Job Hunting

Skills Matter

Although job seekers would like to think it is as easy as walking in with the right power suit on, answering questions politely and sending out thank you letters for the interviews, if you aren't qualified for the job, or if someone else is more qualified this will always matter the most. The same holds true if you are a bit overqualified, as this may threaten potential employers who think you will try to "run" the company or may not be willing to take a pay cut.

The only problem is that you may not know what a Human Resources manager or department supervisor considers to be excellent skills for the job, although we often know when we are out of our league, just by looking at the job description in the newspaper or on a website. If the advertisement calls for 3-5 years worth of experience and you just got out of college, you may want to back off from sending in your resume, unless you have other valid experience to back you during the interview process.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

There are a variety of different types of career counselors, headhunters, and employment agencies for a reason. Whether you are finishing up college and have a career counselor available at the university or you have considered calling an employment agency, these professionals know the business of finding careers and jobs that match their clients, so let them help!

Before you get started with an employment agency, counselor, or headhunter be sure you know the specifics on the cost of their services. Often these professionals will require a consultation fee or may ask for a chunk of your first paycheck. Some companies even require the company that hires you to pay them a fee, which may deter a company from choosing you in the interview process, so just be sure you understand the guidelines before signing on to these services.

It Isn't An Easy Process

No matter how much experience you have, how many degrees you have earned or how sharp you look in a suit, the job search is not easy. For most people the process is extremely difficult and time consuming and can becoming overwhelming at times.

Just remember that everyone has to go through the process of finding a job, including the individuals you are interviewing with. Remembering that they are also just human beings that make mistakes and stumble on their words will make the process easier as you go.

It is also important to remember that you may spend the majority of a day online, scrolling through the newspapers, printing out resumes and cover letters, dealing with a jammed computer only to find two jobs your want to send out a resume for or only to have one person respond to your resume. Although this can be discouraging, remember that the very next day you may get a response or find the job that you will be perfect for. Consider all of the rest practice for the future.

There is No Good Hiring Season

Despite what some friends, business colleagues or family members may tell you, there is no good time to be on the job search. Some will say to wait until spring to quit your job and definitely not to look for a job around the holiday season, but there really is no rhyme or reason when it comes to the job search. If employers need employees, they will be hiring.