job_search

Your Job Search Toolkit

Article courtesy of InterviewConcepts.com

What you will need during your job search.

During the course of your job search, you will need to rely on a toolkit of items to
assist you. Following are recommended items for you to purchase or borrow for
the duration of your search:

Dress - Both men and women will need a conservative interview suit for
interviews. Keep it conservative and in with the current fashions. You do not
need an entire wardrobe--one well-chosen suit can work with several
shirts/blouses/ties/accessories combinations to produce a varied yet consistent
look for you throughout your job search.

Portfolio - Not the kind that artists carry around, but the 9x12" leather-bound or
vinyl-bound type, such as those made by Strattford. You can usually pick up a
quality vinyl-bound portfolio for less than $10. You will use it for interviews and job
fairs, both for carrying your resume and for taking notes.

Briefcase - A briefcase will provide you with a mini office from which to operate
when you are at a job fair or at a company-site interview. But do not take the
briefcase into the actual interview room, which is what the portfolio is for. Before
you go out to Wal-Mart to buy a $19 vinyl briefcase special, consider the value of
buying a professional leather briefcase. Both Sam's Club and Office Depot carry
leather briefcases for less than $50.

Be aware also that the type of leather, although not greatly affecting the initial
appearance, will have a large impact on the long-term appearance. Bonded leather
is leather parts glued together, which is used in the cheapest--and lowest quality-
leather briefcases. It would be much better to spend an extra $10 to $20 to buy
either a split-leather (better) case or a top-grain leather (best) case. Buy quality.
Invest now in quality that will last you far into the future. And there you have it-
your complete buyer's guide to briefcases.

Pen - Whether at a job fair or in the course of your interviews, the type of pen you
use will send a message about who you are.

Pocket Organizer - Keep your Day-Timer or Franklin Planner with you at all times.
You never know when you will need to capture information for later retrieval. At
slow points in your day, use your organizer to plan out your activities for the
remainder of the day and week. It can also provide you with a gentle reminder for
completing that term paper you have been putting off.

Following are optional items that you may choose to add to your toolkit, as available
funds allow:

Computer - As discussed previously, a computer can benefit you in organizing
your job search effort, although it is certainly not a requirement. It can be used for
tracking information, generating letters, faxing your resume, and surfing the
Internet. But don't go out to buy a computer just for your job search. You will
spend far more time setting it up than you will gain in productivity. If you already
have one, use it. If not, wait until the first paycheck arrives.

Cellular Phone - You might consider investing in a cellular phone. Many providers
are giving away phones for free or little cost, but the monthly service can add up
quickly, so beware. Also note that you are often required to sign up for a year or
more of service, which may not work for you if you are planning to relocate. Use it
for your job search and other critical calls.