While the global economy might have technically come out / avoided a recession, America and Europe are still facing high levels of unemployment. The situation is better in Asia due to economic growth, where jobs are available but the competition for the good jobs is intense. This article is aimed to help anyone involved in a job search.

Before looking for your dream job, learn how to market your skills, experience, and talent. This will help you assess the possibility of landing your dream job. First, skills and interests should be evaluated personally. Write a list of your capabilities; then list your limitations or skills not available at present. Jobs that are too demanding, like night shifts, might not work, or jobs that you may be overly qualified for (it happens); and third, planning the time as soon as there is an inner instinct that tells you that you are ready and qualified. Once this has been done, go to companies and prospective employers early in the morning for this will give them a good impression and for the applicant, a time to complete the process the application if lucky. Remember, the early bird catches the worm.

Next task is to prepare a good resume that will address the expected requirements of the employer. You should not lie on the resume because you can lose your job later on. However you can surely create a resume that describes more of the skills that are relevant to a particular job, and reduce the words for non-relevant experiences. Resume should not be more than 2 pages, and the exact resume structure will depend on the type of job you are applying for. Some employers also ask for a cover letter or letter of intent or statement of purpose (SOP). Every professional job you apply for expects to receive a well written resume. Make 100% sure that no spelling/ grammar mistakes are present in your resume and cover letter.

After preparing the documents needed for application, the next thing that should follow is finding vacancies for new hires. Searching using the Internet will be very helpful for this activity. Some websites provide this assistance like HotJobs and Monster.com — but don’t depend on the job search websites because everyone is using them, and the amount of replies are immense for each job posting.

Where else to look for job openings? The initial step is to look at local newspapers for this provides information just by looking at the Classified Ads section and the lists of wanted personnel and employment opportunities will be read. Applying at several companies initially in a local area can save an applicant more time and money. If it so happens a job was found late in the day, call immediately for inquiries. Never let a day pass when opportunities come.

How to look for jobs that are not announced? Sometimes companies and other employers do not really advertise any job openings in their organization. The best thing for an applicant is to weigh things if it will be possible to be hired by a certain company by just submitting an application form or resume.

Start by telling people in your personal and professional network about your desire/need/plan to take a new job. Relatives and previous offices or company co-workers will be able to give hints on job vacancies in their current companies. Professors or teachers will also be helpful in recommending schools and institutions that are now looking for new instructors. These people might not have any vacant position in their company in mind but they certainly know someone who knows or needs a new employee — that’s the power of networking.

Sometime, Yellow Pages can provide information on how and where to call to look for a job. This gives an accurate list of companies and prospective employers in a chosen area. Visiting the library is also a tool than can be useful when looking for a job. There are libraries that have a list of local employers, just asks the librarian for more information. Contact these employers personally, even if they did not advertise any vacant positions that needed to be filled.

Lastly, be observant of signs posted on doors and windows of shops and stalls being passed by. If lucky, just walk in and ask for information about the job and how to apply.

After submitting application forms and resumes to the respective companies, keep track of the progress by creating a chart where you can jot down the name of the company and when the application was submitted.

Following is a job search checklist to help you along your way:
1. List your capabilities and potential weaknesses/limitations that you want to overcome
2. List your prospective employers — no job is too small; if you do well, you will rise
3. Prepare resume and other documents — include 1-2 references that can be contacted
4. Plan a schedule for your job search — so that you can immediately accept a date for an interview
5. Contact companies and/or employers — and offer your services
6. Get ready for an interview — go for job interviews even if the job is less interesting — practice is important and helps
7. Evaluate how interview went along — after every interview, think how it could be done better; success will come if you prepare this way.