Think Outside of the Box When Finding a Job
This is a sponsored post.
Looking for a job? It seems that Covid has thrown a wrench into a lot of people’s plans this year. Most importantly a lot of small businesses haven’t survived due to the shutdown. Which has left a lot of people unemployed and looking for work. Finding work during a pandemic is not an easy task but here are a few suggestions that can help you think outside of the box when finding a job.
Have you ever heard the saying “ it is easier to find a job when you have a job.”? This is so true. Don’t let pride get in the way of accepting a job that you are overqualified for- just take it until something better comes along. So there is one tip.
Here is another look for sites that post jobs for free. You only have to do a google search for “ Best free job post sites” to find one that you like. But after you let your fingers do the walking on the internet, start networking. Call everyone in your contacts on your phone letting them know you are actively looking for a job.
Check out social media and see if there are groups in your area where people can post the jobs they have available. Check local temporary agencies as well. That is how I got a job working at cotton gin and who knew that job would help me where I am now. Working on the farm has probably been one of the best job experiences of my lifetime.
And that brings me to another point which is to think outside of the box. Who knew that I would love working at the farm as much as I do? When I answered my now boss’s call for a CSA ( Community Supported Agriculture) assistant – I was thinking this was a way to get me out of the house and to get my body moving. But who knew that I would soon call the farm – my home away from home and build a friendship with the boss, who has turned out to be one of my best friends.
This also brings me to another point- separating out friendship. It is great to have friends on the job and to even work for friends but remember who is the boss. Sometimes the lines can get blurred when you work for a friend. Friendships are lost and feelings get hurt. Remember not to take things that are said or done on the job to you personally. You have to learn to separate your business relationship from your personal relationship. I know it can be hard sometimes but in the long run it makes you a better employee and person.
If you still can’t find a job using some of the tips from this post, I encourage you to think out of the box. Do not get stuck in the same career mindset that you can only work in let’s say a department store – look for other opportunities outside of what you are used to doing. If you love food, why not try working at a restaurant or seeing if there is a local company that is willing to give you a “trial” run in a field you are interested in.
Despite all of this, all these tips will not help you if you are not ( to be blunt) clean. Now that doesn’t mean that you have to wear “Your Sunday going to town” clothes. But it does mean, washing your body, using deodorant, and wearing clean clothes. If the only clothes you have are shirts and jeans, it is okay to wear those if they are freshly laundered and not smeared with dirt and grime. Run a brush or comb through your hair before your interview. In other words, do not show up to ask for a job looking like you have not taken a bath in years and your clothes could stand up by themselves.
Yes it is important when you are asking for a job, to be presentable. Just because you do not have a job, does not mean you can show up like you do not have a job.
I think there is a saying somewhere that says you have to dress for the job you want. I know when money is limited it may not be an easy thing to do. But you can still find ways to show respect. A firm handshake, showing up on time, filling out job applications with legible handwriting, and using proper phone etiquette when asking about a job are just a few things that show future employers that you are not only serious about finding a job but that you are also serious about working for them. You also need to have an awesome resume. Don’t just throw something on paper looking like you wrote it when you were in elementary school. Instead, invest in a resume writing service like https://www.arcresumes.com/local/georgia/. Remember showing respect goes a lot further than anything else.
And the most important way you can show respect, is by respecting their time. Do not I repeat do not take time up talking about your tie or whatever your dog did yesterday. Answer their questions in a cordial fashion and for lack of a better saying “ K.I.S.S. -Keep it short Stupid.” Do not ramble because soon you will have lead them down an embarrassing rabbit hole that will only cause awareness for not only them but yourself as well.
So I hope these tips will help you to land your new job, I know job hunting isn’t easy and it definitely is not fun but if you are persistent and stay on this sometimes never ending road- it will pay off in the long run and the job offer that you never knew you needed will appear if only you keep moving forward. I know it happened for me and I hope and pray that it happens for you as well.
Good luck with your job search and remember sometimes friends can be the best sort of leads for potential new jobs. You just have to be comfortable thinking outside of the box. So in a nutshell- get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
