Since I work as a Recruiter at a Staffing Agency as my fulltime gig, I have some advice, jobsites, and resources to share for those who are looking for work:First and foremost, make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. No grammatical or spelling errors. No excessive italics, bolding or crazy fonts. Keep it simple/classic. Keep your information consistent and accurate. If you spent time bartending between administrative gigs, leave the bartending off of the resume. Be honest about dates and duties because it can and will be verified. Bullet points work best in most cases when defining the job duties for each employer. Of course, formatting is relative to your specific experience and goal. For example, Executive level resumes are an entirely different entity and therefore, resume style. Check out resumes of friends and family members who are gainfully employed in positions in your arena/on your level.
Register with as many staffing agencies as you can manage. I know the registration process, for the most part, is a pain in the ass but it's worth it in the end. Behind the iron curtain, Sales Managers from competing agencies are fighting each other fist to cuff to bring those juicy accounts into their office. This means that not all agencies have the same opportunities. Even within agencies there is infighting for which accounts belong to which branches. It's a waste of time to go through the process to get registered and then never follow up. You are not the only fish in the temp sea. If you aren't contacting them, you will get lost in the ocean. Once you've registered, make sure you are building relationships with the Account Reps because if they like you, you will be the first to come to mind when that new position/assignment becomes available. If only to get you to stop calling, they will put you to work! And, when dealing with agencies, remember that they are representing your potential employer, so don't let your guard down when it comes to being polished and professional. If you go in there acting like your drunk uncle at the family barbque, they will document your behavior and appearance for the whole agency to know which will prevent you from reaching your goal-- getting a job! Also, make sure you consult with your Account Rep about your resume. They are usually well-versed with what works and what doesn't. A good one will tell you what you need to hear and give you advice on how to fix it. There is no cost to you, so what's the harm in asking? I revise resumes all of the time. Which reminds me, I need to look into that side-business. Hmmm.
Scour the online jobsites at least twice a day. Updates are made regularly and you don't want to sleep on a good opportunity. The employer's email inbox may flood within the first three hours of posting the job and they will stop there with reviewing potential candidates' resumes. Why? Because they already have a headache and the resumes are all starting to look the same (which is why they usually hire me). So, what does that tell you? The early bird gets the worm! Just like your mama used to tell you. Here are some sites that have proven helpful to my Associates: Craigslist.com, hotjobs.com, careerbuilder.com, monster.com, entertainmentjobs.net, showbizjobs.com, linkedin.com; of course, read your local classifieds online. Research specific companies that you feel would be a good fit for you and check their website for updated job-listings regularly. Go to www.glassdoor.com for job salary comparisons and to get company dirt straight from the employees' mouths (anonymously, of course). My mom recommends this site for jobseekers- http://www.joanlloyd.com/Job-Hunting/The-job-search-from-both-sides-of-the-desk.aspx (sopy and paste the link) Mom is a Human Resources Analyst for a top university and has also worked as a Job Developer, so she knows a little something about this here.
When it comes to emailing your resume (email, don't fax or snail mail. we are in conservation mode!) be persistent. Don't give up because you are not getting the flow of responses that you would like, or feel you deserve. Remember, the competition is stiff. Don't just stay in the game, stay ahead of it. Aside from submitting resumes behind your computer, go to job fairs and mixers. Where would you like to work? Make a list, do your research, get active. Research networking events happening locally for these companies/potential employers and go, go, go!
Oh, and, practice your interview looks in the mirror. You want say, "I'm professional, qualified and eager!" with your eyes and smile. Facial expressions, speech pattern, it all counts. Groom well, Dress for the part and in the end be yourself (Your Best Self, of course). Go prepared with at least two copies of your resume and at least three professional references. And, if you want the job and feel good about how you represented, at the end of the interview, ask for it: "When do I start?" Believe it or not, it works.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, stay positive. Never let 'em see you sweat. Meditate and visualize yourself in your dream job. Stream that short film in your imagination for ten minutes in the morning as you awake, and ten minutes at night before you doze off to sleep. Be conscious of your thoughts regarding work. Make sure they are consistent with your efforts. Otherwise, you are your own worst enemy. There is nothing worst than getting in your own way. There are too many situations out there which our out of our control. Don't let the news and other people's bad experiences affect your motivation and self esteem. You are IT. Unique and brilliant. Work things out in our mind, do the work, and stay true to your connection with your InnerSelf. Now, go get that job...in peace. Namaste'
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