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What can you do to be competitive when looking for a new job? Writing
a quick resume late at night and applying for random jobs is NOT
going to get you the job you are looking for. Is there an educational
or university course being offered which could help you now or in
the long term? What skills do you have to shine above and beyond
other candidates. Make a portfolio of your accomplishments you have
achieved in your academic or professional life. In the current economic
climate employers want to know what YOU have to offer them. You
need to sell yourself! and sell your success.
Below are some further ideas and suggestions to find yourself a
new job
Learn new skills: It's never too late to try to learn a
foreign language, or a new piece of computer software. (Best example
was a senior archaeologist of 10 years who came to me wanting to
change life direction. After 6 months learning Spanish then travelling
through Spain for another 6 months, The senior archaeologist is
now a junior English/Spanish translator)
Research: Find out where the demand is. While many industries
are having trouble in this recession and laying of employees other
areas are increasing employment
Sell yourself: Take time writing your resume, and tailor
your resume specifically to each job you are applying. Do not send
out the same resume to every job advert you see. Remember if you're
sending out generic resumes then you will get the same generic responses
Use your social network. Don't be embarrassed about looking
for work. Tell your friends and family. You never know who may be
looking at hiring staff with your set of skills
Use free networking sites to advertise yourself and your
skills. Promote yourself via sites like LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/
Use a recruitment agency that specialises in your particular
area. Get to know the recruitment consultant, and follow them up
weekly. The more you appear visible, the more they will remember
you
Share with friends: Brainstorm ideas and share experiences
with friends that are also looking for jobs. Exchange advice, strategies,
and plans.
Act straight away: When you get a lead or hear about a job
opening apply immediately. There is no need to wait. Prepare your
resume and send it immediately. The longer you wait the more likely
another candidate will apply ahead of you
Don't let a lack of experience discourage you from applying
for jobs: When tailoring your resume towards the job you are
applying for, concentrate on the skills and abilities you have to
match that certain job
Most importantly: Don't give up - Never stop looking. While
you're searching for your new job is there something else in the
meantime you could be doing. Do you have skills to freelance? Maybe
you can sell goods online. Keeping yourself occupied helps you to
stay positive and upbeat rather than moping around the house feeling
sorry for yourself.
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