Conduct Your Search
Writing Great Notes & Letters
This section contains guidelines and templates for every type of correspondence that you will probably need for a successful search. Whether you are writing to thank a contact that has been helpful or to introduce yourself to a potential employer, know what to say and how to say it. Use the templates to quickly and easily create a note or letter by filling in key information and letting the template do the rest.
Most of the people to whom you are writing are inundated by thousands of notes, letters and resumes. They usually do not read much more than the first paragraph. Our templates and guidelines can help you create notes and letters that are much more likely to be read in their entirety.
Electronic communication is increasingly accepted as the communication tool of choice. Use it as your postal tool. It is fast, free, and traceable. Reliable templates of cover letters, introduction/marketing letters, thank you letters, follow-ups, and more are available in this section. Copy and paste the content from the templates into your email and then make appropriate edits. For hard copy correspondence, copy and paste the content into a blank word processing document and make the appropriate edits. Nothing could be easier.
JSO Resumailer
This unique tool facilitates the e-mailing of resumes, cover letters, and tracks ad responses and company information while automatically scheduling follow-up events. Read More »
Job Search Methods
Do I really have to use all of these tools? »
A successful job search requires a multi-faceted approach. Using several job search methods simultaneously will help shorten the length of your search. You never know where the next opportunity will come from, so exploring all avenues is critical. Few things are more frustrating than spending all of your time with one method that isn’t producing results. JSO can help you effectively use the six methods for finding job opportunities:
- Networking – This method still accounts for the majority of job placements. In fact, it has been estimated that more than 50% of professional and managerial jobs are filled through networking. For that reason, it is critical to do it well. It is through networking that the “hidden” job market is accessed.
- Internet – Massive job opening boards like Monster and Career Builder are becoming more popular amongst employers and job searchers, as well. If used properly, they are very useful. If, however, too much time is put into searching these boards, your search can be long and very frustrating.
- Hard Copy Advertisements - Newspapers, trade magazines and newsletters are still an excellent source of job opportunities. Find out how to best respond.
- Search Firms and Employment Agencies – Many jobs still go through these organizations so it is very important to understand how to work with them most effectively.
- Job Fairs and Professional Meetings – This form of networking is becoming increasingly popular. It is important to note that the higher level and more specialized jobs usually do not appear at these meetings. Nonetheless, they can be great networking venues so do not underestimate their value, even if the job you want might not be available there.
- Cold Calls – The toughest and least productive way to find a job.
Great Interviews
For most of us, no other part of the job search process is as anxiety provoking as face to face interviews. This segment of the website contains all of the information and tools that you will need to prepare for, conduct and assess great interviews as well as continuously improve your interviewing skills. Read More »
Retirement Transition
If retirement is an option for you, this section provides information and links that will help you make that critical decision wisely. Retirement is a transition that requires very careful career and personal planning. On the career side, many options exist including part-time work, temporary work, volunteer work, self-employment, educational/training opportunities, leisure time/hobbies and recreational activities.
Personal issues need to be evaluated including finances, health, home security, personal relationships, and life balance as you move into the retirement phase of your career. This segment of the website provides information and links in these areas:
- Pension / Social Security/Medicare & Healthcare
- Retirement Resources
- Resource Articles for Managing a Retirement Transition
Reference Resources
Be prepared so you can confidently respond to requests for references. References allow potential employers the opportunity to see you from the perspective of previous employers and others. Many previous employers will limit the information that they are willing to disclose, sometimes to as little as a verification of your employment dates and titles. They do this to limit their exposure to potential legal actions. In a very few states, laws provide incentives and protections to employers to provide information. This limitation makes finding accurate information regarding past employment difficult. Therefore, JSO will show you how to make it as easy as possible for them to surface information that is both accurate and in your best interests.