Should you use some "down time" to get additional training and certifications?
This varies greatly from job to job, but getting a certification can be a useful way to use your time when youre not poring through job listings. There are a great number available, and not necessarily through your university or community college. Many certs can be done online or by self study. Youll notice what certs might be mentioned in the online job listings.
Even non accredited courses from online sources, or your local community college or adult school can give your resume a boost.
Preparation is important, and its a good first step in the job process.
The biggest challenge in the job search is psychological. Some of the steps required are difficult. Getting referrals is one of these.
In my current search, I contacted an employee from a former company to ask for a written referral. This is a guy I had hired as a student ten years ago, and Im pleased that hes now a manager. I had to write an email with my request, knowing that his first thought would be hmm, looks like Mike is unemployed.
Ive also called former clients and asked about possible jobs. *You* want to work *here* ? Also not too comfortable. Getting referrals means humbling yourself, and its not fun.
Getting referral letters is also one of the most critical parts of your job search.
If possible, you should have one written referral from each past employer. Heres how Ive done it:
1. Write an email containing the letter of reference that youd like to receive. Keep it very factual. The emails intro should have a phrase like heres an example of the letter I think is appropriate, just to get you started. Of course you can cut & paste and edit as you see fit.
2. Swallow your pride and call them up.
3. While youre on the phone, tell them that youve just sent the email. If theyre hard to contact, you can leave a voicemail to that effect.
4. The starter letter will help a lot. Theyll know what youre expecting, and its much easier to edit something than to stare at a blank computer screen.
5. Follow up if they havent sent something in two days. Theyll easily forget.
Having made this contact, it will be easier when youll want them to give a phone reference after your interview.
References letters are golden at the time of your interviews. This may seem far off, but getting your letters may take some time.
Hello Job Hunters!
I have recently agreed to take over the JobChampion Blog by its owners.
I agreed to do this right away, as I liked the great posts by Jen, who started the blog.
Ive also been advised that my earlier posts were a little dry, and written in a how to textbook way. This probably reflects the writing I do at work, which is dry (yes, I do have a job).
Personalize your blog they said, and so I will.
So
here's a few lines about me. I am looking for a job right now, due to expanding family and expanded health care costs (were having a baby in June a sister for our 7-yr old boy).
Im in sales and proud of it. I currently sell to engineers who design electronics. My new job may be in this industry, or it may be in a new industry.
I feel that Im qualified to talk about job hunting because I do have a lot of experience. Ive been unemployed four times since 2000. In my management roles I have hired at least 20 people, and have had the unpleasant duty of firing a number of people. Ive been on both sides of the layoff conversation several times. I've worked in several industries and in three different countries.
So, Im committing to check this blog on most days, and posting every week.
I want this to be a blog where job seekers can come for some amusement and to exchange ideas as we work towards finding the new job in these times.
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