Successfully Finding the Perfect Job
By: Paulina Roe
Are you searching for a job? Have you been laid off due to the economy?
Have you tried to figure out how to start the job search, or what to do?
This is a stressful time for many, and you need to find the best options
and resources to help you find the perfect job for you.
If you are
looking to start your own business and be self-employed,
you'll need to
figure out what it is you like to do, and what you are good
at. It is said
"love what you do, and the money will follow" - there is a lot
of validity
in it. If you have a passion for something, it is easier for you
to do and
not a constant drain. It can be fun, and rewarding, and challenging.
Take
this test at http://doubleii.com/entrepreneurtest.html to see how well
you
rate in the ability to be self employed. You might not really be suited
for
it, and might be better off to read the rest of the article.
If you are
looking for a job, you can look online, but don't expect that it
will come
easily. You will need to register with many areas, and keep
checking for new
jobs that come up. You should sign up with various
temp agencies in your
area - many have sites and send email updates. In
all honesty, for most
people and jobs - the best way to find a job is to
network - talk to people
you know who work at the type of places you
want to find a job at. Meet more
people at those companies. Sometimes
you can make a good impression and even
create a new job by telling
about your talents. The trick is that people
need to KNOW you are there
and have the talent. You need exposure. Talk to
everyone you know -
people always know other people who can be useful to
you. Go to job fairs,
go to events, visit and learn about the companies you
are interested in (you
especially need to study up if you are looking to
interview - the more
you understand the company, the better your
presentation will be about
what you have to offer to the company). Also,
don't forget to talk to
others looking for a job - there are many ideas that
work and don't work,
plus leads others can't use.
You need a good
resume. No one knows your skills and strengths better
than you - you need to
put all the information together for your resume.
If you can write your own
resume, and have others read it and help you
tweak it, then all the better.
After all, if you can't present yourself in a
resume, how will you present
yourself in an interview? This is your first
chance to be
noticed.
Prepare your resume and get it posted online - get it sent to
people whom
will look it over. Register it with recruiters. You will
probably need
more than one resume - each focusing on a different aspect of
your
skills. There are different types of resumes - chronological (listing
your
job experience over the years), functional (emphasizing functional
skills), and others which aren't as common. Use the functional if you
are looking to change careers, or have more skills than your
employment
shows. Use the chronological one to highlight your work
history - if that is
what you are best known for. Your resume is your
calling card and
advertisement - its purpose is to get you an interview.
You must tailor it
for the job you are applying for - you need to show
the employer why YOU are
the perfect person for the job. Write your
resume to be no more than 1-2
pages long - and stay with one page
if your accomplishments aren't
significant. Put all the most
important points on the top and left portions
of the resume - those
are the areas that are scanned first.
Your
cover letter must be written for the job, as well. Mention
specifically why
your skills are the ones the employer wants for that
job. Some employers
don't bother with cover letters, but the majority
still do - err on the side
of using a cover letter, but make it brief, no
longer than a
page.
Prepare a 1-2 paragraph profile of your experience and your
preferences
in a job. Prepare a 1 minute "commercial" that you can use when
you
meet people - you have to say it in 30-60 seconds for effect. Many
networking groups go around the group for the one minute speech - and
that one minute is all you have. Make it a good one minute
speech.
There are many resources you can check into for resume help,
places to
search for jobs, places to post your resume. There are temporary
jobs,
contract jobs, and career opportunities posted on various sites - some
are better than others. Check them out because you never know just
what
will appeal to your interests. You need to get out on as many
areas as you
can to look around and to be posted on. Some won't apply
to you, and several
may. You should be sure of those you want to sign up
with - pay for the ones
of most value to you, and take advantage of the
free areas. Some are WELL
worth the price - but you need to see if it is
worth it to you. There are
free resource areas at most of the sites.
With your various methods of
looking for and telling others about your
job search and experience, you
will find the job you want. You might
have to settle for some lesser job for
an interim period, but keep looking
for the job you want , using the same
search tactics.
About the Author
Paulina Roe posts resources for various avenues of interest, in areas
of
expertise. The job search site with the entrepreneur's test is an
ongoing
project, as more timely information is put together from
the current job
market and search situations - over 7 years of
expertise in this area. A
"contractor's" site is up and coming as a
new resource - keep checking.. For
the job search site, and other
resources, go to
http://doubleii.com/jobsearch.htm
A Guide for Teens: How to Find a Summer or Part-Time
Job
Randall S. Hanson, Ph.D. Quintessential Careers
Even if summer vacation is still a few months away for most teens,
now is the time to plan and lay a foundation for landing that cool summer job
you really want.
Some caveats: This article is really geared to older high
school and college teens, with a focus on summer jobs, not internships. For
younger teens (under 15), check out another article I wrote, Job Ideas for Teens 15
and Younger: Beyond Babysitting. For college students looking for internship
tips, we're working on such an article, but for now, please visit: Quintessential Careers:
College Internship Resources.
The Action Plan for Teens Wanting a Summer Job
The first step you need to do is decide on
the summer job you want or need -– in terms of the type of job, the location,
the hours, the pay. You may not be able to find a job that meets all your needs,
but given the current employment situation you should strive to find one that
meets as many as possible.
The second step you need to do is complete a
self-analysis. What do you have to offer an employer? What kind of skills do you
have? What kind of other work have you done -– paid or volunteer? What have you
learned at school that might be useful in your ideal summer job?
The third step you need to do is develop a
resume. You will put forth a very professional image if you present a
professional-looking resume to potential employers. You'll want to visit Quintessential Careers: Resume
Resources. You'll also need to learn about cover letters, so plan on
visiting Quintessential Careers: Cover
Letter Resources.
The fourth step you need to do is use all
your available resources to land that ideal summer job. Talk with your parents
and older family members, your friends' parents, your teachers, and any other
adults you know and ask them if they have any contacts at your ideal job's
company. Give them copies of your resume. We call this step networking, and it
will give you the highest chances of landing your ideal job.
The fifth step is hitting the pavement,
reading the newspaper want ads, and/or surfing the Web. If you don't get any job
leads from the fourth step, you have to take action!
The sixth step is applying for the jobs that
interest you. This step is where you again use your resume. Make sure you are
familiar with job applications and have all the information you need to complete
them.
The seventh step is interviewing for the
jobs. Make sure you know something about the company; develop answers to common
interview questions; think of a few questions you could ask; practice, practice,
practice with a family member of friend; dress conservatively for the interview.
You can read these interviewing tips in more detail -- and find lots more -- by
visiting Quintessential Careers:
Interviewing Resources.
Where Teens can Find Summer Jobs
There are any number of places where you can look for a good summer
job:
- Local merchants: local stores often need good help – and
not just in the summer. Small businesses: most towns have a number of small
business offices – and your family or friends probably know several owners or
office managers.
- Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and
internship programs, but often these are the most competitive. Stores at the
mall: have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall? Maybe now is the
time to get a job there –- just be careful not to spend all your earnings buying
their products.
- Hotels and resorts: summer is the busy season for most
hotels and resorts. Tourist attractions: even if you don't live in Florida or
California, most states have tourist attractions that especially need help
during the busy tourism season.
- Golf & Tennis clubs: as the weather improves, these
clubs are usually looking for part-time help. Grocery stores: maybe not the most
exciting jobs, but probably the most convenient -– and not just for summer.
- Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need
good help -– and while not the most glamorous, it's still a job.
- Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national
parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus
have job opportunities.
- Local government summer job programs: often various
government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.
- Summer camps: okay, you went to camp as a kid – now you can
go back as a counselor and get paid while being at camp. Working for yourself:
there are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your
neighborhood –- Check out my article, Job Ideas for Teens 15
and Younger: Beyond Babysitting.
- The Web: especially if you want to work outside your
neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all
sorts of summer job opportunities -– so go visit Quintessential Careers:
Summer Job Websites.
What do Employers Look for in Teens
Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on
time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show
leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You
need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current
position, as well as for any potential future positions.
Final Words of Advice
Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how "cool"
the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others.
The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience,
and you are making good contacts (and references)!
**********************************
Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers,
as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a
biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured,
associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at
Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is a published career expert -- and
has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of
Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with
hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.