If you are between jobs it is important to organize your time and efforts and to have the tools and resources you need for the daily pursuit of your prime objective - your new job.

With all of the downsizing, restructuring, right-sizing and mergers and acquisitions, there is no stigma attached to being in career transition. Unemployment is a temporary condition and with one door closing, one door opens somewhere to better conditions.

So, how do you get organized?
Consider that there are four main areas of organization required to launch a successful job search:

1. The Documentation
2. The Internet Resources
3. The Networking
4. The Referrals & Follow up

Wherever possible, we will note links to other articles in this series or elsewhere in our two websites that deal specifically with the topics discussed.

1. The Documentation:
    Your Resume: Your Career Passport
    E-Resumes: What Works Best
    Resume Writing Services
    Cover Letters: Brief & Focused

Reference Letters are a major advantage to have. If you are being released from a company due to a merger or downsizing, ask for a letter of reference from your immediate manager and other managers who can give their opinion on how you conduct business. Make copies of these letters and leave them with interviewers that you meet with if the job interests you. Make sure that you obtain the permission of the reference contact that they can be called for a discussion if required by a potential employer. Tell any potential employer that you would appreciate being notified when they wish to contact a reference so that you can alert the reference to the call and pave the way for them to talk to the reference. This is important because you don't want the reference being called by everyone you meet for a job. Choose carefully whom you give this permission to.

2. The Internet Resources:
     Making Contact: Using The Internet
    Job Boards - Your Internet Postings
    Quick Reference Links
    Internet Recruiter Directories -      Found on our Job Search Guide site
     Step-by-Step Self Marketing Plan Job Search Guide site
     Company Research Directories -   Job Search Guide site
     Job Boards and Posting Sites

With the advent of the Internet job search resources have significantly enhanced the process of sourcing, identifying and exploring useful information from industry-specific career sites to press releases and articles identifying hiring managers names and titles. Use this valuable tool to create a qualified list of prospects to whom you can send your resume. Search engines like Google provide a rich source of information if you use them properly. Learn how to conduct focused searches utilizing the options at your disposal. A good place to start is here:                                                                                           http://searchenginewatch.com/resources/article.php/2156611


3. The Networking:
    For Newcomers and Students - JSG site
    Recruiters: What To Look For
    Your Interview Begins On The Telephone
    Applying for Jobs By E-Mail

Compile a list of your business email contacts. If you are a newcomer to the country, begin researching for associations that are active in the industry or commerce sectors that you have worked in overseas. These associations often have membership pages which list the contact information for industry executives in specific companies. Publications specific to the disciplines that you have trained in are often online and contain names and titles of people to send emails to. Find out the local credentials and professional designations for your field of training and experience and Google them to find out who are the leading providers of industry education geared to your employment experience. The local library often has publications and directories that you can review and obtain contacts information from. Review your business cards and include them on your contacts list. don't hesitate to call or send an email asking them for other people whom you can contact. Review the online recruiter directories (see the link above under Internet resources).

4. The Referrals & Follow up:

Write and save in the Drafts folder of your email program a standard introduction letter with your signature, including telephone number/s for multiple use. You can modify this letter according to the advertisement or the person you are sending a message to. Create a folder in your email program with a filename like Networking or Job Search Contacts and copy your messages sent into it for reference. Make sure that recipients can follow up with you. Put your telephone number in the email message. Don't send multiple attachments.

To be continued.