What make me an expert? I'm not. I'm just a guy with over thirty years in the civilian work place and twenty-two in the Navy. I've applied for over a hundred jobs and have been interviewed for most of them. As a manager I reviewed resumes and applications, and then conducted interviews for the most qualified individuals. If there is a suggestion that doesn't make sense, just ignore it. Don't settle.

I think one of the major mistakes we make in life is that we gamble on the future, usually unconsciously. The gamble is that thing will stay the same and for most of our lives things pretty much remain steady. However, sometimes things do change unexpectedly, so follow the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared." The current economic crisis (2010) is an example of how things can get really bad.

Even if you are working, you should prepare yourself for advancement or another job. Companies and jobs come and go at a moments notice; even in the government. Even when the economy is good, companies go out of business for many reasons. The best time to prepare and look for a job is when you already have one.

Before you start to lookilng for work you should take some preliminary steps.

List of Job Preparations:
*	First and foremost, if you are working be a good employee. A lot of people I've worked with over the years thought they were good employees, but they weren't -- not in my eyes but in the eyes of people that counted. I've seen a lot of people passed-over for promotion and hiring that had nobody to blame but themselves; although they did blame others.
*	Also related to being a good employee is doing a little extra. Although a particular task is not in your job discription, do it anyway, so long as it is not unsafe or illegal. My personal point of view is that if I'm there anyway what difference does it make and volunteer, there aren't many suicide jobs you'll be asked to do.
*	Get yourself a loose leaf binder. I filled mine with plastic protectors so I could slide in 8.5 x 11 sheets. I divided the book into sections: Education, Job History, Resumes, References, Applications. At the end I've include several forms that I used.
*	Gather several applications and make a list of generic questions. Then carefully document the answers.
*	Collect a few job descriptions for each type of job you will be seeking.
*	Read books and take courses.
*	Build a Network.
*	Get A Mentor.
*	Let everyone, and I do mean everyone, know that you are looking for work. A lot of jobs are not advertised and filled by word of mouth.
*	Update your resume. Make sure you use the "Key" words related to the position. You should have one for each type of position you seek.
*	Develop computer skills.

Some Thumb rules
*	If you don't go for it, you'll never know. Apply for all positions you are interested in and believe you can do. Even if you know that someone is already a shoe-in. By applying you are letting the management know that you want the job and are motivated. I applied for a job that was intended for a specific individual; he resigned and moved -- I got the job.
*	You can always say no. If you don't apply you won't have an opportunity to say yes.
*	If you don't do anything stupid, like punch someone or use foul language, the worst that can happen is you won't get the job

Job Hunting:

Start by going to Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc and search for Jobs or Career. Nearly all government jobs are posted on the internet. If your interest in a local government job go to their human resources office and ask. Many companies also post employment opportunities. In some cases you can download job applications and job descriptions. In a few cases you can apply on line. I would encourage delivering the application, with a cover letter and resume, to the person doing the hiring. Have a few questions about the position -- not benefits or pay related. Good questions tell the person that you interested the job. My favorite is, "What's the biggest challenge I'll face?" I like to save this one for the interview but most of the time in large organization the person your speaking to will not be at the interview.

Visit all places you would like to work, even if no jobs are available. Get an application and ask for job descriptions of the positions you would apply for. Ask to speak to the person responsible for hiring. Let them know you interest in working for their company (have a reason) and leave your name, phone number and e-mail address. Put it on a three by five card. Also leave a resume. Ask them to "Please" notify you if a position becomes available. It will let the person know that you are motivated and when your application is reviewed, you will be a person rather than just a piece of paper.

Professional/trade magazines, newspaper and specialized publications (Like Jobs Available, which list various government jobs can be subscribed to) are a good place to look. There are often local publication that list jobs and can be obtained at various outlet, such as the library and stores.

Links to Job Seeking Sites:

• Federal Jobs USAJOBS is the official job site of the US Federal Government. It's your one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information.
• job.com

Forms

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