OFW guide: 20 practical tips for jobseekers

As the economic situation in many countries remains unstable, finding a good job is not easy. To get a headstart, jobseekers must undertake smart moves in searching for a job.

 

Here are 20 practical job search tips — ranging from improving your resume to choosing what you post on social networking sites — to help you start your path to a fruitful career.

(1) Narrow your search.  

More isn’t always better. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that you don’t really want or aren’t qualified for. Focus on jobs that are potential future careers.  

(2) Know exactly what you want.  

What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? These are just some questions to ask yourself to identify the field you want to work in.  

(3) Reevaluate your skill set.  

Are your current skills relevant for the job that you are applying for? If not, take a step back and consider studying what’s new in the field that you are eyeing to enter.    

(4) Set goals.  

Setting goals is always a smart thing to do. Plan short-term goals that will help you accomplish your long-term goal of having a good, solid career.  

(5) Try something new.

 

Are you not getting any invitations for interviews? Try changing the way you do things. Instead of solely relying on online job searches, try to do a walk-in interview. Having different approaches will most often than not produce positive results.

 

(6) Get a leg up on the competition.

 

This is one of the things that define winners not just in job searching. Whether it’s dressing up properly, coming on time for an interview or just being polite to your interviewer, do whatever it takes within reason to stand out from the others.

 

(7) Get a hold of your online reputation.  

With the growth of social media sites such as Facebook, learning how to control what people see about you online is a must. Make sure that recruiters see your professional side and not pictures of you puking while being dead-drunk in a party.  

(8) Start a website.  

You can showcase some of your best talents while making you look professional by starting a website. There are domain names there up for grabs for only $10. You could also start a blog if you don’t want to spend money on a website.  

(9) Stay current.  

Being out of work doesn’t excuse you for being ignorant. Always make sure that you know the news in your field and you will be rewarded. This also makes a good conversation starter with the interviewer while giving you that professional edge.  

(10) Sell yourself.  

In an interview, your skill set is the product and you are the brand. Make sure that you highlight how your strengths would be an asset to the company.  

(11) Keep that glass half-full approach, all year.  

There will always be those moments when you will just want to quit job searching due to disappointments. The thing is, quitters never win so convert these disappointments as lessons and keep your motivation up and you’ll get that job in due time.    

(12) Consider contractual jobs.  

Having a regular job is what we all want but if the opportunity does not present itself today or tomorrow then going for contractual jobs is the next best thing. It’s much better than being a bum with no income and you also get that much needed work experience.

 

(13) Own your choices and behavior.  

Always be prepared to explain your blunders truthfully with your previous employer if asked during the interview. A little honesty will take you a long way.  

(14) Don’t show up when you’re sick.  

Reschedule your interview appointment if you are sick for this may affect your overall image. If you explain the situation properly to the recruiter, he will probably cut you some slack.

(15) Be empathic.  

Nobody likes a self-centered person. Try to empathize and connect with your interviewer to develop rapport. Don’t just focus on your achievements and how you did something so perfectly. Make sure to credit other people and the company.  

(16) Use role-playing to prepare for an interview.   

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Make sure that you don’t get caught off guard with questions by asking a friend to help you practice your answers and give feedback on how you deliver them.  

(17) Think of a job as a whole new ball game.  

Never generalize jobs in the same field or two jobs belonging to competing companies. They're always different. Knowing that difference during a job interview will give you a great advantage from other jobseekers.  

(18) Forget about what's in it for you.  

Refrain from asking what the company benefits are or how much you could bargain an increase with your salary. Focus instead on what you can give to the company, as an asset.  

(19) Be proactive.   

Answer the questions of the interviewer directly. Don’t try to derail the subject of the question even if you have to admit making a mistake with your previous employer. Just be casual about it and politely explain, but don’t dodge your shortcomings.  

(20) Seize the day everyday.  

Each day, doors open for you. Some of these doors are open all the time while some will only open once in your life. Learn to make the best out of each day by grabbing the best opportunities open to you each day. Carpe diem. - VVP, GMA News