Employment

How do I know what job is right for me?

Skills ProfilerEveryone has a personal and unique set of job skills.  Yes, even high school or college graduates possess some qualifying and marketable traits that make them competitive in today’s job market.  For example, working at the most basic customer service job at a local retailer can develop the communication skills sought after by some of the country’s top employers.

Ever wonder what career or job suits your unique set of skills?  The CareerOneStop website features a Skills Profiler that will create a list of your skills and match them to job types that need those skills. “You can use this profile to identify occupations that use your current skills, find gaps you need to fill, or polish your resume” (CareerOneStop.org’s Skills Profiler).

Network to get noticed!

Two business women using laptopMost people spend much of their time surfing the internet instead of getting out there talking to employers and taking chances.

The biggest difference between the individual who networks and a job applicant are the personal contacts.  Those who network step ahead of their competition!

Here are a few networking strategies:

  • Introduce yourself as often as possible everywhere you go; be friendly.
  • Join organizations that are close to your heart; become involved.
  • Attend industry seminars, job fairs, trade shows, and conferences.
  • Volunteer in the community; build trust and a personal reputation.
  • Give referrals and leads to people as often as you can.
  • Serve as mentor to others; be known as a good “go-to” person.
  • Represent yourself as a confident professional in the community.

Remember: Visibility + Credibility = Opportunity

Check out Southwest Florida’s weekly job list!

References can help you land your next job

Business people in office

A reference is a person you have built a relationship with at previous jobs or places and whom you’ve chosen and have been given permission to verify your work experience, skills, and accomplishments.

Now that you are searching for your next Hot Job, this is the time you need them the most! Here are a few tips on how to use your references efficiently:

  • Inquire about their response – make sure they share specific terms about your skills and ability to do the job to avoid vague comments. Asking them about their response will also help you determine if they would be a good reference.
  • Categorize the group of references – use the reference that pertains to the position you are after, if you are after a leadership position then utilize the reference that can highlight that area of your career.
  • Keep them informed – give them a call and let them know who will be calling them with the date and time and the position you’ve applied for so they are ready to respond.
  • Accomplishments – you can ask them to share your highlights in your previous career so the new hiring manager can get an idea of the impact you will have in their company.
  • LinkedIn recommendations – ask your reference to give you a LinkedIn recommendation and endorsement, these will make you stand out from other candidates.
  • Stay in touch – continue building your relationship over time, don’t just call them when you need a reference.

As you dust off your reference list, check out this week’s Hot Jobs!

5 Tips For a Successful Job Search

Business people using electronic tablet

Do you often wonder  where to start with your job search? A successful job search campaign requires a clearly defined goal, an action plan, and the implementation of that action plan.

To focus on the job You want and not the job you had follow these 5 tips:

  • Research occupations in demand (labor market information).
  • Diversify your job search methods weekly.
  • Read one business section each day to look for leads.
  • Always include your phone number in each email you send.
  • Have a professional message on your home and cell phone.

Once you’ve followed these tips, check out this week’s Hot Jobs within Southwest Florida!

How to figure out your dream job

Business Woman or Student on tablet

Many of us struggle to define exactly what drives us, motivates us, and inspires us.  Finding your passion is key to a fulfilling career.

But how do you define it? Here are a few tips:

  • Pay attention to what you do when you procrastinate.  80% of people turn their hobbies into a professional career.
  • What is the one thing you can’t stop thinking about?  A simple inspiration can open up the door to a passion that’s hidden inside of you.  Take the time to find it.
  • If money was no object, what would you do to earn a living?  Memories of how we felt fulfilling our passion can last you a lifetime!
  • Have you noticed when your head and heart are most in sync?  Finding the alignment between your head and heart will show you the way!  The key is to take the time to know yourself better in order to figure out your dream job!

Perhaps your dream job is listed here!  Keep checking our website for new opportunities every week!

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