If you're not familiar with Dr. Spencer Johnson's book, Who Moved My Cheese, I'd suggest you stop all your doing and read it today! It offers a valuable lesson on change. No, I am not talking Politics in regards to the change President Obama has promised this nation. I am talking about the change that has been around since the beginning of time! Those of us who have learned to embrace this change have been much better prepared for all that is happening in the business world today.
Have you heard?
Some say there aren't any jobs!
Some say there are too many people applying to the available jobs.
Some say companies are low balling the people they do hire and cutting benefits
Some say there is nothing we can do about this economy and our job situation.
But frankly I say, BULL!
Yes, some of us will not fare as well as others but today you must decide which one of those people you are going to be! Are you going to be the one who embraces the change our job market is seeing or will you continue to wait for things to return to the way they use to be? If you're ready to embrace, contact me today for the first step in that process. The Revival or rebirth of your most important tool, YOUR RESUME!
First and foremost, don't give up because it's difficult!Stay positive and avoid negative people. A strong, positive attitude is key to success.
Understand that the current tough economic times will end! They always do!
Cut your spending!Make a budget to see what you actually earn and spend, and then find ways to reduce your expenses. Be willing to sacrifice!
Know your talent! Know what you can do for an employer. What skills do you have? How can an employer benefit from hiring you?
To find employment opportunities, monitor "help wanted ads" in newspapers and online daily! But don't let this be your only or main method of finding employment!
To find employment opportunities, enter the "hidden job market!" Understand that most jobs are never advertised. Therefore, to find them you must directly contact employers who have not posted any "help wanted ads" and inquire about employment. This works!
Use your network! Contact your friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances on a weekly basis and ask them to forward information about job leads.
Prepare your resume in electronic format! Prepare an edited copy for each job that you want to secure! Don't use one resume for all jobs! Use keywords in each resume that match the duties of the job you wish to land.
Practice interviewing! Collect a list of typical and tough interview questions and ask a friend to role play an interview. Go online and search for typical questions and answers. Compare your answers to those recommended by the pros.
Sharpen or upgrade your general and/or core skills! There's no better time to enhance your skills. Take courses, do independent research. Enhance your general skills, such as reading, writing, math and, if necessary, develop leading-edge skills, especially computer skills.
Sell your ability to achieve goals, not just your past record of duties! Demonstrate that you're the best candidate by emphasizing how you have accomplished goals and achieved success in the past, and how you will do it for the new employer.
Learn the art of sales! It may be uncomfortable a times, but you've got to learn how to shine your own light. Be prepared to tell employers what you're good at and how you can help the employer succeed.
Focus on growth industries! Check the Occupational Outlook Handbook website (http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm) to learn which industries are growing and why. Target your job search into those growth areas.
Take freelance and temporary assignments! Don't be too proud to take any position you can get. Consider it merely as a temporary position until you can find the job you want.
Form a support group! Find other job seekers and meet together weekly to share ideas and offer support.
Use the services of a recruiter! Search Google.com to find recruiters in your industry. Contact them and sign up to use their services. Never pay for recruiting assistance - the good recruiters are paid by the employers they serve.
By James Gonyea, SPC Career Development Specialist
