Although we are in tough economic times, it is not impossible to find a job. The following article is full of great tips you can use to increase your chances of finally finding work. Put them to good use and remain optimistic; you’ll never get hired without the right attitude!
Never wear strong fragrances when you are out looking for a job. Even if you find the scent to be quite pleasant, there is a chance that the hiring manager may have allergies or an aversion to the smell. It is best to smell like soap and lotions instead of cologne and perfume.
Do what you are told to do as quickly and well as you can. Anytime that you are charged with a special task it is an opportunity to show off your skills and please your boss. Do those tasks first, of course, without neglecting you regular responsibilities. Show your boss that you manage your work load well.
The best plan for getting a job in the field of your choice is to educate yourself adequately. Think carefully about which type of job holds the greatest interest for you, and which line of work you possess the most ability to do. When you have the proper credentials, finding the job you want will be much easier.
When negotiating salary, never sell yourself short. Prepare yourself for this step by conducting extensive research on the job title, regional salary and other details of benefits before you enter into negotiations. If you are unaware of your worth relative to other candidates and workers, your salary may not reflect your true worth — possible to the tune of thousands of dollars per year!
Update your resume. You should always keep your resume current, even when you are not on the hunt for a job. You never know when an opportunity may present itself, so have a copy of your resume ready and available. It will also be easier to keep track of previous employment when you don’t have to track down each bit of info as you need it.
Call your local colleges and universities and inquire about what sort of free job assistance they provide. They may have a job board listing local opportunities, resume writing help or even positions within the college they need to fill. They’ll often have a variety of services for the benefit of students which they’ll share with you.
As tempting as it may be to create an ornate resume, keep it as professional as you can. Do not use colored paper or a different type of font thinking that it may stand out. This will come across as too flashy, as companies will simply toss these to the side.
Google yourself to see what type of information comes up for potential employers when they search. If you see something that looks like it could be damaging to you, do everything you can to have it removed. Whether you believe it or not, many employers use Google searches to weed out people they don’t want to hire.
Offering bonus for good work or a large amount of sales can be a highly effective way of inceasing productivity. Who wouldn’t be willing to go the extra mile for an extra couple hundred dollars? So dig into your pockets a little and you will find your pockets will actually get deeper.
When all else fails, hire help to write your resume. A professional resume will not only look good and read right, but it will also be written in such a way that job boards like Monster.com will highlight you in the right searches. Professionals know which terms to use to get noticed.
Older job seekers may benefit by using the functional resume form rather than the chronological resume form. The functional resume lists major experiences and accomplishments right at the top rather than listing all experiences and accomplishments in chronological order. You could create several functional resumes to target different types of jobs.
Be sure that your resume does not label you as an older job seeker. Research the latest and most cutting edge resume formats and presentations and adopt one for your resume. Don’t present a resume that looks outdated and old fashioned. Make it clear that you are firmly situated in the present.
Keep an open mind when trying to find a new job. Not only apply for the specific position you are looking for, but jobs that are related to that position as well. You might not end up landing the exact position you were looking for, but it will give you an opportunity to get into a company where you can transfer positions down the road.
Aim to impress. While you do not want to push it too far, you do want to stand out from the crowd. Work to do everything the best that you can and go out of your way to think ahead. The attention to detail will get you noticed as an asset very quickly.
One question that is particularly tricky in interviews is when the employer asks about your biggest weakest. Be honest, and explain what you are doing to overcome that weakness. Also, make sure you convey confidence in your skills regardless of whether you are discussing something positive or negative in the interview.
Searching through want-ads and going on endless interviews can get very frustrating after a while. Keep your attitude positive and use the above tips. Relentlessly pursue your goal of becoming employed and you will find that it does happen. Despite this economy, people who persist in trying are finding themselves gainfully employed!
