There are four basic steps you should consider once you've decided to actively pursue employment. Those steps are:

1. Self-Evaluation
2. Research
3. Preparation
4. The Job Search

1. Self-Evaluation

Once you've decided to seek competitive employment, you should ask yourself two very important questions, "What do I want to do?" and "What do I have to offer an employer?"

It's important to be honest with yourself as you ponder these questions. Some serious reality testing is required at this point. To begin with, if you have a high school diploma and one year of employment history, it would be unrealistic of you to pursue a Sales Manager position without acquiring additional training and/or expeirence.

2. Research

Once you've decided on an occupational choice, you should try to find out what opportunities are available, and then ask yourself if you qualify for any of those positions. For example, if you have two years of sales experience and you're interested in a sales manager position that offers great pay, excellent benefits and a company car, you should really be honest with yourself as you analyze their requirements for the job. Ask yourself if you meet the company's qualifications. Do you have the ability to "knock 'em dead" on an interview and to dazzle them with your resume? If the answer is no, then you should also ask yourself what steps you would need to take in order to make that happen.

Some resources you may want to consider as you conduct your research are the local libraries, college libraries, the unemployment office, internet resources, and the Occupational Outlook.

3. Preparation

Once you have determined that you do have what it takes to impress an employer on paper, as well as in person, then you should begin developing an impressive resume and composing an attention-capturing cover letter.

4. The Job Search

Your job search should include finding out what jobs are available in your immediate area, making contact with prospective employers, scheduling and keeping job interview appointments, and making informed decisions regarding specific jobs you are interested in. Before making a final decision, you need to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are some of my long-term and short-term goals?
2. What are my work/environmental preferences?
3. What are my financial goals and objectives? Can I be satisfied with the
compensation this employer is offering me?
4. Will I be happy in this position one year from now? How about five
years from now?