Last week we considered embarking on a second career. We have already begun the process of developing a targeted job search plan by reviewing what type of work we are contemplating, full or part-time, and a few other things such as what employability skills we have to offer. This we’ll talk about having some tools available and ready to use for a successful job search.
Perhaps the first tool we should look at is our resume. It’s important to write clear and concise statements on your resume that reflect your skills accurately. Resumes receive about 15 minutes, at most, of consideration by hiring professionals, so they need to be visually appealing and relay key information quickly. Use the following tips when reviewing your resume:
- Use bulleted statements
- Start with action verbs
- Keep it short
- Quantify whenever possible
- Avoid personal pronouns
- Incorporate keywords from the job posting
You can use those same tips in developing a summary of your skills on your resume. That same information can be used in developing a response to the most popular interview question: tell me about yourself. In response to that question, you can develop what is often referred to as a “30-second commercial.” In 30 seconds or less, you can effectively give a synopsis of your skills and experiences…as they relate to the job in question. The following are the basic components of a 30-second commercial:
- Introduction
- Target
- Experience
- Skills
- Accomplishments
Your answers should project confidence that you have a good understanding of how you can contribute while also conveying your openness to opportunities.
Let’s wipe the slate clean. Try not to agonize about how things should or could have been in previous career experiences. You’ve won the rebooting challenge of landing a new career. No doubt that coming back from a career break is a unique challenge, but with a positive approach and a finely tuned job search strategy, you should be able to pick your career up to where you left off with relative ease. The most important thing you can do to relaunch your career in any way is to practice positive thinking. Your new career is just around the corner.
Keep in mind that the Workforce Solutions is there to assist you in ‘’Getting a job, keeping a job, and helping you in getting a better job”. Also, there is training available based on high-growth targeted occupation needs in the Houston-Galveston area. For more information, please visit www.wrksolutions.com.
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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