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Job Hunting Tips
prarrydog:
I have noticed over the past year or so several people on here who are/were out of work and having a hard time finding a job. As a former employee, who moved around alot, and a current employer I hope I can offer some advice on how to find a job. I find the classifieds are a waste of time. Too many people applying for the same position. So here is my advice...
Maximize your chances. Don't just apply to the companies who advertise that they are hiring. Apply to the ones that aren't advertising as well. Take the yellow pages and look up your field. If you are a hair stylist or a mechanic or whatever then call every single company under that category and ask for their fax #. Fax your resume to each one of them and wait for the calls. An employer would much rather not post an ad if he doesn't have to. If he/she is thinking about posting an ad in a couple of weeks to hire someone, chances are they will call you first. Make sure you keep the fax #'s so you can fax again next month. It is not a pain in the butt for an employer to receive a 2nd and 3rd resume. It shows that you want to work. Anyway, maybe this is common knowledge, but hopefully it helps someone out.
p.s. For you young people... Do not bounce around from job to job because someone else is offering 10 cents more per hour. Find a job that is willing to offer you an apprenticeship or an opportunity to get some sort of license or ticket in that field and hang on to that job. Once you are certified then do whatever you want.
p.s.s. Never put more than 3 or 4 past jobs on your resume. If you have had 10 jobs in the past year only put 3 or 4 with NO DATES. The first thing an employer looks at is how long you are going to be with them. Nobody wants to pay to train someone who is going to bail in a couple months.
Last and most important...........PRAY and THINK POSITIVE. The two go hand in hand. Finding work is the hardest work. Don't let yourself get down.
Happy Hunting
with love
Scott
hillsbororiver:
Hi Scott,
Those are some very valid tips, I would like to add one more thing I know it impresses me when I review applications, a cover/introduction letter.
Prospective employees can become more 3 dimensional with an introduction or a review on what they have done in the past for other employers, show that you are a problem solver and a team player, not by only declaring it but by example.
Such as what type of obstacle(s) were you able to identify and resolve for a previous employer that made either your job or another employee's job more efficient and productive, or perhaps how you saved time and money.
If you are willing to work varied hours, shifts, etc. and that is something you can see might benefit the employer let them know it.
The purpose of an introduction letter (one page if possible) is that more of your personality and uniqueness will be readily displayed perhaps separating you from someone who may have a bit more experience in the position you are applying for but they are lacking (or not declaring) the flexibility, problem solving team player that is you. I have found you can train skills but you cannot train the ability to care about the whole business, that working is more than a job it is an expression of who and what you are.
Scott, you are so right about being diligent in seeking a job, especially one you really want, enthusiasm is contagious!
Here are a couple sites that can help with composing an effective cover letter;
http://www.quintcareers.com/career_doctor_cures/cover_letter.html
http://www.acinet.org/resume/resume_cover_tips.asp?nodeid=26
Joe
prarrydog:
Very good points Joe. Thanks.
Scott
dawnnnny:
Hey thanks guys! I will be looking for work in a few months after being at the same job for 28 years -- so, I'm a bit out of practice. Now if I could just figure out how to let someone else do the interview for me *wink*
I will save these tips!
gmik:
Thanks guys. Will hellp my sons out.
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