Full Time Job Searching

OK, so you are unemployed and the job search has begun. There are various ways to approach it, some are probably better than others, and some you may not even give much thought to. Let's take a look at some tips shared by people from all over. Some may be more "common sense" than others, but some may just be avenues you have not even given thought to when it comes to job searching.

You are used to working 40 or more hours a week, so turn the job search into a full time job. Many people spend a little time sending out applications and resumes, and sit around waiting for leads. Instead, go pound the pavement as if it were now your full time job. It doesn't necessarily mean leaving the house and job hunting for hours, but it does not exclude that aspect either.

Instead of just doing everything electronically, go "knock on doors" - meaning go and meet potential employers face to face. Go to businesses, ask to meet with hiring agents, and hand them a resume personally. Even if they have no openings, meeting them, saying a few words, maybe even asking them if they are aware of any upcoming openings, or know of any related openings elsewhere that they have heard of. They could be a quick way to network and get additional leads to pursue.

Turn some focus on smaller companies as some report that the chances of employment tend to be greater. There may be many newer companies that are expanding and in need of someone with your skills. Do not limit your skills just to the areas you have worked more frequently. Look at your overall talents and skills sets and see what skills you have that might be used to find employment in a slightly different career path. Maybe you have relied on a certain set of skills for the past few years; now may be a time to polish off and focus some attention on other skills you possess to help broaden your employability.

Basically, turn the focus on your skills, all of them, and not just limit it to your prior employment. Most people often have extensively more to offer than just what they have been doing in their job. Take the time to re-evaluate yourself, and write down all of your skills, prioritize them, and maybe try crafting a few different resume types with different focuses. You may discover you are more qualified for other positions than you had thought.

Get into the habit of writing thank you notes to anyone who has assisted you in the search. Try to do this daily to keep up with them; it helps to make others feel appreciated and may motivate them to continue assisting you. Friends, relative, former co-workers, anyone within your network can be of assistance, you just have to ask. You never know who knows someone who has a friend whose brother works for a place that is hiring. Spread the word far and wide and seek assistance anywhere you can.
 

If you have any tips from your job search experience, please share with others to benefit from.

 

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Logistics Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.