How to conduct an effective entry level job search

There's no question that today's job market is difficult. Jobs are not so plentiful, so you've got to make your best presentation, each time you make contact with a prospective employer.

If you're looking for an entry level job, you may feel it's going to be even tougher for you. However, you should take heart. Professionals with many years of experience on their resume may have a tougher time landing a job than you! They need to hopefully, match a certain salary expectation in order to meet their existing obligations, such as a mortgage. On the other hand, they may just as well need to downsize on their current or former salary, due to the sheer number of candidates with which they're competing.

Here we give you the secrets to managing a successful entry level job search program.

When conducting an entry level job search, you face a lot of competition, but you can gain an edge by knowing what prospective employers consider an ideal candidate and emphasizing certain of those characteristics on your resume. A good resume will help you stand out from the competition and get an interview. At your interview, you have the opportunity to promote yourself and underline those desirable characteristics.

It's likely that you don't have a lot of work experience to flesh out that resume. If you're just entering the job market, you'll want to include any and all temporary or part time jobs you've held, including informal arrangements, such as babysitting or after-school yard work jobs. The point you're trying to get across is that you have demonstrated responsibility and reliability in executing a task. Save the prospective employer some time by getting written references, with a phone contact, which you can attach to your resume upon submission. Make it easy for the employer to verify what you put on your resume.

While people with lots of work experience don't usually include special interests and hobbies type of information on their resume, when conducting an entry level job search, it's a good idea. Lacking much work experience, this helps the employer get a feel for your talents, personality and style before ever meeting you.

For example, if the goal of your entry level job search is to get your foot in the bakery business, past activities such as church bake sale coordinator or participant, taking baking classes, or babysitting jobs which including making meals are worth mentioning, as this demonstrates an ongoing interest in the business. This gives you an edge over all other candidates without this background, or those who failed to mention such activities. This strategy applies to whatever special interests you have, as it may apply to the employer's business.

If you're just coming out of school and have a good G.P.A., be sure to give that information a line on your resume. Any continuing education coursework and educational goals also merit a mention.

Unless the ad specifies mailing your resume, try to apply in person as possible. This shows an employer that you're serious about the job and also gives you an opportunity for a face-to-face. True, you may be handing your resume to the front receptionist, but it never hurts to ask if the hiring manager is in. You could be hired on the spot.

When showing up in person, dress conservatively and professionally. You get only one chance to make that first good impression!

So there you have the essential secrets of the successful entry level job search campaign. Good luck!