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| Reinvent Yourself for Today’s Job Market
(ARA) - The economic downturn in the United States has caused major job losses in recent months. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports rising unemployment in nearly all major industries, with employment declining by 2.6 million between November 2008 and February 2009.
With more applicants seeking fewer jobs, it becomes increasingly important to do more than simply “dust off” your resume. Anthony Davis, director of career services at Brown Mackie College in Fort Wayne, Ind. offers advice to help those now seeking employment. "If a worker has been laid off, the first priority is survival! Pay the bills, feed the kids, and hope that no major medical expenses come during this time,” he says. He goes on to offer these insightful tips:
1. Escape your own paradigm.
“We tend to get locked into one view of ourselves. It can be helpful to consider re-inventing yourself before applying for any positions,” says Davis. “Before updating your resume, consider what skills and abilities you have that can transfer to your job search.”
“The priority in evaluating yourself should be to become aware of your skill base,” says Davis. “It requires introspection to identify both hard and soft skills.” Hard skills are demonstrable, measureable abilities. They include proficiency in working with different computer programs, or the number of years of experience. Soft skills are intangible. They include interpersonal skills, and critical thinking -- skills that are difficult to measure, but ones that can be included in a resume and mentioned during interviews.
“For example, someone who worked as a food server could list sales skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task. This can open whole new areas of prospective employment. People don’t readily think of their own assets this way,” Davis says. “Look at yourself as a total person. What hobbies do you have? What sports do you play? What skills have you picked up through life that you can transfer and apply to an occupation?”
2. Keep your expectations high, but realistic.
“We’re in recession. Those who love to eat steak may need to consider hamburger,” Davis says. “What’s available in your labor market right now?” He recommends considering work values in addition to money. “Values change based upon life circumstances. It’s not just a one-time process. People change with age and circumstance,” says Davis.
Are you looking for authority on the job, or do you prefer to work alone? Is creativity important to you? As Davis points out, “Living true to your work values equals work rewards.” He emphasizes the importance of matching prospective career fields, and employers, with your own work values. “Don’t make yourself out to be something you’re not,” he says. “Be truthful. You may sell something else to land the job, but you won’t be able to maintain it. It’s OK to say 'No' to an employer based on values.”
3. Do your research.
“Research everything. Look into the category, the prospective employer, and your local labor market," says Davis. "Consider where you live and where you are willing to work. Read projected outlooks from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and talk with others in the field. Find out what qualities you need to cultivate to be a good prospect.”
In summary, Davis points out, “If the old saying 'you get what you put into it' holds true, then if you put four hours per week in your job search or career change, you should find yourself a great four-hour-a-week job. Keep the faith in yourself and give it your all. Make finding your next position a full-time job.”
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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