If you’ve been paying attention to the news lately, you may have noticed how many people are currently out of work. Thanks to the economic crisis, many people have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced. You might be one of these people, in which case the following article can help you get a job.
Use social media to build and define your online presence. More employers are starting to factor in candidates’ public profiles on the most popular sites, which include Facebook and Twitter. Update your privacy settings to ensure that any questionable images, updates and links are not visible to people outside of your network. Do not forget to change visibility settings for photos that have been posted by your friends.
If your interview is in a location that you are not familiar with, make sure that you plan out your route in advance. There is enough stress that you will be under already, as you should know exactly where you are going to avoid any problems on the day of the interview.
Always dress to impress. Just one day of looking sloppy at work can create a lasting impression. Make sure that your clothing fits appropriately and is always clean and ironed. Also, remember to use the best hygiene and keep your hair styled and trimmed. Sticking to this rule will ensure that you consistently make a good impression.
Instead of accepting that you do not have what it takes to land a specific job, ask yourself what you can do to become a better candidate. For example, if you lack experience with a certain software program commonly used in your chosen field, look for online tutorials and how-to books. MIT and other prestigious universities offer a variety of free, non-credit online courses. Topics range from marketing research to XHTML, and completing the programs demonstrates your willingness to go the extra mile.
When writing a resume, be sure to include all of your important contact information. This makes it much easier for employers to get in touch with you if they need to. Important information for them includes your full name, your email address, your street address, and your phone number.
Ask questions during your interview. While you might look at this interview as them finding out if they want you to work there, you are also in control. You may not want to work with them! Use this time to ask about what the corporate culture is like, what the pay entails, and what opportunities for advancement exist.
During your first couple of months in your new job, you may run into a lot of problems where you should ask questions. No one expects you to know everything right off the bat, so you should familiarize yourself with the types of things you need to know. This will help you to become a better all around employee.
When you are applying for jobs, make sure that you have a list of three reliable references prepared for potential employers. Do not add friends or relatives to the list since they may not be aware of your work ethic. Good references include former supervisors, co-workers and your college classmates.
Create a reliable list of references. Almost every job application will have a spot for you to provide references. Streamline your application process by having your references and their contact information with you whenever you apply for a job or attend an interview. Try to have at least three references, and at minimum, include their job titles, phone numbers, and email addresses.
Check out samples of cover letters and resumes online to see how others get the job done. It’s a great way to explore more creative ways to catch a potential employer’s eye. It will also ensure that the paperwork you create is professional looking enough to get you the jobs you apply for.
Google yourself to see what type of information comes up for potential employers when they search. If you see something that looks like it could be damaging to you, do everything you can to have it removed. Whether you believe it or not, many employers use Google searches to weed out people they don’t want to hire.
When you can, sign up for job alerts on websites. This lets you receive customized lists of opportunities to your email, saving you the time it takes to search these sites every day. Make sure to check your email 2-3 times a day so you can apply right away for an opportunity.
Don’t let the news reports discourage you. Yes, there are a lot of people out of work, and you may be one of them, but you don’t have to be. You can rise from the ranks of the unemployed to get a job. Remember what this article has to offer and good luck job hunting.
