Getting to Know More People vs. Getting to Know People More

We talk a lot about growing your network; it’s one of the most important things you can do to speed up your job search. But it can be hard to decide how to expand – who you should meet and get to know. I’ve heard jobseekers say: “All my friends are in the same industry; many have concerns about their own jobs. I’m not sure my network is going to help me, much as they’d like to.”

And they might be right.

“Good” Communication Skills

When we talk about “good” communication skills, we often mean a single competency: persuasion. The art of persuasion, if you have it, means that you can articulate your thoughts clearly and win over opponents. You can write better copy or make a better sales pitch. You can become the top candidate for a job.

Your Dream Job Step Three: Figure Out Where You Stand

I think the idea of pursuing a dream job is something every worker should aspire to. You should enjoy your work, use your strongest skills, and be paid well. Even in this recession, it’s possible to pursue and find your dream job; it just may take a little longer. So here is another step to finding your dream job eventually. Figure out where you stand in the market for this job; what do you need to do to compete and succeed?

Your Dream Job Step One: Decide What You Want

I think the idea of pursuing a dream job is something every worker should aspire to. You should enjoy your work, use your strongest skills, and be paid well. Even in this recession, it’s possible to pursue and find your dream job; it just may take a little longer.

So here is the first step you might take to find your dream job eventually.

Close the Employment Gap

So having a significant gap in your employment history puts you in good company, and doesn’t reflect poorly on your skills or work ethic. Does that mean you should just wait and hope that things get better? There is one sure way to keep busy, expand your network and close up that employment gap.

Make the Most of Applying Online

Every day, we hear from jobseekers who are discouraged with their job search. “I’ve applied for hundreds of jobs online; I never get a response at all, let alone an invitation to interview.” It’s easy to believe that you’re doing something productive by applying online, but it’s only true if you are taking the time to make your applications as complete as possible.

Free Online Education

Organizations like WorkSource are there to help with funding education for demand occupations. But that’s not your only option. Many top universities offer free courses online. Education Portal.com ranks several of the best free university courses available for people who want to enhance their personal knowledge or advance in their current field.

Categorizing Your Skills: Self Management Skills

Skills are one of the most important things you have to convey to a prospective employer. If you had to name your five most important and valuable skills right now, what would you say they are? Here is a way to organize your thinking about skills as you prepare for an interview.