Getting that Job

A good time to review

2007-12-06T05:57:00.000+10:00

I like using the time at the end of the year to reflect on what has happened, workwise and in general in my life. But it is also a good time to start the planning process for the coming year.

One question that is worth considering is "Where do I want to be in 12 months time?" It is actually something that requires a lot of thought. It is easy to list a whole lot of things on a sheet of paper, but are they realistic? Are you really planning to work to achieve these goals, or are you just going to list them, and hope that things will happen.

As an example, I did this sort of exercise about 12 years ago with someone (who will remain nameless) who listed among other things that he (OK, I've given it away - it is a bloke!) wanted to take up painting. Landscape painting to be exact. This is something he REALLY wanted to do he emphasised. It was quite a surprise to me, as I knew him well, and I'd never seen any interest shown in this. No, it REALLY was something important.

Do you know in that time, even though it is something he still claims to want to do, he has done nothing towards it. I don't think he's visited an art gallery, he owns no artists' painting materials, no books on art. Nothing, zilch. If he is just expecting to be an artist by some amazing piece of magic, it is yet to happen. In all this time, I think he still believes that it is his "passion" to do, and I know life gets in the way.

But you actually have to DO SOMETHING. Just listing it and hoping is not a guaranteed way to achieve things.

So when you make your list of items to achieve in 12 months, make your list realistic and DO SOMETHING.

Goals

2007-11-01T19:19:00.000+10:00

I seem to have had a run of folk who genuinely want a job, but don't really know what they want to do. It is not unusual, and I often make a joke of it that I am still trying to work out what I want to be when I grow up!

It certainly helps if you can identify what you want to do. Just wanting a job - any job, they say is not enough. I can suggest a lot of jobs and each time, despite "I will do anything" they say "No, that's not what I want" and so it goes.

One thing that might help is to list the things that you like doing e.g. talking with people (customer service?), working with systems (call centre, office administration?), working with food (kitchen, hospitality, food manufacturer?), and so on.

You can find some websites that can help you determine where you would be most suited but it is something that you will need to do yourself as a rule. Of course you can spend some dollars and see a Career Adviser - but though it is becoming more popular to do this, there are many that choose to "wing it."

Getting that job

2007-09-01T20:42:00.000+10:00

In my new job I get to interview folk that come in to apply for a position. We always do a screening interview. It takes about 20 minutes and we try to make a judgement on the jobseeker. We do look at the resume, and we ask them to email it to us, so that we have it on file electronically. We do a lot of emailing of resumes.

Presentation is judged at this point, though it is not just dress. Some of these folk are "drop ins" not expecting to be interviewed, but rather than get them back AGAIN, if we can, we do it then.

We look at their manner. Do they shake hands? Do they look at you when they are speaking? Are they clean? Face, hands, hair? Do they listen? Do they sound convincing? Are they really who their resume says they are? Do they drive? Why have they changed jobs frequently?

We need to send our TOP candidates for a job. Mostly they are I must say, and I love being able to help them.

It is always a thrill to tell them that the prospective employer has asked to interview them.

It's great to tell them that they have the job.

Strange occupation

2007-08-25T15:24:00.000+10:00

We had a call for some guys to be "chicken chasers" during the week. Chicken Chasers???? It appears that one of the major chicken producers has sheds with thousands of chickens that need to be rounded up and put in cages to be transported to the abbatoir. Eeek. Not a job for the faint hearted I fear!

Anyway three strapping young men who had few skills jumped at it. Boy, would I love to have seen them all in action, chasing and catching up to 30,000 chickens.

Apparently it is easy to catch them at first - but as the numbers dwindle in the shed there is more space for the chickens to run.

It would be stinky, pooey, dirty - but sounds like fun to me. But I'll pass. It's not for me.

New Position

2007-08-18T14:39:00.001+10:00

After my contract ran out at Community Workforce Solutions I wondered where I'd end up. Still keen to work in the Employment and Training field - but I took off for a visit to my parents in Adelaide.

A day or two after I returned I was offered a part time job at Bayside Recruitment in Wynnum - so I will get to see another side of the industry. I've already worked nearly two days, and enjoy it.

I'm so impressed with the organisation - the systems are awesome!

Upgrading Skills

2007-08-06T21:24:00.000+10:00

One of the features that most employers look for is the ability of the prospective employer to learn new skills. To change. For some folk it is not easy. One way to show a prosective employer that you can change is to do some study. Update your current skills. Learn something new.

I've always had the yearn to learn, and am usually doing some sort of training course. Sometimes the courses are more related to my interests (writing, beading, photography etc), but I do upskills my work skills. I know this stands me in good stead.

I remember some time ago, my employer encouraged us to do courses and they would pay us to do courses, or attend workshops or seminars. The deal was this - you sought approval first, to determine if the course would be re-imbursed. If it was approved, we paid to do the course, and on production of the Certificate and receipt, we'd get reimbursed. I've always thought that was a good way.

Many folk expect their employer to pay for their training, but I've always felt that it was MY responsibility to ensure my skills were up to date. Being reimburesed by my employer was a BONUS.

In Australia at the moment, it is possible to have access to WorkSkills Vouchers, which are provided via a Federal Government Program. Essentially it is for Australian's over 25 years of age, who have not completed Year 12, and wish to study some work related subject. The Vouchers are up to $3000 - and one needs to check with Centrelink to determine their eligibility. It could be a TAFE course, or other recognised training course.

People need to be careful with their choice - they only get ONE chance at the WorkSkills voucher, so they need to research the course and the training organisation to ensure they get the best that they can.

It is a wonderful system - so Aussies should take advantage of it!

Read about Work Skills Vouchers

Dear Sir/Madam

2007-07-28T20:02:00.000+10:00

I was in the "classroom" of another training organisation last week and shocked to see on the white board "Dear Sir/Madam" as part of the instructions to create a letter of application for employment.

That is not the way I teach. I remember that being taught 30 years or so ago, but these days I encourage folk to to try to find out who to address the letter to. Phone the company and find out the name of the person to whom the letter is to go.

Then you can address them correctly. And it impresses them.

I have phoned companies on behalf of my students, and had to give their names. Most times when I call they want to take the name, so that they can look out for it when the applications come through. They made a note of those people who went to the trouble of sourcing the name of the person. Already that makes one stand out from the crowd. The crowd of people that often apply for a position.

In the event that it is not possible to find out the name of the person, I'd rather address the letter in a different way.

"Good morning" looks better than Dear Sir/Madam.

Police Check, Blue Card

2007-07-15T09:46:00.001+10:00

Sadly we are often required to produce a Blue Card, or Police Check with many employment opportunities. Working with children, or aged people in particular you will find some of these documents essential.

There is an Australian company that does police checks - you might like to have a look at this site Police Check. The fee is less than $100 - all the details are on the site.

In many cases the prospective employer will arrange the check and pay for it - but if you already have one, you will be more highly regarded.

Resume

2007-07-15T09:09:00.000+10:00

Jobseekers must have a quality resume. By "quality" I don't mean all dancing colour production and I don't mean video resume. What you need is a neat and tidy one or two page document that gives the important information a prospective employer needs.

Personal details/contact information.

Your name, address, contact details.

(Hint: if you are sending out your resume and other inforamtion to prospective employers make sure you are easily contactable. Use a mobile phone, and check if frequently for missed calls or messages, and respond to calls quickly)

Qualifications, education, skills etc.

Unless it is a degree that is relevant, qualifications ord education over 10 - 15 years can be omitted. More recent evidence of learning, upskilling etc is more relevant. List skills in detail.

Recent Employment

Start with most recent/current first and work back.

Other sections:

Special achievements
Community Service
Hobbies and Interests

Referees.
It is a good idea to put name, company, contact details including MOBILE phone.

(Let your referees know that you have given their name as a referee - polite to do so)

Note: Your resume should be only 2 pages (unless academic resume)

Neat and tidy - can staple or use paper clip.

Video Resume

2007-06-25T21:26:00.000+10:00

I wonder which one of the local job seekers will be game to do it? A video resume. It seems that in the USA it is the new way to impress a prospective employer.

But it can be a challenge. If you'd like to see one, click here

Now, I'm not suggesting that it will work for anyone - but this video resume has been seen all over the world. I'm not sure how successful it has been.

Dear Sir/Madam

2007-06-13T20:56:00.000+10:00

How I hate those words. I think they are a little old hat these days - this was what we were taught nearly 50 years ago.

One of the local politicians still sends me mail addressed to "Dear Madam" - I'm sorry, but I'm not a madam. These days it has other connotations.

I encourage my students to use other words. For a start it is easy to find out who the recruiting officer/manager is. One student produced a letter addressed to "Dear Sir/Madam" which she had the name of the person who was recruiting and he was a "he" - she knew his first and second name even!

Sometimes using the internet for job search you will have the first name of someone - so in that case I'd start the letter

Attention: Joe

Good morning,

.................

That way there is no offence. It is friendly without being familiar, and certainly looks a lot more "professional" in this day and age than "sir/madam"

Another tip when doing up a letter of application - check for spelling/grammar errors, and I think it is good to read it alloud to yourself. That way you'll experience what the reader will read. You'll pick up missing words, or long boring sentences.

Also give good space for your signature. And make your signature look good - tiny squiggly signatures are not a good idea.

Know what you want

2007-06-08T05:33:00.001+10:00

I've heard it several times - I don't really want a job, I just want the money. Of course we all know that unless we win Lotto, or similar, we have to work to earn money. I know that for some the "work" is more like "play" - a professional golfer for example enjoys playing golf, and doesn't see it as "work" - but he/she is exchanging his/her time and effort in exchange for money. Good luck if you can get paid for doing the things you really LOVE doing.

For many folk this is the reality - they really do enjoy the work they do, and that I guess should be the aim of all workers. To really enjoy the things that you do to earn your income.

It might require some trial and error - so you will find some work is part of your stepping stone to the career you really want.

But do you know what you really want? Most of us when we left school had an idea of our perfect career, but we don't all get there. Other things interest us along the way.

What is it that you really want to do? Think about it. Make a list.

What would you you really want to do - what is your perfect career goal? OK, be serious.

What is it that you can honestly aim for? What are your stepping stones? It really helps to know what your goal is.

Technorati Profile

Thought for the day

2007-06-07T11:48:00.000+10:00

I have special inspirational cards - and today's message is "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams." by Henry David Thoreau.

The calling card or business card.

2007-06-07T10:27:00.001+10:00

Call it what you will - but you need to have a small card with your name and contact details on it. Since most vacant positions are not advertised - the are promoted by word of mouth, it is a good idea to have a card to give to people you meet, especially those who may have contacts in your preferred industry.

On it put your name, your contact details (street address not essential), and a message.

Betty Smith

Ph xxxxxxxxxxx

Mobile xxxxxxx

Sunnybank (your suburb)

PO Box xxx, Sunnybank Hills. 4xxx,

Extra ordinary office administrator seeking quality workplace for long term commitment

You can spend money at a low cost printery, you can create your own cards on a computer and print out on light card, or special business card paper that is inexpensive. Do it whatever way works for you. Just get some cards - and use them. See post on "NetWorking"

Some tools for jobseekers

2007-06-06T18:48:00.000+10:00

If you are looking for work - whether you are entering the paid workforce for the first time, or looking for a change in direction, you need some good tools to help you.

An up to date and quality resume
A business or calling card with all your contact details
A plan to help you with your job seeking
Skills - how to write good letters of application, how to deal with selection criteria, tips for doing well at intereviews

You'll also benefit from skills on dealing with rejection, communciation skills for the workplace, literacy and numeracy upskilling may be necessary.

It is also a good idea to look at what workplace skills you have and what needs updating. Sometimes it will be necessary to go college or university to get some additonal skills.

We'll deal with all of that...............keep reading.

Help for Jobseekers

2007-06-06T18:33:00.000+10:00

I've been unemployed - I've even been on government benefits when I have been unemployed, and at the other end of the scale I've been employed in teaching unemployed people how to find work.

I used the same techniques to get work when I was job seeking - and found my handicap was age (I am over 60 years of age), and "too highly qualified" - I have a degree and various other qualifications and a working history that includes success in a variety of fields. I have had my own business - and gone from boom to bus.

I am back working in the field I enjoy - helping unemployed people get paid work. I know how important it is to get work, work that is "enjoyable" - for I believe that job satisfaction is more important than the dollars.

I'd rather work for a lower pay and enjoy my work, and feel fulfilled - but I know others that would rather work at a job they hate for the high dollars that goes with the job.

The beauty is that essentially we have a choice.

It is always easier to get a job, when you have a job. So to be in work that you do not like is OK - it is a stepping stone to work that is more suited to you.

That's life.