Making life better in disadvantaged communities - our thoughts on everything - from Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc.
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Speaking with whoever is in charge, even if they aren't hiring, is always a good idea. There is something called an "informational meeting", where you can ask to meet with a person who is doing a job that you would be interested in. If they have the time (which usually people are more than happy to help in the job search - they know how hard it is), you sit down with them and ask how they got the job, if they have any tips, what they like/don't like about the position, etc. That way, you make a connection, start to network, and find out if that is really the job you want.
I agree with you. People say it all the time and it is kind of a cliche - find something you really want to do and are passionate about. I know that there are a lot of people working at gas stations and Wal-Mart that probably think that is the stupidest thing for anyone to ever say. However, I do think that you should be looking for work that, even if you don't jump out of bed and say "Yoo-hoo! I get to go to work" and dance around the room every morning, it should be something you at least have some interest in.
LEARN! Look at yourself as an investment. Sadly, I see a lot of people my age and older who are not nearly as marketable as they could be because they got satisifed and quit trying to improve themselves along the way.
I am always trying to learn a new computer package, a new programming language, about a new area of research. I have taught junior high, community college, graduate school, private universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges. The more different skills you have the more likely you will be to land a new job if the market for your current position changes.
I know this is kind of old, but I just wanted to add one thing.
I know I'm young, but young people talk a lot. Between me and my friends and everyone we've talked to about it, we've found that it's a lot easier to get a job when WE pick a place and speak with whoever is in charge, even if they aren't actively hiring.
A lot of places have one or two openings, or at the very least they will have one in the future. But YOU took the initative to come in - obviously you are interested. They will remember that when they are looking to hire, even if that time isn't now.
And, this is obvious, but still worth saying - if you go out and actively pick what your interested in, instead of applying wherever is hiring - it's probably a job you'll like more! Instead of, "Oh, Joe Shmoe is hiring, I guess I'll put in an application..." it's, "You know, I've always enjoyed organizing things... I'd be a great personal assistant!"
Just my .02
Job-hunting is not easy but the following steps will help.
One. – To clearly know your weaknesses and strengths. Without this first step, you’ll have problems finding and landing a job. You must evaluate yourself honestly and objectively. Subjectivity should be minimized or eliminated. There is no room for “I think or maybes”.
Two. – Do your homework. Know the companies you want to work for. Investigate and acquire as much information on companies as possible and select the corporation or business which best meet your qualifications. This way, when you go for your job interview, you can relate and speak to how you will be an asset to the company. In today’s world of internet, the information is at your finger tips.
Three. – Communicate clearly. If you have number one and two but can’t convey the information to the interviewer accurately, all the work done is lost. You must be able to state your assets and skills as well as to articulate how your abilities will fit into their business.
Four. – Remember that you are a product for sale, a commodity, an article of trade. Therefore, you must sell yourself; you need to be a good salesman. You'll need to be able to walk into an office and make the person interviewing you do whatever it takes to sign you on the spot.
Five. – Be flexible and adaptable. Industries change, technologies change, fads change, economic trends change, laws change. Be open to change and adapt. Be willing to go one step further than your competition.
Lastly, don’t hesitate and be too selective. Pursue anything that interest you. Actively search, don’t wait for opportunities. Keep looking. Don’t stop learning, study. Remember, the luckiest person is the one who was best prepared when the opportunity arrived.