Lessons Learned While Looking for Employment

Sometimes it takes a long time to look for a job. In this world, under these current conditions, it can be tough. Don’t give up because you can do it.

Three years ago I made the decision to pursue college full time in an effort to gain a better job. I made the choice to quit the job I had so I could concentrate on my grades. I relied on financial-aid to provide the support I needed through this period of time. At the time, I felt that this was the most prudent course of action. For the most part, my grades reflected it. I started at the community college level and qualified for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society after my first semester. I joined this organization, as well as other organizations on campus. This was 3 years ago.

At the beginning of this semester, I felt that it would be a great idea to get a job once again. This was to show potential employers I had enough skills to balance a job while attending college at the same time. Since I started looking for work, I applied to organizations within my level of expertise and I was having a difficult time in finding employment. It took me the whole semester, but I finally found a job that fits my needs and my employer’s needs.

This whole experience has taught me some valuable lessons I want to share with everyone.

First, do not give up. If you have been looking for work as long as I have, then you might have the potential feelings of frustration. This affects your attitude. Make sure that you check your attitude every day before you leave your home. The reality is, what you might be projecting is not your true personality. By checking your attitude you will be more apt to show your true personality. You never know who you are going to bump into on the street, it could be your next boss.

Second, have someone look over your resume. There might be some things that you need to fine tune. Having someone who is critical about this will give you insightful tips on what you can do to enhance your resume. Make sure that it is mistake free. Really, one mistake means no job.

Third, and I cannot stress this enough, you need to network. This is where over 90% of the jobs are. When you develop a network of relationships you not only have other people that you can turn to for help, but you also connect new people into your network. Using online social networks is good, but these tend to lose the personality touch that face-to-face interaction has. So when it comes to an online network, use this as a tool.

Fourth, join a professional organization and participate in it. This is a great way to help you maintain your network as well as getting new ideas pertaining to your industry. Also, some people have the tendency to join an organization, but only show up to a few meetings to get what they want. Look at this in another way and ask yourself what it is that you can give to the organization. Even if you are not looking for work, you might find that unique individual that fits what your company needs in order to expand.

Fifth, practice your interview skills. Do this with a friend who is willing to give you constructive criticism. Practice answering questions that employers ask during an interview. Ask intelligent questions pertaining to the job during the interview to see how the interviewer responds so you are able to find the right place that fits your personality and style.

Sixth, don’t worry about money. I know that it can be hard when considering a new position, but when it comes right down to it, if you fit what the company needs, they will give you proper compensation. If you are just starting in the workforce, then you will probably get entry level pay. Do not be discouraged about this, as you gain more skills, your pay level will rise.

Seventh, if you are working and looking for a new job, look for something that is a higher level than what you currently have. Looking for a new job in a lateral position tells future employers that you are satisfied with what you have. It also makes it look as though you are unwilling to grow as an individual by not attempting to take on new responsibilities.

The last thing that I learned was probably the most important thing. If you have a job and are starting college, then keep the job. This is one of the best ways to show potential employers you are willing to take on new responsibilities and tasks, and they value this type of work ethic. It also demonstrates to your current employer that you should be considered when a new position is available. Make sure you are able to maintain you grades and are not taking on too much work. Everyone has limitations. Knowing those limitations can be difficult. Employers love to see people who are aware of what one can take on without becoming burned out. These are the people who have the potential to have longevity within a company.

I hope these lessons I learned help you in your attempts to find employment. If you think that your current skill level is too low for what you want to do, then go to college. Find a reputable college or university that will accept you, even if you have to start within a community college. Make sure to do a self-assessment and find out about your interests so that when you make the transition into a new job you are able to have satisfaction with what you do. Good luck.