Finding a job in today’s economy? That’s an impossible task! Or is it? It may surprise you to learn that companies are still hiring, and although competition for jobs can be fierce, there are nonetheless things that you can do to enhance your chances of standing out. What are they? Read on!
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.
Ensure that all of your initial points of contact with potential employers are appropriate. When prompted to leave a voice message, what do callers hear: your name and instructions, or a clip of your favorite pop song? As for your email, do you use a professional address? If not, it’s time to adopt a more grown-up moniker. Avoid usernames containing offensive words, misspellings and unflattering language.
It is important to be prepared when searching for a job. Your resume should detail all of your qualifications and should be up-to-date. Include information about your education, degrees, certifications and commendations you have received. This should include education, job experience and professional references who can vouch for you.
Never wear strong fragrances when you are out looking for a job. Even if you find the scent to be quite pleasant, there is a chance that the hiring manager may have allergies or an aversion to the smell. It is best to smell like soap and lotions instead of cologne and perfume.
Do what you are told to do as quickly and well as you can. Anytime that you are charged with a special task it is an opportunity to show off your skills and please your boss. Do those tasks first, of course, without neglecting you regular responsibilities. Show your boss that you manage your work load well.
Before you go for your interview, do some research on the hiring company, about their line of business and their sales. Letting your interviewer know that you have done some research will show him your initiative in finding information and getting results. These are good characteristics of a dependable and resourceful employee that companies value.
Join professional organizations that relate to your industry. This is a good way to get your name out there and to boost your business network. Your membership in a professional organization gives you additional credentials on your resume that may make a positive difference in a hiring manager’s decision to hire you.
Turn down the number of rings on the phone you use for job searching to five. This allows you plenty of time to get to the phone, but doesn’t have so many rings that potential employers will hang up before they get to the answering machine, causing you to lose out on an opportunity.
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.
Your resume will often be the first thing that a prospective employer will see, and without a good resume, you can rest assured that you won’t be called in for an interview! Show your resume to your friends and family members whose opinions you value to get their feedback and advice.
As trivial as it may seem, be sure you are getting enough rest the night before an interview. Most people simply do not function properly when they have not slept enough. This could affect your ability to answer questions the interviewer may ask you at your interview. You also do not want to appear haggard.
Get out there and attend many functions. First and foremost, attend any professional association gatherings that are pertinent to your area. This is a great place to find out about openings and make important personal connections. Also attend alumni events for your alma mater and make connections with other alumni that may be able to help you in your search.
Use a one page resume. A lot of people really want to use more than one page, but here is the truth: People don’t care about the resume as you think they do. They use a resume as a first step. They call you in for an interview, so they can learn more about you as a person, so keep that resume short and use only the most relevant information.
Take some classes. After putting together your resume, look it over for areas that are lacking or for skills that you could use some brushing up on. Enroll in classes to close up any gaps in your resume and to update your skills. Also, taking the initiative to enroll in a course will show hiring managers that you are motivated to learn and improve.
Try doing some volunteer work in your desired field. This type of knowledge-seeking is often overlooked, but it can both make you feel good and help you acquire important industry knowledge first-hand. It also provides you with a great opportunity to network with other professionals. Prospective employers tend to look favorably upon volunteer work listed on your resume, as well.
Get involved in creating corporate culture in your office. Everyone is happier in their employment when they are closer with their colleagues, so volunteer some of your time to create activities where you and your peers can meet and learn about each other. You’ll find your time at work will be that much more enjoyable!
You now have a deeper understanding of some of the important things to consider when embarking on a job search. The market can be tough, but that only means that you’ll need to have a clearer strategy in your quest to find employment! It will require work on your part, but you can certainly do it!