How to Kick Start Job Hunting

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   Online Resources

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     Start your job search online. There are numerous job-search websites, but it is usually wise to stick to the mainstream ones. Many of the lesser-known sites just use job listings posted elsewhere, and frequently the listings have expired or have been filled. The most well-known job search sites are much more reliable, and also offer a massive selection of job-search resources (tips, sample resumes, suggestions, etc.). You can search based on geographical location, years of experience, job category and industry, among other criteria. This is a great way to start to understand what types of jobs are available for your skill level and in your desired industry and location.
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     Research specific companies. Many companies do not list their open positions on job-search sites, instead inviting interested employers to send resumes to a company email address or to apply for specific listings on a company website. Spend some time researching companies for which you might be interested in working, and see what information their websites have about potential employment. Typically, there will be a "Careers" or a "Join Us" section listed somewhere on the home page. Sometimes the information is listed under "About Us".
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     Research your industry. Aside from researching companies with which you are already somewhat familiar, it is smart to research the industry in which you are hoping to find employment. There probably are many companies in your location and industry about which you are not aware. The Internet is a great tool for locating them. Start by doing a general search for your desired industry and location, and then look around the websites of the companies that come up in your search results. Send your resume and cover letter to any companies that look interesting to you, regardless of whether or not they have any listings available. An opening could come up for which you are a perfect match, so the more you can send your resume out to companies you are interested in, the better chance you will have to find the right job.

   Networking

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     Contact your college or high school alumni office. Most colleges and some high schools are eager to help connect alumni with one another for any purpose. Contact your school's alumni office and explain to them that you are looking for a job in a particular industry, and ask if there are any alumni you can contact for networking purposes. Even meeting with an alum to talk about the industry, rather than for a specific job interview, can be helpful. The more you can meet and network with people in your desired industry, the better positioned you will be when a job opening does come along.
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     Join industry- or career-specific networking groups. Most major cities are home to groups that have the express purpose of enabling people to network with one another. Business professionals and individuals trying to break into a particular field or industry join these groups and attend various meetings and events in order to meet with one another and discuss the industry, jobs and other relevant topics. These groups usually require an application and a fee, but the benefits frequently outweigh the costs.
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     Talk to friends and family about your job search. Just like other people you network with, your friends and family members might know somebody who could help you in your job search. Keep them informed and up-to-date on your job search, and always have an updated copy of your resume ready to hand out. Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who could help you find a job, and if they do give you a contact, make sure to follow up.
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     Keep a running list of all contacts you make during your job search and refer to the list frequently. It is appropriate to make contact with people you have met every few months to touch base and briefly update them on your job search. Never bombard them with unnecessary information, and don't contact them too frequently---a simple email is fine. Keep it short and to the point, and always be polite and thankful for their time and assistance.

1. • How to Answer Situational Interview Questions

     

     Situational interview questions are meant to test you.

     
     

     Instructions

     
     
     1.Get familiar with the details of the job for which you're applying. Try to find out exactly what duties will be expected in the position, and what the company values. Knowing what they're looking for will help steer you in the right direction when answering questions. Be honest, but align your answers with the qualities they're looking for in an employee.
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     Look at a sample list of situational interview questions, and practice coming up with good answers for them. Have someone else critique your responses. Another person may also be able to point out your positive qualities that you can incorporate into your answers.
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     Think about prior experiences from other jobs or leadership roles you can talk about. Jog your memory about problems that have arisen, and exactly how you handled them. Consider writing down these experiences to have them fresh in your mind for the interview. If you're asked how you would handle an angry customer, your answer will seem more credible if you can honestly say that you've dealt with the situation effectively in the past.
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     Avoid bringing up anything that is controversial, or points out your weaknesses. Your answers should show that you are able to resolve problems, and minimize conflict in an ethical manner. Don't mention past experiences in which you didn't handle things well.
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     Give detailed answers, but don't ramble or go off on tangents. Interviewers are usually looking for more than a one-sentence response to situational questions. They are trying to get an understanding of your thought processes and personality, so don't be afraid to give in-depth answers.
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     Be specific, and provide concrete actions or examples, whenever possible. Tell the interviewer the exact steps you would take in the hypothetical situation. Give yourself a moment to gather your thoughts into organized actions if necessary, but avoid excessively long pauses.