Looking for a job but not sure how to prepare. These top 10 tips will assist you in successfully organizing a process and make the job search easy.

1. Be Patient. Look after you

The job search can cause stress and strong negative emotions. Feelings can range from loss, denial, fear, anger and depression. Positive habits such as eating well exercise and rest and maintaining a social circle is crucial to managing stress during a job search. Treat the job search like a full-time job and taking time out at the end each day to attend to the other things of your life.

2. Know Yourself

What aspects are you looking for in a job? What type of job would be a good fit for you? The job search starts with preparation and planning. Write down your personal characteristics such as values, interests, skills and experience. A thorough list can help you choose a realistic job objective that fits your needs and will be helpful when creating or revising your resume and preparing for job interviews.

3. Know the Job Market

Before you begin your search, it is useful to research the job market in the area that you want. There are many resources available to help with your job market research including the internet, the library, employment agencies, Chambers of commerce, Professional Associations, career fairs, trade and business directories.

4. Look for Leads

Leads can be found by approaching professionals within organizations that have the need, the ability or access to people who hire employees with skills similar to yours. If the organization that you contact is not hiring, ask them for referrals to other organizations that might have openings that match your qualifications.

5. Tap into the Hidden Job Market

Approximately 80% of jobs and contracts in small businesses, are not posted and are advertised by word of mouth. Make some cold calls, it might pay off. Look on the internet or phone book for contact information.

6. Combining the Job Search Process

You can increase your odds of success by combining your strategy to access the job market. Maintain a routine by searching local, regional, and national newspapers, Internet, and employment agency job boards daily. Records all networking contacts, cover letters and resumes sent, interviews, thank you notes, referrals, and follow-ups.

7. Visit Job Postings Sites Daily

Job posting sites change daily, so its important to keep on top of things. Here are a few job sites to check out:

* BC Jobs
* Canada Jobs
* Future Works
* CareerBuilder
* Monster
* Techvibes.com
* T-Net Employment
* Workopolis
* Job Forum Canada
* WorkBC

8. Write an Effective Cover Letter and Resume

Cover Letter

Include a cover letter with every resume you submit. The cover letter is your marketing tool and should not duplicate your resume. This one page cover letter attracts the attention of the employer and gets them interested to look at your resume. Make sure you indicate your interest in the job and organization, describe your marketable qualifications, provide contact information and ask for an interview.

Resume

Always write a resume to target a specific position within an organization. The job description will help clearly identify how you meet those qualifications and skills required by the job. Format your resume to show you meet all the requirements on the job description. If you have a difficult time creating or revising your resume, seek a professional resume writing service provider.

9. Organize Your Work Samples

Today, more employers are asking candidates to provide samples of their work. It is a good idea to provide samples of your work, education, accomplishments and recognition in a portfolio when speaking about your experiences in an interview.

» Read more: 10 Job Search Tips – Finding the Right Job