People First CareersThe period after graduating from college is a difficult time for many people. Lack of experience is the hardest obstacle many graduates have to overcome. Some people have never gone through an interview, while others do not even know how to write a resume. These are some of the challenges teenagers have to overcome in order to secure their first jobs. You might face rejection when you start searching for your first job; that is normal and everyone goes through it. Oftentimes in the past, people first careers started with a seasonal job. The following are some tips that will help to snag that first job after graduating from college. Update Your ResumeKeep your resume updated with the latest information, ranging from the college activities to other major activities, and remember to include your college results (GPA). Make sure that your resume reflects the new skills you have developed. A good example is the case of a computer programmer who has learned another new language after college graduation. This should be mentioned on the resume. Consider Taking an InternshipMany graduates get valuable experience after college through an internship, and this is a great opportunity to taste the working world. Full-time employment may require professional experience in a particular field, but internships are offered to recent graduates and current students to sharpen their skills. Although most internships are unpaid, some receive a small stipend or hourly wage. Highlighting the internships in your resume confirms your abilities to succeed in a particular job. Attend Career FairsCareer fairs will help you get in touch with your future employers face-to-face. This is the best chance to ask questions and you will also discover the jobs that match your skills. Most colleges and universities host these job fairs where you can attend and learn more from the recruiters. You can also find out from your college’s career office whether there are any upcoming opportunities within your area. Be Open-MindedEveryone has a dream job in mind, but to have a successful job search after graduating will depend on your flexibility. You can widen your search to capture other positions that are available in the same field or check different jobs that may require a similar set of skills. Keep your mind open to a variety of other possibilities that may increase your chance of getting your first job. Attend more interviews for different jobs instead of just focusing on your favorites. Maintain Your Job NetworkMaintaining your job network is a very important aspect that will help you to find a job after graduating from college. To keep networking for jobs you can use your family, professors, friends, or co-workers to get news about the new opportunities that might not be advertised on the jobs’ board. You May Also Consider:WHERE TO FIND SEASONAL JOBS: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/seasonal-jobs-near-me TYPES OF SEASONAL WORK: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/types-of-seasonal-work TIPS TO FIND YOUR FIRST JOB: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/people-first-careers KEEP ON APPLYING Searching for a job can be a daunting task, and it tends to slow down with time. But remember, any job you apply for after graduating from college is a new opportunity. Every experience will help you in your future application. Apply for your new jobs every day and keep in touch with your contacts that you made over the time. Landing a dream job can be difficult at first just like most things in life, but remember that practice will lead to perfection. If you fail on your first interview, take a note of possible mistakes that you made. This will help you to avoid repeating them next time you have an interview. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Resume Tips for Seasonal JobsThe holiday season is here and many people start wondering if it’s appropriate to include temporary and seasonal work experience in their resume. This question can be relevant to you whether you’re a recent graduate, unemployed or a college student. There is nothing wrong with taking a freelance, temporary, or seasonal job until you get full-time employment in your field. In fact, this is the best way to gain experience, close gaps in employment, and earn extra cash. Keeping your resume fresh will not only help you to embark on temporary jobs but new careers as well. You need to tailor your resume to meet the requirements of companies that are hiring seasonal employees. Below are the tips that will help you write a good resume for seasonal employment.
Landing a seasonal job is definitely an adventure, but it is not impossible. When looking for a temporary work it is important to include the experience you have in the field you are applying for. This is because most employers do not want to train candidates most of the time. The earlier you prepare your resume, the better for you, so that you can submit it once the jobs are advertised. You May Also Consider:WHERE TO FIND SEASONAL JOBS: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/seasonal-jobs-near-me TYPES OF SEASONAL WORK: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/types-of-seasonal-work TIPS TO FIND YOUR FIRST JOB: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/people-first-careers About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Types of Seasonal WorkSeasonal work is a source of income for thousands of people. It allows you to find extra income or simply have fun with a new job, albeit for a season. The good news about this work is that there are many types. No matter what industry you are in or you would like to enter, you can find a seasonal job just for you. Some of the most common areas for seasonal work include holiday work, summer camp, fisheries, cruise ships and lifeguard jobs. It is definitely a good idea to have some interest in the job before applying for it. The following is a look into different types of seasonal work. Holiday Seasonal JobsThese are the most popular types of jobs that people will find. Major holiday seasons such as Christmas time see an influx of customers looking for different products and services. In this sector, more and more seasonal talent is hired. Among other jobs, people can choose to be retail assocites, warehouse personnel, delivery and packaging staff, and handling aids. During the holidays, people will also find Santa and Elf jobs which form a significant part of the holiday season's jobs. These jobs can be lucrative depending on the location you are at. It may be noteworthy to konw that talent is often recruited as early as September; therefore, keep an ear on the ground so that you do not miss your chance. Summer JobsSummer is a season that comes with a wide array of opportunities. In the entertainment sector as well as hospitality joints, you will find summer-themed jobs that will last throughout the season. These types of jobs are more popular in resorts and it is important to consider the best location for these jobs. If you are flexible, the opportunities will be more. Summer jobs can be found at summer camps, recreational sites, retail stores and resorts among others. Ski Season JobsWhen the ski season comes, there are so many opportunities for work. It is not just the riders and skiers who have a chance to work. You can work in ski patrol or ski school. These jobs are excellent for people who love snowboarding or skiing. It is a great chance also to secure a full-time job when the season is over. Ski resorts will always be on the lookout for new enthusiastic seasonal workers to make the skiing sport a success. Tax Season JobsWhen the tax season comes around, companies will always hire tax preparation staff in a bid to make their work easier. As a tax prep clerk, you will be in a position to acquire a worthy skill and get paid well in the process. This is one of the many seasonal jobs that can also put you in the line of getting a permanent job. Apart from preparing tax returns, people can also land data entry jobs and administrative posts. The most active tax season is in January through to May. However, for the sake of prior training for the job, talent is recruited much earlier. There are countless types of seasonal jobs, and searching for something suitable in your area is the way to go. Many people have been able to work different jobs at different seasons, allowing them to earn a living just like full-time employees. Therefore, take time to know what suits you best and get to work; you will not be disappointed. You May Also Consider:WHERE TO FIND SEASONAL WORK: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/seasonal-jobs-near-me RESUME TIPS FOR SEASONAL JOBS: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-tips-for-seasonal-jobs TIPS TO FIND YOUR FIRST JOB: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/people-first-careers About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Seasonal Jobs Near MeSeasonal work comes with many benefits. You are able to earn some extra cash and you can get excellent discounts as a seasonal worker. With all the merits in mind, it becomes important to find out where you can get these jobs. There are countless sources that will provide you with many options. It is up to you to choose the type of job that will suit you best. Seasonal work can involve selling at a store, packing products, and catering - among others. If you are interested in getting this type of job, there are specific areas to search. The following is a breakdown of where to find seasonal work. Specialized Online SitesIn this digital age, your first search is best made online. It is both easy and convenient. There are specialized sites that give you galleries of resources on all the opportunities available. Here is a list of JOB SEARCH SITES offering different types of opportunities. Depending on the location you are at, you can narrow your search to get something in your locality. If you are looking for work in a specified area, choose sites that are dedicated to the ideal place you are searching for. If you do not know which sites to start with, a general search on seasonal jobs is your best bet. You will be amazed at the categories you find; you will likely be spoilt for choice. Mainstream MediaTelevision adverts and newspaper postings can also carry information on seasonal jobs. Do your research and be keen on the vacancies available. In your local paper, simply go to the classified section wherever your job postings are made. All manner of newspapers will have these jobs. However, go with reputable media so that you can save both time and heartache. Word of MouthYour family and friends could be working in companies that hire seasonal staff when there is a lot of work to be done. For this reason, ask around and see whether you can get the information. Many people always get jobs owing to word of mouth referrals. In fact, this is one of the most effective ways to get a good seasonal job. Therefore, always ask your friends and relatives about possible openings at their companies and you never know when there is a good opportunity for you. Visit Stores/Companies and AskIf you know that certain stores or companies have a habit to hire extra staff at peak seasons, you can just approach them and ask if there will be any future openings. This is an effective way to get a seasonal job. The management will inform you when they hire seasonally and you will be getting reliable first-hand information in this regard. Some people have accidentally landed on seasonal jobs but when you are determined to get a slot, go the extra mile and you will not be disappointed. If you have worked seasonally before, it is much easier for you because you will know when the hiring season comes. All in all, the resources available online make searching much easier. Simply browse jobs in the comfort of your home and apply where you suit most. Don't give up and you will soon be able to find a seasonal opportunity. You May Also ConsiderTYPES OF SEASONAL WORK: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/types-of-seasonal-work RESUME TIPS FOR SEASONAL JOBS: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/resume-tips-for-seasonal-jobs TIPS TO FIND YOUR FIRST JOB: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/people-first-careers About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Define CommunicationThe word communication is a general word in its meaning. It could take on many roles, depending on the use and context. It also has many formats as its delivery mechanism. You can listen to music or watch videos, or you can read a book. Conversations are forms of communications as well. Because of the general aspects of communication, it’s difficult to define communication in the workplace or imagine formulating it into a skill. But, it is possible, and many colleges offer majors in communications, which elevates the field. It’s not necessary to study at a four-year college to enhance your communication skills. It takes basic knowledge and some practice. Active ListeningThe biggest skill you can use to communicate better is Active Listening. People are not natural listeners as they are focused on themselves. It’s how we are wired. We will always put ourselves first. Part of that is a survival mechanism. But, because of our self-serving nature, listening to others is secondary and requires us to put effort into being better listeners. Choosing to apply listening as a skill is a subtle but effective way to communicate. Half of all communication is listening but few of us get any training on doing it well. Fortunately, listening well is relatively simple, and will become automatic once you practice the skills. To increase your ability to listen to others, the next time you are speaking with someone, repeat back everything they say. That may be a little unnerving to them, at first. But, if they look at you with a bewildered look, explain that you are just making sure you understood what they said. Once they get past the awkwardness, they will welcome the exchange. Using Simple LanguageThe next step towards better communication is to use simple language. When you want others to understand your meaning, you need to make sure everyone will understand the words. People have different levels of education. Therefore, you want to use the lowest common denominator when speaking to everyone. You should not view this as a means of looking down at others. Your goal is to make sure you are understood. Speaking and writing in basic language is the best way to accomplish this. Be ConsiderateYou must consider the feelings of the people with who you're communicating. Even if you are a manager, barking orders at people is one of the least effective ways. Consider everyone’s opinions and needs. Keep people engaged in the communication platform. This way they take ownership in the process. That is a massive benefit for excellent communication. You will get more out of people when this happens than merely rattling off commands as if they are robots. There are some instances, such as the military, where shouting out orders is necessary. But, these are the exception, not the rule. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. Easy Ways to Impress Your BossFiguring out how to impress your boss can be tough. On the one hand, you want to capture their attention and make them consider you for any promotions or bonuses you might have coming your way. On the other hand, you don’t want to appear desperate or look like a suck-up to your colleagues. The good news is that it’s definitely possible to capture the attention of any business leaders and supervisors responsible for making a difference to your job. The bad news is you’re going to have to put a little work in. Here are some quick and simple steps you can take to improve your chances of having the right impression on your boss Get to Know ThemWe’re not saying you should take your boss out for drinks, but you should be paying attention to their values and expectations. It’s hard to impress someone if you don’t know what matters most to them, so watch your boss for signs of what they like or dislike. You’re specifically looking for things that make your boss unhappy or cause them to be unimpressed with a colleague, so you can avoid those issues yourself. You’ll also want to pay attention to anything that gets extra recognition, like punctuality or attention to detail. Make a note of the things that really make other people stand out to the person in charge. Pick Up the SlackPicking up the slack doesn’t have to mean that you’re constantly doing other people’s jobs for them. While you can still have work/life balance and say no to things that you don’t want to do, you could also be looking for opportunities to go above and beyond. When your boss asks for someone to volunteer for a specific task, or looks for someone to help out with something, be the first to raise your hand. You’ll probably be spending more time working on things than you’d like but being willing to work harder will definitely grab the boss’s attention. It’s also worth doing the little things, like helping team members when they’re behind, fetching coffee from time to time, and helping to keep things in their proper place. Commit to LearningIt’s hard to be impressed by someone who acts like they know everything. Being eager to learn at work is part of having a positive attitude about your current skills and your future. Showing that you’re willing to focus on gaining additional skills will prove to your boss that you’re not afraid of a challenge. It’s also a chance for you to prove you’re capable of more than just the job you have now. Regularly invest in opportunities to learn new skills and volunteer for chances to develop your knowledge in things that might be valuable to your boss, like leadership skills or time management. Be A Team PlayerWhile always being the person at the top of the pile is a good way to get attention, it can also make you look conniving and difficult to work with. You want to stand out as a leader and someone capable of independent work, but it’s also important to be a team player. Commit to helping your peers out whenever they need extra assistance and stand up for your team whenever you can. Take Responsibility and Be HonestAlthough you might think a mistake will set you up for failure when you’re trying to impress your boss, the reality is that most managers understand their people are only human. The worst thing you can do if something goes wrong in your career is try to sweep the issue under the rug or pin it on someone else. Taking responsibility for your actions and committing to learning from them shows you’re an honest, trustworthy, and reliable person. We all make mistakes, but it’s difficult to feel respect for someone who just can’t admit they’ve done something wrong. Owning up to your errors shows integrity and bravery. It’s also a chance for you to stand up and suggest solutions to the problem. Impressing your boss might seem like a challenge, but once you learn how to demonstrate the values your manager holds close to heart, you’ll be on the right track. Have passion for your job and commit to the work you do. Even if it’s not your dream job, showing you’re invested is a great way to make your boss feel like you’re a great hire. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 5 Strategies For Effective Online NetworkingNetworking is one of the most important ways to invest in the future of your career, but it can also be pretty difficult. Not only do you have to find the right opportunities to network, but you also need to find the courage to speak to the people you want to impress. The good news is that there are various ways you can start networking today without having to attend expensive events and dinners. Online networking can be an excellent way to build a valuable community, without the stress. Of course, just like all forms of networking, you’re still going to need an effective strategy. Keep these tips in mind for effective online networking. Decide Where to NetwrorkProbably the most important part of building a successful online networking strategy is deciding where you’re going to connect with potential peers. Social media channels like LinkedIn are generally a good place to start, but you can also go further and check out places like Slack groups and forums specifically for your chosen industry. You can also find a lot of great people to connect with on places like Twitter. Keep your eyes open for digital and virtual events too. These are becoming increasingly popular, and they often come with chat rooms and networking spaces where you can reach out to others with shared interests. Connect with the Right PeopleAs tempting as it might be to build a relationship with influencers or thought leaders, the reality is that it’s important to think carefully about who you reach out to. Look for industry peers and people who can teach you something. Connecting with people who already have a strong presence in your industry or a link to the businesses you want to work with can be a good idea too. Keep an open mind when making your relationships online. You might be surprised to discover who can make a difference in your future career. If someone offers to introduce you to someone they think could help you, take advantage. Network RegularlyWhen you’re starting out in networking, schedule a few hours every week where you can check out what’s happening on social media, read up on the content shared on your favorite forums, and participate in conversations. You’ll want to have an active online presence if you want to make those connections count. Remember to check your news feed on a daily basis when you can, and at the very least try to update your LinkedIn status with a few relevant factoids or links to relevant news stories from your industry. The more people see you online, the more likely it is they’ll feel connected to you and want to strike up a conversation. Follow Up RegularlyIf you’re going to really grow a successful network online, you need to work harder at making connections than offline. You can’t expect to have the same emotional link to someone online as you do in-person, so you’re going to need to speak to the people you meet more often. Make a habit of regularly getting online and devoting time to following up with the people you’ve already met. If you’ve already spoken to someone on social media quite a few times and you want to strengthen the relationship, ask them to connect over the phone or meet with you on a video conference. The more connections you can make, the better Be Helpful and InformativeThe more you invest in networking, the more you’ll learn that people want to connect with others whom they believe can help them out. The more informative, helpful, and knowledgeable you are, the more valuable you become. This doesn’t mean you should be constantly asking your contacts if you can do anything for them but make a concentrated effort to share useful information whenever you can. On LinkedIn, you can write posts where you talk about your experiences in the industry. On forums, you can respond to questions being asked by other people in your space. It’s also worth looking for ways to be helpful in other ways too, like responding to emails where people ask for your input or getting involved with podcasts and interviews. Keep Working on It |