Searching for your next job means thinking and working fast. Dawdlers need not apply.

Sanjay Sathe, chief executive officer of the San Jose-based outplacement company Rise-Smart, says a focused plan can save valuable time and produce results.

"The single most important thing is to get to that next job fast," Sathe said. "Everybody gets so busy with the process rather than focusing on the results."

Sathe offered four steps toward job-seeking success:

• Don't spend too much time on job sites.

Surfing sites wastes time, Sathe said.

Instead, be specific when you browse by identifying key words and phrases that relate to your industry or career field. This focuses your search and saves time.

"It's very important to get to the job you want," Sathe said.

• Sharpen your résumé.

"You really need to spend a lot of time on your résumé. You can't take it for granted," Sathe said. "Résumés should be accomplishment-based. What have you done?"

• Polish your pitch.

"How in a clear, succinct way can you get across what you're made of?" Sathe asks. "It's all about what you can offer" an employer. Devise and rehearse the message you will present to employers.

• Use social media and other technology.

As employers are using it, job seekers must embrace it, Sathe said. LinkedIn, Facebook and other sites help get your brand and skills out in front of potential employers.

"It's a two-way street on social media. Employers are trying to meet (candidates) through social media. Make sure you're able to reach out to them on social media," Sathe said. "A lot of it is positioning. You can package everything together – put your portfolio online, your contact information. It's a great way of presenting yourself."

Steel firm hiring

Steel distributors PDM Steel Service Centers is hiring inside sales staff for its Stockton office, the firm has announced.

Candidates will have previous steel sales experience, a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a four-year college or university, or a combination of education and experience.

No phone calls. Send résumés via email to general manager Tim Kline at tkline@pdmsteel.com

Veterans career fair set

More than 90 employers will be on hand for the Hire a Hero, Hire a Vet career fair Oct. 18 at McClellan Park in North Highlands.

The free event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5411 Luce Ave., McClellan Park and is open to all job seekers.

The fair features employers including Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Vision Service Plan, retailers such as Target, Rite Aid and Lowe's along with federal agencies and smaller employers.

For more information, call organizers Randy Hadley or David Most at Sacramento Works' Mark Sanders Career Center, (916) 227-0301.

How to get a state job

California Department of Human Resources' lunchtime seminars return Oct. 24.

Job seekers can learn how to search and apply for employment with the state at the free noon workshop at the State Personnel Board offices, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento.

The seminar also covers the Limited Examination and Appointment Program, which aids in the recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities into state service.

For more information, visit www.jobs.ca.gov/Job/LunchSeminars

Let us hear from you

Is your company hiring? Is your organization hosting a career fair? Is your campus rolling out a job skills program? Contact Job Front at dvsmith@sacbee.com.

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