When hunting for a new job, whether it is your first (as is my case) or you are pursuing a career change, it is important to have a certain set of tools to help you. These tools, along with a core skill set are what I call the “Job Hunter’s Survival Kit”. I have broken down the essentials into Job Searching tools and Interviewing Tools.

Job Searching Tools

These are the tools for your kit that will help you seek out jobs like a laser guided missile. In a sense, they are the basics, but somehow it seems like people often overlook their importance. In my experience (however short it may be), I have found that getting an interview at all is the hardest part of the job hunting process. Perfect these tools, and you should be well on your way to landing the interview.

Build A Bullet Proof Resume

• How to write a masterpiece of a resume
• Easy Ways to Improve Your Resume Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Resume
• How To Make An Impression w/ Your Resume in 30 Seconds
• 9 Resume Tips That Should Be Screechingly Obvious (But Apparently Aren’t)
• 25 Words That Hurt Your Resume
• 10 Things That Get Resume s Trashed

Writing A Rock Solid Cover Letter

• One Cover Letter to Rule Them All – Differentiating Yourself
• How to write a killer cover letter [PDF]
• The Resume Cover Letter
• Cover Letters : The Do’s and Don’ts

Searching For Jobs

• 70 Tools for Job Hunting
• 25 Ways You Might Be Sabotaging Your Own Job Search
• How much money should you be making? Use Salary Search to find out
• Ten Job Hunting Myths
• Job hunting online gets trickier

Interviewing Tools

In this section I will give you more than just links. I will also throw in my personal favorite materials to bring along with you on a job hunt. But besides what you bring with you, your composure during the interview is of supreme importance. After perusing these links, you should be ready for whatever weird question your interviewer can throw at you.

Interview Materials

• Moleskine Notebook: I used a section of my pocket notebook for taking notes during an interview. I also like to write notes before the interview, including facts about the company and other tidbits. The pocket in the back of the notebook is perfect for storing business cards you get as well as a few of your own to hand out.
• Business Card Organizer: Ok, so you don’t have to bring this along with you on the interview, but it is still a must have. Keep the business cards you collect organized somehow (alphabetically or otherwise) and build up a list of contacts. Sure you can digitize your collection, but I like having something tactile.
• Bookmark Pens: I recently purchased these based on a recommendation from David Seah. They are perfect for putting into your moleskine notebook as a bookmark, of course!
• Your Resume: This one is obvious, but seriously don’t forget it! Even if you emailed a copy ahead of time, be sure to bring spare ones. And if you can, carry them in a handsome case as well. Keep everything professional looking.

Tips For The Interview

• How to Ace Your Job Interview : 88 Surefire Tips and Tricks
• 5 Job Interview Bear Traps
• Top 7 questions to ask in an Interview
• Top 10 Worst Job Interview Blunders
• Killer job interview questions and answers

I have settled into my temporary home in Dallas and will be using this “kit” myself. Hopefully, I will soon be reporting about my new job! What essentials do you use for job hunting?