“Networking, persistence keys in job search” plus 1 more |
Networking, persistence keys in job search Posted: 16 Jan 2011 02:02 AM PST Under the best circumstances, searching for a new job can be a daunting and frustrating task. Add in economic stresses and the sense of urgency often felt by people who lose their jobs, and the pressure can become overwhelming. But there are things job seekers -- whether they've recently been downsized from a long-term job or are re-entering the job market after a hiatus -- can do to find not just a job, but a career. "Looking for a job after a downsizing is hard work, but the really hard part isn't so much the specific things that need to be done throughout the course of a job search -- the calls to make, the research to do, the interviews to go on, and so forth," said Keith Cullen, director of Auburn Montgomery's Career Development Center. "The hard part is dealing with all the pressures -- psychological, family and financial -- that often arise during the course of a job search." For individuals who have been downsized, it's an emotional situation, said Linda Browder, director of Strategic Placement Services, a Montgomery staffing company. "Even if they know it wasn't about their performance, it is hard to look at your family and friends and say 'I am unemployed.'" But Cullen and Browder agree the keys to job searches are networking and persistence. "The truth is, there are no innate talents or highly specialized or special skills that are needed to conduct a successful job search," Cullen said in an e-mail. "Candidates simply need to be able to do a lot of the things they already know how to do, but in a focused, disciplined and systematic way." TipsHis tips for the recently unemployed:
This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
Job search needs the personal touch Posted: 14 Jan 2011 04:42 PM PST
By DIANE STAFFORDThe Kansas City StarUnemployment remains high. Millions of mid-career workers continue in a long-term job search. Yet employer surveys reveal "trouble" filling job openings. What gives? There's a disconnect between what employers seek and who the job hunters are. Employers, particularly in large companies, typically want perfect candidates to fill niche jobs. They want experienced (but not expensive) talent who are techno-savvy, flexible, energetic and ready to do specialized work. Given the applicant screening systems in many large organizations, it's hard for mature applicants to make a case that their skills are adaptable and, most important, current. Older workers have to convince hirers that they're willing, if not eager, to work for less money and that they're fine with downscaling their titles or responsibilities. Because that's not easy, these two job-hunting tips need to be sent again and again: •People you know — not formal application processes — provide your best chance for re-employment. •Small and midsize employers are likely to be more receptive to hiring you. Any job posting you find is going to be found by hundreds, if not thousands, of other applicants. Your application needs an advocate to pluck it from the pile. You need to go to association meetings, use LinkedIn and send e-mails to former co-workers and other people you know to let them know the nature of your job search. Through personal contacts, you're more likely to learn about opportunities in small and midsize companies. They may not have the Web presence or name recognition of big firms. They don't staff tables at job fairs. But they have hiring needs. And because there aren't as many job definitions in small organizations, they're more likely to want workers who have broader experience and a mature work ethic. Bottom line: Personal contact is likely to be more productive than sending out resumes or filling in application blanks. @ Read "How I Got The Job" at economy.kansascity.com. To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send e-mail to stafford@kcstar.com. Read her recent columns at economy.kansascity.com. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
You are subscribed to email updates from job search - Yahoo! News Search Results To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 |
No comments:
Post a Comment