Back to school time for parents and children means getting back on a schedule, planning out activities, and setting aside specific time for homework (ugh…). The same process applies to individuals seeking employment. Now is a great time to get back to the pursuit of finding your next job opportunity. The following are a few tips to help with the transition.
First, create a schedule of job search activities, routine appointments and other life activities to get you on a set daily schedule. Communicate this to everyone in your home or family to avoid any interruptions.
Second, consider if you want to continue doing the same type of job and what skills you have acquired in your past employment. If you are looking to change jobs, will that require returning to school or getting certified in another field of work? Visit Workforce Solutions to find out what careers are in demand depending on where you live in Texas or other states in the US.
If you’re not quite sure what you want to do, there are various online career assessments that are available to help you decide.
- O-NET Interest Profiler is a self-assessment career exploration tool that helps individuals discover the type of work activities and occupations they would like and find exciting. It consists of 180 items that describe work activities representing a wide variety of occupations as well as a broad range of training levels.
- Also, you may want to visit Keirsey which is a personality assessment to help you better understand yourself and others.
Please, keep in mind that no test is totally comprehensive. Take several tests and use the results only as a guide.
Third, once you have decided on your next job/career opportunity you’ve got to move forward with the right attitude. No matter what’s going on in the economy there is a place for you and there is always going to be competition.
Fourth, one of your goals is to develop a unique personal brand. Keep in mind your strengths and acknowledge that you are good at what you do. It may be time to revise your resume based on the position you are seeking. Communicate your accomplishments, whether you are in your thirties, forties or fifties. Your accomplishments are the key to creating a killer resume that attracts the attention of the reader.
Fifth, having a strong network of references to draw upon can assist in confirming your claims to prospective employers about your personal brand. It is important to choose your references wisely and get permission from them.
Sixth, explore and learn about the companies you would like to pursue. Hopefully, by now you are ready to move forward and position yourself to land interviews. The goal is to land a job that takes you above and beyond your last job or career with greater benefits and new challenges so you can soar to greater heights.
Seventh, remember that the Workforce Solution is there to assist you in getting a job, keeping a job and getting a better job. In fact, there may scholarships that you can qualify for if you are wanting to start a career in a high-skill, high-growth occupation.
Last thing! Don’t forget to register at Work in Texas.com. The job search pursuit is never-ending in this new job economy.
Carolyn Kennard is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston – Galveston area. She conducts job search skills seminars throughout the 13 county Gulf Coast region. Before embarking on a career in workforce development, Carolyn achieved success in marketing and training with a major oil company. Carolyn holds a B.A. degree from Virginia State University and an M.A. degree from Prairie View A&M University.
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