Let's face it, looking for a job is a full-time job. Finding your first job or returning to the job market after many years are particular challenges.
How do you get started? Why haven't you been successful (yet)?
There are so many job search books that they are divided into categories, including: cover letters, resumes, new grads, changing careers, over 40 and jobs in specific fields.
And it is crucial to choose materials that are current due to the constant change of methods for applying, whether by email or online forms.
The library has many choices for assisting in your job hunt:
What Color Is Your Parachute? is an example of a career search tool that updates annually. Expert Richard N. Bolles explains the key strategies and how to incorporate social media tools for enhanced success. The book begins with a maze of possibilities, which prompts you to think about what choices you have. For example, do you want to work full- or part-time? Is working from home an option? What about an internship or temp work? Taking an inventory of your skills will help in your decision.
Once you have compiled your information about yourself, it's time to make a resume. Jay Block and Michael Betrus can help with 101 More Best Resumes, a comprehensive resource with advice from many top experts in the field. There are helpful insights, phrases and formats for every type of job. The examples will assist you in creating a resume that employers will pull out from all of the competition. In addition, there are suggestions for online resumes, networking and some unconventional ways to find a job.
With your resume, you must send a cover letter that is targeted to the job for which you're applying. This is a difficult task because you want the potential employer to read more than the first few lines. You must get noticed. Again, authors Block and Betrus offer expert advice on creating employer interest in 101 Best Cover Letters. There are examples of how to add intensity to your letter by creating an image of accomplishment and professionalism that will result in an interview.
Now you've made it: an interview. What will they ask? How many people will interview me? How do I stop being nervous? Paul Green offers support in his book Get Hired! Green acts as your personal coach, offering step-by-step guidance on how to answer the tough questions while remaining poised and confident. An added bonus is some insight into what goes on behind closed doors after you leave and how the interviewer decides whom to hire.
When you think you've looked everywhere for a job think again. You can find a career on social media. How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and MySpace and Other Social Networks by Brad and Debra Schepp claims the number one way to find a job is networking - and what better place than the internet. They explain the importance of social media, provide instruction on how to set up sites and give examples of strategies that helped people land their jobs.
Yes, the task of finding employment can be daunting but with the help of job search guides such as these, you can begin with confidence. These books and so many more on the topic of careers can be found at your local library.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published every Wednesday. Janet Cooper works at Coquitlam Public Library.
