A Checklist for the Job Seeker

So you’re back in the job chase. After all the years that you have been in a company and out of the job market, a lot has changed in the dynamics of looking for a job. If you are an accountant, you might be shocked about how the process in looking for accounting jobs has changes. So make sure that you take this checklist as you go on a hunt for executive jobs to ensure that you get the right position at the soonest time possible.

• References. Yes, you still need references. Although not all companies really “refer” to what these people have to say, it’s better to have a list of people who can vouch for you in case your future employer wants to make sure.
• Resume. Before you even start browsing job listings, first update your resume. It will give you an idea of how much you have grown in your career. You can also use it to gauge the kinds of positions that you can target, based on what the market is currently requiring. Aside from adding items in your resume, you should also update how it looks, taking note of new trends in formats and content.

• Outfits. For girls, this is good news and the fun part in looking for a job. Check your wardrobe and see if your current pieces will still work for an interview. Remember that you want to make a good first impression, and it isn’t something along the lines of “I don’t have a job right now.”
• Cover letter. As you look for a job, make sure that the applications you send out are tailored to every company that you apply in. Your cover letter should be concise and specific, something that will convince the HR representative to open your attached resume and consider you for the job.
• Network. Job hunting today is much easier, thanks to online tools that allow for a larger yet tighter network of contacts in the industry. Reconnect with old colleagues and find jobs through your friends who are working companies you want to be part of. Make sure that as you find contacts, you also pay attention to your online presence, so that you can be found as well. You’ll never know if the next job that you will have is through a friend who saw your LinkedIn profile.