Job hunting sometimes seems like a career in and of itself. If you are dreading searching for any more jobs or going on any more interviews, don’t worry. Lots of people have the same anxieties that you do, but unlike you, they are not doing something about it. You, however, are reading this article, and that will give you an advantage when searching for jobs.
A good finance tip if you’re self-employed is to always think about the future and plan ahead of time. It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now, thinking about only the money you can make now, but it’s even more important to keep revenue coming in down the road.
Ensure that all of your initial points of contact with potential employers are appropriate. When prompted to leave a voice message, what do callers hear: your name and instructions, or a clip of your favorite pop song? As for your email, do you use a professional address? If not, it’s time to adopt a more grown-up moniker. Avoid usernames containing offensive words, misspellings and unflattering language.
Most initial applications are currently done online, so present yourself in the best light with an impressive resume and cover letter. When you are contacted for a personal interview, make sure you dress appropriately and present yourself as a professional. Try to appear confident and hide any nervousness you might feel.
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.
If there is a particular company you are interested in working for, do not hesitate to contact them directly to see what they have available. There may be some jobs available that they have not had to chance to publicly advertise for. Getting in contact with them right away can give you a bit of an advantage.
Always ask for permission before providing someone’s name and contact information for a personal or professional reference. If your contact is caught by surprise by your would-be employer, he may not have time to give a positive, well-thought-out answer. You also run the risk of discovering that this person did not share enthusiasm for your performance, skills and abilities.
The Internet is a great resource, but you need to search for a job in other places as well. Social networking sites can sometimes help, but the best approach is to research companies of interest, find out if they have any available positions and get your resume out there for people to see.
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.
Be confident in yourself when interviewing for positions. When you are confident in your skills and abilities it will show through during the interview. Confidence and the ability to lead are qualities that employers look for. There are probably many eligible job seekers interviewing for the same position, so make sure that you stand out from the rest.
When looking for work, make sure you have a LinkedIn account created and fill out your profile in full. Even if you are not “into” social media this is important. Many companies use LinkedIn as a vetting system prior to calling someone in for an interview. If you don’t have a profile, you may never get that first step through the door.
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.
One of the things to understand when you are job hunting is that there will be a lot of disappointments. If you understand this, you will be in a good position to get back on your feet and stay persistent if you do not land the job. Eventually, your dedication and drive will pay off.
Try doing some volunteer work in your desired field. This type of knowledge-seeking is often overlooked, but it can both make you feel good and help you acquire important industry knowledge first-hand. It also provides you with a great opportunity to network with other professionals. Prospective employers tend to look favorably upon volunteer work listed on your resume, as well.
On a job application or at a job interview, be sure to give a potential employer your cell phone number rather than your home phone number. This is especially true if you live with others who may forget to tell you the company called. It would be a shame to miss out on a great job because a family member forget to tell you the company called.
Print a copy of your employment agencies contact information before proceeding and contact the Better Business Bureau. Checking the legitimacy of any agency will help prevent fraud and saves money. Some agencies have poor reviews and are only interested in taking what they can from the customer. Prepare yourself with the right information and you will be safe from poor choices.
Now that you’ve read this article, job hunting shouldn’t seem so overwhelming anymore. Once you have the right information, you’re halfway to your goal! Now all you need to do is figure out what you want to try first and go for it. Good luck finding your next job!