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In today's job market, workers can no longer count on having just one or two jobs all the way through to retirement. Technological innovations, outsourcing, and other factors have created a new reality: some day you will probably have to look for a job.
If you wake up one morning and find you have to look for a job right away, you just might be facing a daunting task. Lots of other American workers are looking for employment too and the competition is fierce!
But there are some things you can do to give yourself an edge over other job seekers. Here are a few tips that can help you with your job search:
- Update your resume often and have several professional quality copies of it on hand at all times.
- Know the job market. What local companies are hiring right now and for what positions? Which of those positions do you qualify for?
Carefully review the job listings in the newspaper classifieds and the major online job search websites. Knowing where to look for a job is the most important factor in getting one!
- Ask around. Call up your friends, family, former co-workers, and yes, even your old employer! Virtually everyone you know is a potential lead for your job search.
- Be willing to work temporarily for a lower salary than you really want. This will provide a financial buffer until you find a job that pays what you ultimately need to make.
When you're unemployed, $300 per week puts a lot more food on the table than $0 per week, and it might even prevent you from having to live off your credit cards.
- Be flexible in your career choices. The new job market reality is that many types of jobs in some fields are simply gone, never to return. For example, good luck if you're determined to find a job in the textile sector.
You'll find your job search a lot easier and the results a lot faster if you're willing to consider a career change. Depending on your new career path, you may or may not need to get some additional job training or return to school.
Many skills such as leadership and management that were developed and honed in one career will carry over very well to others.
- Finally, be prepared to move. If you restrict your job search to your local area you might find getting a decent job somewhat difficult. Often a move to a nearby town can result in career opportunities that simply aren't available where you live currently.
Conclusion
Undertaking a job search isn't something that most of us look forward to, but it is something that most of us will have to endure at some point in our working lives. But being prepared and flexible will make your life a lot easier when it's your turn to look for a job.
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