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5 Ps 12 steps
Despite what many people may say, a job search does not have to be an unpleasant experience. Conducting a job search can be a self-discovery process and an opportunity to put your endurance and attitude to the test.
The secret to experiencing job-search success is a tool called the Five Ps. Be: productive, proactive, positive, persistent and polished. Here are 12 steps to help you achieve the five Ps that will get you your best job ever.
1. Clarify your career goals. When you know what you are looking for in a career, it is much easier to locate a job in that field. If you are not sure what you want to do with the rest of your life, see a career counselor for help in identifying your dreams.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter. Invest in a resume and cover letter book to see examples of good resumes. Use the examples as a guide to create your own. Think of your resume and cover letter as “self-marketing” tools. Then, have a few qualified people review and critique your first drafts. (Remember, these are works in progress that you will continually update.)
3. Identify potential employers. Employer directories and resources are available in the library or university career center. Get familiar with books, magazines and online reference materials in your career field, and use them regularly.
4. Establish a network. Identify people in various organizations and companies who can give you insight into the industry’s employment needs. Identify faculty, acquaintances, friends, and relatives who can assist you in your job search. Become actively involved in professional organizations.
5. Research potential employers. Read literature about them, talk with people who know of their work, check them out on the Internet. Gather as much information about the company as you can so that you’ll be prepared if you get that interview.
6. Practice your interviewing skills. Make an appointment for a mock interview session with a qualified career counselor. If possible, tape yourself so you can see how to improve your interviewing techniques.
7. Conduct an informational interview. Ask your contacts if they have some time to talk with you about the industry. Ask a lot of questions, listen well and take notes. This is an ideal time to ask if there are any job opportunities in their company or other people whom you should contact. Always have a resume in hand.
8. Follow up with a thank-you note. Immediately following the interview, send the people you met thank-you notes to show your appreciation. For actual job interviews, follow up with a telephone call within an appropriate amount of time to find out the status of their decision. Show interest without being overly aggressive.
9. Get organized. Place all of your job-search materials in one binder so you can refer to the information easily and quickly. Make notes to yourself about the interview, things you would like to remember or phone numbers and other important information.
10. Develop the skills and qualities that employers are looking for. Employment-worthy skills include: good oral and written communication skills, initiative, honesty, reliability, the ability to work in a team and resourcefulness. Equally important skills are appreciation of diversity and technological know-how.
11. Continue to Learn. Stay abreast of current trends in your field. Read, read, read. Also, attend workshops or lectures about your field of interest. Always be open to new information.
12. Repeat. Repeat this process until you have landed your dream job. Article provided by 
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