Before heading out on any long journey, it would be prudent to check a map and have an overview of the route ahead. Likewise, before launching a job hunt, it is wise to have an idea of each individual step along the way. Chapter One, Planning Your Job Search, provides a brief roadmap for proceeding through the various stages of job hunting. You may be just starting out and in need of some direction, have already completed some of the steps, or be ready to close on a job offer. Wherever you are along the path, you can now quickly determine what to do next.

At the very beginning of your journey, it's important to conduct a self-assessment and find out about your desires and capabilities. Do a little research to determine which careers best suit you and what you need to do to prepare for them. Then, search for potential employers that might utilize someone with your skills. Be sure to consider all job options-big companies, small companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and startups. At this stage of your job search, every idea represents additional opportunities so get creative!

The next phases of the job hunt involve creating and gathering all the documents you need to best present yourself to prospective employers. You'll need to prepare your resume and draft cover letters. You may also want to obtain letters of recommendation and assemble a portfolio.

At this stage, you will have the self-knowledge and the tools to confidently present yourself to employers. It's time to develop a system for following up on phone calls, correspondence, and meetings. Your job hunt will progress more smoothly and rapidly if you are organized. Throughout the process, you'll want to use the Internet to gather research on companies, industries, and career trends.

Once your job hunt is well on the way, you will likely need to fill out job applications and go on job interviews. Prepare to take employment tests, and then, hopefully, evaluate the job offers you have garnered. Finally, you've accepted a job, and it's time to begin the challenging first few months of employment in which you will meet new people, learn about your specific responsibilities, and hone your skills.