Few things can be more stressful or induce more anxiety than being unemployed. Not only do you have to deal with financial problems caused by the lack of income, but you have to spend time looking for a new job. To make things easier on yourself, use the following tips to speed up the job hunt.
Go the extra mile to make things easier for your boss. For example, if you know that your boss likes to have coffee when he arrives in the morning it is a great gesture to ensure that a pot is ready when he usually arrives. Little things like that can decide how you are perceived by your boss.
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.
Come up with good answers to your strengths and weaknesses in addition to what you can bring to a company before you go on an interview. These are common questions that you should have an answer to in advance, so that you are not baffled when they ask you face to face.
Create a form that can help you when you are put filling out applications. A lot of the time you are going to have to provide contact information and dates you may not remember. It’s a great idea to have all of this information written down on some kind of a “cheat sheet”. This way, it will be easier to fill out applications.
Include social media addresses in your resume. Social media is widely used in business, and showing you know what you’re doing can make the right impression.
When looking for work, make sure you have a LinkedIn account created and fill out your profile in full. Even if you are not “into” social media this is important. Many companies use LinkedIn as a vetting system prior to calling someone in for an interview. If you don’t have a profile, you may never get that first step through the door.
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.
When you graduate college, put the pedal to the metal and apply for jobs as soon as you can. It is very tempting to sit back and wait a few months or years before you get yourself going. Taking the initiative immediately will put you ahead of everyone who is sitting back and doing nothing.
Learn how to translate your job skills. There have been several industries that have taken substantial hits, and they will not be recovering anytime soon, so you may have to look outside of your field for some opportunities. Furthermore, keep track of which fields have grown recently. Using this knowledge can help you see how your skills can be translated for these growing opportunities. You can also use apprenticeships, internships, and some part-time transition roles.
If you want to move up in your company, network with employees outside of your immediate department. Volunteer to be on committees if the opportunity is available. This is good way get exposure to other departments. You never know if a position will open up in another department. If that hiring manager knows you, you have an advantage.
You should create an email that reflects your job interests when searching for a job. Avoid using personal email addresses that sound too laid back. For example, “eagerplumber5555” sounds a lot better than “sexyhotguy88.” You want people to think of you as a strong professional, not someone that is looking to goof off.
If you are an older job seeker, understand that you do not have to include the dates of your high school and college graduation or dates of courses you may have taken early in your career. Additionally, you do not have to list high school at all if you graduated from college. It is understood that you also have a high school diploma.
Make a commitment to smiling at work. If you are the one that always has something negative to say, you’ll find that few people will have your back when you really need a work friend. Instead, look for the positive aspects everyday and be a force for positivity in the office!
With any luck, you will be employed again shortly after reading this article. By using the solid, proven advice in it, you can give yourself a better chance of landing that perfect position. Remember, be patient and focused, and do not let yourself become discouraged. Before long, you will have a job again!
