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.
Use social media to build and define your online presence. More employers are starting to factor in candidates’ public profiles on the most popular sites, which include Facebook and Twitter. Update your privacy settings to ensure that any questionable images, updates and links are not visible to people outside of your network. Do not forget to change visibility settings for photos that have been posted by your friends.
Have questions prepared for your interviewer. You are certainly going to be asked about any questions you might have. You can ask about anything from your responsibilities if hired, to the people you’ll be working with.
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.
It is best to arrive at work early. This will give you a little bit buffer time so that unexpected traffic or delays won’t make you late to work. That way you will be able to build a consistent record of timeliness, which is something that employers value highly.
Try not to listen to all the press about the dwindling job market and how difficult it is to find a job. This will only seek to discourage you. There are plenty of companies out there and many are hiring. While there may be more people looking for jobs, that simply means that you need to improve your resume and interviewing skills in order to stand out. Think positively.
It’s important to dress well when going on an interview. Wear business attire and make sure that your hairstyle and nails are neatly done. The way that you present yourself shows a lot about your character.
When applying for a job, check out the financial statements to determine if the company is doing well or not. It is important to situate yourself in a company that is growing, rather than one that is on the decline. This is vital for your future and the potential success you will have at the company.
Recheck your references. It’s not good if the person you want to work for tries to call these people to find that they’re not even available anymore. Call up your references to be sure they have the same number and ask if they are still in the same location.
If you are in college, make sure that you go do as many internship as you can during the summers. This is vital as it will not only help to bolster your resume, but will get you used to the everyday life of someone who is working hard at a full time pace.
When you start a new job, it is better to tell your boss more than needed rather than leaving out anything. Many employment issues stem from a lack of communication; this can lead to distrust and worse. Report to your boss more than you normally would. They’ll be more likely to consider you for the position, too.
As an older job seeker, remember that it is perfectly alright to be vague about years. You do not have to say that you have had thirty years of experience doing the job for which you are applying. Simply say that you are very experienced or that you have thorough experience from the ground floor up. It’s alright to be creative. Your exact age is your own business.
When searching for a job online, it’s always a good idea to make sure you utilize the good tools you find to build your resume. You’re going to need the help when it comes to how competitive the market is online. You need to think of ways your resume can stand out and grab people’s attnetion.
Be proactive in your position. It may seem easy to simply sit back and let the job take you where it wants to go, but employers don’t really respond to that. You may find you’re the first to go if/when there needs to be layoffs. Instead, show that you’re essential by proactively looking to fill needs and solve problems related to your position. That will definitely impress those above you.
It is very important to make a good first impression during a job interview. You should wear some clean clothes, apply makeup and do your hair. Greet the interviewer with a smile and shake their hand firmly. Introduce yourself and let your interviewer know you are glad to finally meet them.
Carefully review your skills. If you feel you don’t have an aptitude in some necessary areas, fill the gaps of knowledge. There is no reason for a degree, of course. You’re more likely to get a job by gaining any kind of skill. For instance, bookkeeping positions may be easier to get if you take QuickBooks.
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!
