One too often overlooked aspect of the job hunting process is finding a career to be passionate about. The first step in this process is to identify the activities that one enjoys, disregarding compensation or job availability at this point. Brainstorming and a process called mind mapping are both effective ways to uncover buried passions. Once one has a list of activities that they enjoy the next step is to identify potential jobs that incorporate those activities. Again brainstorming or mind mapping can be used in this process.

The key here is to start with a desire and a passion then pursue positions that fulfill that desire and passion, not the other way around.

A worker very interested in work activity is likely to be better than an indifferent worker or one who loathes the job. An interested worker, likely a happier worker, should not need to job hunt as frequently as someone who takes little care in assuring that the job is a “good fit” for them.

A job seeker uncertain about interests could maybe disagree with the Princeton Review Career Quiz. Goaded by disagreement, the job seeker may assess small (and maybe large) personal triumphs which were very engaging before preparing a resume. Although this list isn’t easy to make, personal accomplishments indicate work activity which fascinates, and can also furnish a good starting point toward a functional resume.

It is expected the job seekers will have done a reasonable amount of research into the employers. Some basic information about an employer should be collected first before applying the organization’s positions, including full name, locations, web site, business description, year established, revenues, number of employees, stock price if public, name of chief executive officer, major products or services, major competitors, strength as well as challenges.

With all of the resources available on the Internet, expand the research into the employer to discover if the employer’s operation is healthy and likely to continue to prosper. If an employer’s financial situation is shaky, new employees are often the first one out the door when a cut back occurs. Employers that are companies with publicly traded equities are good subjects for pre-employment research and enable the job hunter to avoid being the last one hired before the reductions and layoffs begin.