Leadership for the Christian Supervisor

Monday, September 25, 2006

Applying for That Job

Applying for jobs can be drudgery at best and a killer on the self esteem at worst. Here are some hints that I have gained from applying for jobs myself and from being the person who interviews others.

Spend time making a list of priorities for your next job. This is essential whether you are a first time applicant, wanting to take a step up, experienced and in demand, or a retiree looking for something new. You will need to answer the following questions. They must be comprehensive and honest. No one besides yourself will be using this list.

My expertise: This is where you list all your proven talents.
My schooling: List all degrees and classes that show expertise.
Additional training: List any training that may have been supplied by employers, community, memberships, and volunteer organizations.
Personal talents: List anything you do that might show a talent outside work such as hobbies, personal interests, volunteer, and physical activities.
Experience: List all jobs and the duties.
Memberships: List all social, volunteer, and work related clubs and association memberships. List any official positions, committees and other work performed.
Dislikes: List certain things that you simply would hate to do but might be included in your field.
Personality Traits: List if you are outgoing, an organizer, inventive, shy, etc.
Physical, mental or emotional limitations: List certified disabilities. List phobias.
Speculation: List jobs that you find interesting but currently have little experience.
Location: List where you wish to live and why.
Salary: List the minimum you think you could take for salary. List your preferred salary range.
Benefits: List what you must have to survive. List your preferred benefits.
Self Employment: If you are pursuing self employment through contractor or consultant work, you will need to do some really thorough soul searching to make sure you (and others whom you are responsible) can handle the financial and emotional pressures.

Once you have completed the above, review to see if there is a recurrent theme. Review each category until you have summarized it down to a specific idea. At this time, it doesn't need to fit together and it doesn't need to be the only things you will look for in a job. We are trying to bring out all the necessary information about you which will allow you to go into job hunting with everything you need. Too often we forget we have these accomplishments, experiences and talents. Too often we shop for jobs where we have no experience or talent simply because we haven't taken the time to assess ourselves truthfully.

Once you have an idea of what you want, get prepared to shop the many job markets. Make a list of the job markets in the location(s) where you wish to work. The internet is a good way of gaining access to job markets. This is especially useful if you are applying for jobs outside the physical location where you live. Here are a few of the avenues you may wish to pursue:

Newspapers: Most newspapers have their classified listings on line. Some organizations never list in the paper because they want to draw from exclusive listings. Still, it should be reviewed daily. The employer pays the fee. The jobs are generally within their subscriber area.
Headhunters: They take a fee. Many are specific to certain job classifications. They can be extremely in the know about jobs that are not listed to the general public. They often cater to middle to high management positions (including officer and board positions).
Employment Agencies: They take a fee and may be helpful. They may only have medium to lower level management positions. Check out other avenues and the specific benefits of each employment agency before signing a contract.
Web listings: Most specific careers have a general organization or association where worldwide positions are listed. An example would be the "The Chemical Industry of Illinois." More and more, businesses are allowing resumes and applications to be submitted over e-mail.
Word of Mouth: If appropriate, get out the word that you are "looking." Tell people you know in the industry, tell friends, tell fellow club, church, and association members. If you do not want your present employer to know you are looking, be very selective about doing this tactic.

Research how each employer wants their job applications submitted. Follow those instructions implicitly. Have your resume on paper and on line. Have several types of resumes. Have one specific for each kind of job you are seeking. Have one each consisting of (1) just the facts, (2) facts and experience and (3) conversational. You can get examples of these through business books or on line. There are templates of resumes in many Word programs or others. There are agencies that provide that service. These agencies charge for their services and often you pay for what you get. Top class agencies do a great job and free you of the task. Be aware you will be at their mercy for how it looks and what they will include. Always review and correct, if necessary. If possible, you should complete your own application and resume. Do not use cute templates or colored paper. Make it plain and factual. If you do not receive a response within ten days, call and inquire if they had time to review, if you can do something more to help, and thank them for their time. If they do not allow incoming applicant calls, send a follow-up letter.

Always submit a cover letter if the employer allows. Make it simple, brief and a summary of why you should be considered. Most resumes are not even read because applicants have not submitted a professional cover letter and resume.

Never let the representative of the company you are applying think you are impatient, unhappy, or desperate. Always be polite and thankful. They may need an employee but they want the best for their money. That includes someone who applies well and makes good first impressions.

Finally, remember you are a valuable person, both to an employer and to God. Consulting with Him about your applications and job prospects is wise. He will open doors or close doors as you follow His will for your life. Psalm 143:10 "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."


 
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