4 Tips for Getting the Job
August 12, 2010, By Victor Medina 3 comments
We all set personal career goals when we're young: head of the company by 30, millionaire by 35, retired and living on a private island by 40. Unfortunately, life often gets in the way. Sometimes the economy tanks and layoffs hit your company, or your CEO gets indicted for a pyramid scheme. Everyone suffers setbacks working their way to the top.
Unemployment and underemployment are two major obstacles facing those climbing the ladder to success. In most cases, unemployment affects white collar jobs just as much as the blue collar sector. A sour economy has made it difficult for even highly qualified candidates to find a job in the area they are trained for. The underemployed often work outside of their chosen field or for lower pay than they are used to, just to keep a steady income.
While everyone suffers some adversity in the workplace, you can still keep your career goals within reach. Understanding the dynamics of the job market, and your place in it, is an important step, according to Marianthe Verver, a corporate recruiter with NeoSpire Managed Hosting in Dallas.
Step up to the plate. If you are currently employed, Verver stresses understanding your employer's expectations. "You have some companies that are running lean, so you find employees are having to take on more responsibilities in areas they may not have experience in," she says. Instead of taking it personally, Verver suggests using it to your advantage. "Take (the added responsibilities) and make yourself indispensable," she says. It not only improves your chances for job security, but also it gives you added experience to tout on your resume.
Network. For the unemployed, nothing works quite as well as working your personal contacts. "Any time you can get an employee referral into a company, to give you attention or bring you up to the top, it's good. Network and build relationships with people in the industry you want to get into, even if you are looking to get into the industry later," Verver says. "The mistake people make is they don't give time to developing relationships in their network until they need them. Then, once they don't need them, they are forgotten, and people remember that. You've got to pay it forward."
Keep a hand in, even if it's from far away. If you cannot work in your particular field, Verver suggests keeping as close to it as possible, so your absence isn't as pronounced. "Volunteer in your particular field or work with a nonprofit or church in the field you want to work in. It will show that you are still active in the field, and it looks good on a resume."
Volunteer. Volunteering for civic groups such as chambers of commerce can open doors to possible careers. A number of nonprofit organizations need volunteers for their board of directors, which are often populated with decision makers from major local employers who serve as part of their company's social outreach. Such exposure could pay off when positions in that company open. "Some positions are filled by word of mouth and referrals; some aren't necessarily posted," Verver says.
When your career gets off track, remember that getting back on track takes hard work, and most of all, time. It is important to keep your expectations realistic. "If you're starting over, know that it won't be at the level you were used to in your previous career," Verver says. Eventually, your hard work will pay off. "Companies right now are replacing under-performers," she says. It creates opportunities for those working and waiting for their chance. In moving forward to your career goals, patience can be your best asset.
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