photo credit: magerleagues
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for December 2008 was 7.2%. If you have found yourself recently among the thousands who have become unemployed, what can you do to improve your chances of finding work? Follow these five steps and you will be off to a good start.
Step 1 Be Organized
Start each day focused on finding a job. Develop a routine of getting up and getting dressed for “work”, that is, your job of finding a job. Schedule time to research the current job market, obtain the contact information of prospective employers, respond to ads, etc.
Step 2 Be Adaptable
With so many out of work, you must be adaptable in order to increase your chances of finding work. You may need to be content with finding employment that is less than ideal. It is unlikely that you will find the “perfect” job, but does it meet your current needs? Some have had to take on certain types of work some consider “menial” until a job in their particular field becomes available.
Step 3 Produce an Effective Resume
No matter what job you seek, an effective resume is a valuable asset. Not only does it tell a prospective employer who you are but what you have accomplished and why they will benefit from hiring you. If you do not know how to write a resume, take advantage of the abundance of information online dedicated to this specific subject. You can find sample resumes that will give you a good idea of what to include.
Step 4 Prepare Well for Interviews
First and foremost, give attention to your personal appearance. Dress appropriately for the job you are seeking. If a potential employer sees that you take pride in yourself, then you are more likely to take pride in your work. Don’t just be on time for your interview, be early. Arriving late will create a negative impression. When initially meeting with the interviewer, smile and give a firm confident hand shake. During the interview, maintain eye contact and good posture. When answering questions, be honest and concise. Avoid being overly negative or critical of your past employment. Be enthusiastic about the job. Concentrate on what the employer needs from you, and what you have to offer.
Step 5 Access the Hidden Job Market
Increase your chances of finding a job by doing more than relying on newspaper or Internet advertisements. Take the initiative! Do not wait for a company to place an ad, contact a company you have an interest in and ask if they are hiring. If they have no current positions available, make a note and follow-up at a later date. You can also ask if they know of where else you may be able to look and get specific contact information. When making an appointment with that company, state the name of the person who referred you.
By following these simple steps, you can increase your chances of finding a job in this current time of economic crisis.
Jennifer Pressler has used the knowledge and experience she gained in her past work in the legal field to become a successful Network Marketer while being able to stay at home and care for her two small children
She also enjoys mentoring not only other moms, but all who are looking to pursue their own business opportunities and achieve the success they deserve
http://www.JenniferPressler.com
