How to Prepare For Your Next Job Opportunity?

Posted: Aug 26, 2009 |Comments: 0 |

A recent Economic Indicator publication noted that employment had fallen by 861,000 and that unemployment had risen by 694,000.  "In March, the unemployment rate rose to 8.5 percent from 8.1 in February."  Those numbers are staggering, they can also be discouraging.  But looking past the percentages and numbers, how can we work collectively to help the unemployed find gainful employment?  If you are currently a jobseeker, how can we prepare you for your next opportunity?  Is there a formula for success as a jobseeker?

Below you will find eight (8) steps to prepare you for the job you want now.

  1. Update your resume – purchase a resume writing book and use it.  Some resume formats are dated, while others work for specific industry and not for others.  Use words that add flare to your work history, for example use "Maintenance Technician" not "Janitor".  Get the picture?
  2. Put together a presentation – there was a time when using a Power Point presentation was considered "stepping it up", but now, it's the standard.  If you are not competing on that level, you are not competing.  It doesn't take a lot of time or energy to outline your work history in presentation form.
  3. Practice – use your wife, husband, and or best friend, whoever, to practice your interviewing skills.  You can never do too much and you must sound sure and confident when the opportunity presents itself.
  4. Use the web – the majority of people who search the web, do so to find information.  Use Face Book, Craigslist, create your own website, and market yourself.  Use enticing summaries to accurately highlight your career as well as your motivation to be employed.
  5. Promote your "business" – if you are unemployed or actively seeking employment, your "business" is finding gainful employment.  Let everyone know that you need a job.  Moreover, tell them what kind of job you are seeking.  Don't be ashamed to ask for help.
  6. Set a goal – decide early how many applications to fill out per day/week, month etc. Having a goal, gives you an idea of where you are at the end of each day or week.  This will also keep you from being idle.
  7. Take notes – outline what you did or do each week to contribute to your job search.  Be detailed (company, position, day of week contacted, etc.)  This is equally important when you land an interview.  Take notes during the interview and then critique your performance.  We can always do better.
  8. Research – it always looks good to know what the competition doesn't.  With the use of the internet, you can find basically anything you want.  Find out how your next employer is doing; find out what they are doing.  In this economy, find out if they will be in business next week, year, etc.

Do whatever it takes to have an edge, no matter how slight.  Give yourself the winning edge by being prepared.  Plan and prepare for success!

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