Help me find a job Pt:1

I received an email from a reader who has been unsuccessful in her search for a position and asked for some assistance. Over the coming weeks, we will look at how to write a solid resume or CV, prepare for the interview and explore common mistakes that can derail your progress.{{more}} If you have specific questions, please email them to Karen@workplacesuccess.com and I will address them anonymously in the column.

Finding a job is a full time job in itself. Sending out a few CVs and telling a couple friends you need a job is not enough. You need to be strategic, plan your job hunting approach, pack a lot of patience, forget about being shy and be prepared for lots of rejection. Rejection is something we often try to avoid at all cost. You may be concerned that people will “cut style” on you, but this is the time to get creative and only be concerned about the goal of landing a position. Lay the pride aside.

Before you start your job hunt, please think about the following:

What do you want to do?

Think about the position you would like to obtain. A clear idea of the position you are seeking will help to make your job hunt more focused and effective. If you are still unsure, there are free online career interests tests that can help you narrow your choices. You can also look at www.jobhuntersbible.com as an additional resource.

What can you offer? Employers are only concerned with your ability to contribute to their business, so make a list of your skill sets that can be beneficial to an employer. Do you know multiple computer programs like Word, Excel, Publisher? Are you great with customers? Are you a good sales person? Do you speak a second language? Are Math and Accounting exciting for you? A job is basically an exchange of your skills and talents for money; know what you have to offer. Make a list of the top ten things you can do for an employer.

Do you have at least 3 people who can serve as references?

Prepare a list of 3-5 references. Those people can be past employers, school personnel, community or church leaders or other business people who can speak positively about your abilities. Contact them and ask permission to use them as a reference. Ask to have the contact’s proper name, mailing address, phone and email.

Can you find your ideal employer? Regardless of your qualifications, you are not a fit for every employer. Think about the type of business that would find your skill sets valuable . Find out if they are hiring and what positions are currently vacant. Start looking for friends or family members who may already hold positions in these companies or knows someone who does. Start the list.

Next week we will continue with Part 2, in this series of HELP Me Find a Job

To Your Success.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on 7 Ways to Develop your Competitive Edge in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com Visit online at www.workplacesuccess.com