Firstly, it is an excellent idea to get yourself organised both physically and mentally.  After all, you are on a campaign to find a new job, and until you have one you’re on a crusade.  You are about to make a “life changing” decision.  So, first things first, find yourself a centre of operations, a job search campaign H.Q.

Some suggestions, depending on your circumstances;-

• An outplacement service provider
• If you’re being made redundant, facilities at your current employer – this is very often on offer, make sure you ask.
• A desk at a friend or associates house or office.
• A room, or part thereof, set aside in your own home.

It is important that your job search H.Q. is separate from your normal life.  Once you have decided on a place, make sure it is clean, tidy, has good lighting and is somewhere that generally, you feel comfortable in.

Job Search – What You Need

You will also need a desk (or table) to work from, some form of filing system or cabinet, a chair, a decent PC with Internet connection and email facilities and a telephone.  It can also very helpful to have, at least, access to a facsimilie machine (yes, they’re still in use).  Now, I’m not suggesting you rush out and buy a fax, but know where you can gain quick and easy use of such a machine.  As we will see later, time can be critical in certain circumstances, so you need to have access to all of the most cost effective and quickest mediums of delivery. This is your career we’re dealing with…it’s important.

An answerphone is also a good idea.  If you are expecting calls and are not able to take them, relying on children (including teenagers) or the housekeeper, may prove too risky.  One missed message calling you for an interview will certainly prove fatal to that particular job application!

If at all possible it is better to get a machine that allows you to access the messages remotely.  If you can’t buy, try to borrow, or even beg – don’t steal though.

Most people today are conversant with using answerphones, but in case you’re not, here is a simple message you can use.

Hello, this is Derek Armson.  I’m sorry I’m not in at the moment, but if you would like to leave your name, number and time of message, I’ll call you back as soon as I can.  Please speak after you hear the tone.  Thank-you for calling.

Simple isn’t it?  Do use your own name on the message, by the way!!!

O.K your job search H.Q is now set up, what next?