We’ve all heard the news stories of unemployment reaching record highs and people losing their jobs left and right. This can be unnerving. Who’s going to be the next unfortunate victim of the cutbacks?
Maybe you’ve already lost your job, and don’t know where to start to find another one. You’ve done the usual – sending out resumes and filling out applications. What now? Are you going to be yet one more statistic?
Not you! Every day, people are employed by small businesses and large corporations. Some become self-employed and flourish with their entrepreneurial skills. You too can land that job you crave. You too can build a business that will last a lifetime. Here are my top three tips for landing that sweet job!
My Top Three Job-Seeking Tips:
1. Find your passion.
You’re much more likely to obtain a job that you’re passionate about. Your zeal for the work will show in your interview with the company. If you’re simply looking for another J-O-B, you’re not going to display passion for the business and probably won’t be hired. So, before you go turning in your resume at the sub shop, ask yourself: are you excited about this type of work? Would it compel you to get up in the morning? If not, move on and seek other employment.
Be intentional about getting this part right. Sit down and make a list of your dream occupations. Don’t hold anything back! Take the time to discover what you truly enjoy. If you can find a job that doesn’t feel like just another way to make money, you’ll be happier and healthier.
2. Be visible and proactive.
After you have found a few jobs you’re passionate about, it’s time to dust off that resume. But don’t merely submit a resume and application and think you’re done! Far from it! Make yourself visible. Introduce yourself to your potential employer and check back with them regularly and frequently. Visit and be a customer of the business. Make sure the employer can match a face to your application. People hire people, not merely facts on a page.
Be proactive; don’t be timid. Make it your full-time job to seek the employment you’re craving. Focus solely on your mission. Multiply your efforts and open as many doors as possible. You never know when one will give you a call!
3. Do something extra to set yourself apart!
This one is important. The last thing you want to do is blend in with the lot of other applicants. Do something that your potential employers will never forget! Go above and beyond. Study the company and show that you know what you are talking about. Sometimes the extra little things will make all the difference in the world.
I remember for one job interview the interviewer asked me to sell them a pen. I took the pen and described it in full detail – then I actually took the pen apart. I talked about how you could buy refills for the pen, thus saving you money – never buy another pen again! It was comic relief, and it worked. Never before had the employer seen someone take the pen apart. It was memorable and it stuck!
What are some small things you can do to get the attention of your potential employer? If you’re starting your own home-based business, what are some things you can do to make your product or service stand out from the rest?
Get Creative – The Sky Is The Limit
Many people are resistant to change. They get stuck in their ways and can’t see themselves seeking another job. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you can’t envision the future. God knows the plans he has for you. Get creative and dare to dream! You’ll be employed before you know it! What are you waiting for? Get employed today!
Photo by Fu Man Jew
Do you have any job seeking tips of your own? Share them below!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
So what do you do if you’re not passionate about anything?
I would like to add “increase your productivity” to the list. This could mean anything from doing volunteer work in your field, or exercising daily in order to boost your energy levels and mood. This doesn’t necessary mean sending out more resumes, but improving your resume, revising it and adding more to it.
How you present yourself is an important feature. First impressions count. Although the trend today tends to be more casual, a sharp professional dresser will always get an employer’s attention. It communicates to the employer that you tend to detail and take good care of yourself. It communicates your passion for excellence. If you can put yourself together well, it is likely whatever your assignment on the job, you will take good care of that as well. The employer will also be confident that you will represent the company well.
Moneyedup and Ava, I couldn’t agree with you guys more. An increase in productivity certainly helps, as your productivity will spill over into other areas of life – sometimes landing you the next job. Dressing well helps communicate that you truly care about getting the job.
Great comments!
I know from my experience, when you’re ready for a job it’s seems like you can usually find one. Just got to be percestent in looking, follow up and show you’re hungry to potential employers.