The current economic downturn has resulted in an extremely bleak environment for employment. In order to survive in this economy and land the employment that you desire there are several tips and tricks you must utilize. This article is loaded with proven and effective employment advice, so read it very carefully.
Research all there is to know about the company before you apply for a job and go on your interview. This will show that you have done your homework when you are being interviewed and can lead to a lot of important questions that you may have. Additionally, you will get to see the culture of the company and what it has to offer.
When writing a resume, be sure to include all of your important contact information. This makes it much easier for employers to get in touch with you if they need to. Important information for them includes your full name, your email address, your street address, and your phone number.
Having a little extra may give you a heads up on the competition. For example, some of the best companies provide on site restaurants, saunas, gyms and so on. A lot of people will want these amenities, and thus apply for those jobs. This means that employers will be able to select from a larger pool, which means they have access to top candidates.
It is not only important to answer questions during an interview, but to ask them as well. This shows employers that you are interested in the company. Questions about the company itself, the position, benefits and other issues you would like to know about are important to ask while in the interview.
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.
Make sure you let your friends and acquaintances know that you are on the job search. They may know of openings in your field, or may be able to suggest contacts that you may not have thought of. Many a person has found a job this way, and you could be next!
Be sure you are dressed professionally when applying for a job or you are at a career fair. As you know, it is wise to dress professionally for an interview, but first impressions are a big deal as well. This is why you want to look your best even when you first meet a potential employer.
When submitting a resume, you need to think about how to cover any gaps in employment. Gaps in employment, for whatever reason, can be viewed as a negative mark against your employment history. If they are long gaps, show how you have kept up to date within your industry. If they are shorter, explain any reasons for these gaps so they are not perceived in a negative light.
If you are asked about your weaknesses during a job interview, try to be as positive as possible in your answer. For example, don’t say, “I’m very disorganized.” Say something about how you are more focused on being flexible than on organization but that you use tools to keep yourself organized anyway.
The impression and feeling you convey is crucial to success in interviews. Always stay as positive as possible, and smile as much as you can. The interviewer will see you in a positive light and it may improve your chances of landing the job.
Locate an employment agency and utilize the services they have to offer. These agencies are great for those of you that are struggling to find a job and need a little assistance. An employment agency will help narrow down the search and often has many private job listings that are not posted in public areas.
Check out social media to find current job opportunities. Twitter and Facebook are sometimes the first or only place where a job will be advertised, so keep your eyes peeled. Check out the #jobs or #career hashtags daily to see what’s being advertised. Note that this isn’t always a good way to find local jobs, though.
Find out all you can from employment agencies, but beware of anything that they may be promising you. Some employment agencies just want your money. Thoroughly research them and their history with others to see how honest they are. A good agency can be a great help and a smart thing to do.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, the current employment environment is very bleak. In order to beat the odds and survive through these difficult times you must be willing to educate yourself. Take advantage of all the great tips and advice you’ve read about and apply it. Good luck!
