Key Areas to Explore in Your Job Search

Whether you’re an entry level job seeker or someone who is unemployed, the competition for jobs is stiff. One magazine article talks about five key areas that job seekers should focus on to improve their chances of getting hired. The people I read about were out of work, unfilled in their previous jobs, or passed over for a position, but each person persevered by emphasizing one of these areas in their job searches, which led them to new opportunities.

Here are five key areas that can offer an advantage to anyone on the hunt for a job.

Your Resume – The goal of a resume is to get an interview, so structure it to sell your skills and qualifications for a specific job.

Your Network – According to the magazine article, over 80% of job leads come from personal connections. You can establish relationships with people by learning of their interests; maintain those relationships through interaction to stay up-to-date on any news that is relevant to you and your network.

Your Skill-Set – When looking at various job opportunities, determine if the job descriptions fit your abilities. If not, but you find something of interest, think about some additional education and/or training for a particular position. For example, an entry level job seeker might consider internship opportunities to learn more about different fields.

Your Profile – Sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know. Perhaps you’re the most qualified person for the job, but no one knows who you are. One way to gain some visibility is to create a profile on a social media website. By doing so, you can communicate your professional interests, and even share a personal side of yourself, which could lead to networking opportunities as a job seeker.

Your Flexibility – With so much competition for jobs, getting or keeping a job may come down to what you are willing to do. Factors may involve relocating or even taking a pay cut in order to work. Weigh all of the factors and then make the decision that is best for you.

Information provided by Annya M. Lott, Brittany Hutson, Renita Burns, LaToya M. Smith, and Marcia Wade Talbert.

Source
Black Enterprise Magazine – July 2010