Article Title: The Long Road Back – 5 Links for Starting Your Job Search
Author Byline: CareerAlley
Author Website: http://CareerAlley.com

Journey

“It’s not about where you started, it’s about the journey” – Joey Trebif

Losing your job sucks. There’s just no other way to put it. Whether you are part of a downsizing, merger, “job mismatch” or plain old “going out of business”, there is no worse place to be than on the unemployment line. I’ve seen all of the variations of job loss from all different angles. And whether you are an observer or a participant, it is one of the more unpleasant facts of life. After it happens, it no longer matters how it happened, the end result is the same. How you react to your job loss will very much impact how quickly you will bounce back. Regardless, you will need and should allow for your “mourning” period. And then it’s time to look forward and not back. Become fully engrossed in your job hunt. Today’s post is about the long road back to a new job and a new beginning. Whatever your journey, you will end up in a better place than you where when you started.

I Lost My Job, Now What – The title of one of my very first posts (Link to Article), the topic and steps required to start your job search are never out of date. Understanding what you need to launch your search is the most important part of the process. Revisiting the topic today, the only adjustment I would make to my original post would be to put “Make a Plan” as the second step (after applying for unemployment benefits). So, assuming that getting organized is the first step, this is what you need to know:

• Create a job search plan – This article, from Careerinfonet.com, will help you plan your search. From career goals to an occupation profile, there is lots of great advice and links to resources to get you started.

• Why You Need a Cover Letter – If you think you don’t need a cover letter you are wrong. And if you were in doubt, this article, from Alison Doyle of About.com is a must read. Take a look at the links to examples and samples so that you can draft your cover letter today.

• 36 Beautiful Resume Ideas That Work – The most difficult part of starting your job search is updating or writing your resume. This article was posted on JobMob.co.il and it provides lots of great ideas for your resume. You know how it goes, it is much easier to start with something and change it than it is to start with a blank sheet of paper. Take a look at this post.

• Find Your Dream Job by Targeting Employers – Research, research, research – need I say more? Sometimes finding any job feels more important that finding the right job or employer. Well I’m here to tell you that you are wrong. Finding the right job and company are the two most important parts of your job search. Take a look at this article from the Rileyguide.com.

• Build Your Job Search Network – Leveraging your network to help you get your next job is key to success. It is often who you know that that gets your resume seen buy the right person. This article provides good advice on how to leverage your network as well as ideas to a long list of you to build your network.

Good luck in your search.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

And don’t forget to update your favorite recruiter that you are looking for a new opportunity! – Redfish