Finding a job involves skills of planning, organization, and good writing. To improve your chances of getting the job you want, you must be able to:
- Organize your search by learning about what jobs are available, determining what job is best for you, deciding where you want to work, finding job leads in a variety of sources, and choosing references judiciously.
- Write a job application letter that states what job you are applying for, how you heard about it, why you want it, what makes you unique, and what your educational background is; and that establishes a confident, collegial tone without empty statements or clichés.
- Follow established guidelines for writing successful résumés.
- Familiarize yourself with different approaches to résumé writing---chronological, targeted, or function-oriented---and select the one that matches your circumstances and talents.
- Understand the technical considerations of preparing scannable and electronic resumes, and format yours accordingly.
- Create a professional, well-organized portfolio that showcases your writing samples.
- Prepare for job interviews by practicing effective interview strategies and anticipating common interview questions.
- Follow up the interview with a note that establishes a tone of confidence and interest, not of arrogance or groveling.
When applying for jobs in cultures different from your own, research the customs for the different parts of the interview process: application letters, résumés, interviewing, dress, and interpersonal behavior.
