The Reality of the Job Search
The more time you spend on your job search, the sooner you will find that desired position. Just spending an hour or two a week sending out one or two résumés is not enough. Think of a job search as a job—the more time you spend on your hunt, the greater the rewards. Realistically, plan on spending at least one month per each $10,000 in salary on your job search. The more money you are seeking, the longer it will take you to find a job in that price range.
Don’t take the first job offer just because it’s offered, especially if that employer is anxious to hire right away. If both you and that employer have time to think about it, you both will make a better decision. An employer who simply wants to get someone hired this week and isn’t willing to wait another week may not be your best choice of an employer. Ask for time and then ask why that time can’t be made available to you. You might discover something about the company or the supervisor that is important.
Remember that the job search is not the appropriate time to discuss money. Try at all times to avoid being pinned down about your salary requirements before being offered the job. Negotiating a salary should come after the job offer, though in reality most of the time it isn’t. If asked before the interview about salary requirements and you can’t avoid it, use the bracketing technique of quoting a salary range—between $22,000 and $25,000. Make sure this is reasonable for that type of job in that geographical location. Don’t price yourself out of a job and don’t underrate yourself. Use extreme caution always!
Most importantly, avoid feelings of helplessness by taking charge of your job search. Don’t sit at home waiting for someone to call you. Get up, get out, get active. Every day ask yourself, "What can I do today to increase my opportunities?" Set up plans, do some research, call someone, meet someone, stay positive—just get moving!