Job Hunting – Ideas to Help You Find Your Dream Job
Two years ago I was laid-off from my job where I had worked for almost 12 years. I had bills to pay and I had to find another job quickly. Here are some things that helped me find another job. Hopefully my ideas could help you if you are laid-off or if you are just out of college and are looking for your first big job.
Get Your Foot in the Door
You must be willing to take a lower-paying job at first. You will probably not be able to find the same pay as the job you had before. You need to get your foot in the door, so to speak. Apply for a lower job at a company where you would like to work. You can learn about their business and meet the people there. If you do a good job, they will be more likely to promote you up to where you want to be. It takes time, so be patient. Companies usually like to promote from within. I had to take a cut in pay when I went to my new job, but within two years I have been promoted up to the same level that I had at my previous job. And I have so much more chance for advancement here at my new company.
Network
Join organizations or associations in your city that deal with your job interests and attend their events. Help out in these groups and volunteer to work on committees. Sign up for LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com. Talk to people on Facebook about your job search and see if they know of any openings. Talk or email everyone you know. Network, Network, Network.
Volunteer
Volunteer at places where you can use your skills. Charities need people for all kinds of jobs. So you want a job in web-design, help a charity with their web page. You want to be a veterinarian’s assistant, volunteer at an animal shelter. You want to be a teacher, volunteer with a children’s charity. There are a lot of opportunities out there. They look good on your resume, show community involvement, and you will be helping others at the same time.
Find a Mentor
Reach out to a friend or former colleague who is working in your desired field. Ask them for advice or help in getting a job. Are there any openings where they work? Look for connections through your alumni organization, fraternity or sorority. Talk to people at your church. Most people will be willing to help you if they can.
Work somewhere, anywhere
It doesn’t look good to have a gap in employment on your resume. Be willing to take a job anywhere for a short time until you can land the job you really want. If you are afraid that you will not have time for job interviews or you don’t want to be tied down to a 9-5 job, then try a part time job that you can do at home or in the evenings. I signed up for writing jobs on Elance (www.elance.com) and still continue to work on jobs there in my spare time. I also started writing on Hubpages.
I hope that my ideas will help you get the job you want. Good luck in your job search.
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