It seems like whenever you turn on the news, or look through a newspaper, there are stories about the ongoing unemployment problem in this country. In fact, just a few weeks ago it was reported that the number of Americans who are receiving food stamps rose to a record 40.8 million in May. To assist taxpayers across the country looking for employment, I have put together the following list of tips for finding a job in today’s economy.
1. Make Goals
One of the hardest parts of job hunting is the amount of perseverance it requires. In order to keep motivated, set goals to strive for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. For example, your daily goal might be to send out 5 resumes, or your weekly goal might be to go to at least one interview. By keeping yourself motivated you can stay focused, and encouraged to keep working towards your goal.
2. Get Aggressive
The job market is competitive right now, and if you want to stand out you have to work hard. Be aggressive in your job search by calling back potential employers and making sure they know you want the position. Then, always send thank you notes after every interview. Above all, stay positive, a good attitude will keep your mind sharp and impress potential employers.
3. Online Resources
The Internet can be used as one of the most powerful tools in your job search. Create profiles on online job search sites, and look for jobs in your area. You should also check the job section on classified sites such as CraigsList.org on a daily basis.
4. Resume Tips
Having a resume that is too general will give the impression to potential employers that you are not really that interested in the specific position they are offering. You should always modify your resume before sending it in for consideration, so that it is relevant to the open position. You do not want recruiters to think that you send the exact same resume to every listing you see. It also helps to write a new cover letter for each application.
5. Work on your Skills
There are some skills that need to be learned on the job, however while you are looking for employment you should consider building up some of your relevant skills. If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Office then check out an online tutorial or pick up a book from Amazon.com. Any extra skills you can add to your resume will help set you aside from other job candidates.
6. Phone a Friend
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of jobs are found through networking. If you are serious about job hunting then you should call and email your friends and family members to see if anyone knows of a vacant position.
7. Use Social Media
Another great way to get the word out that you are looking for a new job is by participating in social media communities like FaceBook or LinkedIn. Just be sure that you do not post any questionable materials to your profile, as recruiters often Google the names of candidates, and you do not want your online presence to reflect an unprofessional image of yourself.
8. New strategies
Regularly checking the same job sites or the same newspaper could get you stuck in a rut. Therefore, you should try looking for job openings in new places whenever you have a chance. Maybe pick up a less popular newspaper or start a profile on a different job site.
9. Enlist Some Help
If you have been on the hunt for a while, you might want to enlist the help of a job placement agency. Run a search on Google for job placement help, and you should be able to find a few local agencies. However, you should always be cautious and avoid scams that make you pay excess fees for equipment, or invest in a pyramid scheme.
10. Nail the Interview
In the past you may have come to an interview expecting to answer a few questions, and leaving it at that. Not in this economy. Before you go in for an interview you should always research the company, and prepare a list of questions to ask the person conducting the interview. Preparation is the key, and if you look well prepared it will help you stand out from the list of applicants.