In the job market that is latter 2016; many Americans are keeping their fingers crossed for the New Year.
For many, the hope is that 2017 will produce more job opportunities, opportunities that rise above either part-time work or low salaries for full-time work. Either way, 2016 has been a rough year for many individuals either out of work or working several jobs just to make ends meet.
How many of these workers got in the positions they are in today varies.
For some, they’re stuck in low-paying jobs; jobs that at least help keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Others, meantime, can’t get their foot in the door for an interview, this after either being let go via layoffs or firings.
If you find yourself in the position of needing a job (or at least a better one at that), what are you doing to improve your odds?
Review Your Approach to Finding Work
For starters, how you go about getting interviews and ultimately offers is as important as anything else you will do.
While there are no guarantees that a stellar resume and/or a great interview will provide you with an offer, they are critical nonetheless.
That said remember these 5 tips to getting the best job possible:
- Resume – First and foremost, how good is your resume? Given how competitive the job market is these days, an average resume just won’t cut it. Although you may think you are a wordsmith extraordinaire, you are better off turning to the pros in putting together this critical document. Take note that great resumes can make the difference when searching for that ideal position. Don’t hesitate for a moment to use a professional resume writing service if that is what it will take to get you noticed;
- Interview – Once you get your foot in the door for an interview, you simply can’t blow it. The interview will tell a prospective employer much about you. He or she will not only want to know your background and how it benefits their company, but also how you’d work with others. It sounds like commonsense, but you’d be amazed how many people flunk the part of the interview that involves being on time, dressing appropriately etc. Don’t take any of those important tasks for granted.
How Bad Do You Want the Position?
- Motivation – Just how motivated are you for the position you’re interviewing for? While some candidates can pull off the fake smile and/or the fake attitude, many others simply can’t. Go into your interview knowing as much as possible about your prospective employer. Without turning the interview around on them, ask pertinent questions about the position, the company, the staff etc. When someone sees you’re motivated, it tends to rub off positively on you;
- Personality – Even though it is great to be motivated about a potential job (you should be), don’t go overboard. Most employers and/or recruiters can see through someone’s fake exterior. While you should definitely show interest in the job and the people working there, don’t lay it on too thickly;
- Follow-up – After your interview, be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and/or recruiter. Letting them know (in writing) that you appreciated their time can go a long way. Even if you don’t get the position this time around, another one could open down the road. When an employer sees that you took a few minutes to thank them for having you in, it can separate you from others not choosing to do so.
Finding the right job in today’s world can prove challenging, but would you have it any other way?
Accepting the challenge and meeting it head-on can do wonders for you. If you’re still looking for the right job, don’t give up hope.
Remember…. quitters never win, winners never quit.
Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com
About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.
