En route to Employability: A step-by-step approach to job search

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The search for a job has a lifecycle of its own starting with the desire to make a move to finding the right job that will contribute to an individual’s larger goals in life. The fact is that job hunting is an anxiety ridden and often lengthy process, always riddled with uncertainty. Monster.com acts as an advisory and helps you formulate better career decisions by offering numerous career tips till a job is locked; the offer received and the appointment accepted. But before the champagne is popped, a job search requires a systematic and strategic process of scouting with reasonable time and energy investment. 
 
So how does one go about a job search that is productive? Typically, a job search’s lifecycle follows a pattern and best is to be methodical.
 
Identifying Skills & Interests 
The very first step is to have clarity on the kind of job wanted. It means objectively identifying and analysing skills, values and interests if they align with the expectations of the career status targeted. This helps seekers to know where they stand and if any additional skill sets or qualifications could make them more competitive.
 
Developing Documents 
This starts with developing a master resume which should be ideally tweaked according to the requirements of specific applications. It also involves preparing crisp cover letters, engaging personal statements and smart recommendations.
 
Fine Tuning Online Presence
Online presence of a candidate is very important in the job search process. Be it a social networking site or otherwise, you should be wary of the information – whether textual or visual.  Recruiters nowadays immediately check the online profiles to do background checks even before shortlisting. So reviewing and fine tuning it is important before resumes are sent out. 
 
Using Online Job Portals
With job and candidate scouting shifting online, it is recommended to register and build profiles with popular job portals like Monster. These help in making a seeker’s updated profile a personalised experience to the recruiter with the right key words for better visibility. Using the multitude of online apps and tools for specific needs or instant notifications also helps. They go a long way in pushing a seeker’s profile amongst the first reviewed in the online abyss of millions. 
 
Network More 
Networking is the most powerful tool to find a job. The old saying that it is not about what you know but who you know still holds true. Many job connections are cracked only through personal networking. With document prep and online presence sorted, it is smart recommendations through networking that help in getting a foothold in the job door.
 
Researching on Targeted Jobs 
The desired job will only turn into a reality when a seeker researches on the kinds of jobs available that match identified interests and skills. Then pursuing it with tailor made resumes and smart recommendations. 
 
Being Organised
Seekers often get confused with tracking job applications sent, follow-ups, interview schedules, networking contacts, etc. So organisational systems aided by online tools help.
 
Preps for Interviews & Marketing for Self 
A powerful resume, online technology and networking can only land a seeker an interview. After that it all depends on how the interview is navigated and self- marketing done. Both require good prep and practice.
 
Salary Negotiations
The last round often culminates with money talk. Salary and profile offered are the deciding factors to accept or reject a job offer. Get access to insights such as Monster Salary Index reports to understand trends before salary negotiations. Here, tactfulness pays for a deal to close with an offer letter culminating with its acceptance.