Hot Jobs

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!

Spring Clean your Resume

Spring breathes new life into the world around us!

Many of us will go through the process of spring cleaning our homes to start the season fresh.

Just as we spring clean our homes, the same applies to our resumes.

The resume is your story, your track record, and your work history.  It constantly evolves. It’s where you begin to tell the employers how valuable you can be to their organization.

Here are a few tips to follow when “spring cleaning” your resume:

  • Target your resume to the job you are after and the company.
  • Make sure it is free of grammatical errors or typographical errors – have someone proofread it for you.
  • If you have a LinkedIn page (and you should!) include it on your resume. It’s a great way to expand on the 1-2 page resume you’ll be submitting.
  • Sell your features and benefits – what skills do you have that will interest the employer?
  • Turn duties into accomplishments and quantify them – tell how much, how many, how often.
  • Provide the last 10 years (15 if relevant) of your work history.
  • Include any professional organizations you belong to which shows potential employers that you are dedicated to your career, have current knowledge on industry information and are affiliated with other professionals in the industry.
  • Spell out terms versus using abbreviations and acronyms.
  • Write your resume in the third person and avoid using the pronoun “I”.

Cleaning up every area of your resume will help recognize the amazing professional that you are!  Once you see your accomplishments on paper, your confidence will boost and you’ll be ready to search for that Hot Job!

You can find this week’s Hot Jobs on our Find a Job webpage.  Let CareerSource Southwest Florida help you with career advice and tips on your job search by following us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and “Like” us on Facebook.

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