Q #1. What personal characteristics are most highly valued by employers? Q #2. When seeking employment with companies, why do so many recruiters not reciprocate correspondence? Q #3. I've been downsized from my last two jobs, what suggestions do you have for someone in my position? Q #7. How can a person have the skills for a particular job and be told "you are over qualified"? A #1: Above all, most employers want employees who have positive attitudes. With today's ever changing work place, employees must be flexible, willing to take on tasks other than those assigned, and embrace change with an upbeat pleasant attitude. Taking ownership of your work projects will certainly make you stand out and completing tasks with minimum errors and re-work will really be very impressive to your employer. A #2: Many companies receive between 100 - 2000 resumes per ad placed in the newspaper and posted on the Internet. For some companies it is impossible to respond to each individual that applies. A #3: Many people find themselves in your situation today. If you didn't do the research on your previous two employers, include this as one of your job search tasks for the future. Use the internet as a resource for learning more about the prospective employers status, are they negotiating to purchase another company or are they going to be purchased, is there financial information available to evaluate their current standing? These types of changes could impact the longevity of certain positions and departments within an organization. Advancements in technology can also eliminate or reduce the need for certain skill sets. Determine if your training is in a field that will be in demand in the future. There is no guarantee when you take a position that you won't get laid off, but doing your homework and research can help you make the best decision for your future. A #4: Yes. All employers prefer employees that demonstrate stability in their work background versus job-hopping. In light of so many lay-offs, employers have become somewhat lenient regarding longevity. Unless you are laid-off, it's best to try and stay with a company at least 3-5 years or longer. When making employment decisions, be sure you see yourself there for several years. A #5: Many employers are hiring, however the response they get to their ads can be so overwhelming it can be difficult to get through all the applications and resumes. This is why it is so important to have a resume that not only looks good and neat, but one where your accomplishments standout. When filling out applications, print very neatly because the application represents you and you always want to make the best impression possible. If possible, after sending a resume or filling out an application, follow up with a phone call or a note expressing your interest in the position. It is possible to gain employment today, but you will have to work harder at it. A #6: If the company is out of business it can be difficult to secure a reference. Try to track down former co-workers. They may have information on how to reach former supervisors. While still employed its always good to get letters of reference from your supervisors for future use. A #7: Employers not only look at the skills you have, but also the level of responsibility that you have handled and your experience level. If the position the employer is filling requires less responsibility than you handled in your previous positions, employers presume you will not be challenged and become bored. So, even though you possess the skills, your level of experience may disqualify you.
|
||||||
