Job Searching

Are you really job searching?

You think you are job searching, but you are really just wasting time if:…

  • you are just sending out generic resumes hoping something will hit
  • you haven't identified your skills and abilities to determine your direction
  • you aren't creating targeted resumes
  • you are not really reading the job ad to see what they are looking for
  • you don't know the type of business you want to work for
  • you are just looking for “work/life balance”
  • you haven't started preparing for an interview
woman sitting in front of a laptop
Job Searching

Targeted resumes work

It's important to really read the job ad to see what the employer is looking for and what skills you have that match the job.  Then you need to demonstrate those skills on your resume using a section entitled:  Highlights of Qualifications or Summary of Skills.   That lets the employer know right away that you are a good match.

Employers are looking for skills that often go beyond experience and qualifications. While your experience and education may make you eligible enough to apply for a job, you still need to have mixed skills.

For most employers, getting the right people is important. It is all about identifying the people with the right qualities and skills to fulfill their role and contribute to the success of the organization. You may be one of those candidates who have the “hard skills” and qualifications in managing your job role. However, employers are less likely to hire you without your soft skills.

Identifying Your Skills and Abilities

Where do you need improvement? Below are some of the skills that you may need to improve.

Employability

Employability skills serve as the foundation of your career. Organizations are spending a lot of money and time to train their staff for various positions. During high employment, employers give favor for applicants who have well-rounded employability skills.

Interpersonal

Take the time to know if you lack in interpersonal skills. These are important skills used in interacting with a lot of people. With good interpersonal skills, you can actively participate as a team member. You can satisfy the expectations of your clients and your customers. You can have time to negotiate and make good decisions. You can manage your time efficiently and work effectively with other employees.
You will still need to hone your interpersonal skills that allow you to build rapport with clients and colleagues. This leads to a less stressful and better working environment.

Communication

Employers are searching for people who have the means to communicate well, both in written and verbal. If you are applying for a job or looking for a promotion with a current employer, you need to demonstrate your communication skills. If you do not excel in communication, you need to improve your communication skills by practicing writing skills with a wide array of people. You may also want to practice maintaining good eye contact while speaking to people. You also need to write succinctly and clearly. You also need to demonstrate different vocabulary and tailor the language to the audience. These are essential skills that must be improved to have less chances of misunderstanding.

If you do not have the ability of speaking and writing with conciseness and clarity, then you need to strengthen it up for your career.  Try checking out Toastmasters.  Find a club near you. Communication skills are important along with creativity.

Critical Thinking

The ability of solving problems and making decisions can be a big asset to an employer. This is a desirable skill that must be developed. In problem solving and decision making there is a need to gather reliable information.
The ability of effectively planning and organizing time gets the job done effectively. With critical thinking skills, employers save more money and time.

Creative thinkers are inventive and innovative. They are more likely to create new ways of making systems, adding value to the working environment and devising new ways of doing things.

Personal Development

Personal development is about acquiring the right attitude towards the organization that you work for. Employers even look for people who are interested to learn and develop.

If you are not open to changes and learning, then this is one of the areas that you need to develop personally. If you are resistant to changes in an organization, this will serve as a hindrance to your successful career. Most of the jobs involve change. Employers prefer people who are flexible, patient, and adaptable and respond to change.

Numeracy

Numeracy skills are important, regardless of whether or not you are considering a job that works with numbers. If you are not confident and competent in working with numbers, then you need to improve it. Always remember that it can be to your best advantage in different employment settings. Being able to analyze and understand data in various formats is considered to be a crucial skill in most organizations.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Job Searching

Fran

P.S.  If you want help with your job search contact me

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