Job-Hunting Do's and Don'ts

Here are the keys to successful job-hunting. Job-seekers
who follow these rules and guidelines -- the do's and don'ts
of job-hunting -- should have much more success in the
job-search.

Do use all avenues/methods of job-hunting available. And
do have a job-hunting strategy .

Do take advantage of all Web-based job-hunting methods ,
including general job-hunting sites, industry-specific job
sites, geo-graphic-specific job sites, company (employer)
sites, and networking sites .

Do know the Job-Search Domino Effect .

Don't rely on any one method of job-hunting, especially job-
hunting on the Internet (which should be at most 25 percent
of your efforts), but do consider using our Quintessential
Careers Job Board as one of your options.

Do have a professional looking resume and cover letter. And do use action verbs in your cover letters and resume. And
for help analyzing your work experience, do complete a job-
seeker accomplishments worksheet .

Do focus on identifying your key accomplishments. Also, do
use transferable skills to better explain your work
experience -- especially for recent college grads and career changers .

Do consider developing a job skills portfolio, which
showcases everything you have to offer a prospective employer.
Do develop multiple versions of your resume.

Don't expect to get a new job overnight; job-hunting takes
time and patience. But do take some time to reflect on your
strategies if you have been job-hunting for several months
and have not had any success.

Do consider developing your personal brand. Self (career)
branding is essential to the career advancement of job-
seekers because branding helps define you and your value
to current and prospective employers. Use these free
personal branding and career self-marketing tools to help
develop and strengthen your brand.

Do have at least one version of a compelling elevator
speech for job-hunting, job fairs, and networking situations.

Don't quit your current job until you have a new job. And do
give proper notice when you quit your current job. And when
resigning your job, do so with class.

Do know the current dress for success rules for job-hunting.

Do take advantage of your friends, family, and colleagues to
network, network, network. And don't simply rely on passive job-hunting methods.

Don't get discouraged if you've been fired or downsized .

Do follow-up all job leads . And do be persistent; there is
truth to the "squeaky wheel" cliche.

Do make sure a potential employer can reach you. Provide
your home phone, cell phone, and email. And do make sure
that your voicemail (or user name for e-mail) is professional.

Do prepare and practice for your job interviews . And do be
sure and ask questions at the interview.

Do conduct research on all companies that interest you.

Do send thank you letters to all people who interview you.