Job Searching Resources

There are many online job boards like CareerBuilder, Monster, and HotJobs that are common places to search for jobs. Some people may be thinking that they have put their resume on every online job board and they need new resources to fuel their job search. So the question becomes what should I do next?

I recommend that you utilize every community resource. You can start with your local library. Most libraries have computers for public use. Remember to bring your flash drive so that you can save your work. They also have books on creating resumes and cover letters. The libraries I have visited are hosting career workshops and they are FREE! 

If you have a church home find out if they are running any programs for people who have suffered job loss. Many churches have career ministries that can be utilized for people who have questions. In addition to getting career information, you can get spiritually uplifted.

I also recommend that you check out your local television stations websites. They have job information from companies that post jobs directly on their website.

The goal of a successful job search is to equip yourself with as many tools as possible to land yourself an interview.

How many resumes should I have?

It is a good idea to have multiple resumes if you have specific skills that can be used in different industries. For example if you were a Sales Manager you could potentially have one resume for sales and another resume for a management position.

I have noticed that when people try to fit multiple skill sets into one resume it creates a lengthy resume. A lengthy resume is not bad if it is justified, but remember that it is your job to quickly capture the attention of the reader of your resume and show them how you could fit into their organization. Don't forget to use keywords relating to your industry because many times companies don't even read resumes anymore, they have software that scans the resumes in their database to find candidates for open positions.

When you try this two resume approach it allows you to be specific about what content you will use for each resume. Creating an industry specific resume will likely shorten that specific resume and it may show some gaps in your employment history. You will address this by attaching a cover letter with your resume explaining your specific qualifications and overall employment history. 

Take a look at Industry Data

If you are unsure of what career you want to pursue next there are two things to consider. First, I would take a  career assessment. You can find FREE career assessments online at websites like monster.com and thebeehive.org. A career assessment should help guide you in the right direction. Secondly, I would research industry data.  According to an article in the Jobs section of the Sunday Detroit Free Press you should research industries and job sectors that are experiencing worker shortages or still experiencing job growth.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases updated figures every month on occupational job growth. The following sectors have gained jobs this year: health care, education, government, food services, and IT(Information Technologies).

Ultimately, if you are considering going back to school or getting additional training then it would make sense to get training in sectors where there is job growth. 

Your July Resolution

I challenge everyone that is seeking a job or a breakthrough with their business to commit to accomplishing 5 different activities during the month of July.

There are no right or wrong answers here.

I will start us off with my five activities that I will commit to for the month of July.

1. I will dedicate 30 minutes per day to searching for jobs on online job boards.

2. I will create a business plan for my business.

3. I will research companies that I would like to work for and send them letters to see if they have any unlisted opportunities available.

4. I will continue to motivate other job seekers because I believe blessings come through helping others.

5. I will continue to network with my contacts on BrightFuse.

I pray that everyone that reads this will get their blessing in July!

The Cover Letter

There is a debate over whether a cover letter is necessary. I have spoken to some recruiters who say no one reads cover letters. While I have talked with other recruiters who say that they love cover letters. I say cover letters are important if they are used correctly.

A cover letter should serve as an introduction to your resume. You should start off by letting the recruiter know why you are writing them. It may be about a specific position or it could be to determine if there are opportunities within the organization. Following that you should describe your strengths. These strengths can be your soft skills or hard skills. After listing your strengths you can discuss specific positions you have held and how you made a difference using your strengths. The cover letter should be closed by stating that you are confident that you can bring value to the organization and that you welcome an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications in person. Hopefully, the combination of a well written resume and well written cover letter will be an interview.

If you have further questions regarding a cover letter you can Google cover letters on the internet to generate samples. You can also check your library or bookstore for books on cover letters. If you don't have time for that you can hire a professional like Resume Solutions, LLC. Go to our website www.resumesolutionsllc.com for more information.

The Job Fair

A Job Fair is a place where employers get to inform or interview numerous potential candidates for hire. To make the most of the Job Fair you should follow a few basic practices.

The first item on your agenda is to find out which employers are going to be at the Job Fair. You need to know this because you want to make sure you talk with representatives from the companies that most interest you. The key here is to treat the Job Fair like an amusement park. There are alot of rides and attractions to see at an amusement park but you only want to invest time to see your favorites.

The second item on your agenda will be to make plenty copies of your resume. You will want to bring one resume for every company that interest you. It is also a good idea to bring four additional resumes that you will give to the Job Fair hosts who oftentimes adds your resume to their database and companies that you may have overlooked.

The third item on your agenda is to remember to stay positive during the Job Fair. Sometimes a company that you thought would be present does not show up. Sometimes you might be presented with some questions that you weren't prepared for. Or maybe your nerves just get the best of you. In any case remain calm and do your best.

The fourth item on your agenda should be to practice your pitch. Included in your pitch is a firm handshake, a smile, and a brief description of yourself, and what you are looking for.

In the end a Job Fair is like most other things in life it is what you make of it. It is also an opportunity to practice your presentation skills and possibly find a lead for a job opportunity.

The Power of Networking

If you are unemployed or thinking about preparing for life after your current job then you need to Network. Networking is simply communicating to people in your circle that you are looking for an oppportunity. Don't let your pride or your need for privacy stop you.

There are countless online career websites such as Dice, CareerBuilder, Monster, and HotJobs. Those sites simply list jobs and give you an opportunity to post for positions. When you network you get insider information as to when a position will be open. You will also be told how to apply and what to expect during the hiring process. You get this type of information because somone you know is working or familiar with that organization.

You can start networking with your own family. Familiarize them with your background and let them know that you want to keep your options open. Reach out to your friends and let them know you are looking for employment and familiarize them with your background. If you are involved in church or any professional organization let those people know too. Basically you want to have as many people helping you look as possible.

After you reach out to your circle. Create a new circle by networking online. Websites such as Linkedin and Brightfuse are excellent places to do strategic networking. You can network with people who work within the industry you are targeting. These websites allow you to display your qualifications in a resume format.

Whichever method of networking you choose don't overlook it because it could help you land the job you are seeking. The best part of all is networking for the most part is free.