Job Search Tips

If you are searching for a job or thinking of switching jobs, begin by creating a few good lists.

• Make a list of everyone you know who can help you in your job search, including former bosses and coworkers, HR personnel, instructors, friends working in companies where you would like to work, and so forth.


• Write down your strengths, your skills, and your personal characteristics. Be sure to include transferable skills--those that you learned somewhere along the way that could be useful to an employer; for example, customer service, sales, problem solving, etc.


• List any skills or personal characteristics you need to work on improving. List ways in which you can accomplish this; for example, take a class, attend a seminar, read a self-help book, etc.


• List specific achievements and positive results you have accomplished while on the job. Include specific amounts of money you saved the company or the percentage of increased sales you had.


• List at least six reasons why an employer would want to hire you over other job candidates. Give specific examples of your worth to an employer.


• Write down questions you think an employer might ask you and your answers to those questions.


• Make a list of people you can use as a reference to attest to your work history and personal attributes.


• Make a list of places where you can apply for a job.

Now that you have created these lists, use them in your job search.

Vacation

I have been vacationing since August 11, driving across the United States. I just spent five days in Hollywood visiting my son. Everyone should take time to sit back and relax or see the sights. By refreshing ourselves, we can enjoy our work more and be able to give our best.

I will be posting more job related information and inspirational tips next week.

Polish Your Resume to Boost Your Interview Opportunities

Looking for a new job or wanting to change jobs? Here are some tips for preparing a resume that will get you noticed:

• Use a heading that includes your name (typed in bold and capitals), address, phone number (where you can be reached easily), and a professional-sounding email address.


• Limit the resume to one or two pages--employers do not have time to read through several pages no matter how much experience you have.


• Use a current style--check one of the many resume books or find a sample online.


• Instead of using an objective, prepare a summary of your skills and accomplishments in two or three sentences.


• List your work experiences chronologically backwards, highlighting accomplishments instead of just listing tasks.


• Make sure your achievements stand out--you don't want them to be overlooked.


• Show that you can deliver results and solve problems--demonstrate your skills through examples.


• Use numbers, dollars, and percentages where possible.


• Customize the resume to the specific ad you are answering or to the position you want.


• Eliminate personal information such as health and marital status.


• Proofread carefully and then have someone else proofread for you.

Once you polish your resume, send it out to as many places as possible. It cannot do the job if it is not circulated.

Thinking Positively in a Negative Economy

How is your work attitude? Being out of work or stuck in a dead-end job is not the way most of us envision our work life; but in a poor economy, every employee must work hard to maintain a job or to land a new one. Unemployment or underemployment, however, can be devastating to self-esteem. That means each person in these situations will also have to work harder at maintaining a positive attitude. There is no other choice if you hope to be successful at work.

• Do not berate yourself if you have no job or a low-level position; rather, remind yourself that most people go through several jobs and careers.


• Do not tie your self-worth solely to your work; consider the sum of your talents, skills, and unique experiences.


• Believe in yourself and your competency; upgrade your skills if needed.


• Develop positive work habits.


• Strategize ways to find more meaning in your work or more meaningful work.


• Tell yourself you can conduct a successful job search.


• Display enthusiasm during an interview and while you are working.


• Set goals and persist in achieving them.


• Be grateful.


• Surround yourself with upbeat, positive people.


• Call on your network when you are feeling down or when you need help with a job search.


• Be positive; a positive attitude will help you move forward; replace negative thoughts with positive ones.


• Become a problem solver.


• Do something to improve your situation.


• Make friends on LinkedIn and other professional networking sites.


• Focus on what you have control over; forget about what you cannot control.

Are You Meeting Your Yearly Goals?

With the year more than half over, it's a good time to revisit the career goals or plans you made at the beginning of the year. You still have several months to complete goals, to change them, or to set new ones. Look at each goal you have set and ask yourself these questions:

• Is the goal still relevant today?


• Have I taken steps toward completing the goal?


• Have I reached the goal?


• If I have not reached the goal, am I likely to reach it within the timeframe I have set?


• Is there anything more I can do to reach my goal?

If your goal is still relevant, keep taking steps toward it or revise the steps that did not work. If the goal is no longer relevant, toss it. Could you or should you set new goals? If so, ask yourself these questions:

• What new career goal should I set?


• What are the steps I should take to reach this goal?


• What is the timeframe for this goal?


• What rewards will I gain by reaching this goal?

When you decide on new goals or make changes to established goals, write them down. Be specific and realistic. Set a deadline and have a way to measure whether you have reached the goal.

Attain Career Success Despite the Economy

As the economy continues to suffer from weak job news, those of us who have jobs should be vigilant in maintaining them. To attain career success in the economy, concentrate on ways to be a valuable employee. Ask yourself these questions:

• In what ways can you add value to your company?


• What other responsibilities can you take on that will increase your worth to the employer?


• What can you do to personally improve yourself (i.e. take a class, join a professional organization, learn a new skill, etc.)?


• Can you make your boss's life easier?


• Can you think of ways to save your employer money?


• Can you think of ways to save your employer time?

Get a clear picture in your mind of what you can do to be successful on the job and then work towards it.

Keep Your Life in Balance

Another holiday weekend provides us with another chance to balance our professional life and personal life through rest and relaxation. Here are some tips to keep your life in balance not only during a holiday weekend, but also throughout the year.

• Develop a routine that allows just the right mix between time spent on your personal life and professional life. Too much time or too little time spent on either can upset the balance needed to live your best life.


• Create a daily plan.


• Focus on the tasks you absolutely have to do and downgrade the rest according to how necessary it is to complete them.


• Forget about things you cannot change. Banish irrational and pointless worry.


• When problems arise, step back and look for solutions. Do not let problems paralyze you.


• Ask for help when you need it.


• Keep work and ambitions in check--balance them with family, friends, hobbies, and interests.


• Take a breather. Sit quietly and focus on your breathing for several minutes.


• Keep company with people who lift you up, not those who tear you down.


• Do your part in taking care of your health by eating right and exercising.


• Let go of anger and grudges that erode your peace of mind.

Never lose sight of what is most important to you. Take time to relax and enjoy family and friends this Fourth of July. And remember the servicemen and servicewomen who sacrifice for us.