Unexpectedly finding yourself back in the job market can be unsettling for most, especially in the midst of the current economy. Below are some tips for those who find themselves back in the job market.
- Be prepared for phone calls from potential employers. Have a voice mail system in place with an appropriate message, and put your cell phone number on your resume so you can follow up in a timely manner.
- Always have an updated resume ready to email to a potential employer, along with a list of references. Creating a template of your resume and cover letter can allow you to change the content to match the requirements of a particular job and personalize your letter and resume to each position.
- Don't wait to file for unemployment. If you are laid-off, file for benefits right away, which in most areas you can do online or by phone. Waiting to do so could possibly delay your benefits. To file an unemployment claim, request benefits, or to learn more about unemployment benefits, log onto the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.
- Kentuckians, who exhausted their extended unemployment insurance benefits in 2009 may be eligible for emergency unemployment compensation extensions. Additional information regarding qualifications and extended benefits may be found at the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.
- Look for help, which is available online through job search engines and with college career offices, the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, or your local public library. Also check the HR page on the websites of companies and associations you may be interested in working for-they will often accept resumes year round.
- Use your network of friends, family, and acquaintances to find job openings. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work and ask if they can help.
- Use an Internet search engine to search your name and locate information about you. Whatever you find about yourself is what potential employers will see if they do the same. If you don't like what you find, edit or delete the information. Social networking is especially popular, but sites may contain posts about you or photos that you would not want available to potential employers.
- Volunteer or intern where you want to work. If the company or organization is not hiring, it is a good way to get your foot in the door and position yourself to be in line for a job when it becomes available.
- When you do get an interview, do your research. Read about the company, the position, and the industry to make sure you are an expert within the field for which you are applying. Use the information you learn to ask educated questions. This will help you to be the best candidate interviewing for the position.
- Create a portfolio of your past work to stand out from the crowd. Present this with your resume or at the interview even if it was not requested-it will showcase your expertise and demonstrate your initiative.
Finally, remember that even though you are not currently employed, your job is to find a job! Block out a certain amount of time at the same time every day to work on finding employment.