This month, we deal with four hot topics among job seekers -
"Where do I find the best jobs?"
"Do I REALLY need a resume?"
"What's the best method of responding to a job ad?" and
"How can I improve my chances of being selected?"
Finding the best jobs is all about knowing what you are looking for.
This one is the "Holy Grail" of job questions. The first thing you need to establish is what you are looking for. It may sound simple, but how will you know when you found your ideal job if you never figured this out to start with?
A good place to start is with location: decide how far you can travel and set your goals inside that area. There's no point in looking all over the country or even 50 miles away if you don't drive and need to take public transport or get a lift everyday.
Next, think about what you would LIKE to do - but be realistic. There aren't many jobs out there for rock stars or millionaires. Start with your skills or abilities; are you good with people or shy around new people? Do you like to work with your hands or your head? Are you good with money and math? Are you OK being on your feet all day? What do you eventually want to do with your life? Could you maybe look for a job doing something connected with that? Maybe even an internship?
Once you have a set of criteria, you need to determine where a job that matches these criteria might be found. If all you are looking for is a mall job in retail, then you may as well go cruising and check out window signs. If you want a position in healthcare, then home in on healthcare sources. If you are flexible or not particularly bothered what type of job you get - you just need the money - then make sure you check out salaries first.
When searching for jobs on Internet job sites, ALWAYS REGISTER. Most sites have features that help you plan your search or home in on what you are looking for that are only available to you if you register. Registering also gets you Newsletters like this one. ALWAYS READ THEM. You need all the help you can get in today's highly competitive world.
Do you REALLY need a resume? Only if you REALLY need a job.
If you are only applying for a part-time job, you might think that preparing a resume is a lot of trouble to go to. Well, there are two things you should consider:
Do you really want to write out a new letter from scratch for every application? If you don't have a resume, you will need to write out a new letter with every application, stating what you are good at, what you have done, etc. The covering letter should be fairly short and be related to the job you are applying for, not all about your background.
It really doesn't have to be a big job. All a resume is, is a list of things you can do or did for someone else. Here's how you can start one and post it on-line in a few minutes. You can always go back and refine it at anytime. Start in your favorite Word Processing document by simply stating your name, address and contact details. Then list a few special skills or abilities you think you have (ask parents or friends to suggest some if you draw a blank). Next, list any work experience you have already had - latest first. Finally, state your education level. If still at college, mention your major or best subjects. That's it! Not so hard was it? Now, copy and paste it into the "Add Resume" space on AmericaJobCentral.com and you have posted a resume on-line.
The best method of responding to a job ad? Do what you are told to do.
This one is simpler to answer. Always respond in the way that the employer has asked you to respond. However, there are some tips worth considering:
Read the ad very carefully. If it says things like "Send Resume to" or "Fax details to" or "Include reasons why you want this job" or "Call in person" - do just what is asked.
Watch out for On-Line Application Forms. AmericaJobCentral.com allows an employer to stipulate the method of contact: If he includes an e-mail address it is likely that he will accept resumes sent this way. You may also see "Apply On-Line". This means that there is an application form to complete. FILL IT ALL IN. You may be disregarded for omitting a section. Many employers don't want to receive your application by e-mail. RESPECT THEIR WISHES. Call or fax as they instruct you to do.
How to improve your chances of being selected? Highlight your good points.
Answers to the previous section apply here also, but some additional things you can do are:
Always include a covering letter. Where you are confronted with a blank box that invites additional input - this usually means you need to add your covering letter. NEVER leave it blank or allow it to go with just an "I want this job, cos I need the money" comment. This is where you give an employer most information about your personality. If you tell him how you think you match up to his criteria, he will know that you have taken the time to read his hard thought-out words and taken the time to apply to a job that actually does match you. You may be surprised to know that many job seekers just send out resumes to every job they see. That's why they never hear anything back.
Emphasize your flexibility. Tell an employer how willing to do other things or go an extra mile you are. Show examples if possible of where you did this before.
Get good references lined up early. Don't rely on the "References available on request" line. Put them up front in your covering letter or resume. Employers don't like to take chances, so make them feel good about you.
Finally, use the spelling and grammar checker. It's a simple thing, but most employers are a little conservative and like to be able to read what you send them. Put it in THEIR language.
A final word ...
While you are on the site, why not take a moment to register and post your resume with us. Some employers prefer to search our resume database rather than post jobs to find their ideal candidates. You can add new resumes, change or update existing ones anytime you like. WHY BE LEFT OUT?
Even if you don't have a resume, registering is simple and will enable you to view contact details for all our jobs. You should also complete the short skills questionnaire that will enable employers to know more about you instantly.
