If You Are Displaced, Make Use of What is Offered...

I just wrapped up a month long series of resume preparation, interviewing and networking classes for a company in my home state that is eliminating the positions of 140 employees. They contacted me in September and we began training in October. The classes were scheduled for twice a week and each session was four hours long.  We had a total of ten classes. Out of 140 displaced employees, guess how many made use of the job search training? Ten. Wow.

I've had discussions with the directors of various company outplacement centers about why displaced employees don't make use of these free job search resources.  I think we can narrow it down to a couple of things; anger about being let go, apathy about the situation and embarrassment.

The economy is terrible and since I have been offering job search training for almost two years now, I have seen a tremendous increase in the number of participants attending classes in just the past 10 months or so.  No matter what the media tells us, it is not getting better and if you are not prepared with the tricks, tips, and techniques to help you stand apart from the rest of the thousands of applicants for that one job, then you'll fall into a rut. An added benefit is the networking and support that you will receive from your classmates.

If you lose your position with your company, bite the bullet and take advantage of everything they offer you.  Attend classes, use any free resume preparation services if provided, and graciously take the books they offer you.  It is uncomfortable (I know firsthand) but it will make you a winner in the end.

Job Search Skills for Teens

My teenage son is looking for a job. He asked me (really!) if I had any suggestions on the steps he should take to make a good first impression. I shared with him some of the steps that I teach teenagers from a local youth group. He may not need all of them but it is better to be prepared than not.

Preparation
1. Jot down your job experience. In one or two sentences, write down what you did and any accomplishments. What kind of accomplishments? Maybe your manager complimented your customer service, perhaps a customer informed you that you are a pleasure to work with, perhaps it was the time when you did something without being asked.
2. Jot down any school, volunteer or community activities. List what you did and again, if you have any achievements. These activities can include sports, clubs, student council, theater, assisting with community food drives, etc.
3. Identify your skills. Looking at all that you do, list any special skills that you have. Are you a good listener, team player, problem solver, leader, or planner? Come up with examples that support these.
4. Identify potential jobs. What types of skills are needed? Do you have these (see #’s 1 – 3)?

The Job Application
Before walking into a restaurant, store or another place to look for a job, be prepared. You should have a copy of the following information in your backpack or purse:
1. Your personal contact information
2. Names and addresses of your previous employer (include the full name of your previous manager).
3. Dates of your previous job
4. Your Social Security Number (memorize this)
5. Days and hours you are available.
6. Date that you can begin work
7. Your skill set (see above)
8. References – Names, phone numbers. It doesn’t hurt to have the email and addresses too.
9. Reason why you left your last employer
You should also carry with you a pen, calendar or knowledge of your schedule.

Dress
It sounds old-fashioned but clothing is still important and make a good first impression. Boys should wear belted pants, a collared shirt, socks and shoes. Girls should wear a dress, slacks or skirt with an appropriate blouse/top. They should wear a minimum of make-up/perfume and also wear appropriate footwear.

Behavior
If you are lucky enough to get an interview, keep the following points in mind:
1. Use a firm handshake.
2. Look the interviewer in the eye.
3. Answer all questions and use examples (can be found in your preparation work)
4. Ask questions.
5. Speak clearly and be polite
6. Be prepared to write anything down (have a pen and paper with you.)
7. Be on time.
8. If driven, go in by yourself.

Good luck on your job search!