Getting Started

Getting Started in Today's Job Search Process

Whether you are in a new career transition due to unemployment, about to search for a new challenge, or are looking for a career change, PSG of Mercer County at the Princeton Public Library is here to help.

It’s no longer sufficient to submit a resume to a company and expect to get a call. Often, many people compete for the same job. As part of the job research process, you must make yourself stand out from the crowd. Determine what is important to you and your family. Prepare a good resume and other documents. Start to network yourself, and more effectively search for your next job!

Here are the key items you must address in the Getting Started phase:

Self Assessment
A self-assessment is very important in a job search. Use it to identify your strengths, skills and interests. Define your priorities, what is important to you and your family, assess your new financial situation and learn to stay positive and deal with stress. As a job seeker or career changer, you need to increase your self-awareness in order to identify career options best suited to you.

Prepare your Job Search Toolkit
In addition to preparing your own resume, you will need to create or update your LinkedIn profile, and you will also need to create:
  • Your Marketing Plan
  • A Cover Letter
  • A List of your potential best references
  • Your Positioning Statement
  • A Thank You Letter
  • Tracking spreadsheets for job status and expenses

Last but not least, you should:
  • Order personal business cards
  • Prepare for interviewing using an Interview Preparation Worksheet
Click here for more information about preparing your Job Search Tool Kit

Networking, Networking, Networking
Over 75% of new jobs are found through networking. Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. It means making connections with other people. Your network includes business acquaintances and personal & community contacts.  Don’t forget anyone. They all may be able to help.
Online Job Searching
Online job searching is using the internet and other computer resources to find and apply for a job. While this is a relatively easy activity to perform, only about 10% of new jobs are found online.
Online searching is also using social media such as LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter to be able to research and learn about a company and its available opportunities.

Click here for more information about online job searching

Applying for Positions Online
The majority of businesses today are utilizing their corporate website or job search sites like LinkedIn, CareerBuilder or Monster to allow applicants to apply for their open positions. Some online applications are quick, while others are more involved.

Recruiters
A recruiter’s job is to find the best talent for the position that their client employer is seeking to fill, based on that employer's requirements. They work to find talented individuals who have done the job already for a prior employer, or people ready to move up to the next level in their same career path. Only about 10% of job hunters find a new position using recruiters.

Click here for more information about working with recruiters

Interview Preparation
Now you have the job interview in your schedule. That’s great! But things still have to be done to maximize your chance to get the job. You have to prepare for the interview.

Actually, the job interviews can be very intimidating, all the more when you are under pressure to get the job. Keep in mind your own goals and try to figure out the employer’s ones. The preparation is the only way to reduce your stress.

Click here to get details and tips for the Interview Preparation