If you're unemployed and frightened that companies will reject you because you took on unappealing jobs during the recession or because your resume has huge gaps in employment, don't be concerned. According to a new survey conducted by the careers website CareerBuilder.com, the vast majority of employers are empathetic to such situations.
The study not only gives unemployed job searchers hope, but it also gives them advice on how to find new work. While you're unemployed, here are some things you should do.
Sixty-one percent of the hiring managers polled said that taking a class while unemployed is a good idea. "In your profession, you never stop learning," Teach adds, "therefore the more technical knowledge you have, the better." "Taking a class in your area demonstrates that you are dedicated to your work and that you take initiative." Another benefit of taking a class is the ability to network.
Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they would do it again. Why? Andy Teach, author of From Graduation to Corporation: The Practical Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder One Rung at a Time, says, "The idea is to get others to see your work and understand what you're capable of." "If you perform a good job, even if it's only for a short time, the person who recruited you is more likely to recommend you for a permanent job."
This was indicated by 28% of respondents, although beginning a business is costly and time intensive. It's a fantastic résumé booster and marketing tool if you have the resources to accomplish it.
"The benefit of having your own business is that you can work part-time or full-time depending on whether or not you can find another job," Teach adds. "You'll also pick up transferable abilities if you wind up working for someone else again."
A professional blog, according to 11% of the employers polled, can be a smart method to sell oneself to companies. Why? You persuade others to regard you as an authority figure in your profession. "You're also communicating your passion, gaining knowledge, and setting yourself apart from others," Teach explains. "Potential employers will regard you as taking the initiative to blog about something you genuinely care about: your career" throughout your job search.
Volunteer work makes you more employable, according to 60% of recruiting managers. "When you volunteer for something, you are revealing something about yourself as a person to future employers," Teach adds. It demonstrates that you are enthusiastic about something and care about helping others, as well as that money isn't your primary concern, he adds. "When employers hire, they're looking for people with character and integrity as well as people who can get the job done."
Candidates that arrive at an interview with ideas, whether it's for a marketing campaign, a new revenue stream, or cost reductions, demonstrate that they are passionate, informed, and enthusiastic about the opportunity. According to CareerBuilder specialists, these job seekers always stand out from the crowd.
According to CareerBuilder analysts, a CV handed to a recruiting manager directly from within the organization is more likely to be recognized. Through social media and professional organizations, you can build and expand your network of contacts. Inform your friends, family, and professional contacts that you're seeking for work and request their assistance in making connections with the organizations you're interested in.
You'll likely spend a large amount of time revising and sending out your resume as long as you're actively looking for work. Keep in mind to employ important words. Why? Most businesses, according to CareerBuilder experts, utilize computerized scanning devices to assess and rate prospects. You should customize your CV for each job application and add key words from the job description. If you follow these steps, your resume will appear higher in employer searches. "These kinds of activities show the company that the job seeker is serious about their career growth and took advantage of their time off," adds Haefner. "For the job seeker, the trick is to connect how their volunteer work, blog, class, or temporary job prepares them for the next job." If they succeed in doing so, their employment gaps will no longer be a concern."
According to CareerBuilder's job listings, information technology, engineering, health care, sales, and customer service are among the top areas for hiring nationwide. Keep up with the latest developments and employment openings in these sectors.
Two-thirds of workers, according to CareerBuilder, do not follow up with the company after submitting their résumé for consideration. It's crucial to go the extra mile to show an employer you're interested, and to always send a thank you note following an interview. Handwritten letters will help you stand out from the crowd, but e-mails are also appropriate.