Getting a job can be difficult. Dealing with unemployment is even worse.
The latest reports indicate that the jobless rate in South Carolina is 12.6%. While reports indicate that the economy is in fact turning around there are many who are still working hard to find new employment.
No matter what the market conditions, there are always companies looking to hire talented professionals. Being prepared ensures that when a new opportunity becomes available, you will be in a competitive position to receive an offer.
To find your dream job in 2010, we offer the following job tips:
• Start Your Search Now
While it is easy to procrastinate, you need to take action. Update your resume, decide who to use as references, and prepare an outline of your strengths and why you are the perfect candidate. When you are finished start searching for new jobs.
• Be Aware of Potential Changes With Your Current Employer
Depending upon your current situation, it may be safer to stay with your current employer than
find a new job but in soft economies, companies can merge, get acquired, be overtaken, or even shut their doors leaving you out of work. Staying on top of the situation may enable you to take advantage of other employment opportunities before disaster strikes.
• Evaluate Your Career Objectives
Determine what really makes you happy, what you want from your career and what needs to be done to obtain your goal. As part of this determination consider whether you are able to take a step back to get your foot in the door, such as part-time employment or an internship.
• Take Advantage of Your Contacts and Network
If no one knows that you are looking for new employment, they can’t help you. Often times a job lead may come from a colleague, former boss, golfing buddy or otherwise. Talk to people and let them know what you are looking for instead of regretting that you did not speak up sooner. If you are not already involved in your community, consider joining some local groups so that you can expand your networking contacts.
• Make Your Resume Stand Out
In a soft economy, employers are flooded with resumes in response to available job positions. If yours does not stand out you may be overlooked even if you are the ideal candidate. Make sure that your resume is free of typos, that it is tailored to the job you are applying for, that it accurately highlights prior job positions and don’t be afraid to brag about your prior successes. Your new employer needs to know what you are going to contribute. In addition, make sure that your cover letter is addressed and tailored to the job that you are applying for. You would be surprised how many people actually forget to change the contact information leading their resume to be tossed right into the trash can, resulting in a missed opportunity.
• Sell Yourself
Most of us are modest and do not like to talk about ourselves. You need to be able to sell yourself, what you have to offer, and articulate your abilities and strengths with confidence.
• Be Prepared
When you get a call for an interview make sure that you are prepared. Find out everything that you can about the company, its products or services, the person you will be interviewing with, and if possible the work environment. Come up with some questions. The competition is tight these days and you want to make sure that you stand out in his or her mind.
To find a job in South Carolina check out the following resources:
South Carolina Government Jobs
Yahoo Jobs
Strom Law Firm represents individuals and small businesses in a variety of employment matters. If you were wrongfully terminated, a victim of discrimination, or are dealing with your employer’s failure to pay wages contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help. Our lawyers proudly edit the Columbia, South Carolina Injury Board as well as the Strom Law Blog as a pro bono effort to provide the public valuable information. Our lawyers are licensed in: South Carolina, New York, and Georgia.
