Interviewing 101

So here's the deal, you've been working and today you just found out that you have been laid off from your current job, or you are considering terminating your position. Like some of us, if not most have been laid off/fired at one time or another. Recently, I have been struck with this dilemma as well and I'm sharing my experience of why it pays to search, post, rinse and repeat.

So now you're stuck looking for a job from the pool of jobs located in classified ads and from online networks. Keep in mind that you're not the only one that hates seeking new employment.

Here’s a list of the top five most important elements to carry with you when you are looking to land that new position.

1. First Things First -- Ask Yourself, “Who Am I?”

The wonderful word, "RESUME" scares most people to crawl out of their skin and scream when they have to even consider utilizing this source as a method of seeking employment. Just remember, a resume doesn't only reveal your contact information and background experience, it speaks HIGHLY of YOU; moreover, this document inevitably gets your foot in the door.

There are endless amounts of resources located on the internet to help you build or refine your current resume. Two of the most recommended resources are detailed below which are free to use:

Monster - Not only will they help you build your very own resume, they will actively seek employment based on your credentials that you have provided.
CareerBuilder - Has a valuable resource of online resume building software, as well as being able to post your resume online and seek jobs in your local region immediately.

First time employment

Don’t stress out too much, as this does not exclude your abilities of being capable of the skills necessary for new employment opportunities. This obstacle does however leave many options out unless you have upper level education under your belt. This aim high target low type of strategy requires gathering as much details about your personal/professional behavior and skills that you have acquired during your education that will benefit you as a candidate for a new position.

• Seek someone who has past resume skills to help build a proper resume that is fit for a position you are seeking.
• Speak to individuals you would consider of mentor status (local business leaders, guidance counselors, and even instructors) to review some skills you may have omitted from your resume.
• Discuss with family or friends using a topical piece of conversation and ask them to review some communication skills you are strong in.
• Include any accomplishments (Self achievements that have benefited someone else). Be sure to include awards/certificates from your past that you believe are job worthy to your next employer.
• Volunteering IS considered work, just because you did not receive financial compensation from it, rather look at the beneficial factor of being able to offer your services for a good cause in your community. Employers are always looking for team players as well as independent individuals who can effectively implement cost reducing strategies. With this in mind, be sure to include any past efforts that you have contributed to maximize performance of a project as an individual and/or as a team.

I’ve previously been employed

One thing to consider when applying for a position is to make observations about your past skills and experience that can benefit the new position you are seeking. While some of us have had summer jobs to earn a little extra income to jubilantly carry us through to the next semester, there are others who have not worked a day in their lives-- lucky them right? Wrong. Statistically speaking, individuals that have prior working experience find it much easier to compile a resume based off of past employment. While those that have not worked, must compile their resume from past resources and assess their skills, behaviors, attitudes, as well as being able to answer why they have no job experience come interview time. People who have no job or little job experience are considered a higher risk to the company; likewise, those who fall into the category of having too many jobs for short periods of times.

• Focus on core abilities that you have offered as a beneficial role in your previous work.
• Build your resume with an angle to be directed towards your target employment position. Try to only include skills that are relevant to the position you are trying to obtain. For example, if you are looking for a financial assistance position and one of your past positions was trimming hedges for a lawn service company, try to exclude items such as what type of equipment you have operated with-- since it is irrelevant. A better example would be to include an innovative fertilizing technique which involved combining a fertilizer with a pesticide to maximize the amount of time spent on each lawn.

To be continued...