Category Archives: Job Search Tips

Constructing a New Path: Moving to the UK as a Skilled Construction Worker

by
  • Moving to the UK as a skilled construction worker offers diverse projects, increased earning potential, and career opportunities.
  • UK’s construction industry standards must be met, and a Tier 2 (General) visa must be obtained to enter the UK legally.
  • Researching job opportunities, employers, relocation logistics, and costs is crucial before planning your move.
  • Create a professional CV/resume tailored for the UK market and network with other construction professionals.
  • Obtain a CSCS card that confirms your qualifications and training, or use the online replacement service if lost or stolen.

UK’s construction industry consists of a significant labor force and has a crucial role in the country’s economy. The sector faces skill shortages in specialized areas, such as project management, site management, and quantity surveying.

Being a skilled construction worker with particular expertise and experience in these areas can increase your chances of finding a job in the UK. Moreover, skilled construction workers play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and safety of construction projects in the UK.

Working as a skilled construction worker in the UK can offer you various benefits and opportunities. The UK construction industry is one of the most dynamic in the world, with diverse projects such as skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels, and high-speed railways.

Moreover, they highly value skilled workers and their qualifications, which means you can increase your earning potential and career opportunities.

This blog post will offer a comprehensive guide on planning your move, the required qualifications and skills, the visa and immigration requirements, and the benefits and opportunities of working as a skilled construction worker in the UK.

Researching and Planning Your Move

Moving to the UK as a skilled construction worker can be an exciting adventure but requires thorough planning and research. Before planning your move, ask yourself why and what you hope to gain. These are some of the things to keep in mind:

Assessing Your Skills and Qualifications

Assess your skills and qualifications to determine if they are compatible with the UK’s construction industry standards and regulations.

Check if your qualifications meet the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) standards, as this will help you determine the level of recognition your skills might have in the UK.

Visa and Immigration Requirements for Skilled Workers

Before entering the UK to work as a skilled construction worker, you must obtain a visa and work permit. Tier 2 (General) visa is the most common visa available for skilled construction workers, allowing you to enter the UK for up to three years and extend it for another three years.

To qualify for a Tier 2 (General) visa, you must meet specific requirements, such as being offered a job with a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum salary threshold.

Researching Job Opportunities and Employers

Researching job opportunities and employers in the UK will increase your chances of finding the right job and employer that suits your skills and qualifications.

Some ways to research UK construction companies include using jobs and recruitment websites, leveraging social media platforms, networking with UK-based colleagues, and attending job fairs and conventions.

Considering Relocation Logistics and Costs

Finally, consider relocation logistics and costs, including transportation, housing, and living expenses. Research the best relocation way, including shipping your belongings and enrolling your kids in schools.

In addition, you need to consider cultural differences and how they might affect your work and personal life in the UK.

Navigating the UK Job Market

Before you start applying for construction jobs in the UK, it’s essential to understand the UK job market. Here are some things to remember:

Creating a Professional CV or Resume Tailored for the UK Market

Your CV or resume will be your first point of contact with potential employers in the UK. Creating a professional and well-crafted document tailored to the UK job market is important. Your CV should highlight your skills, qualifications, work experience, and education.

It should also include a personal statement or career objective tailored to the UK job market. In the UK, employers generally prefer CV’s rather than resumes.

Exploring Online Job Portals and Recruitment Agencies

Online job portals can be helpful when looking for construction jobs in the UK. Some popular job portals include Reed, Indeed, Monster, and Totaljobs. You can also enlist the services of a recruitment agency specializing in construction jobs.

Recruitment agencies can offer expert advice on the job market, help you refine your CV, and connect you with potential employers.

Networking and Building Connections in the UK Construction Industry

Building connections and networking in the UK construction industry can also help secure employment. You can join trade associations, attend industry events, and network with other construction professionals. You can also consider joining online construction forums, and LinkedIn groups focused on the UK construction industry.

Securing Employment and Sponsorship

Once you’ve found a construction job that matches your qualifications and experience, you’ll need to secure employment and sponsorship. The UK government offers several visa options for skilled workers.

Sponsorship System for Skilled Workers in the UK

The sponsorship system for skilled workers in the UK requires that your employer be a licensed sponsor and apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) that adheres to the duties and requirements of your profession.

Note that the license to sponsor is only applicable if you can prove that the job advertisement hasn’t generated sufficient applicants from the domestic supply chain.

Researching Companies That Are Eligible to Sponsor Skilled Workers

When applying for jobs in the UK construction industry, it’s essential to research companies that are eligible to sponsor skilled workers. You can start by checking whether the company is on the UK government’s list of licensed sponsors.

Obtaining or Preparing Your CSCS Card for Employment in the UK

You’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card confirming your qualifications, skills, and training to work in the UK construction industry. The CSCS card is mandatory for most UK construction sites. You can apply online for the card and provide any supporting evidence to prove your qualifications.

Lost or Stolen CSCS Card: How To Get a Replacement CSCS Card

If your CSCS card is lost or stolen, you can easily get a replacement using the CSCS online card replacement service. Please note that to get a replacement CSCS card, you must hold the same qualifications previously on your lost card.

Moving to the UK as a skilled construction worker can be a life-changing experience that opens up a new world of opportunities and challenges. However, it requires careful planning and thorough research to make the move a success. Through this, you can start constructing a new path that leads to a successful career in the UK’s construction industry.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Major Signs that it is Time for You to Change Jobs

by

Finding a fulfilling career can be an incremental journey. Not many people go into their first working job knowing what it is they want to do. In fact, by the age of 50, people have gone through on average, 12 jobs in total.  If you are looking to make a career change, then it is important to know you are not alone. If you take action on thoughts like this now, then you will surely benefit in the future.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

You’re Apathetic

With every day that passes, you may find that you feel even more disconnected from the reasons you entered the industry you’re in now. It may be that you have checked out mentally and that you have deadlines that are slipping away from you. You might not feel as passionate about the company as you once did, and this can also work against you. If you can’t remember the last time you felt energized by a brand-new idea, then now could be the time for you to give your role some thought.

You’re Not Making an Impact

Your job duties are probably the same, day in, day out. Every day may look and feel identical, but this is usually because you are performing on autopilot. It may be that you feel undervalued and that you feel as though your talent and your time is being wasted. You may have also stopped seeking out new opportunities to contribute and this can leave you feeling somewhat demoralized. It’s now time for you to find a role that plays up to the strengths that you have, so you can develop your skills while also making much more meaningful contributions. If you want to make a difference, why not go into the healthcare industry? Seeking out the top dental assisting schools is a great starting point.

You Hate Going to Work

Sure, everyone has days when they want to hit the snooze button now and again, but if you are feeling this on a daily basis, then this is a sign that something is wrong. You may find that you live for the weekend and that you also can’t wait for it to come along. If you feel nothing but dread on Sunday night however, then this is not really normal. It’s time to think about your current role so you can find an area of work that aligns with the passion you have.

Your Salary Doesn’t Make up for your Unhappiness

The pay at the job you have now may feel good, but if you find that the work is mindless, then you may try and justify staying because of the money. This is not good at all, and it won’t be doing your mental health any favors either. If you want to do something about this, then you need to try and find a position that suits you more. If you can do this, then you will soon find that you are able to unwind more, feel more satisfied, and have less stress in the day.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

How to Ace an Interview: Dress Code for Men

by

When it comes to dressing for an interview, you should always keep a few cardinal rules in mind. First and foremost, dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you’re not sure what the dress code is for the company you’re interviewing with, do some research online or give them a call to ask. In general, men should aim to be dressed professionally from head to toe. Here are a few tips on how to put your best foot forward:

Via Pexels

1) Start with a clean, well-fitted suit: 

A suit is always a good choice for an interview. It shows that you’re taking the meeting seriously and that you’re ready to dress the part of the professional they’re looking to hire. Choose a dark color like navy or charcoal gray – these are classic, conservative choices that will make you look sharp and put together. If you don’t own a suit, now is the time to invest in one. 

In addition, it is also essential to make sure that your suit fits well. Nothing looks worse than a suit that’s too big or too small – it will make you look sloppy and unprepared. If you’re not sure how a suit should fit, go to a local department store and ask one of the salespeople for help. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction and help you find a style that flatters your body type.

2) Get a pair of statement shoes:  

Your shoes are one of the first things people will notice about your outfit, so it’s important to make sure they’re clean and presentable. If you don’t own a pair of comfortable men’s dress shoes, now is the time to invest in a pair. They don’t have to be expensive – just make sure they’re well-made and that they fit well. 

In addition, it’s also a good idea to get a pair of shoes that make a bit of a statement. A pop of color or an interesting texture can really help set your look apart from the rest. Just make sure not to go too overboard – you don’t want your shoes to be the only thing people remember about your outfit!

3) Accessorize conservatively: 

When it comes to accessories, less is always more. A simple watch or a pair of understated cufflinks can go a long way in pulling your look together. However, stay away from anything too flashy or attention-grabbing – you want the focus to be on you, not your clothes.

4) Don’t forget to groom yourself: 

Your grooming habits are just as important as the clothes you wear. Make sure to get a haircut before your interview and style your hair in a way that looks professional. In addition, don’t forget to trim your nails and clean up any facial hair. You want to present yourself as someone who is put-together and well-groomed – first impressions are everything!

By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to make a great impression at your next interview. Just remember to relax and be yourself – if you do that, the rest will fall into place. 

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Should You Become Self-Employed ?

by

Do you want to have more control over your work, be able to set your hours, or work on things you’re passionate about? Perhaps you want to build your business around supporting a good cause, or you have great ideas that aren’t possible to realize in your current job.

If this is you, then you might want to consider self-employment. Learn about whether self-employment is for you and what to consider before going through with it.

Pros & Cons of Self-Employment

There are several good reasons to become self-employed but also many difficulties that come with it. Let’s start with the more obvious stuff.

Self-employment allows you a lot more control over, and flexibility with, your work. You set your hours, choose where you work, who you work with, and what you work on. These are great, but they come with a lot of responsibility.

Though you get more flexibility with your work, self-employment means more work hours, not less. You will also have to handle the legal matters that a company would have handled for you.

Being self-employed lets you structure your work around what’s important to you. You can solve problems you care about, follow your passion, and learn a lot of things you wouldn’t have learned from working in a company along the way. 

However, you will be out of your comfort zone. That you will be learning a lot of things is great but it’salso an indicator of how much you don’t know. You won’t have co-workers to help or teach you if you don’t know something. If you weren’t directly interacting with clients before, chances are you will have to after becoming self-employed.

In the end, it depends on what you prefer, how important the advantages are to you, and how much you’re willing to bear with the disadvantages.

Another thing to consider is how much your circumstances mitigate the disadvantages. You might have a lot of money and assets, a strong support system, or experience with a wide range of tasks. All of these could make transitioning to self-employment a lot easier

Self-Evaluate and Consider Your Options

Before becoming self-employed, you should take the time to consider if this is something you actually want to do. Ask yourself what your options are and why you’re doing this. Some people might consider self-employment because they

hate their current job or their boss.

Avoiding bad jobs is certainly a perk, but it’s not enough of a reason to become self-employed. Being self-employed comes with its own hardships and responsibilities. Quitting your job and starting your own business is something you have to commit yourself to, so make sure you go into it with enough resolve.

If you’re resolute, then it’s time to take stock. Ask yourself the following questions:

Are you disposed to having more responsibility for your work?

What are you passionate about and skilled at?

What services or products can you offer?

How much of your money and assets are you willing to utilize or risk?

This should give you an idea of what it is you want to do and what your business should offer.

Come Up with a Business Strategy

After handling all the legal requirements for forming a business, it’s time to strategize.

If you come into this without a detailed business plan, then you will be setting yourself up for failure from the very start. Analyze your competitors and set yourself apart by focusing on what’s unique about what you offer.

You will need to pick a niche, at least in the beginning. Why do people buy products or avail of services? It’s because they have a goal they want to achieve or a problem they want to solve.

They buy toys to make their children happy. They hire exterminators to get rid of termites. What are you able to offer, and who would your customers be? Start small and specific. As a newly self-employed individual, you will have little in the way of reach. Address a small set of problems and offer solutions.

You will also need a way of financing your business. This could come from your savings, family and friends, a business loan, or any other source of funding.

Once your business is up and running, you should aim to get your brand out there. You will need a website. It’s a great way to attract clients and partners. If you can afford it, you might want to hire a company to market your content.

There are many objectives you won’t be able to reach simply because you lack the manpower and specialized knowledge. Partnerships and outsourcing are a couple of great ways to compensate for this.

It will be difficult, but as long as you go into it with good reasons and a good plan, self-employment can be one of the best decisions you can make for your career. You’ll inevitably stumble, but keep at it, and you’ll be able to make things go your way.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Job Hunting

by

Finding a new job is no walk in the park, particularly in the wake of a pandemic. If you’ve been searching for a while, or you’re stumbling at the first hurdle, here are some common mistakes to avoid to improve your chances.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/application-ipad-tablet-online-1883453/

Submitting dated resumes

One of the most important tasks to cross off your list when you apply for a job is updating your resume. If you’re submitting or uploading a dated version, you could be missing out on opportunities. Make sure your resume includes up to date information about your qualifications and employment history and double-check it before you apply for every job. If you’re not sure of what changes to make or how to begin, sites such as https://www.arcresumes.com/local/georgia/ can help you to update your resume and keep it applicable to your job hunt.

Sending the same resume and cover letter for every job

It is essential to tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, regardless of how many jobs you’re applying for and how many rejections you’ve had. If you feel like you are spending all of your waking hours submitting applications, you might not want to take the time to review and revamp your resume, but tailoring your application to each position will increase your chances of getting the job. Read the job description and tweak your resume and cover letter accordingly.

Your online image

Employers have access to information about candidates via online resources, sites, apps and channels. If you are struggling to get past the first phases of the recruitment process, your online image or reputation may be a contributing factor. If you have shared or liked posts that could be deemed controversial, or you have a criminal record related to charges that have been dropped, there are solutions. You can use professional services to remove mugshots and delete social media content. It’s also beneficial to check that your accounts and profiles are set to private so that the content you post or share is only visible to your friends. 

Looking in the wrong places

There are many ways to find a job in 2021. While applying for a job used to involve flicking through newspaper adverts or calling into stores or offices and asking about vacancies, most people now search online. Although there are some fantastic resources available for job-seekers, it is possible to find yourself in the wrong place. Try to focus on high-quality sites that are relevant to the industry in which you want to work, contact reputable recruitment agencies, and upload your resume to websites that have an excellent reputation and an impressive track record. You can also use social media apps to hear about job openings and find out more about companies and organizations if you have an interview. It’s also wise to network and to use your contacts to find out about opportunities. 

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-people-woman-desk-4344340/

Are you finding it tough to get interviews, or are you firing off applications to no avail? Job hunting can be challenging, especially during a very uncertain period. If you’re looking for a new role, make sure you’re not making the mistakes listed above. Tailor applications, update your resume, enhance your online image and use reputable recruitment agencies and job sites to find vacancies.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Looking For A Job Post Pandemic

by

(image credit)

Over the last year and a half, a lot of people have had big career changes or interruptions in their income. When the pandemic hit a lot of people lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. This has meant that a lot of people have either changed jobs, are still looking for jobs or have set up their own side hustle business.

As the world returns to some form of normality people are starting to get their businesses back to normal as much as they can. As so many people were out of work you can expect that when jobs come up they have a lot of applications. So you need to make sure that you stand out. Why should employers pick you over everyone else? That is what you need to make them see when they see your application. 

One of the most important things and something that is often forgotten about is fully adapting your cover letter or CV for the jobs that you’re applying for. It’s great to have a CV but when certain job roles have essential skills and requirements needed it’s beneficial for you to implement that into your cover letter and CV so that they can see that you have the right skills and capabilities to do the job that you’re applying for.

Another thing to be considerate about is your online reputation. With so much of the will being online now a lot of employers will look at potential candidates on their social media before interviewing or hiring them. Brands have certain values and characteristics and they want their employees to have and show to the world. So for example they wouldn’t want anyone who shares potential harmful or dangerous things on their socials or anyone that could damage the reputation of the business. You can check your reputation score and look at how to improve it so that you can improve your chances of getting a new job with your social media influence not getting in the way.

A lot of jobs are now becoming a lot more flexible. For example, in an office-based role is a lot of them are opting for a hybrid working option now rather than fully having everyone back in the office. This with you could be working from home I’ll give the office in your new role so if you are looking for flexibility there could benefit you and suit your needs. There are some jobs which wouldn’t have this option for example retail or hospitality as that is something you’d always need to be there for.

Lots of people have used the pandemic to upskill themselves and work towards their passions. The pandemic has made people realise life is short and they want to do what they love. As more and more jobs become available you could find that you can look at going into the industry that you’re passionate about and can use the online courses, side hustle activities and anything else even over the pandemic to support your applications and chain why you would be great for the new change in your career life.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

3 Top Tips To Make You More Employable As A Graduate

by

3 Top Tips To Make You More Employable As A Graduate 

Image from @Free-Photos on Pixabay 

With more people attending university and completing higher education, succeeding in the graduate job market now requires much more than a degree certificate. Companies want to see that there is more to you than your studies and that you have the right skills for the job role outside of academics. We’ve run through a few top tips to make sure you stand out from the crowd in your next application process. 

  1. Find your USP As A Candidate:

Image from @Free-Photos on Pixabay

We’re all completely different; everybody knows that. So, even if you’re going for the same job role as the other two hundred applicants (because trust us, graduate roles attract A LOT of attention), there will be at least one thing that is entirely individual to you. This is what we call your unique selling point. Maybe your time working as an assistant in a gaming store has made you an expert on the market as a whole. Or perhaps your time working at children’s birthday parties on the weekend has given you the patient of a saint when working in high-pressure situations. Whatever it is, you need to find your unique trait that can allow you to stand out amongst the other candidates. Even if it might not appear directly relevant to the role at first, make sure to take the time to tailor your strength to something mentioned as a desirable trait in the job description.

  1. Get Your Driver’s License:

Image from Pxhere

It might not seem like a priority when preparing to enter the job market, but having a full driver’s license and access to a car can make you much more attractive to employers. It is not uncommon for job adverts to list a license as ‘desirable’ for candidates. Many even require applicants to confirm that they obtain a full license to progress with the application process. This is because many roles, especially those that are client or customer-facing, require travel to meet clients at a location most suitable for them. Public transport is renowned for being unreliable, so an employee relying on it to meet clients is a risk for any company. Getting your license might seem daunting, and if so, you’ve probably been putting it off since you were old enough, but here’s your sign to just get it done. With a few hours of lessons a week, fitted in alongside your studies, you’re likely to be able to pass your test within a year. There’s tons of advice available online about how to perform well in your test, and you can read more about it here.

  1. Keep A Record Of Any Achievements And Skills:

Image from Mohamed Hassan on Pxhere

With so much information being thrown at you during university, it’s easy to forget everything that you have learned during your time there. Chances are you’ve kept a record of your grades for when employers ask for them, but it can be useful to go one step further. Employers love when you provide practical examples of the skills you’ve learned, especially in interviews. Therefore, it can help keep a good record of all of the examples of personal development and soft skills your degree program has provided you with. When it comes to completing job applications, all you need to do is link these qualities to the specific role, and your application will really stand out. 

These simple steps might not seem like a lot, but they’ll be sure to make you stand out from the crowd to employers. The graduate job market can be challenging, but if you persevere, you’ll be sure to find the position that’s right for you, hopefully with the help of our advice.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

4 Pointers for Job Search Amid a Pandemic

by

As if the job market wasn’t already difficult to navigate, a pandemic hit and upended everything. Now, whether you’re a fresh graduate or freshly laid off, it’s harder than ever to look for a job. Apart from plenty of establishments not being in operation, it’s challenging to look for a job right now because the labor market is saturated with job seekers, thanks to the fact that 40 million Americans are currently without work.

But if you’re actively seeking a job amid this crisis, you’re already one step ahead of your competition. Below, we offer other ideas on how to navigate the job market successfully amid the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Polish your already-polished resume

What you thought was a resume that can stand out from the stack when things were normal might not shine as bright now. With people desperately looking for employment, they’d want to catch hiring managers’ attention with stellar resumes. Make sure yours don’t get lost in the pile by creating a perfect resume and cover letter. The former must highlight the experiences you have that’s relevant to the position you’re applying for, and the latter must show you’ve researched their company and know what you can bring to the table.

2. Stay on top of job postings

Looking for a job is a job. You cannot treat it like you’re simply browsing through your Facebook feed. Instead, you have to be intentional about your job search. Carve time out of your day to look through job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. It’s also helpful to set up alerts when companies post openings for positions you’re looking for so that you get notified right away.

3. Be open to other opportunities

According to a study by internship platform RemoteInternships.com, around 28 percent of fresh graduates are considering changing their career path. That is understandable, seeing as plenty of establishments are closed or not hiring right now. But if you’re open to other career opportunities close to your field, you can get hired and learn in the process. For example, with a programming degree, you may be able to write code and design graphics for companies who do 3D animation outsourcing, which is popular right now.

4. Practice for a virtual or phone interview

When you pass through the initial hoops of the job hunting process and get invited for an interview, it will likely be done via phone or video call. And while you might have experience with in-person interviews, but video interviews are assessed a little differently. For example, it’s easy to get distracted and lose eye contact through the camera or ramble through the phone. Prevent this from happening by asking someone for assistance in practicing for a virtual interview. Have one of your family members or friends call you up and ask questions as an employer would, and you must answer them as if you’re in a real job interview. This way, you can ace the interview without a fumble when the time comes.

Finally, don’t give up. We know it sounds trite, but everything is going so slowly right now that you might be tempted to sit back and wait. Don’t. While the job search might be difficult, it’s those with the talent and the perseverance to keep looking who are more likely to get employed.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

Tips to Help Navigate Life After College

by

So you’ve just finished college, or maybe you’ve been out for a little while now and have no clue as to what you’re doing. Leaving college can be daunting because unless you want to go on to do further education, you’re now supposed to be facing the reality of adulthood.  That’s terrifying because what if you don’t know what you want to do? You’ve lived as a student for a few years, and now you’ve been pushed out to fend for yourself. Here are some tips to help navigate life after college.

Image Source

Work On Your Resume

Your resume is the first port of call because you’ve probably either not looked it before going to college or you simply don’t have one. Some of us will have odd jobs throughout our school days, but many might not start their very first job until leaving school or college. So with that in mind, you want to work on the resume because this is what’s going to get you noticed and hopefully into those interview rooms for your dream job or career. If you’re refreshing an old resume, add on your education and then tweak the experience slightly to reflect what you’ve been doing in college. That might not be a lot, but every little helps. When writing your bio, keep it brief because you can always go into more detail if you need to provide a cover letter.

If you’re writing your very first resume, then you can find a simple template online. You want to make it stand out in a good way, so don’t go too fancy or complicated with the resume design. Keep it short and sweet, and ideally, you don’t want to go over two pages. If you haven’t had much experience, then it’s unlikely you’ll go over one page.

Speak To A Careers Advisor If You’re Lost

Trying to figure out what you want to do can be difficult, and there will be a point where you may feel so lost about what it is you actually want to do with the rest of your life. It’s a big ask after all. Careers advisors can be found down your local jobcentre, or you could go back to the college campus and speak to a student advisor there. They can offer you some professional advice and guide you through the options that you may have in front of you currently and what you might like to do in the future. Use this as an opportunity to discuss any worries or fears that you might have moving forward and ask questions. A careers advisor is going to certainly help you get some focus on what’s out there and what you should be doing next in order to secure a job, whether that’s something that starts off your career or whether you want to go straight for that dream job. It all depends on what skills and experience you need.

Get Your Finances In Order

Oh, the finances – let’s talk about that. When you go to college or university, the fees are going to be expensive, and so you may have a lot of student loan debt. It’s a good idea that you get a job as soon as possible as you want to start paying it back. However, it’s worth getting your finances in order and creating a budget for yourself so that you save your money to enjoy your adult life too. You can’t really afford to live that student lifestyle now. To get everything in one place, find out what you owe and who you owe it to. Try to consolidate all this into one loan if possible so you can keep an eye on it.  You may want to refinance the loan if the current one isn’t really making much headway in paying it off. Keep on top of your budget and work with what you have from take-home and try to save any extra money you can in order to continue paying the loan off. It’s going to take a while, but it’s all worth it for the degree that you got in the process.

Expect To Fail At Some Point

This might be hard to hear, but everyone fails at some point. Some fail multiple times, and that’s ok because failure is a life lesson that is certainly worth learning. Don’t be worried about failing or going into a role that you might not be enjoying a few months later down the line. That’s completely normal, and it just means you have to figure out what it is you enjoy and what you’re not enjoying. Everyone’s different, and everyone finds their feet at different points.

Image Source

It’s hard to come to terms with the reality that the role or job you wanted to go into might not be something you no longer want to do. However, that’s nothing to be afraid of, and you will certainly find the thing you want to do in life. It’s just going to take some adjustments and looking at what you are talented at. 

Seek Advice For Job interview Prep

When you’ve found the job you’d like to go for, next comes the interview prep. If you’ve received notification of an interview, then congratulations! That was half the battle and now comes the decider on whether you’re right for the role or not. Always remember that even though you might have everything they need, you might not be the right suit for the company. That’s nothing against you as a person, it’s just who might fit the dynamic a little better. Interview preparation is a little daunting when you’ve not done it before. It’s always good to get some advice from friends and family or perhaps contacting someone in that current position on LinkedIn is a good idea. They might be able to give you some handy pointers on how they performed in the interview and what they feel may have swayed the judgement of the interview panel.

Before the interview, make sure you’ve practised the way you’ll speak to people before and during the interview. It might be good to have someone do a mock interview so that you can practice some questions that might be similar to the ones asked in the interview. Think about the clothing you wear in relation to the type of company it is and always approach the interview with confidence and a smile. Don’t be boastful or try to fake your way through an interview because chances are, they’ll see right through it. Just be yourself and be honest if you don’t know how to answer a question. Ask questions back, too, when given the opportunity to do so.

Experience Is Needed

Even though you’ve just spent an ample part of your life studying, to be told that experience is valued moreover a degree is a bit of a gut punch but its true. A lot more employers will want experience over qualifications. That doesn’t mean that qualifications are useless. If you had the experience and qualifications, and someone just had experience, then who do you think is likely to get it? Don’t get too down-hearted if you lack the experience because you might impress them enough with your personality and how you come across to them, in person. There will be times where you need to start from another role and build yourself up with experience before you can go for that dream role. Everyone has to start somewhere, so don’t feel like you’re missing out or starting too late in your career.

Know Who Your Friends Are

You make friends throughout your lifetime and those that you had in college, might not be your lifelong friends. The same goes for those you make in school, those in your hometown and those at work. You are likely to have a mixture and perhaps a small selection of constant friends who drift in and out of your life. Only you know who your true friends are because they are the ones you call on first to meet up for drinks. They are those people who you call in an emergency because the chances are, they’ll be there ready to do whatever you need them to do. Friends come, and friends go, and even though it might be tough to grasp, that’s adult life. We all have our careers and our personal lives to live, and that might mean that you miss seeing others for a while. However, those friends who are going to stay will make an effort to see you and vice versa.

Navigating life after college is tough, but like everything in life, you learn to adapt to the change, and you’ll find your rhythm eventually. So work on your resume if it’s a little bit out of date and speak to a careers adviser if you’re having trouble picking your career path. Sort you your finances moving forward, work on your experience and get ready for your life as an adult. It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂

12 Tips for Job Hunters Over 50

by

Originally Posted by Silvernest Team on Oct 14, 2017. This post was republished with permission from Salary.com

12-tips-job-hunters

The twelve tips outlined in this article will help you put the focus on your ability and attitude, not on your age.

How Older Workers Can Overcome Obstacles to Getting Hired

1. Avoid the Culture Clash

According to Scott Kane, founder of Gray Hair Management, LLC, an organization that specializes in helping senior professionals find jobs through coaching, mentoring, and networking, the issue isn’t age as much as it is culture. “Young human resources folks don’t feel that someone over 50 can mix with the current workforce,” he said. “When someone over 50 thinks like a 20-year-old, that is unusual.”

2. Dust Off Your Resume

Hiring managers should be impressed with your skills and competencies, not the fact that you graduated during the Eisenhower era.

It’s perfectly acceptable to eliminate experience more than 10 years old, as well as the dates you attended college. “Most employers are only interested in current skills and whether or not you have the necessary skills to get the job done,” said Renee Ward, founder of Seniors4Hire.org, an online career center for workers who are 50 and older. “Emphasize your skills, with tangible examples, and how these match the needs of the job.”

3. Network, Network, Network

Gone are the days when you searched the newspaper classifieds, submitted a few resumes, and let potential employers vie for your attention. Now it’s up to you to find creative ways to get the attention of employers.

Today, networking is one of the greatest skills a 50+ job seeker can develop. “There is nothing that replaces the value of face-to-face interaction,” said Tim Driver, founder of RetirementJobs.com, a career site and research organization for people over 50 that also identifies, then certifies, age-friendly companies. “Make a point to network with people who can provide referrals, so you can angle in to an employer from various perspectives.”

4. Nail the Interview

Many older workers have avoided regular interviews by being promoted up the ranks through the years, and are a little rusty when it comes to this important skill.

The interview is the place where you connect with the employer, sell yourself and show that you have the energy, passion, and excitement necessary to do the job. You’ll have to work a little harder than your younger competitors to show that you’ll fit in, so be sure to think carefully about how you want to be perceived. Then it’s all about practicing.

5. Make Age an Asset

Don’t focus on your age, but also don’t run from it.

Instead of thinking how you can defend your age, use concrete examples of your competencies and skills to show how you have a leg up on younger applicants. “In today’s job market, if you don’t meet 125% of the job qualifications chances are you won’t get the job,” Kane said. “This goes for everyone, not just the over 50 crowd.”

6. Show Them You’re a Team Player

A younger manager may have concerns about managing someone the age of their parent, or may feel that an older applicant won’t be able to relate or work with a younger team. “Older workers are sometimes viewed as stubborn, or set in their ways,” Driver said. “Organizations seek team players, regardless of age. Show you are a team player, won’t have a problem taking direction from or learning from younger colleagues, and have the energy, passion, and excitement to embrace the future.”

7. Show Off Your Tech Savvy

The ability to use technology is seen as one of the biggest differences between younger and older workers. “It’s a myth that older job seekers can’t—or won’t—keep up with changing technology,” Ward said.

Show potential employers that you can navigate technology with the best of them by carrying and using the right devices, having a presence on social media sites such as LinkedIn, and communicating via text and email.

8. Be Part of the Solution, Not the Problem

In the end, what does age have to do with it anyway? “The biggest problem for many candidates is that they have difficulty selling themselves as the solution to the problem,” Kane said. Do your homework by researching the organization and identifying the issues they face. Use your skills, experience, and knowledge to show how you hold the key to solving their particular problem, and your age will no longer be a factor.

9. Take Some Online Classes

Kill two birds with one stone. “Participating in online education demonstrates you are eager to learn new things and aren’t stuck in your ways, but also indicates that you are comfortable with technology,” Driver said. You can also gain valuable employment credibility by completing a degree program or earning a certificate in a relevant area.

10. Seek Out Age-Friendly Employers

Steer clear of organizations or industries that are known for having young workforces. According to Driver, one of the common threads among the age-friendly employers certified by RetirementJobs.com is that they face problems with turnover.

“Data shows that people who are older stay on the job three times as long as people who are younger,” he said. “If you can be smart about finding companies that are facing problems with turnover, you have a solution for those companies.”

11. Stay Positive

It’s tough for everyone out there, so don’t take it personally if your job search lags on for longer than you’d like. Getting grouchy will just promote the perception that you’re a “grumpy old person.” Stay positive, keep networking, focus on your skills and competencies, and sooner or later you’ll be identified as the best person for the job.

12. Hard Work Will Prevail

When it comes to looking for work, age and experience is often a double-edged sword. Older candidates often do have to work harder to overcome discrimination, but with the right strategy, age can be a non-factor.

Contributed Post.

If you like what you’ve read here, please let others know of this post, blog, and site.

And thanks for reading!  🙂