Two weeks ago, President Obama signed into law one of the most expansive spending and stimulus packages since The Great Depression. The $787 billion package is expected to save or add three million jobs. The question on everybody’s mind is, “Will it work?” At this point unemployment is the proverbial ‘snowball rolling down hill’ and you can bet that unemployment will continue to rise in the months ahead. If you find yourself without a job, here are some tips to help get you back to work.
You’ll want to begin with a well crafted resume. Before you get started, here are some tips you’ll want to consider:
· Don’t fabricate jobs or college degrees. While some employers don’t check references immediately, making up information about a position or your education is a bad decision that can ultimately be very damaging to you. It’s so easy to verify this information that you’re only looking for trouble if you’re not truthful.
· Have someone who knows your work review your resume. Ask someone you worked with previously to review your current resume. You may focus on the day to day routine responsibilities. Take the case of a publisher’s assistant who listed all her administrative duties. A former colleague reminded her that she had written a 100-page training manual for all the assistants! She put this accomplishment on her resume—this one item attracted the attention of a prospective employer.
Effective networking is the single most important key to finding a job. Start by making a list of everyone you know that might be able to connect you to someone else. You never know who will be hiring so do talk with your friends, relatives and former coworkers. Most people want to help you and you never know who might hear of a position that’s right for you. Be prepared to give them, mail them or email them a copy of your resume. Ask permission to follow up with them in a couple of weeks and then be sure to do so.
Once you have an interview lined up, take the time to research your prospective employer. Much information can be gained by a visit to their web site including what they do, the company mission statement and often, a sense of the company’s culture. First impressions and appearance are vital to a successful interview. Make sure you are upbeat in your attitude and be prepared to articulate why you are a great fit for the job. Remember, your resume’s job is to get you in the door. Once there, it’s your job to sell yourself. Consider following the “old” traditions regarding dress code. While many corporations, law firms, publishers and other employers have adopted “office casual” dress, when it comes to a job interview, conservative (suit & tie for men; dress & stockings for women) is the protocol you should follow. Some interviewers have said they’re tired of seeing people who look as if they’re dressed for an afternoon at the beach or park rather than serious office work. Some of the extra adornments—colorfully dyed hair, several earrings should be downplayed when you’re job hunting.
For more tips on writing an effective resume and tips and tools for landing a job, go to www.resume-help.org.