It is not very easy to look for a job after you have been out of the job market for a while. There are many things that have changed over the years and other things have stayed the same. Keep reading if you want to know the best way to go about looking for a new position.
Use networking to your advantage. Do they know of an opportunity you don’t? Can they introduce you? Sometimes people don’t investigate these opportunities, but they can really be beneficial to you.
Know how you will explain gaps in your work history. There are reasons anyone may have work gaps, and that is understandable. However, be ready to be asked about them during an interview and have an answer ready. That way, you look calm and prepared, as well as giving an answer you aren’t flustered about.
Do not allow yourself to get involved in workplace drama. If you can use them for networking and references, you’ll find a new job more easily. Building a reputation for being easy to work with can lead to better opportunities.
Keep in touch with your former employers if you left in good standing. You never know if a job opening will come up in which you are qualified for. Keeping your established business network healthy will prevent you from being forgotten. In addition, it is easier for a former employer to give you a glowing recommendation if they remember you.
If you are having problems finding a job in the town you live in, you may need to look in the next town over. It may be a hassle to have to travel elsewhere everyday, but jobs are not so easy to come by. Even if you do work in the next town over, you can continue to look in your town as well.
When you are applying for jobs, make sure that you have a list of three reliable references prepared for potential employers. Do not add friends or relatives to the list since they may not be aware of your work ethic. Good references include former supervisors, co-workers and your college classmates.
When you are going on your interview, make sure that you groom yourself properly a few days before. If you are a guy, shave and get your hair cut to look as professional as possible. If you are a woman, use minimal makeup to achieve a natural look and sport a conservative hairstyle.
Call your local library to ask what sort of help they could provide you. They may offer free Internet use, allowing you to job search and send resumes online. They may also have seminars on writing resumes or other classes, which could help. Lastly, they may be able to help you print your resumes at an affordable rate.
Dress for success. For better or worse, your appearance is the first impression you will make on your interviewer. Make sure you dress appropriately, and are neatly groomed. It is better to risk being over-dressed than to risk appearing too casual. Whenever possible, avoid wearing any jeans, shorts, or t-shirts.
Take the cash out for sick and vacation days if it is offered. If you want to earn as much as you can at this stage in your career this is a great way to do so. Remember that everyone does need a break from time to time, but not likely as much as you are given.
If you want to find a job that you will enjoy, try to remember that it is okay to be frivolous in order to be happy. Would you rather be wealthy and unhappy or would you rather look forward to going to work each day while sticking to a monthly budget? Money is not the end all, be all. Find something you love to do, build up your skills and move forward in your career.
If you don’t get a job, ask why not. This can be an invaluable way to determine if you’re doing anything wrong. You can simply send a short email or letter inquiring about whether there was anything more you could have done. This may also make you feel better about not getting the job.
It is truly the first impression which makes or breaks a job interview, so it is up to you to both look and act the part. Dress at the same level as your boss would if you got the job. Smell good! Lastly, be confident as that is the type of person they’ll want to hire.
Now that you are armed with all of the information you need to snag a new job, it is up to you to do the rest. Make sure to have a well-written resume, plenty of experience and the right interview etiquette. A combination of all these things should help you secure a job in no time.
