Let’s move our job search into the new year (and out of the last century), successfully. We are going to “clear our old fuzziness to a 20-20 vision”, by reviewing the critical steps to make a job search successful! Our goal is to help mature job seekers become the best candidate they can be!
Do your research
As you begin a job search, it really is important to “do your research”. Often clients have a dazed look when I talk about “research” – but it is no more difficult than making a restaurant reservation online! You can find a job without doing research – but the result is often working for a company that does not match your vision. Or you are in a position that is not a good fit for you. Doing research may eliminate those mistakes and save you valuable time as opposed to being out in the job market searching again.
Check out the company website for hints on their “culture”, benefits, ratings on sites like the BBB, etc.
Be sure to completely understand the position description – read it thoroughly and compare it to similar jobs in other companies.
Check a salary site – know the range of salary the position carries in your community and have a firm understanding of your own financial needs – if the job pays less than your expectations, what are you willing to accept?
And, find people who know people! Get your network moving and discover the connections you have to the company. LinkedIn is a the first step.
Update your skills
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An employer needs someone who can do the job Day One! You not only have to show you have the skills/experience for the position, but you need to be prepared to use those skills.
There are many ways to update/increase skills. The Columbus Metropolitan Library has a full array of workshops, plus the opportunity to utilize the Lynda.com (that is Lynda with a y) free through your library card. The EFS website has a link to this great resource.
Volunteering is a great way to update skills, while you are giving back to your community. You can learn new skills, close the gaps on your resume, and strengthen your network by providing some of your time to a local nonprofit.
And there are educational programs throughout Central Ohio, such as Program 60 at Ohio State, that allow those 60 and over in an academic course, however, you are not earning credit – so learn something without taking the tests!
If you are outside of Central Ohio, check into your local community college, local library and any agencies that provide employment training – programs are often at low or no cost.
Check out podcasts on our site for valuable information on volunteering and on utilizing the educational programs in our community.
Resumes, online apps, cover letters – application materials must be perfect
You can only make a great first impression once! If your resume or cover letter have typos – if your online application is not complete – or your emails are full of acronyms or jargon – your chance for a great first impression are lost!
Utilize local resources to assist in the development of your resume and other materials. Even if you feel you are an expert on resumes – another set of eyes will see mistakes that you do not see. You always want to be sure you are using “t-h-e-r-e” and not “t-h-e-i-r”!
There are also professional career coaches and resume writers that can be incredibly helpful in not only helping on your application materials, but guiding you along the path of your career journey.
Practice-practice-practice your interviewing skills
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ALWAYS focus on your work story – interviews are not to discuss your family, hobbies, political opinions.
Just like application materials need to be perfect, your interviewing skills must be at the top of your game. Often mature job seekers have not...
