The job search Part 1: what do I want?

This is Part One on a, hopefully, short series detailing my own personal experience in the job search process. I am currently trying to relocate with my husband as well as try something new. So the inevitable job search is upon us. I figured this could be a fun, informative, and therapeutic way to share with you readers how a real-life person puts the professional advice to use. Let's get started.

Step 1: figure out your strategy. I prefer to look at want ads or go directly to the company and talk to someone in the Human Resources department. I have gotten a few jobs with this technique. Giving a real person my resume and making sure to follow up with them is preferable to being a faceless person in the mass.

However, I am in another country and flying to all of these places is just not realistic (or affordable). Plus, many companies prefer it this way nowadays. They don't want phone calls or emails. They just want you to fill out the application. If they feel you are the most qualified person, then they will get in contact. But for me I wasn't exactly sure what the available jobs were out there anyway and who I wanted to work for. If I did, I'd have done a google search for the head offices and use Skype to call companies I was interested in. (You can call landlines at a low price anywhere in the world. I'm trying to spend as little as I can to save money for the actual move.)

What I decided to do was to perform a regional search. I have a good idea where I want to move. So I went directly to state and county websites to look for job openings. I also used job search engines like the ones at Nexxt and its partner pages (retailgigs.com for example). I was unlucky and found nothing this way. My next tactic was to then focus on a field of interest and search for any and all jobs. I have a preference in where I move but I am also a bit flexible. If you are not, then it is also easy to define searches to certain areas. Honestly, the more specific you can be in the search, the better. It's important at the start to be economical with your time. It helps to decrease stress and is easy on the eyes and joints. Ever spent hours hunched over a computer screen? It's no fun. I found the field search was the best way to pursue possible jobs, but it was the easy part.

Step 2: The hard part, and the most important part, is the job application. It's vital to read each offer closely to provide the correct information. It's also wise to create unique material for each job offer because generic material is not impressive. If you are applying for the same job at different companies or a very similar one, the same resume may not be a problem. But a new cover letter should be written each time. It makes a difference, trust me. I also recommend preparing all your application materials BEFORE you even attempt to start the application process. This means tweaking resumes, getting references, transcripts, cover letters, supplementary materials and facts and dates correct.

More than once I have found myself in front of a computer, staring blankly at it because I'd forgotten a supervisor's name, dates of employment or entire jobs altogether. I have printed and reprinted out job applications because of gaps in work experience or because I got my own facts incorrect. It was unnecessary. I should have just sat down and organized my work life accordingly. Then it's just typing and filling out questionnaires. If you are lucky and have someone you respect and trust to read over your application material, go for it. As they saying goes: "two eyes are better than one." Especially where the cover letter is concerned. It is the first thing an employer sees about you.

So be smart, don't exaggerate and don't have any spelling or grammar errors. Be diligent and soon you will be ready for the application. Next week you'll learn how I handled each confusing application and all their "extras".

By: Samantha Taylor

Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgigsblog.com. She also works as an English teacher and personal trainer in her spare time.