Ways to expand your job search
Dear Sam: I have been laid-off several times over the past three years (due to no fault of my own; companies closing and downsizing) and I'm getting sick of it. I have been working part-time as an administrative/office assistant. I work part-time because I spend the rest of my day volunteering. I want to continue this system. However, I am now at a point where I want a position, still along the lines of administrative assistant, which would offer more responsibility. My last job consisted of handling the daily operations of a business office. This is an acquired skill I now enjoy. I would love a part-time position as an office manager. I also have some experience in human resources, as I was responsible for all aspects of hiring in my last position. For the past two months I have been filling in for someone on maternity leave as a production assistant, where I have acquired some technical computer and web skills. I have been in this line of business for more than 12 years and know what I am doing. I am consistently having trouble finding a company that's not closing or downsizing, in addition to finding a position that allows me some responsibility. Most employment ads want someone to type letters and answer their phones. And while there is nothing wrong with that, I’ve been there and done that! I need to learn how to network and find opportunities that are not always in the want ads. I also probably need to update my resume, which, unfortunately, lists my many jobs, and makes me look like a job-hopper. It is also hard to find a job that pays more than $12.00/hr. I am worth at least $15.00/hr! I have good references and am an excellent, hard-working employee. Help! - Frustrated in Columbus
Dear Frustrated: There are many options you can exercise when sourcing employment opportunities. As networking is a key method to finding unadvertised positions, I’m glad to hear that you are eager to get started. Joining local professional organizations is a great way to expand your network. Look online, in the yellow pages, or peruse the newspaper to find organizations that you might be interest in joining. These could be anything from your local community group, church organization, civic league, etc. Ask around in your peer group to find out what organizations your friends belong to, you won’t believe the variety of organizations there are that can help expand your professional and personal network.
Another effective way to source opportunities not in the want ads is to start reading the business section of the newspaper or other business-oriented publications. By doing so you will begin to gain a better understanding of the trends in the local market, such as who is experiencing high-growth and may need new team members, and what companies may be struggling with layoffs in their future. If the Dispatch for example showcases an executive and their business practices, why not send a personal letter to that company or profiled team member, stating how you enjoyed reading the article and would “fit” with their business methodologies and culture. This allows you to demonstrate your professional writing skills and could spark interest in you as a candidate.
Another of the many ways to find unadvertised positions is to go through agencies or recruiters. I would contact some of the local employment or temp agencies and ask if they have any positions for someone with your skill set. Many agencies recruit for temp-to-perm positions, so there is a chance that you could land a permanent job. You can also communicate your long-term desires to the agency, which will then help you find the right fit for both you and the employer.
As for your resume, which you stated, makes you seem like a job-hopper, make sure you are only presenting 8-10 years of experience. As you have been laid-off several times in recent years, evaluate whether each position needs to be included on your resume. As I say every time I note this option, this doesn’t mean you can omit experiences from an employment application, which must be treated differently than a resume. On your resume however, if you held a position for a very short period of time, including it usually doesn’t make sense and detracts from your candidacy. Also, make sure you are just listing years of employment on your resume and not months and years. By listing only the year or years you were employed, you minimize the appearance of job-hopping and hide gaps that may result from omitting short-term positions.
Lastly, be sure your resume includes a qualifications summary highlighting the breadth of experience you have gained throughout your career. By presenting yourself as a highly qualified candidate with a broad-based skill set, you will be better positioned for the higher paying opportunities you are seeking. All the best!
Dear Frustrated: There are many options you can exercise when sourcing employment opportunities. As networking is a key method to finding unadvertised positions, I’m glad to hear that you are eager to get started. Joining local professional organizations is a great way to expand your network. Look online, in the yellow pages, or peruse the newspaper to find organizations that you might be interest in joining. These could be anything from your local community group, church organization, civic league, etc. Ask around in your peer group to find out what organizations your friends belong to, you won’t believe the variety of organizations there are that can help expand your professional and personal network.
Another effective way to source opportunities not in the want ads is to start reading the business section of the newspaper or other business-oriented publications. By doing so you will begin to gain a better understanding of the trends in the local market, such as who is experiencing high-growth and may need new team members, and what companies may be struggling with layoffs in their future. If the Dispatch for example showcases an executive and their business practices, why not send a personal letter to that company or profiled team member, stating how you enjoyed reading the article and would “fit” with their business methodologies and culture. This allows you to demonstrate your professional writing skills and could spark interest in you as a candidate.
Another of the many ways to find unadvertised positions is to go through agencies or recruiters. I would contact some of the local employment or temp agencies and ask if they have any positions for someone with your skill set. Many agencies recruit for temp-to-perm positions, so there is a chance that you could land a permanent job. You can also communicate your long-term desires to the agency, which will then help you find the right fit for both you and the employer.
As for your resume, which you stated, makes you seem like a job-hopper, make sure you are only presenting 8-10 years of experience. As you have been laid-off several times in recent years, evaluate whether each position needs to be included on your resume. As I say every time I note this option, this doesn’t mean you can omit experiences from an employment application, which must be treated differently than a resume. On your resume however, if you held a position for a very short period of time, including it usually doesn’t make sense and detracts from your candidacy. Also, make sure you are just listing years of employment on your resume and not months and years. By listing only the year or years you were employed, you minimize the appearance of job-hopping and hide gaps that may result from omitting short-term positions.
Lastly, be sure your resume includes a qualifications summary highlighting the breadth of experience you have gained throughout your career. By presenting yourself as a highly qualified candidate with a broad-based skill set, you will be better positioned for the higher paying opportunities you are seeking. All the best!
posted by Dear Sam at Tuesday, January 10, 2006
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