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Back at It--Re-entering the Workforce
We talked to Janet Janke, a career transition consultant, and Karen Peterson, former dean of students and former director of the career center at LDS Business College, and have compiled their advice in hopes of giving you the best chance for finding a fulfilling job. Keeping Yourself Marketable in the Off Season The best thing you can do when taking more than six months off is to keep current in your industry. Subscribe to trade magazines specific to your skills and area of expertise. Read the business section of the newspaper—you’ll know which companies are doing well, expanding, merging, if they’re in trouble, or downsizing. Pay attention to new industry lingo, find out what it means and how to use it. If you can bring out those terms in interviews and networking conversations, you’ll be a step ahead. As you start to narrow down what you want to do, find out what new programs and skills will be a part of the career. You may need to take a computer class or a specific program class. If you’re ready to start working now, but have realized that training for what you really want will take some time, don’t be afraid to start another job while you’re taking a class. The experience will get you working again and add some skills to better prepare you for what you really want. Some companies may even offer to pay for extra schooling or training. Networking The most effective way to find a job is through people you know. You might want to hold a little luncheon with five friends from your old job. Talk about what you’re looking for and make sure your explanation is precise. Be able to clearly state what you want to do, the size of company you want to work for, the skills you want to use, and what you want to accomplish. When someone gives you a lead, ask them if you can use their name. If you contact the company and they aren’t hiring right then, ask if you can come in for an information interview. Ask them what they’ll be looking for in six months and get a solid job description. Make a note of the skills you need to brush up on. Interviewing For an interview, you need to know as much about the specific company you’re interviewing with as possible. Understand what goes on now, and learn about their history. Be able to talk about the company and how you could contribute to their company goals. If they address your time off, present it in a positive light. They might not even bring it up if your resume doesn’t have any holes in it. Try to fill those dates with the skills you were acquiring doing other things. Think of volunteer work, serving in the PTA, or Church callings and draw attention to the organizational, teaching, or leadership abilities you developed in that time. Remember to be confident. Believe that you are qualified and will be successful and it will come across, helping those interviewing you to see that too. Selling Yourself Your appearance and your manner will influence a hire decision just as much as your skills will. The first thing people notice about you is your appearance. You want to look like the person who would do the job you’re trying for. There are two components of your appearance that should be flawless: clothing and grooming. Clothing Find out what people at the company wear, then dress the best of that. When choosing a wardrobe for work, it’s alright to get fewer items, but spend more money on them. You’re paying for quality that will last, so in the end, you will not have spent as much as you would have if clothes are cheap and fall apart more quickly. Your clothing should be designed to fall with gravity without getting caught anywhere. Choose colors that make you feel attractive and confident. For skirts, double check that they don’t ride higher than the bottom of your knees when you’re sitting. The most attractive length is just above or just below the widest part of your calf. Grooming Your hygiene should be immaculate from head to toe. Make sure everything about you and on you is clean and neat. Hair needs to be moderate in style and well groomed, and nails and cuticles neat and trimmed. Manner After your appearance, the next thing potential employers will notice about you is your manner. Whether you believe you’re perfect for the job or not will reflect in your eyes, face, gestures, posture, and voice. Eyes Eye contact is a fast way to tell if someone is confident or not. When you’re speaking to someone, look at them. When they’re speaking to you, look at them. Don’t stare but don’t shy away either. Face Your facial expression should be pleasant and reflect the reaction you’re giving. Don’t be flat and non-expressive. Gestures For the next few weeks, pay attention to the way your arms and hands move when you’re talking. If you have a nervous habit, try to get rid of it. Watch for jerky, repetitive movements—those will signal insecurity. Posture You don’t want a military stance, but get comfortable with a good posture. Avoid hunching over while sitting, standing, or walking. Voice Ask for some candid feedback about your voice, accent, and laugh. Certain stigmas, unfortunately, are attached to certain styles of speech and accent. American Standard English is accentless, neutral English. If you’re applying in another region and your accent is too strong, look up The Columbia Guide to Standard American English at bartleby.com. One last note—attitude needs to be in check. Work is not the place for personal problems. Employers want their employees to be productive and will likely think problems from home will inhibit performance. Remember, you’re going to be spending a lot of time at your new job, so think of the time you’re spending on the hunt as an investment. Be patient as you work through your resume, interviewing skills, and networking. Always put your best foot forward and be ready for whatever opportunity comes your way. Helpful Websites Here are some websites to assist you when looking for employment: Job Search:
Resumé Help:
LDS Living Sept/Oct 2008
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Today's date: March 21, 2010
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