Searching for a Job During the Holidays

Think that the holidays are a terrible time to search for a job? Actually, the opposite can be true. For many business, the day-to-day activity can slow during the holidays, allowing employers a little more time to consider job candidates. Also, many job seekers cease their job search during the holiday, thinking that they will make no headway and that the hunt will be fruitless.

As an efficient job seeker, you can take advantage of a slower business time period and capitalize on the disadvantages. Here are some ideas:

• Use holiday get-togethers and parties to network and make connections with potential employers.
• Many companies that sell or provide services during the holidays increase their workforce during the holidays. Even if you accept a temporary position with a company to staff them through the holidays, proving yourself as a great worker could help you become a permanent part of the company.
• Many companies start new fiscal years on January 1st. Even if they aren’t hiring during the holidays, they may have new human resource budget soon, so submitting your resume and job applications right now could put you in the perfect spot on the hiring timeline.
• The holidays provide many volunteer opportunities. Taking advantage of some of these opportunities will give you a chance to meet new people and let them know that you are in search. It only takes one person with the right connection to match you with the perfect job.

Richland County OneStop can help Ohio job seekers find even more ways to connect with employers. Visit us to learn more.

Communicating for Success

Nonverbal cues account for as much as 80 percent of your communication. Since, job interviews are typically the first time you will get to meet a potential employer, the way you present yourself to others will likely help determine whether or not you are successful in landing the job. We’ve compiled a list of 5 tips to help you make a good first impression.

1.    Dress to Impress: It is important that you look professional when interviewing for a job.  Make sure your clothes are neatly pressed, with no stains or rips.  You should dress so that you will fit into the atmosphere of the company.  You want to look like you fit in while maintaining your own personality.  It is also acceptable to call the organization in advance to find out the dress policy.  Is it business formal or business casual?

Proper grooming is also an important part of dressing to impress.  Men should have no or well maintained facial hair, with their hair combed and neat.  While women should wear basic make-up (heavy make-up is a turn off), brushed and lightly styled hair and no chipped nail polish.

Wearing a smile isn’t a bad idea either.

2.    Engage in a Good Handshake: A handshake can often tell an employer a lot about a person and personality.  A tight, “bone-crushing” handshake can represent you as power hungry and inconsiderate. A weak or limp handshake may convey that you are timid or uninterested. A proper handshake should seem as though it comes naturally.  The grasp should be firm but not overbearing.  Engaging in a good handshake will show to the employer that you are versed in the business community and exhibit confidence.

3.    Think Before you Speak:  Many times people speak much faster than they are aware.  This comes from nerves and adrenaline.  You should consciously think about keeping a moderate speed and friendly tone during an interview.  Using proper grammar and vocabulary is very important.  It will make you sound professional and well educated.

4.    Be an Active Listener: Showing the employer that you are absorbing what he or she is telling you is necessary.  It’s also important to remember the name of your interviewer when you are introduced. Maintain eye contact and be sure to nod and ask questions about what the interviewer is saying.  If something interests you ask to know more.

5.    Know the Company: Before your interview do some research on the company.  Find out what they do and gather some information you think is important.  Also make sure you understand the job you are interviewing for.  You sound unprofessional if do not know what you are interviewing for and cannot be prepared to tell the interviewer why you are capable of performing the job.  It is a good idea to find out where the company is located ahead of time and make sure you know exactly how to get there.  This way you will not get lost and can arrive early the day of your interview.

Happy Holidays(?)

The holidays are supposed to be a time of family, fun and relaxation. But if you are in the middle of your job search – the holidays can be a painful reminder of your problem. How are you supposed to enjoy the season when you feel the constant pressure of unemployment?

While it may be tempting skip the holiday parties hope for a better luck next year – there are many ways to celebrate this special season in spite of your job search . . . and even because of it.

Family support. While you might be dreading the annual family party even more this year because you will have to delve into your current job status – look at this this as an opportunity to gain some family support. Instead of vaguely evading questions about your job search – be honest. Have you had any new leads recently? Has it been awhile since you had an interview? Share this information if your family asks. Chances are that at least some of your family members would honestly like to encourage you if given the opportunity.

Find leads. Every job search expert will talk about the value of marketing. During the holidays – there are many events and gatherings that could give you an opportunity to talk with someone about your job search. You never know when somebody might tip you on a job opening or employer. These casual conversations can be some of the most effective job search time that you spend. Don’t avoid it – seek it out!

Remember what’s important. When you are wading through the sea of online job applications, it’s easy to get caught up in the anxiety become consumed with your job search. Use the holidays to spend time with the people that are important in your life.

7 Tips for Writing Your Resume

1. Always include a clear objective. Your objective should state which position you are seeking and a few key details about you and what you have to offer an employer.
2. You will need multiple resumes to cover each unique type of job for which you are applying.
3. Keep your resume short and simple with action verbs that convey your accomplishments. The average length should be one to two pages.
4. Have someone else proofread your resume to make certain it is free of typos.
5. Be sure your resume is easy to read. Too much or too little information can distract your reader. Focus on the skills that are pertinent to the position for which you are applying.
6. Don’t photocopy a copy of your resume, it is unprofessional. Always use professional resume paper.
7. Make sure your contact information is easy to find.

Skills You Can Transfer To Your Next Job

All jobs have their own set of required skills, but there are certain universal, or transferable, skills that will serve you well in the eyes of an employer in practically any position you may hold.

Find ways in your resume and interviews to illustrate how you have practiced these skills in previous jobs:

• Communication – ability to communicate effectively to co-workers and customers in manners appropriate to the job function.
• Initiative – ability to identify opportunities and to set and achieve goals.
• Commitment/Motivation – having energy and enthusiasm in whatever you do.
• Teamwork – being a constructive, unselfish team member, contributing to the success of the whole.
• Leadership – being able to motivate and encourage others.
• Problem Solving – finding solutions by thinking things through logically and creatively.
• Flexibility/Adaptability – ability to handle change and adapt to new situations.
• Self-Awareness – knowing your strengths and skills and having the confidence to use them to their greatest effect.
• Interpersonal Skills – ability to relate well to others and to establish good working relationships.

Interview Skills: First Impressions Really Matter

First impressions really matter. And that counts double for job interviews.

Following are tips to make a good impression in an interview:

• Relax and think positively. You’ve already succeeded by being invited to the interview. Now the employer is giving you the opportunity to show him or her what you have to offer.
• Condition your mind to be positive and optimistic about your future. This way when you walk into the interview, your smile will be genuine, betraying no hint of nervousness or doubt.
• Speak clearly and confidently.
• Listen carefully to the interviewer’s questions, and if you are uncertain what the interviewer is asking, rephrase the question in your own words and ask if you grasped the question accurately.
• Try to understand the purpose of each question so you provide the interviewer the information he or she wants to know.
• Relax as you answer the questions and approach the interview as a conversation so that you connect with the interviewer.
• Show interest for the organization by asking relevant, intelligent questions.
• Give the interviewer a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview,
• Thank the interviewer for meeting with you, and ask for his or her business card if you don’t already have it
• As the final step of making a good first impression, follow-up with an e-mail to the interviewer the next day, again thanking him or her.

Tap Into Your Network

It has been estimated that as many as eight out of 10 new jobs are obtained through personal contact—or networking.

Through networking you contact people you already know—friends, neighbors, relatives, people at church or other organizations you belong to, former supervisors or classmates…. Basically anyone you know.

Let them know you are looking for a job and what types of opportunities interest you. They may be able to help you in your job search by either suggesting job leads or referring you to other people who may know of openings.

Personal networks are very valuable because more than 80 percent of jobs are not advertised. Your contacts can help lead you to this hidden job market.

Go ahead and make a networking contact list and consider these tips as you network:

• Make networking a two-way street. Help others who ask for your assistance and guidance.
• Don’t limit your networking to job hunting. Keep in touch regularly so your network doesn’t dry up.
• Send your contacts thank you notes when they provide advice or leads. And keep them up to date on your progress.