Getting Back in the Job Market

There's no time like the present to lay the groundwork, start networking, and update your rsum to get back in the job market.

At the time of this writing, research indicates that long-term hiring is on the upswing (albeit the increase is gradual). Even with a brighter outlook for the job market, it takes effort to stand out from the competition. Job applicants need to be persistent and position themselves well to return to the job market.

As things continue to improve, here are a few tips for jumping in.

Set Goals for your Job Search
Goal setting will help you target your job search and better know what you want. Do you want something part-time? How important is a flexible schedule? Do you have time to look for a dream job? Do you need to land something quickly so you can pay the bills? Do you want to work for a nonprofit or a corporation? Write out your goals and post them on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror as a daily reminder. Remember that employers are especially selective and are not as likely to accept transferable skills but rather will be looking for candidates with direct experience in their industry. You can still transfer skill sets, but it will take more work than before.

Network, Network, Network
Let people know you're looking for a job. This is still the number one way to get a new job. E-mail your contacts copies of your rsum, and let them know what type of job you want. There are numerous professional and civic organizations that provide networking opportunities. Additionally, several social online networks for job seekers are available. For example, MyWorkButterfly.com is a social network for moms returning to the workforce.

Social media also provides a great opportunity for a job search. Companies often have Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. You can connect with people on those sites to keep up with company information and contribute to the online conversation with employees at those organizations.  Don't be shy about asking someone for help in your networking. People like to help others, just don't be too aggressive. Start by asking if you can have a brief meeting with someone in your field for the purpose of networking (for example, you'd like to get names of others they know that might also be able to help). Always follow-up with each contact and most importantly, keep in regular communication with them. 

Update your Rsum
Take a hard, constructive look at your rsum and update it according to your goals. It might even be worth the cost to have a professional resume writer develop your rsum so it stands out from your competition. However, if that's not feasible, try incorporating PAR statements into your resume. PAR stands for Problem (or Situation), Action, and Results. These quantify and organize your accomplishments and how you met or exceeded project goals. These statements also amplify your strengths. This will show a potential employer that you are results-oriented and can bring solutions to the table.

If you are looking at transitioning into a different career field, considercrafting a Functional vs. Chronological resume. Functional resumes focus on your transferable skills and minimize your experience and job history. Just bear in mind, creating a functional rsum can be time consuming. 

Practice Interviewing Techniques

Interviewing has changed over the years and if you have not interviewed in a decade or more, you'll need to know the latest. More and more companies are using competency-based interviews, which focus on the competencies you bring. Questioning is behavioral based such as, "Tell me about a time when you overcame a difficult challenge at work. You'll need to know the competencies of the position you're interested in, and those valued by the company. The most common competencies sought are: Achievement/Results Orientation, Initiative, Impact and Influence, Customer Service Oriented, Interpersonal Skill, Organizational Awareness, Analytical Thinking, Conceptual Skill, Information Seeking, and Integrity.   

Once you know the competencies your target company values, practice telling a short story (in PAR format) that can speak to each you can demonstrate. 

Once you've positioned yourself to get back in the job market, make it your job to land a job. It might be tough at first to hear you are not the right candidate, but don't give up. Be confident in your capabilities and the skills you offer an employer, focus on what you do well and, most importantly, never stop networking.

John D. Roller, SPHR, CEBS, is owner of Express Employment Professionals in Manchester. He can be reached at 603-606-7177.