Skip to main content

Helpful Tips

My friend calls me Information Resources because I have a knack for finding the answers to questions that she asks me. I figured that there's some information that is stored in my brain (no laughing) that might help someone else. So if you are unemployed or under employed, this blog is for you.
After relocating in 2004, I did not have a job but two young children to feed, so I turned my job search into a job. I started with researching the top companies in Orlando and narrowing that list down to employers that were my top 10 choices. I had already done some preliminary research before I moved, but I was able to discover more information once I was in Orlando.
Next I created an Excel spreadsheet that listed my top 10 along with all of their information. I also included the name of the HR Manager or the Hiring Manager for creating my customized cover letters to submit with my resume when applying online. Plus, if you have to keep track of the jobs that you are applying for, this is a good way of having a record.
As an administrative assistant, I had learned through the years that one of the best ways to secure full time employment is to start as a temporary. Since I had registered with several offices in Fort Worth, I was easily able to get my records transferred and this helped with the temporary assignments. To date, I have landed three jobs that started out as temp assignments. Plus, with the spreadsheet that you have created for tracking purposes, you can also use it to log your weekly calls for open assignments.
Be sure to have a supply of your resumes ready whenever you are meeting with someone so that you are prepared even if they do not ask for one or even if you submitted it online. If you have not had someone else to review your resume, that is good too because they may catch spelling and grammatical errors in the event that you missed it when you were proofreading.
You want to make sure that you are well prepared for your interview. Have a friend to prepare you by conducting a mock interview. This helps you to alleviate any nervousness that you might have. Don't forget to have a list of a few questions that you might want to ask your interviewer. I always had a list of five questions typed out and if the interviewer did not cover it during the interview process, be sure to take the time to ask your questions.
In preparation for the interview, plan your attire ahead of time and know what you are going to wear and make sure that it is clean and neat. I know, that is one of those no brainers, but I must say it anyway. Ladies, if you do not own a business suit, then add one to your wardrobe. Someone once told me to dress for the job that you want and not the one that you have. So, mix and match it up and dress to impress. Even though times are tight right now, you can still make a good impression on a budget. Check with a friend, check out the thrift stores, and the discount stores. Don't forget the clearance items. Some of my best finds have been in the clearance section.
Just in case I missed anything, feel free to ask me.
Good luck with your job search!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My Keloid Journey

My keloid scars have been a part of my life since I was about five years old. My earring got caught in a boy's sweater and he moved and yanked it right out. As I got older, more scars developed and never knew why or the cause. My childhood with scars was not an easy one because I looked so different than the other kids and they were not very nice to me. Middle school was rough because of PE... OMG, the girls were brutal and that made me very uncomfortable about changing clothes in front of other people. It did not make it easy to help the battle of the fluff. LOL! It was easier to cover them up. I cannot recall the exact time frame, but I recall two doctor's appointments. One was at Lackland AFB and the doctors did not know what my keloids were and wanted to do a biopsy. My dad did not like what he heard and scheduled another appointment with a dermatologist at Fort Sam. The treatment was to inject the scars and that was very painful. My dad could not see me going through t...

My Keloid Surgeries

Since I was about 14 or 15 I have had multiple surgeries to remove my keloids. They have not been easy surgeries and the recovery has been just as painful. In my recent post, I shared that I had to have a local anesthetic which was administered around each scar and when it wore off, the doctor had to stop the surgery just to administer more anesthesia. After the surgery, my chest was open and looked like a bowl of mashed potatoes is what was said. The aftercare was to keep the open wound clean with hydrogen peroxide. I did not manage very well and in my first after surgery appointment, the doc sat me in the chair, put gauze on my chest and just started pouring the hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound. Still to this day, I am unable to handle the sound and smell of peroxide.  My next surgery was on my face and a scar on my right shoulder. It was on the bra line and the health insurance company approved that part of the surgery but the doctor covered any related costs to remove t...

Valentine's Day

For the past few years I have had some anxiety about Valentine's Day. All of the advertising and marketing is meant for couples...well that didn't apply to me and I really didn't even want to hear about it. I wouldn't even go down the aisle with all of the candy, balloons, etc.  Friday night, there was a Sweetheart Banquet at my church and I volunteered to work the event.  I served as check-in and t-shirt/dvd sales. It was great to see all of the couples as they walked in the door to see how they were dressed.  Some couples coordinated their outfits and it was so cute. Every girl is crazy about a sharp dressed man and it was good to see them all dressed up in their suits and ties.  As they were getting their pictures taken, I was thinking to myself, how in the world am I going to survive being surrounded by all of these happy people when inside my heart is longing for someone to share my life with. I know that I am a complete person and don't need a man to complet...