JOB Hunting 

 Job security no longer exists, so plan now for your next job.

          Are you a people leader looking for work?  

          Looking for a new job is not easy and it should be tackled logically and professionally.  You need both qualifications and work experience.

          Contacts are important when looking for work. It ‘s not what you know but who you know that often gets you a new job.         

A handful of tips to consider when job hunting

* First focus on friends and supporters

          This is one of the best ways to find a job.

          Approach friends, old school mates and relatives and renew contacts with others who could help. Ask them if they know of any suitable job vacancies and if they could lookout for a job for you.      

          Build strong networks by joining service clubs, social, religious or sporting groups to get known.

Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date and use your online connections to explore upcoming opportunities.       

* Emphasise your achievements

          Organisations look for reliable people who can get things done. What have you done?

          Stack your resume with your achievements. List your academic achievements, your work experiences and your non-work achievements.       

          Don’t forget your sporting successes, offices you have held in clubs, and roles in music, drama and educational groups.        

* Get listed with employment agencies

          Visit recruitment agencies to enquire about vacancies.

          Dress well and leave a quality brief up-to-date resume of your qualifications and work experiences containing names of up to date high profile referees. What are your skills and experiences? What contribution could you make for an employer?

          Why not offer to start as a temporary worker to demonstrate your skills and ability.

* Create your own work

          If no suitable jobs are available consider training for a new career. Learning a new skill can be stimulating and rewarding.  Today, many qualifications can be obtained on-line at home.

          What are your interests and hobbies? Use your skills to set up your own business and start working from home.

          More and more people work from their homes these days and this will only grow. You can grow, make, or produce things to sell at the local markets or on-line to get started.

* Seek work in other countries

          Often you can get your foot in the door by working in a voluntary organisation such as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO).

          Many countries have volunteer services abroad that pay a nominal salary and cover costs. It’s a good way to gain work experience and to make a worthwhile contribution. If you work well you may be offered a good job.

          If you have special skills and special work experiences get listed with international organisations.

          There are many job possibilities if you show a little initiative but you must make an effort and approach job hunting in a logical and professional manner. And don’t give up!

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Success occurs when opportunity and preparation meet.”     

Source: No Job! What Now? Published by Moss Associates Ltd, Cengage Learning Asia also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.