With the unemployment rate in the U.S. at its highest in more than two decades, millions of Americans are actively looking for work, and competition is stiff. The Internet has made it easier than ever to search for and apply to jobs, but it has also made standing out more difficult. Having a flawless, easy-to-read resume and a catchy cover letter are key to getting employers to take a second look. For tips, check out ResumeTemplates.org, build your resume from scratch at TheResumeBuilder.com and see sample resumes, examples and templates at About.com.
Once you've crafted a perfect resume, it's time to start the job search. USAJobs is the federal government's official one-stop source for federal jobs and employment information. Us.jobs lets you search jobs by state, search Career Events, check out career resources and more. Job-Hunt.org has links to 13,054 employers and job search resources, while Careers.org features job descriptions, salary info. and career profiles for more than 1,000 occupations. Career Builder is another popular place to find jobs and get career advice. CareerPath has handy career tests that help you determine what job will be the right fit, and MSN Careers offers a similar feature, as well as job postings. Check out Better Learning Systems' eLearningPlanner.com for a free career test.
Also, if you're interested in working for a specific company, be sure to check out that firm's website to see if there are any job openings or connections to help you get your foot in the door. Online networking is one of the best ways to connect to the job market as well as market yourself, and you can check out this list of professional and social-networking sites to get started.
Career fairs are another popular way to see who's hiring in your area. Check out National Career Fairs, which features more than 300 career fairs in 76 cities.
Secured an interview? Focus on the intersection of your talent and the company's strengths. Hoovers.com offers business profiles that can help you get up to speed on a company. For some great interview tips, check out this article from About.com, which includes a list of sample interview questions.
Once you've been offered the job, the tables turn. Now it's your turn to look for what you want. Salary and benefits will be up for discussion, so you may want to check out the PayScale Salary Calculator for an easy way to compare positions. This Washington Post article may also help. If you land the job and relocation is in the works, this cost-of-living calculator can help you determine how to budget in your new city on your new salary. Moving.com can help out with specific moving details. Be patient, be confident, and the right job will come along. Good luck!
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