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Be Prepared for the Unexpected
By Angela Betts
How long has it been since you last had to search for a new job? These days
it’s not at all unusual to change careers or jobs several times in a
lifetime. The idea of retiring from the same company after a lifetime of
service is much less a reality in today’s world than it was a couple of
decades ago. The likelihood of unexpectedly losing your job is greatly
increased today due to a number of different factors such as corporate
downsizing, technological evolution, and globalization just to name a few.
Being thrust into a job search can be a rude awakening and an eye opening
experience. Ideally a job seeker should already be prepared for the
unexpected with an up-to-date resume and versed in good communication
skills. The reality is most people don’t have a current resume much less
know how to effectively converse with a prospective employer. This lack of
preparedness intensifies the stress and fear that comes with being
unemployed.
Having current documents and sharpened interviewing skills will greatly
increase your sense of control over the situation and relieve some of the
stress. The process of writing your resume will highlight to you the skills
you have acquired and the challenges you have overcome. In turn your
confidence in your abilities will have a positive impact on your self esteem
which will effect a potential employer’s impression of you.
Review your resume and determine whether it portrays you to be the candidate
a prospective employer would be eager to meet. It should paint a picture of
a person ready and willing to use your skills and talents to further the
mission and improve the bottom line of a prospective employer. A progressive
climb to bigger and better opportunities should be evident upon first
glance.
Knowing how to answer and ask questions intelligently with professionalism
and grace is just as important. Your resume is the tool to unlock the doors
to interviews. Once the door has been opened the ability to communicate well
is necessary to convey how you can be an asset to the company. This is the
time to present your personal sales pitch.
You should be prepared to ask intelligent questions as well as answer
questions. Inquiries about the company’s philosophy and mission, what will
be expected in the position, and the degree of camaraderie among employees
are examples of some of the questions you should ask. Usually applicants are
given an opportunity at some point to ask questions and are very well
expected to do so.
Spend some time reviewing your personal marketing documents. Do some
research on the internet or at the local library to learn how to communicate
well in an interview. Make your own list of questions about the job and the
company to pose toward the end of the meeting. Practice answering and asking
questions with a friend or family member. Pay attention to your body
language and composure as well as your verbal responses.
You can turn an unexpected job loss into a positive experience. Take some
time to discover the multitude of possibilities in which your skills and
talents can be used and make it a positive one. You know the old saying,
"When a window closes, a door opens." Even if you aren't currently seeking a
new job, a career advance, or a change to improved employment conditions, be
proactive and do the best you can to stay a step ahead. Keep your resume
updated and your interviewing skills sharpened...just in case.
About the author:
Compelling, targeted resumes that will open doors to interviews developed by
Angela Betts. Angela offers resume writing skills developed from over 8
years of experience.
For more career and job search tips sign up for our free newsletter at
http://www.resumeritr.com.
Contact Angela at 501-467-8768 or send an email to
info@resumeritr.com to
request a free resume critique or resume development services.
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