepare for their interviews, so
office. Appendix C lists books
chances are, if you do even one of the preceding suggestions,
and career professionals who
you’ll be miles ahead of your competition.
can help you with this stuff.

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