Rolling On – A Handful of Tips 12 –

LOOKING for EMPLOYMENT: 

After having a family, finishing studies or being released from prison, returning to the workforce is not an easy task.

          There have been big changes in working conditions over recent years. There are now different types of jobs and the demand for workers has changed. You may need to learn new skills and upgrade your old skills.

          Confidence and self-esteem can be as important as retraining so make a self- revival plan.

Five of the best tips if you are returning to work after a lengthy absence

 *Improve your image

          Smarten up your appearance.

          Make sure you are well-groomed.

          Get fit so you feel healthy and ready for the challenge.

* Increase your confidence and self-esteem

          How? By joining clubs and organisations to meet new people and be prepared to take on new responsibilities.  This will help build your confidence.  

          Try new things. Get involved in a new activity such as a different sport, or new hobbies.

* Learn new skills or update your old ones

          Study recent developments in communication skills and electronic communications.   

          Enrol for courses to learn new skills and to meet new people. Many new activities and new qualifications can be learned on-line these days

          Prepare a unique C.V. or  resume emphasising your experiences and achievements.

          All experiences are accumulative – they are never wasted. If you have been managing a home and a family you have learned good management skills.

          Get yourself a mentor or two.

*Start job-hunting in earnest

          Start making contact with old friends and relatives that just might know of a suitable position. If you don’t ask you won’t receive!

          Make time each day to go job hunting.

          Visit government and private employment agencies and read the ‘Situation vacant’ advertisements so you know what employers are looking for.

* Believe in yourself

          Brush up on the skills needed for a particular type of job you are looking for.

          Prepare well for interviews and act confidently. You’ll never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

          Get organised and plan your daily routine so you can cope efficiently and without stress.

          Meanwhile, start working at home keeping regular ‘office‘ hours. Keep busy!

          In the book “No Job! What Now?” (available on-line) you can find 45 suggestions for home-based work.

          You only fail when you give up. Don’t sit and wait . Take charge of your life – become the person you would like to be. 

–Geoffrey Moss

“If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

Source: No Job! What Now? published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia as an e-book. Also available from Amazon.com and VitalSource books.