AMY LINDGREN Preparation is key to the job search

Just starting a job search? Do yourself a favor. Approach this problem like you would a room that needs to be painted.
When you paint a room, you must follow several steps before your brush ever touches the rim of the paint can. Impossible to ignore are the early planning questions: What color? Which room? When will you do the job?
Unfortunately, those questions are easier to overlook in a job search. Every day of the week, job seekers launch searches without knowing which job they are seeking, what salary they will accept or even the date by which they need to be hired. Unlike a paint project, this haphazard method works just often enough to make it seem like a good idea. That's material for another column.
Back to the decorating project. If you have selected the paint and picked a day to work, the way you handle the next steps will mark you as a pro, an amateur or a wannabe (not to mention a don't-wannabe, if you got conned into this project). Having worked on and off as a house painter during college, and as a clumsy assistant to my father in his decorating business, I know the difference between these levels comes down to two things: preparation and technique.
Preparation is vital
Although job search technique (how to answer interview questions, for example) is frequently considered by job seekers, not enough attention is paid to preparation. In your paint project, this stage includes all the tedious tasks you'd rather skip: moving the furniture, laying down drop cloths, washing and sanding the walls, patching and priming the spots and masking the trim.
In a job search, similarly important preparation includes setting a schedule, creating written materials, setting aside space and tools to use, and establishing connections with people who can help you.
Ideally, these steps would come before your attempts to contact employers. Even more ideally, they would be guided by decisions you have already made concerning your target job, your required salary range and your desired hire date.
Step by step
Let's take a closer look at those preparation steps.
Setting a schedule:
The best way to use your time well is to plan. Start by identifying the slots you can devote to job search each day. If you're currently employed, these might be evening or weekend hours. Even if you're out of work, some of your time might already be committed to family obligations.
Whatever time you have, treat it like a precious resource.
As a tip, remember that most jobs are found through contacts. The numbers vary, but some estimates say these "hidden" jobs outnumber advertised positions by as much as four to one. Your use of time should be similarly allocated. For every hour you spend with the want ads or job boards -- including the time it takes you to respond -- spend four hours connecting directly with people who can lead you to jobs that aren't so broadly advertised.
Tools
Creating a place for job search:
The basics of a job search include a table or desk, a computer with Internet access and printer (preferably laser), and a phone. Extra touches that can make a real difference: phone headset, fax machine, business cards, Rolodex, date book, lots of file folders or three-ring binders to help track leads, and a comfortable chair.
If you don't have access to a computer, or if your printer is poor quality, do what you can to overcome these deficiencies. In many areas, you will be able to use systems at libraries, work force centers or even coffee shops for little or no cost. To make the best use of technology, sign up for e-mail with one of the free services and check your account frequently.
Preparing written materials:
You know about making a r & eacute;sum & eacute; already. Even if you haven't completed this vital step, chances are you understand its importance and are planning to get started soon.
But what have you done to prepare your cover letters and follow-up correspondence? Uh-huh. Most job seekers wait to write their letters until a job lead appears. Unfortunately, that's the point when you're most distracted by other tasks as well: trying to track down more information about the job, customizing your r & eacute;sum & eacute;, reconnecting with references, etc.
Later, I'll present four types of letters you can outline in advance, with sample wording to give you a head start. And we'll take a closer look at your contacts and the advance work you can do to get their support and job leads flowing in your direction.
With this kind of careful preparation, you'll not only conduct a better job search, but you also may find that you have time left over to catch up on a house project. Maybe there's a room that needs painting?
XAmy Lindgren, the owner of a career-consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn., can be reached at alindgrenpioneerpress.com.