Work has served the purpose of our existence from the beginning
of time, yet satisfactory employment in our modern world has become
more difficult to find. According to the BLS, 12.7 million people
were unemployed in the United States in July.
Despite job market's challenges, there are a number of resources
available to job seekers who wish to improve their financial
position and their standard of living. Here are a few useful
strategies and techniques for today's job seekers:
Get organized:
If everything has its place and every hour is scheduled for
productivity, you are certain to get things accomplished. Have your
objective set firmly in your mind as you plan your daily and weekly
routine. Set specific and reachable goals each day and do whatever
it takes to accomplish them.
Make a good impression:
You never get a second chance at a first impression, so think and
behave like the person that you would want to hire if the situation
were reversed. If you build a good reputation in your community
through networking, you will be more likely to get hired when a job
opens up. In his book How To Win Friends and Influence People, Dale
Carnegie spoke of the best way to make a good impression. He said
that Charles Schwab once told him "his smile had been worth a
million dollars." A smile is more powerful than most of us
recognize, so use it to make a good first impression.
Nail the interview:
Most of us have had the privilege of surviving a job interview and
attaining a job, but it never hurts to take a quick glance at some
well-known interview techniques to help us polish up our skills.
First, be sure to arrive on time and be well prepared. Research the
company so that you have an understanding of the company's needs
and emphasize how you can fulfill them. Second, dress in
professional interview attire. Show enthusiasm for the position,
listen attentively to the interviewer and answer the questions that
are asked of you. Lastly, don't hesitate to follow up with the
interviewer to remind them of your interest and availability.
Think positive:
In his series of personal writings on self- improvement, Marcus
Aurelius, the great philosopher who once ruled the Roman Emperor
coined the immortal phrase, "Our life is what our thoughts make
it." It may sound a little clich, but the fact is simple: positive
thoughts lead to positive actions.
Take advantage of resources:
Job search websites and temporary work agencies provide access to
job openings in your area. Social networking sites allow you to
cultivate relationships with business contacts and promote your
resume to the public. Career centers provide assistance with resume
building, interview techniques, success courses and job placement.
There are always possibilities for growth if you take advantage of
the services provided within your community.
Tips for those who are employed:
Keep your job:
Once you have found employment, you must work hard to keep it. That
includes upholding your end of the contract by contributing your
abilities to the benefit of the company. Being positive and working
well with your team will prove to be invaluable now. Being
organized, ethical and resourceful will also contribute to your job
security. All of the qualities you worked to acquire in the
job-hunting process will be utilized throughout your employment. An
entrepreneur will also have many possibilities open up if he
exercises these same qualities while building his business.
Set a budget:
You have a job and you have a paycheck. To make sure that you get
the most out of your hard-earned money, make sure that you create a
budget plan that will accommodate your wants and needs. Keep
organized monthly statements that record all of your income. Create
a list of monthly expenses where you record your exact amount of
spending each month. Be realistic and make adjustments where
needed. Always live within your means and try to avoid falling into
debt.
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