The Braille Forum
Vol. XXXVI August 1997 No. 2
Published By The American Council of the Blind
Copyright 1997


                        CAREER CONNECTIONS
                       by Catherine Schmitt
(Reprinted with permission from "The Blind Californian," Summer 1997.)

    "I am looking for a job, but just can't find anything," is a
comment that I often hear from individuals who are seeking
employment or who feel stuck in their present jobs.  If you are
in this situation, I challenge you to ask yourself the following
questions: 1) How much time have I spent in my job search over
the past one, two, or even six months? 2) Was sending out resumes
to employers my primary "job search" tool?
    I want to focus on the "how to's" of an effective job search. 
As many of us know þ maybe all too well þ looking for a job is
hard work!  And that is how one needs to view a job search: as
though it were a full-time job.  To send out a few resumes every
once in a while or to be only looking for the "ideal" job
description is NOT an effective way to search for a job.  An
individual who is serious about his/her job search will do the
following:
    * Set a routine schedule.  Establish certain days and times
each week to devote to your job search.  Keep this schedule and
arrange other activities around it.  For example, Sundays from 2-
5 p.m., Mondays 8 a.m. to noon, etc.
    * Dress for work and sit at a desk or table.  You will be
more productive, take yourself more seriously, and be less
distractable if you dress for the occasion.  Sitting at the same
desk or table during each session will bring continuity and
structure to the routine.
    * Begin your week on Sunday.  It is estimated that the
heaviest response from Sunday newspaper job listings takes place
by mid-morning Tuesday at the latest.  Responding quickly can
improve your chances of consideration if there is no stated
deadline.  You have more time if there is a stated deadline. 
(Note: Answering newspaper advertisements is not the most
effective job search tool, as many believe.)  
    * Keep yourself organized.  Develop a recording system which
will include a copy of the job announcement or your notes as to
the qualifications and responsibilities, contact information,
date and place the announcement was advertised.  Most
importantly, record the action taken: was a resume sent?
telephone call made for further information? a letter of
recommendation or sample project included when resume was sent?
etc.  Keep track of the date and individual(s) spoken with, and
information provided as follow-ups are made.  After sending out
several resumes, you don't want to say "what position did I apply
for?" when an employer calls from Working Wise company.
    * A cover letter is expected, even if it is not requested.  A
cover letter introduces you and your resume to the reader.  The
letter should identify what position you are applying for, how
you learned of the position (especially if someone else referred
you), what your experience is and why you are qualified. 
Additional information that will give the reader a clearer
understanding of who you are as a person is encouraged.  This is
also an opportunity to discuss breaks in employment,
organizational membership/leadership experience, and personal
qualities.  Employers have stated that they have thrown away
resumes sent without cover letters.  If possible, try to address
the letter to a specific person.
    * Use the prospective employer's terminology.  People like
persons who use similar words and ideas.  Try to use key
words/phrases from the announcement in your cover letter and
resume.  Be cautious not to overuse the words and to add your
personal flavor as well.
    * Standard advice is to not state salary history, even when
this information is requested.  This can be used as a screening
tool before looking at anything else (you don't want that) or you
may ask for less than the employer has in mind.  State in the
cover letter that you are interested in discussing salary during
the interview or after a mutual fit is realized.  When salary is
discussed, try to learn what the employer has in mind first and
then offer a wide range.  If you do not have paid work experience
or have worked for very little, research what the average salary
is for the type of position that you are applying for at the
company or its competitor.  Then give a range around the average
amount with an explanation that now that you have experience, you
feel you are well worth the salary.
    * Reward yourself.  Establish a time to relax and have fun
each week after you have "worked" on your job search.  You need
to set short term (weekly) goals and feel good about achieving
them.  This will help you realize how much you are "working" and
remain hopeful.
    Following these tips will help you keep a positive attitude
and stay healthy during your job search.  Your hard work now will
result in a job in the long run