Finding Work: A Job Seeker’s Guide

Published on January 18, 2016 Category : Employment

People will often gripe about their work but will sorely miss it once they’re unemployed. This is when people learn too late that they should have been grateful they had a job in this economy! If you have lost your job, you must act fast. Succeed in your job interviews by using these tips.

Your cover letter should reference the specific qualifications from the job listing. If they are looking for leadership skills, then you should try to include specific instances where you have exhibited leadership skills. Re-read the ad carefully and look for things that you can describe about yourself in your cover letter so that you stand out.

TIP! If you are still employed while looking for another job, it is important to always do your best work. You will get a bad reputation if you do not stay focused on your current job.

Carry a paper with pertinent application information. It is often difficult to remember specific contact numbers or dates that you may need to provide on your application. Consider keeping a record of this information. You will be able to fill out applications much easier.

Go to lots of career fairs if you are job hunting. They can be really instructional and give you lots of intel on what types of jobs are out there. Also, you can strengthen your contact list with valuable acquaintances that can help you land a job.

Email Address

TIP! Plan to arrive at work early. You should always allow time for unexpected delays.

If you have an old email address, update it to a professional one. The first impression your potential employer has of you is through your resume and contact information. Keep your address simple an use your last name. When someone sees a silly email address, they might ignore the email entirely.

While many people simply put their home phone number on their resume and job apps, it’s a good idea to include your cell number as well. That way, you can field calls no matter where you are. In addition, your cell phone can be taken with your wherever you go, so you will always be available to talk.

If you lose a job, try to sign up to get unemployment benefits immediately. Waiting until your last shift with the company or the end of your severance period can be disastrous. Your benefits will start sooner if you sign up and are approved right away.

TIP! When you’re filling out applications, use a form that will make the task easier. You’ll find yourself having to supply dates and information that may not be fresh in your mind.

A quality resume can put you ahead of the pack when applying for jobs. Get your resume organized so employers know your background. You need to add your work experience, qualifications, education details and your strengths to your resume. Do not forget to include volunteer work and contact info.

Know your area of expertise and then seek out a network that supports it. If you want to be successful at networking, build relationships among your peers that are meaningful. Workshops, lectures and other industry events are excellent sources of current, relevant and critical news. Use networking to become educated about becoming a leader in that field.

Make sure you follow a consistent schedule when working. Employers like workers that can be consistent. They will put their trust in you then. Be very specific with your work hours or your lunch time. This allows you to change it as necessary.

TIP! Keep your attitude in check. Focus on getting a position, and don’t use the word “failure.

Don’t fib at job interviews. When your answers are fact-checked, you may be in for trouble. While they may not always check up on you, somewhere along the line they can find out when they see you don’t have the experience you told them you have. Share your skill set in a positive light to impress your interviewer.

It’s important to learn about the firm you plan to interview with before you go. Check their LinkedIn profile, website and even the Facebook pages about them. You should learn all you can. This knowledge can set you apart from the other applicants and show that your interest is sincere.

Review your current skills. If you’re lacking in some areas that you think are important to a job, try taking some extra classes. If you can’t afford to get a degree, you don’t need to. Any additional classes you can take to improve your skills will help you land a new, better job. As an example, if you want to obtain a job in Bookkeeping that requires you to have experience in QuickBooks, then you would want to enroll in a QuickBooks class.

Even if you are not currently seeking a job, attend local job fairs or career events. There are many opportunities and contacts that you can make.

It can be hard to be unemployed, and it is difficult to feel comfortable until you have another job. The advice presented here will keep you on the right track during your job search. Stay positive and keep pushing forward, and you’ll eventually get a job!