Does anyone have a checklist of things to do before you go look for a job?

Answer 1

First, decide what job you want to have. Are you starting a career, or just looking for a temporary job to pay for more school?

If you are aiming at a career milestone job, then here's a checklist:

Research the industry you want to work in. Use publications that report trends in the industry so you get a feel for what challenges companies serving the industry face.

Next, build a list of target companies. Research the companies through their Web site, financial reports, and articles written about the companies.

Now prepare your resume. It is more than a laundry list of past work history. Your resume is the primary communication vehicle you have to demostrate to a target company that you have the skills,experience, and knowledge to add value to their operation.

Next, tap into your network to identify contacts at the target companies, or perople that you know that have contacts at those companies. A referral is worth ten cold-calls!

The idea is to identify a job opening and the manager that is responsible for hiring the position. This is about selling yourself, so get to know the customer and the problem they are trying to solve by hiring into the job opening.

Next, write a cover letter to the hiring manager describing the job, how your skills map to the need, and your interest in the position. If you have a contact that will hand deliver the cover letter and resume, that's the best. Other wise, try to get an email address and send it in.

Some companies have staffing departments to help managers find and hire employees. If you are working through that department, do everything you can to help them hire you. Their job is to find qualified candidates and help the manager hire their preferred one. Make that one you.

Answer 2

Make sure you are dressed at least business casual if you are going to pop into places for job applications. You may come face to face with the manager or HR personnel and it could be their first impression of you. No jeans or t-shirts, put on a pair of Khaki pants and a nice shirt/top with clean shoes.
Be prepared to fill out the application on the spot because if they are depresate they may want to do the interview right there. Have your resume with you or the information that is needed on job applications.

Answer 3

Punch up that resume and get some nice clothes for an interview. Make sure you shave and look presentable.