If you could pick a good time to be out of work,
this probably isn’t it. It’s a tough market out there. If you have not
experienced some of the recent challenges of our current job market, chances are you may
know of a friend, acquaintance or ex-employee who has. Today’s job market is
challenging relative to the last few years. It’s not that job seekers are not finding
jobs, it just may take a little longer in finding the right opportunity. As a result, we
thought it might be helpful to look at a few important factors in conducting a job search.
In making your job search as efficient as possible, employment professionals have a few
hints.
EFFORT
Work harder and smarter. Job hunting is a full-time job in itself. It is said that if
you are not devoting at least six hours a day, five days a week, you’re not trying
hard enough. Your job search should be treated as if it is a job itself. Maintain a
regular work schedule and daily routine.
DUE DILIGENCE
Now more than ever, neatness and attention to detail count. This applies to letters,
resumes, personal appearance, the interview, timeliness, preparation, organization, ect.
Take time to make sure all the t’s are crossed.
RESUME
The need to make a good first impression starts before the interview. It may be how you
get that interview in the first place. If a personnel manager is reading 100 resumes, most
will get no more than a few seconds of attention. Some resumes may not be read at all due
to organization or length. Be clear and concise. Begin with a short summary of your
skills, experience and capabilities.
For experience, list you responsibilities and accomplishments, not just your titles.
There are many resources available for tips on resume writing.
INTERVIEWING
Job seekers paint a picture of themselves as a potential employee during an interview.
Therefore, making the right first impression is critical. Dress like a professional. Be on
time. Be attentive during the interview. Maintain eye contact. Listen, but also ask
questions. Think before hand about tough questions you will be asked such as why you left
your last job. Don’t bad-mouth previous employers, even if they deserve it. Show
confidence. Show real interest. Do some basic research on the company you’re talking
to and the business it’s in. Thank the interviewer, and follow up with a note
expressing your interest.
For practice, it might be helpful to have a friend or relative interview you. A Video
can be used for self evaluation. The time you schedule your interview may also effect your
performance. If you’re a morning person, schedule your interview for the morning when
you’re at your best.
ATTITUDE
A positive attitude is not easy to establish or maintain when you’re out of work.
Furthermore, signs of desperation or depression can make the job search that much harder.
However, maintaining a positive mental attitude is critical to one’s overall job
search. As one might expect, professionals say a positive attitude, strong self-esteem and
a solid level of confidence are critical in getting a new job.
NETWORKING
If you can find others in the same boat, bail together by getting involved in
professional networking organizations. Networking in general is something that has very
few limitations and can be done to some degree almost everywhere you go.
DIRECTION
Do some soul searching and understand what you want or might consider. Maybe it’s
time to relocate or change career directions. If you’re committed to the area, you
may have to be flexible with your other goals. Be honest in assessing your skills and have
a definite idea of what you can do for your prospective employer.
In addition to ultimately finding a job, one goal of a job search should be to conduct
it as thoroughly and efficiently as possible. Although the topics discussed are only a
brief summary, hopefully they can be helpful in achieving this goal. Just remember, the
process of finding a job needs to be treated as if it were a job itself. You will be glad
you did when an offer is received!
