Thanks to the current economic downturn, employment is a hot-button issue on the cover of all the nation’s newspapers. To beat the odds and find employment in these difficult times takes a lot of work and effort. You must arm yourself with as many employment tips as you can find.
When you are at work you should keep to yourself if you know that you can easily get involved in conflict. This is important because with so many different personalities at work, you will be sure to avoid those that will be sure to get you into a conflict, perhaps getting you fired.
Most initial applications are currently done online, so present yourself in the best light with an impressive resume and cover letter. When you are contacted for a personal interview, make sure you dress appropriately and present yourself as a professional. Try to appear confident and hide any nervousness you might feel.
After you are done with your interview, be sure to send a thank you letter to the person who interviewed you. This not only is an act of graciousness, but also shows that you are following up in a professional manner. This will make a great first impression if you did not make one already.
If you plan to use current or former coworkers and supervisors as a business or personal reference, stay in touch. Maintaining contact with these people is important because it ensures that you have accurate, current information. Periodically verify your contacts’ telephone numbers, mailing address, current place of employment and email address. Providing incorrect contact information to a potential employer may hurt your chances for success.
Keep in mind the fact that your resume forms only a small part of the employment process. It is always a wise idea to keep it up-to-date and eye-catching. The resume alone won’t determine your eligibility for the intended position. Employers look for enthusiastic and dedicated people that can help their business go in new directions. It is crucial that you let your strengths shine through.
Take advantage of your company’s financial benefits. Most companies will match their employees 401K accounts up to a certain amount, as part of their compensation package. To get the most that you can from your hard work you must use this tool. You not only get the money that they match, but you also get the added interest that it will earn.
When applying for a job, check out the financial statements to determine if the company is doing well or not. It is important to situate yourself in a company that is growing, rather than one that is on the decline. This is vital for your future and the potential success you will have at the company.
Be patient if you’re an employer that needs some employees. Whether a person quit, you fired someone, or if you have a lot of new work that arrived, be patient and wait for a proper fit. Rush hiring can lead to regrets later, which can be harder to fix once the employee has started working.
Update your resume. You should always keep your resume current, even when you are not on the hunt for a job. You never know when an opportunity may present itself, so have a copy of your resume ready and available. It will also be easier to keep track of previous employment when you don’t have to track down each bit of info as you need it.
Sign up for LinkedIn. This is something everyone should already have in place, whether they have a job or not. LinkedIn allows you to network with people you know and those you don’t, giving you access to job opportunities, information about companies and the ability to learn from your peers in the field.
Apply for unemployment benefits quickly once you learn you are losing your job. You shouldn’t wait for your severance to end, or your last day on the job. The sooner you apply, the greater the likelihood of getting approved.
Set aside money for your job search. People do not realize how pricy it can get to search for a job. If you have a car, you will need money for gas. Also, when you are out job hunting all day, you will want some money to grab a bit to eat.
If you have children, never bring them with you to a job interview. Plain and simple, it is not very professional. Not only do children tend to get loud and rowdy, but a potential employer may feel like you could be at risk for having take too much time off if you could not even find a sitter for your interview.
Most people find a job through their network, not job search websites. Keep your ears open and let everyone know you’re on the prowl. Tell them what your experience, education and skill sets are so they can tip you off to opportunities which fit your profile when they arise.
Let your online networks know that you’re on the job hunt. Post it to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, posting a link to your resume and some quick information about who you are and what you do. This will let others pass any job opportunities they find on to you quickly and easily.
As stated in the beginning of this article, the current jobs environment is not good at all. This does not, however, mean that you are doomed. By educating yourself, carefully studying the information in this article and applying all that you have learned you can find great success. Stay positive, and never give up!