If you are a new college graduate looking for a job or have been out of school for a while and have found yourself unemployed or underemployed, we know it can be daunting to land a job. To make it easier, we have put together some advice that will increase your success.
Target High-Growth Industries
While the COVID situation has changed some things in the job market, the good news is that many job searching success techniques have remained the same. The things that have changed are the industries that are most likely to be hiring. For example, the hospitality, entertainment and restaurant industries were hit hard and are still trying to recover. However, other industries are booming. So, while you may have hoped to get a job in a specific industry, now is the time to broaden your skills and try a different industry.
If you search for a job in a high-growth industry, you will not only have a better chance of getting hired but will also have enhanced growth opportunities.
Some of the highest growth industries in 2021 include:
Data Science
Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence
Software Development
Education – E-Learning
E-Commerce
Optimize Your Digital Presence
A person's digital presence is becoming more important every year. To ensure your best chances at getting a job in 2021 and beyond, make sure to optimize your profiles on websites like:
LinkedIn
Ziprecruiter
Indeed
Monster
Glassdoor
Scouted (Good for College Graduates)
Also, make sure your social sites present your best image. Avoid showing yourself in questionable activities that some might disapprove of and use good manners online. Employers will want to know that they can trust you to be nice and keep important things confidential. Also, be sure to post things that demonstrate the type of professional you are and the value you could bring to an employer.
Connect with Others and Let Them Know You are Looking for a Job
One of the best ways to get a job is by word of mouth. Telling everyone that you are looking for a job can open up opportunities. You can also join a professional organization to get to know others in your field. When a job becomes open, they will think of you.
Another great way to get experience and meet people is to volunteer in your community. Great places to volunteer include:
Food bank
Retirement home
Library
Church
Non-profit organizations like the Habitat for Humanity or a local pet shelter
Create a Great Resume and Cover Letter
In today’s digital environment, it is essential to make sure your resume is digitally friendly. To do that, make sure to:
Include keywords that represent the skills required by the specific job you want
If possible, add examples of measurable ways you have succeeded on the job in the past. For example, you could say, "I helped increase sales for my previous company by 12 percent." If you don't have specific numbers, just focus on how you improved your previous employers situation.
Format it based on the position you are applying for. For example, if you are an accountant, a basic, professional resume will do. However, if you are a graphic designer, add graphic elements that showcase your design skills. To get ideas for improving your resume, look up sample resumes online.
Put more important things first - For example, if you think an employer will value your work experience more, place that above other items like education. If you are a college student with little work experience, showcase your education and school projects that relate to the job first.
Take a free training on how to create a good resume and cover letter.
Finally, make sure to have someone else proofread it.
Apply for Many Places, You Can Always Decline
Don’t limit yourself to a perfect job. Go for the best ones, but if you get desperate, don’t worry about not getting a perfect fit. You can always use a job as a stepping stone.
Prepare for the Interview
Once you have landed an interview, be sure to take some time to prepare for it. Here are things you can do to get ready:
Learn about the company (check out its website, social media pages).
Prepare clothes that are appropriate for the position and company’s culture.
Look up the most common interview questions and practice answering them with a family member or friend.
Review the job description and think of past experiences you have doing those activities.
If you get nervous, breathe deeply before the interview and concentrate on being friendly and enthusiastic.
Watch Out for Scams
Unfortunately, scams have become more commonplace in recent years as job searching has moved online and many jobs are remote. To identify if a job offer is a scam, watch out for these warning signs:
The employer asks for money before you are actually employed.
The employer asks for personal information such as your social security number or banking information before an interview.
There are spelling or grammar errors in the emails or texts.
To avoid these problems, do a little research in advance to make sure the employer is credible. Check that the account that posted the job seems credible, uses full names and lots of company-specific information. Also, check to see if the account is brand new, which could be an indication of a scam.
Take Advantage of Free Resources for Work Training and to Find a Job
San Antonio has many great resources for finding a job and receiving free training. Here are a few ideas:
