Struggling to Land a Job?
3 Ways to Improve Your Job Search
If you’ve been looking for a job for a while but haven’t found one yet, you might feel frustrated and defeated. But don’t give up hope. Even if you feel like jobs are harder to find and employers are pickier than ever, you can put yourself ahead of the competition by focusing on your job search. You have the power to take control of your job search, so start by using these three tips.
Develop a Strategy
Before you apply for another job, sit down and think about the outcome you want from your job search by determining what type of position you want, what your qualifications are, and what industry you want to work in. This will help you focus your search on the jobs you really want and are qualified for. When you discover a position that you want to apply for, give it your all. If you can’t give 100% to all the jobs you’re curious about, evaluate the job descriptions and see which ones match your goals best. If it doesn’t match your goals, move on to another opportunity. Don’t waste your time applying for a job you don’t want. Instead, put your efforts toward the job you really want. Affirm to yourself that you truly want the job, and give your résumé, cover letter, and interview preparation the time and attention each new job opportunity deserves.
Think Beyond Your Usual Job
If you’re out of work and need to find employment quickly or are having a hard
time entering your field of choice, consider part-time positions, internships, or tempor-ary employment through your local staffing agency. These positions can help you get your foot in the door and provide valuable experience that you can use elsewhere. These situations also have the potential to turn into full-time jobs, which can be just the break you’ve been looking for.
Visit a Career Coach
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a career coach who can provide you with an honest, unbiased opinion and give you guidance to improve your job search. They can help pinpoint what’s been holding you back and give you the boost of confidence you need. If you don’t seek outside help, you might not realize you’re leaving off an important qualification from your résumé or saying the wrong things in an interview. Coaches can identify what employers are looking for and help you update your résumé and cover letter, as well as help you practice your interview techniques.
Making a few changes to your job search can give you hope, new leads, and potentially a job offer. So, if you’re still struggling to find the right opportunity, improve your job search by using these techniques. You might just find a better job opportunity than you imagined.
From Warehouse to Office
Perfecto Trujillo Earns National Recognition
When first starting out with the West Portland Express Employment Professionals office, Perfecto Trujillo was placed in a variety of light industrial positions because of his strong work ethic. “Perfecto always has a smile on his face. Even when I call him, I can hear his smile over the phone. He has always worked to the best of his ability and is ready to help in any way he can,” said Jennifer DeToy, staffing consultant.
But, while working at these various assignments, Perfecto soon realized that he really wanted to work in an office environment. Though his desire and dedication were there, Perfecto lacked the necessary skills to transition from the warehouse job to an office position, but Franchisee Kim Guard and her West Portland Express team stepped up to help him out.
When a customer service position became available, Express provided Perfecto with the necessary training to meet the computer testing requirements. He devoted days to working with tutorial-based programs and passed the computer test with flying colors. But, his typing skills were still below average. So, over the next few days, including an entire weekend, he tirelessly practiced typing until he met the requirements. Perfecto’s determination paid off when he earned the customer service position he trained so hard for. He was able to pave his own career path, from the warehouse to the office.
Perfecto’s great work ethic even earned him national recognition. Express nominated Perfecto from the 600 company offices as their nominee for the American Staffing Association’s Staffing Associate of the Year and honored him with a cash prize. “I was very honored to be nominated among all the hard workers in the nation,” Prefecto said.
You won’t be the first person to hear about the benefits of working with Express from Perfecto. He’s already referred many of his family and friends to Express and helped them find a job. To find positions that fit your skills and interests, visit your local Express Employment Professionals office, or talk to your staffing consultant today.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.