Go into your job search with a plan. Know what you are looking for. Know where you want to be in five or ten years. Have some flexibility but keep your eye on your long term goals. Think about your entire career, not just the next job.
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Be prepared to address some of the basic questions that will come up when you are talking with companies. Are you willing to relocate? Do you have certain geographic preferences? Willingness and ability to relocate will greatly improve your marketability and the likelihood of finding the right position for short and long range advancement opportunities.
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Do you have in mind a particular type of institution that you would prefer to join? For example, a degree granting institution vs. a certificate based school? A culinary school vs. an allied medical school?
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Is your resume up-to-date? Does it convey a level of professionalism that is appropriate for the job to which you are applying?
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Do you have three or four solid references that will be available for prospective employers to contact? Most references should be people who have worked in a supervisory capacity to you.
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Have you truly made a commitment to look for a new position or are you casually looking at other options? Know what level you are committed to and make that clear to the individual who is serving you.
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Have you developed any skills or experience that might be of particular interest to an employer? Are these achievements listed clearly on your resume? If you have specific achievements or statistics that speak to your success include them on your resume.
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Do you have appropriate professional attire for an interview?
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If you have an interview set up, have you done your homework? For example, studied the company’s website, admissions literature, etc.
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If you are heading to a face to face interview, do you have it scheduled at a time when you are going to be able to be well rested and ready to devote your attention to the task at hand.
