Phase Five: The Job Search
Ask Yourself: How do I identify job requirements and prospective companies, find networks
and placement agencies, and generally increase my knowledge and experience in the job market? How
do I write a resume, develop leads, conduct an interview, and complete a job application?
Once you have selected your future career, you must now begin the challenge of finding
work. Millions of people are hired all across the country every year. Employee turnover
opens up existing positions, and entirely new jobs are created every day. Nevertheless, the
job market is competitive. The best way to improve your odds is to play your best hand: Seek
the opportunities for which you are best prepared.
Work hard at finding a job. Network! The vast majority of jobs are filled by referrals,
not the want ads. Use your network of friends, colleagues, and family; as well as the job
listings provided by your installation's Transition Assistance Office, the local personnel office,
or even the nearest community college. Take advantage of job-hunting seminars, resume-writing
workshops, and interviewing techniques classes too. Attend job fairs and talk to as many
company representatives as possible.
