Job searching can be tough. There are a lot of jobs out there and it seems like employers want people to be perfect. That isn’t the case, you just need to think about the entire process the way they do. Here are just a few tips to help you to think about employment in a way that gets you a great job.
Instead of accepting that you do not have what it takes to land a specific job, ask yourself what you can do to become a better candidate. For example, if you lack experience with a certain software program commonly used in your chosen field, look for online tutorials and how-to books. MIT and other prestigious universities offer a variety of free, non-credit online courses. Topics range from marketing research to XHTML, and completing the programs demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.
When dealing with employees, especially lots of them, it is important to maximize their productivity. Think about it. If you have ten super productive employees, you can save yourself, hundreds of thousands of dollars on benefits and wages, as compared to hiring twenty or more employees. As such, find ways to maximize productivity.
A great tip for workplace harmony is to avoid relationships in the workplace, and if your the employer, have a policy against it. While things may be great, and productivity may be increased when the going is good, imagine the havoc it will wreak on morale and productivity when and if things go sour!
If you plan to use current or former coworkers and supervisors as a business or personal reference, stay in touch. Maintaining contact with these people is important because it ensures that you have accurate, current information. Periodically verify your contacts’ telephone numbers, mailing address, current place of employment and email address. Providing incorrect contact information to a potential employer may hurt your chances for success.
Try not to become friends with supervisors and co-workers. It’s best to keep things professional at all times. Personal relationships can get in the way of job performance in extreme ways. You want to keep the most professional appearance at your workplace.
Employment
Although you may be unemployed, right off the bat, you will need to make finding a job your full-time job. Prepare yourself to devote at least forty hours a week to finding employment, and try to stick to a consistent schedule as much as possible. This will help you avoid falling into the ‘I’ll look for a job tomorrow’ trap.
Talk to an interviewer as if they were your boss. Without communication, you can create awkwardness with your boss. It is best to check with your boss more often than you normally would. This will build camaraderie and help you get necessary feedback.
If a full-time job is not readily available, consider working part-time as a contractor in your field for the time being. This may get your foot in the door with a company. Recruiters also do not like to see huge time gaps in an applicant’s employment history. So, working part-time can make that gap smaller.
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.
A common mistake people make when they are on the job market is to consider certain jobs as ‘beneath them.’ The bottom line is that you need to make ends meet. If you have considerable savings, that’s one thing, but you may want to consider accepting a job that may not be your ideal job but that would allow you to pay the bills while you look for another source of employment.
If you are working with an employment agency, be sure to tell them about every job you apply for on your own. The recruiter may be planning to submit your information to that same employer. They need to know you already applied for the position so that multiple applications and resumes are not submitted.
Get involved in creating corporate culture in your office. Everyone is happier in their employment when they are closer with their colleagues, so volunteer some of your time to create activities where you and your peers can meet and learn about each other. You’ll find your time at work will be that much more enjoyable!
If you want a good job, you need to navigate through a sometimes-unfriendly process. However, now that you have read this article you have the tools you need to really take control. Use the tips to start making your resume better and to start having interviews that result in your getting hired.
