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One key to a successful job search is preparation. Northcoast Jobs Connection, which offers community Job Stores and the Seneca One Stop are available to assist anyone who is looking for new or different employment, as well as to offer services to businesses.
Northcoast Jobs offers these tips for job-seekers:
Preparing for search – Network, compose resumes and letters, hold telephone conversations, and complete forms. Always be prepared. Carry a pen at all times, and know names, addresses and telephone numbers of references. Do your research, ask questions, and get directions.
Learn how to read the newspaper for job leads – Read the whole newspaper every day, and borrow one if necessary. Not all job openings go to the newspaper (only about 10 percent), but read it anyway.
Maintain a positive attitude – Your attitude is reflected in all actions. A negative attitude can prevent you from succeeding. Smile, shake hands, and use names. Lean forward when interviewing.
Be prepared for rejection – You will hear “no” many times in many ways. Don’t be discouraged. You are competing with many other well-qualified applicants. If you do not get a job offer after an interview, inquire tactfully about possible reasons.
Be persistent – Contact an employer at least three times before giving up. Follow up letters and resumes with telephone calls; follow up interviews with thank-you notes. Employers don’t know you are interested unless you contact them a few times. Use judgment and vary your method of contact.
Pre-employment tests – These are often given before employment and may include:
Personality or Psychological: These tests help employers find out how you feel about yourself.
Proficiency: These tests help employers test your skills relating to the job you’re applying for, such as at keyboarding, mechanical tasks and those requiring manual dexterity.
Competency: These tests are designed to measure a particular subject area.
Drug Test: These can require that you give urine samples or other samples.
Intelligence: These tests measure your ability to adapt, solve problems, and understand instructions.
Know yourself – Be able to identify and give examples of your personality traits and skills. Be aware of what motivates you and what working conditions you work best in.
Network – Make a list of the people you know. Initiate contacts, ask good questions, get and follow up on referrals. Network whenever you socialize, every chance you get. About 80 percent of all jobs are found through networking.
Go to your library – You will find good reading and resource materials, such as research books, directories, trade magazines and videos. If you don’t have one, you can use computers to access the Internet for research, emailing, etc..
Log your progress – Keep a log of your job-search progress. Write down dates, names, etc. Keep copies of ads, resumes, cover letters and applications. Use a computer program, calendar, date book, pad, binder, etc.
Completing applications – Complete applications using a black pen. When you’re done, read over them thoroughly, completing every space legibly and following directions. Always attach a resume to applications, and find out how long employers keep them.
Telephone techniques – Know who can hire you. When calling, identify yourself, refer to your resume and take notes. Call from a quiet, private place, and concentrate on slowing your rate of speech. Listen carefully and respond using your best manners and politest tone, being sure to call the other person by name. When possible, invest in an answering machine, voice mail, caller ID, cell phone, pager and email address to increase your chances of being contacted.
Expect to interview – Stress your qualifications, be honest and think before you speak. Don’t stress your need for a job. Dress conservatively. Pay attention to grooming and be sure not to wear too much cologne or perfume. Wear tasteful amounts of makeup, jewelry and accessories. Go early, and use firm handshakes and good eye contact. Display an interest in the job, and ask and answer questions.
Resumes and letters – A good resume should be considered your brag sheet. Make it honest, perfect in appearance and positive. It should be one to two pages in length printed on white or light-colored paper. Most employers are looking for reverse chronological style (most recent job listed first) with names and dates.
Send a cover letter whenever you mail a resume. It should be typed in most cases. Make it short and sweet and try to eliminate the word ‘I.” A handwritten thank-you letter should be sent after an interview.
Know your references – Use a good cross-section of people you have known over a year. Get their permission and stay in touch with them. Use males and females who are intelligent, responsible, credible persons. Make sure they can read and write and speak positively about you. Don’t use relatives.
For more information, visit www.northcoastjobs.org or call 1-800-665-1677, ext. 270 in Ottawa County or call 419-332-2169 in Sandusky County.
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