Do you have the right tools for your job search?
This summer my husband laid a new brick walkway in our yard. He spent the hottest week in the summer working on it. Getting ready for the bricks was the worse. He had to dig the area, level it, put down a foundation of sand and rock, tamp it down, level it, add a layer of fine sand, and level it. Only when these things were finished, he was able to put the bricks down.
Actually, laying the bricks was the easy part because he had prepared the area. It was level and had the right foundation. He also had the right tools. Some he owned and borrowed the others. And now we have a level walk way that adds safety and beauty to our back yard. It was hard work but worth it.
The key point of this story is the foundation. By prepping the area and getting it ready, the last step was easy. Preparation and having the right tools are the keys to success in building and conducting a job search.
Soon Labor Day will be here, and people will be getting out of summer mode. Companies will be back into full operation and will need to complete their staff. Hiring will pick up. Are you ready? Do you have the right tools and foundation? Here is a check list of what you need to do to be ready?
- Positive mindset. People like helping and working with positive people. If you seem desperate or needy, it will be difficult for you to be successful in your job search.
- Go over your résumé. Make any necessary changes including, volunteer work, training, certifications, new skills and the like. Is your résumé in a good format for you? Do you have relevant key words for the position you seek?
- Network. It is said that over 85% of jobs are obtained through networking. Have you kept in touch with your network over the summer? Have you increased your network? Do they have a clear picture of what you are looking for?
- Prepare interview questions. Your résumé is only designed to get you an interview; it’s up to you to sell yourself during the interview. Do you know answers to some of the common interview questions? Have you been practicing the answers so that you can deliver them easily without sounding over-rehearsed?
- Be healthy. In order to look healthy and energized for your position, you need to have healthy habits. Do you eat a healthy diet; a diet without junk food, or carbonated soft drinks? Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables? Drink plenty of water? And in moderation? Do you get in some exercise daily? How are you sleeping; too little, just the right amount, or too much?
- Knowing what you want to do is vital. Many people say they will do anything. That’s not going to work. You need to be focused on your goal and target your job search strategies toward that goal.
My husband set himself up for success by laying the proper foundation and having the right tools. Set yourself up for success by having what you need for your job search. Cutting corners and doing things halfheartedly will produce less than successful results. Check your toolbox to make sure you have what you need.
www.freedigitalphotos.net stockimages
