Job hunting sometimes seems like a career in and of itself. If you are dreading searching for any more jobs or going on any more interviews, don’t worry. Lots of people have the same anxieties that you do, but unlike you, they are not doing something about it. You, however, are reading this article, and that will give you an advantage when searching for jobs.
Use social media to build and define your online presence. More employers are starting to factor in candidates’ public profiles on the most popular sites, which include Facebook and Twitter. Update your privacy settings to ensure that any questionable images, updates and links are not visible to people outside of your network. Do not forget to change visibility settings for photos that have been posted by your friends.
If you are looking for a job, the most important thing to remember is to stick with it. Treat it like you have the job of looking for a job! Dedicate a set number of hours to it every day so that you can really focus on it. That way, you’ll get a job sooner.
It is important that you know the typical pay rate in your industry so you don’t get underpaid. People usually ask for salaries that are below their actual worth, anticipating employers to shy away from expensive demands. This can be true if you go overboard, but if you act desperate, then you may end up with low pay that can hurt you for years to come.
Maintain a positive attitude whenever you are acting as an employee. Your attitude is one of the biggest determining factors when it comes to getting promoted, which you surely hope to happen. To ensure that you are viewed as a stable, worthy employee you need to keep your emotions to yourself.
If you are confused as to what you should wear on your interview, always error on the side of caution. This means that you should always dress to impress, with professional attire. Not only will you look more presentable, but you will feel more in tune and confident when you meet your interviewer.
After you go on your interview, make sure that you follow-up on the status. This means that you should send emails to the company asking whether or not a decision has been made on your employment. This shows that you are persistent, which is a quality that companies love in employees.
Always ask for permission before providing someone’s name and contact information for a personal or professional reference. If your contact is caught by surprise by your would-be employer, he may not have time to give a positive, well-thought-out answer. You also run the risk of discovering that this person did not share enthusiasm for your performance, skills and abilities.
When negotiating salary, never sell yourself short. Prepare yourself for this step by conducting extensive research on the job title, regional salary and other details of benefits before you enter into negotiations. If you are unaware of your worth relative to other candidates and workers, your salary may not reflect your true worth — possible to the tune of thousands of dollars per year!
If you are in college, make sure that you go do as many internship as you can during the summers. This is vital as it will not only help to bolster your resume, but will get you used to the everyday life of someone who is working hard at a full time pace.
Don’t neglect taking out a health insurance plan from your employer. This will be taken out of your check and is very beneficial for you. If your spouse is offered a plan through his employer, compare the two plans to find the best plan for the money.
If you are asked about your weaknesses during a job interview, try to be as positive as possible in your answer. For example, don’t say, “I’m very disorganized.” Say something about how you are more focused on being flexible than on organization but that you use tools to keep yourself organized anyway.
Most people find a job through their network, not job search websites. Keep your ears open and let everyone know you’re on the prowl. Tell them what your experience, education and skill sets are so they can tip you off to opportunities which fit your profile when they arise.
Let your online networks know that you’re on the job hunt. Post it to Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, posting a link to your resume and some quick information about who you are and what you do. This will let others pass any job opportunities they find on to you quickly and easily.
Now that you’ve read this article, job hunting shouldn’t seem so overwhelming anymore. Once you have the right information, you’re halfway to your goal! Now all you need to do is figure out what you want to try first and go for it. Good luck finding your next job!
