iWork

Join us tomorrow for tips for resumes during COVID.

Consider temporary work
The role of an employment agency is to help employers successfully fill open positions by assessing and submitting the best candidates. In addition, the employment agency serves as an advocate for the candidates with whom they work. An agency recruiter works with you to review your resume, assess how professional and marketable you are, determine the level of your interviewing skills, and help you to represent yourself well in an interview. You shouldn’t have to pay a fee for this service; work only with employment agencies that charge a fee to employers, not job candidates. Ask other individuals to recommend reputable employment agencies that work with employers in your field of interest. Meet with a representative to ask questions that will help you determine if the agency can provide the quality services that you need.
Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Volunteer your time and skills
Even if you’re not working full time, you can continue to hone your skills and gain experience by volunteering. If you are actively engaged in community service or volunteer work, keep it up! If you aren’t, now is the time to get involved. In addition to contributing your time and talents to a worthy cause, you will meet people who may be good sources of job information. Most nonprofit organizations have a board of directors and volunteers that are accomplished and successful in their own careers. Tap into this network of individuals to obtain job search advice and identify possible opportunities.
Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Consider an internship
An internship may not offer benefits, but you have an opportunity to gain experience, network, and get your foot in the door while the employer gains a good worker at less cost than a full-time employee.
Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Have you been laid off…Are you looking for your next job, then you should know:

iWork Can Help

That’s right, iWork will be meeting on Monday, January 25 in Room E111at Idlewild.

We will be doing things a little differently this year. Much more individual instruction.

Help with any of the following:
Finding God’s Calling for your life
Resumes
Strategy
Interviewing
Networking
LinkedIn
Search techniques
Salary Negotiation
Attitude
Plus whatever else you need.
We are doing social distancing and asking everyone to wear a mask

Look for “hidden” jobs
The majority of opportunities are filled before they are announced publicly. Your challenge is to find out where those jobs exist. Use your network to inquire about opportunities and get some leads. Then target an organization and a department where you are interested in working. Research it through publications and people connected with the organization, such as vendors, customers, and employees. Identify the person (usually a manager) who makes hiring decisions for the department. Get yourself introduced, or make contact through e-mail, a phone call, or a personalized letter. Inquire about current or upcoming opportunities. If you learn about a position, ask how to formally apply for it. In addition to the formal application, send a thank-you letter to the manager and include your resume. Follow up each application with a telephone call to the recipient to make sure your application was received.
Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Network, network, network
Since many jobs are never advertised, networking is one of the best ways to find employment. Of course, building a network means that you have to talk with people, whether you know them or not. Start with family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even former professors until you begin to feel more comfortable. Then attend professional organization meetings in your field and get involved so you can expand your network. These are still happening and sometimes they are via Zoom which can make it easier to make that first step. Share your career interests, geographic preferences, and other pertinent information. Ask “Who do you know that would know about finding a job in [list your field of interest]?” Eventually, one contact will lead to another and another and so on, until you get a referral that is successful. You never know where your next job lead may come from.
Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Be persistent
“Help Wanted” signs may be few and far between, but there are jobs out there for those who are prepared. Be persistent, follow up with employers that interest you, and be professional. During this economic crisis, you may need to apply for a broader variety of jobs, including jobs for which you may feel under-qualified or over-qualified. The more jobs to which you apply, the better your chances of getting interviews, and ultimately, getting a job. The key is to get your foot in the door, build your skills, network, and be ready for the economic upswing. Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Identify your unique qualifications
Put yourself in the employer’s shoes. He or she has a position to fill and is looking for a particular set of skills and/or experience. Take the time to research the position and organization, identify what sets you apart from other candidates, and include the information on your resume. Make certain the employer can see how your skills match the job requirements. If an employer can quickly scan your resume and determine if you’re a fit for the position, the document has done its job. Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Take at least one step daily
It’s easy to kick back and hope a job will come to you. Be proactive! Get a calendar and write one task for each day of the business week, Monday through Friday. Include time to refine your resume, write application letters, attend professional meetings, meet with people, and follow up with employers. Check out our job site at https://idlewild.thejobconnection.org for great job postings and support.

Be patient, but have a plan
In a good economy, the average entry-level job search can take from three to six months. In a poor economy, it takes even longer. There may be fewer opportunities available, and even if they have opportunities, employers may be cautious about filling them because of budget concerns. In addition, the hiring process can be lengthy because there are so many steps involved (the application process… the first interview… several follow-up interviews… a background or reference check… the offer… the acceptance). Start early during your final year to develop your resume, gather supporting application materials, practice interviewing, explore opportunities, and begin to apply for jobs three to four months before graduation.