Job Tool Kit

Find your chosen career with this job tool kit. Tips on job searches, writing resumes and cover letters, and interview preparation.

Divorce often necessitates returning to work or finding a better paying job. Yet, it also allows you to control your own destiny and do what is meaningful to you. Remember being asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?" After years of raising kids and supplementing the household income with odd jobs, you may have forgotten just what it was that you wanted out of life.

Begin determining your dream job by researching your strengths and interests. What are you good at? What do you find challenging? Taking the time to determine your particular strengths is well worth the effort when you end up choosing a job that engages your passion.

If you need a little help in this department, you might consider taking a skills assessment test. These types of tests take the combination of your strengths, interests, and personality to help identify the types of careers that you might best be suited for. Your local library should have various skills assessment books, or you can try this free online personal career profile test.

Once you pinpoint the type of career that fits your personality, you may need to get some additional training to become qualified for jobs in your field. You can contact your local community college to find out if they offer courses that could help you, or you can even take classes online.

Tips for Women Returning to Work: Re-launching a career after divorce can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you've been a homemaker for years. These tips on reentering the workforce can help.

Search For Jobs: Once you determine what type of work that you would like to do, you need to consider finding jobs that compliment your strengths. Generally only 1 in 20 leads will result in a job offer, so you should make it your goal to apply for at least 20 jobs. Don’t be intimidated or over-whelmed. The job you want is out there if you just keep striving to find it. Most people only spend about 5 hours a week in their job search, but if you put 20 hours a week (only half the time of most real jobs), you will greatly increase your chances for success.

Resume Writing : This job tool kit offers the resources to help you land that dream job. Write and polish your resume until it sparkles. Show how your skills are an asset to future employers.

Resumes Mistakes: Read about the ten things to never put on your resume before you send it off.

Cover Letters : Once you have an idea of the field that you would like to work in, you can begin marketing yourself on paper. Draft and outline a cover letter that will get your “foot in the door”, so that potential employers will actually read your resume.

Job Interviews: Get prepared for the potential interview by practicing your answers to the most common questions. Find out how to approach the job interview and interact with your interviewer. Make a good impression on your future boss.

Questions to Ask During an Interview: These questions will show that your are really interested in working for the company, and are trying to find out how you can served their needs.

Thank You Letters : Learn how to draft a thank-you letter to show your appreciation for being considered. This will help remind your potential employer why you are the one for the job. Set yourself apart from the others.