Herald to Jobhunter

This card I wrote months ago has recently been making the rounds, and seems to be in demand again.

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To: New Jobhunter
From: Your Mentor

Congratulations on you new position!
Job hunter is an age-old position with many rewards and challenges.
Here is an outline of your dutes:

1. Set your own work hours and keep them.
a. No one is going to supervise you or call you when you miss work
b. You will have to get yourself ready to job hunt each day
c. You may change your hours as necessary.
d. If you are already working some, keep doing it and also your jobhunter hours.
e. File unemployment if you might be eligible. Follow their rules, please.

2. Make your own work area.
a. Don’t spend a lot of time on this, but cover the basics:
b. Phone, phone book, note pad, computer, lighting.

3. Narrow your search:
a. What location will you work in?
b. What types of jobs would you do?
i. Jobs you’ve held before
ii. Continue a career you’ve started
iii. Begin a new career. Idea sources:
A. Your hobbies, passions and loves
B. Browse the Phone Book and Newpaper randomly

4. Contact every one who might have a job for you:
a. By local phone call to potential employers in your area and interests:
i. Dial and talk to whoever answers:
ii. Introduce yourself and let then know you are looking for work as a (fill in the blank)
iii. Ask if they might have an opening for someone like you.
A. If yes, find out what they want and produce it.
B. If not, ask if there anyone who might need someone like you.
b. By personal contact:
i. Let all your friends, relatives and people you work with know you are looking.
ii. Talk to everyone: the stranger in line at the store may need you.
iii. Visit http://www.angelfire.com/nj/counseling/50cents.html for more ideas.
c. By any other means you have:
i. Online applications (do them fully the first time)
ii. Cold mailed resume
iii. Newspaper want ads
iv. Phone book Yellow page listings

5. When you learn of a lead, follow up fully and professionally with whatever they ask.
a. Resume: one page, please, absolutely truthful.
b. Cover letter: do your homework and make it about THEIR business
c. Interview: Dress as though you already have that job. Get enough rest.
d. Follow up each of the above: it impresses and can lead to more leads.

6. Accept the right offer.
a. You don’t need to accept your first offer unless you are desperate.
b. The beginning is the time to negotiate.
c. Commit only to what you really can do.
d. Leave your options open if a better offer arrives.

Arth Karas.