I need tips on job hunting!!!!

Iridescent - posted on 09/27/2010

Write up an actual resume'. It may not look great, but work with it. Save it and update it with changes as you go, years down the line. It makes a world of difference! Be confident. Employers are willing to take a chance on an employee, especially in service oriented positions (retail, secretary, etc), if you put off an attitude of being self assured and useful, even when you're unsure. Shake hands, not wet and clammy hands either, firm but not wrenching. Smile. Wear good clothes, even if they're not expensive - they need to look appropriate to the position, generally casual dress clothes is plenty. Depending on job type, alter appearance and such for it - for example, if you're going into a health care field, minimal makeup and no perfume. Others, it's obviously different. Know the field you're applying for. Be up front about any concerns you have, such as a young child that could become ill easily, or health problems, or a pregnancy. Find out what their expectations are, and how you can make up sick days (if at all). Employers prefer to know about situations in advance when possible, but limit it as well; you don't want to announce you plan to have 20 kids and quit asap either. If you have short job histories, and are asked, explain why - such as "I only worked at ____ for 6 months because I became quite ill during my pregnancy, and since I knew it would be some time before I was able to go back to work as an asset to the company, I chose to quit and find a more appropriate position when that time arose instead." Negative qualities? Make them look positive! This really can be done for nearly everything. I'm stubborn as all get out, but in a positive light, I am "determined" and will find a solution to problems quickly. I am certainly not a good team member, but I am an excellent leader. Working with someone you can't stand, how do you handle it? Bite my tongue and try to find positives that make that person more tolerable, and if that doesn't help, request switching work members, be it you or them. Very few things are never positive. Even frequent absences from work were turned to a positive - I let them know I'd fill in whenever I could to make up for it, even worked double shifts, and as far as priorities, my family is first, my job second, and they had to accept it.

Nikki - posted on 09/27/2010

Hey if you have experience in retail ytou have experience in customer service and that pays better then retail. Also you are a mom so you can use that to your advantage; time management, multitasking, energetic, devoted, responsible, determined, those are all amazing qualities.
I just went back to work part time before we have our second baby, then after that Im going to start working in my field( marketing and advertising) Right now I work as a server at a diner so I work only til 2-3pm so I have lots of time with my son, also I make ALOT of money ( 11 an hour plus tips 100-150 a shift, which is perfect til I get have our second because I can save, I dont have to work crazy hours and its fast money.

Joy - posted on 09/27/2010

Temp agency is a great idea and I also wanted to throw this idea in there too. I've done retail and customer service (cashier, waitressing and bartending) most of my adult life. Several years ago I was looking for more money and stumbled upon a factory job. It paid really well. The work was satisfying. I lost 40 pounds from the physical activity. And I did't have to deal with customers or anyone but my boss. Just wanted to let you know that, just in case you're like me and want to make decent money, but are sick of retail and maybe you don't WANT an office job. I had to quit my job when I was pregnant and now I'm a SAHM. But I loved that job and miss it still sometimes.

Jillian - posted on 09/27/2010

thanks for the tips i will have to try them

Alison - posted on 09/27/2010

The temping is a great idea. If you have basic computer skills it is easy to get jobs that may lead to more pertinent experience. It was my experience at temp jobs that allowed me to get a permanent job. I got some nice letters of recommendation from those jobs and learned a lot.

Katie - posted on 09/27/2010

I suggest goint to a temporary agency, this is how I got my now job. If you want an office job they will test some things and see how you did and when something comes up they will call you and you can get experience that way. Some agencies do temp to hire. Plus if you don't like the position you're not really stuck in it and it gives you a way to get into a company and look at other positions that are open. Oh and using the right words on your resume is key! I had some jobs that weren't office related at all but using some key words helped. I would suggest taking your resume to a career advisor person or maybe someone you know is a supervisor in a company.
Good luck job hunting I know its a tough job to do!