Are you're looking for very first job, switching careers, or
re-entering the job market after an extended absence, finding a job
you requires two main tasks: Understanding yourself & understanding the
job market. If you've already chosen a bright career and are currently
searching for the best jobs, here are several ways to actually get a right job.
1. Revise your resume: Before you start the job hunting,
make sure that your resume is as perfect, complete and up-to-date as possible.
2. Network: The best companies to work for tend to rely heavily (up to 40%) on some employee referrals.
Make a list of all of your friends, relatives, and acquaintances.
Contact them one by one and ask them if they know of any openings for
which they could recommend you. Don't be too humble or apologetic. Tell
them what you're looking for, but let them know you're flexible and open
to suggestions. This is not the time to be picky about jobs; a
connection can get your foot in the door, and you can negotiate pay or
switch positions once you've gained experience and established your
reputation.
3. Volunteer:
If you aren't already, start volunteering for an organization that
focuses on something you're passionate about. You may start out doing
boring or easy work, but as you stick around and demonstrate your
commitment, you'll be given more responsibilities. Not only will you be
helping others, but you'll also be gaining references. Emphasize your
volunteer experience on your resume, as companies that treat their
employees well tend to favor candidates who help the community somehow.
4. Develop your personal elevator pitch:
Many structured interviews, particularly those at large companies,
start with a question like "Tell me about yourself." The interviewer
doesn't really want you to go back to grade school and talk about your
childhood. This is a specific question with a right answer: in two
minutes or so, the interviewer wants to get you to relax and loosen out
your vocal cords, understand your background, your accomplishments, why
you want to work at XYZ company and what your future goals are.
5. Prepare for a behavioral interview:
You might be asked to describe problems you've encountered in the past
and how you handled them, or you'll be given a hypothetical situation
and asked what you would do. They'll basically want to know how you'll
perform when faced with obstacles in the position you're interviewing
for. Be able to give honest, detailed examples from your past, even if
the question is hypothetical (e.g. "I would contact the customer
directly, based on my past experience in a different situation in which
the customer was very pleased to receive a phone call from the
supervisor"). You might find yourself listing facts--if so, remember
that in this kind of interview, you need to tell a story.
6. Research the company: Don't just do an Internet
search, memorize their mission, and be done with it. If it's a retail
company, visit a few of their stores, observe the customers, and even
strike up a few conversations. Talk to existing employees--ask them what
it's like working there, how long the position has been open, and what
you can do to increase your chances of getting it. Become familiar with
the history of the company. Who started it? Where? Who runs it now? Be
creative, and out-do the other candidates.
7. Settle down: If you've moved around a lot, be
prepared to offer a good reason for it. Otherwise, you'll need to make a
good case for why you want to stick around in the area where the job is
located. A company doesn't want to hire someone with wanderlust who
still wants to relocate. Be prepared to outline why you are where you
are today, how long you intend to stay there, and why. Give specific
reasons like, "This country has the best school systems in the entire
continent, and I have a daughter who might find the cure for cancer" or
"I was drawn to this area because it's at the cutting edge of innovation
for this business and I want to be a part of that".
8. Make a list of work-related skills you'd like to learn:
Your employer will be interested in hearing about how you intend to
become a better employee. Think about which skills will make you more
competent in the position you're applying for. Public speaking, project
management, team leading, and computer programs are usually beneficial.
Find some books and upcoming conferences that would significantly
improve your abilities. In an interview, tell the employer what you're
reading and learning, and that you'd like to continue doing so. This is a
list of the 7 most important job skills, wanted by employers, that a
job-seeker must have to be sure of landing a good job and just as
importantly, keeping it.
9. Cold call: Locate a specific person who can help you
(usually the human resources or hiring manager at a company or
organization you're interested in). Call that person and ask if they are
hiring, but do not become discouraged if they are not. Ask what kind of
qualifications they look for or if they have apprentice or
government-sponsored work programs. Ask if you can send your resume
indicating what field you want to go into.
10. Change your attitude: There's a difference between
making phone calls and going to interviews thinking "I'm looking for a
job" versus "I'm here to do the work you need to have done". When you're looking to get a job, you're expecting someone to give
something to you, so you focus on impressing them. Yes, it's important
to make a good impression, but it's even more important to demonstrate your desire and ability to help. Everything that you write and say should be preceded silently by the statement "This is how I can help your business succeed".
11. Fit the job to the skills rather than the other way around:
Many people search for jobs, then try to see how they can "tweak" the
way they present their own skills and experiences to fit the job
description. Instead, try something different. Make a list of all of
your skills, determine which kinds of businesses and industries need
them most (ask around for advice if you need to) and find businesses
that will benefit from having you and your skills around.
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