Tips: Make your job search easier

With the unemployment rate in Wisconsin at 5.8 percent, finding a position can take longer than hoped. Jaime Page-Stadler, director of Career Services at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, offers these tips for job seekers:
 
•    Know yourself. Job seekers must determine how best to market themselves. A careful and thorough assessment of skills and knowledge can reveal
•    Define your criteria. Be honest, but do not look desperate. Employers are looking for qualified candidates that know what they want and can articulate their skills. Understanding what is needed in a position to be satisfied will assist in finding “fit.” Qualities that should be consider are the size of city, distance from family and friends, benefits, opportunities for advancement, variety of work, travel and environment.
•    Perfect your search materials. Are your resume and cover letter flawless? If not, have your resume critiques by several people.
•    Map out your strategy. Develop a list of solid job search sites and them regularly. Think about the companies/organizations you would like to work for and contact them directly. Use your network to find a position. Pass on your resume and business card to family members, friends and professional contacts to let them know you are searching for a job.  Attend career fairs and open houses and talk to as many recruiters as possible to find out about current and future opportunities.
•    Be professional. Practice proper etiquette by keeping a list of all leads and contacts and follow-up with in a timely manner. Attire is important; always be sure to appear neat, clean and well-groomed. Researching the industry/organization will give you some insight on attire; when in doubt be conservative. A first impression can last a lifetime.