How I did it: When you've applied to enough jobs and gone through enough failed interviews, you begin to see patterns and you start learning what to expect. You learn what works and what doesn't, and you learn to experiment with different responses to the same questions you'll get over and over.
If you have a college degree, you need to think about how to best apply it. Certain employers will take more interest in your degree, and it's your job to find out whom those employers are. Be open to anything.

I absolutely will not say that I'm an expert. But I will say that I spent over a year looking for a job that would work and if you are struggling, I am happy to share what I've learned.

Lessons & tips: Job Search "Do's":

1. Realize that general job-search tips do not work equally for all jobs, fields, and employers.
2. EXPECT AND BELIEVE THAT IT WILL TAKE A VERY LONG TIME.  You will need to get a low-paying, temporary job as you look for the "good" one. Swallow your pride, work at McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, wherever. When you get sick of one, start at another. Buy yourself time. Expect your search for that "good" job to take 12 months or more.
3. A compelling cover letter is the tool that gets employers interested in your resume. Write a brand new one for each employer, and address it to the specific people, person, or department which has the power to hire you.
4. Have an impressive resumé. Have it reviewed and polished at a job fair or your university's career center.
5. Don't overthink the interview. Don't stress about the interview at all. Look good, be there fifteen minutes early, and be yourself. If the employer doesn't like you, there isn't much you can do.
6. Return letters, phone calls, and e-mails promptly.

"Job Search Don'ts." What didn't help:

1. DO NOT tell your friends about upcoming interviews you have. It will only make you feel worse when after the tenth one they're still asking you "How did it go? Did you get the job?"
2. "Researching the employer" before the interview. They never seemed that impressed by how much I found out about them online.
3.  Letters of recommendation and references from college professors. Don't waste your time! Letters only work for grad school applications. My prospective employers never contacted any of my professers whom I listed as references. I know because I asked.
4. Typical online job sites like Craigslist and Monster didn't help me much. You'll have more luck by going directly to the company websites and clicking on the links for "Human Resources" or "Careers" or "Employment," "Jobs," etc.
5. THANK YOU LETTERS ARE WORTHLESS!!! Again, don't even waste your time! Because the employers won't waste theirs. I don't understand why so many job-search sites tell people to write thank you notes.

Resources: The single greatest tool for me was a simple composition notebook. It helped me keep track of all the employers to whom I sent my resumé and application. It helped me keep track of dates, names, and interviews I had. It even helped me keep track of usernames and passwords I had to create on various online applications! Most importantly, it helped me to realize how much effort I was making toward finding a good job, and reminded me I was trying my best.

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Mar 25, 2012, 07:31AM PDT | 1 comment | 12 cheers