Special to the News-Sun
The holidays are not a time to "take a break" from job hunting, cautions Heartland Workforce. Here are some guidelines for those in the job market this holiday season:
-- Seek help from your local One-Stop Career Center, where available services include job search assistance, resume review or development, interview mastery techniques, and more!
-- Some businesses hire part-time workers to fill positions created by holiday vacations or to meet year-end demand from customers. Although you may be seeking full-time employment, part-time employment is an excellent way to show your talents to a prospective employer.
-- Don't put off applying for full-time work during the holidays. Companies operating on a calendar year budget are making staffing decisions now for the coming year.
-- Use all available tools. Incorporate social media into your job search by using LinkedIn, and/or "follow" potential employers on Twitter, and become a "fan" on Facebook.
-- Take advantage of the season by attending parties or gatherings and networking with people who might know of job openings now or jobs that will post in the future.
-- Be positive and be patient. Bringing a positive attitude to your job search and interviews will help you be successful. Understand that it takes time for a company to make its selection of new staff.
-- Be courteous and understanding when you follow up with potential employers - your attitude on the phone may be the deciding factor in getting an interview or job offer. A "thank you" goes a long way both before and after the interview.
-- Use staffing agencies. More and more employers are using "contingent workers," especially during times of economic recovery and uncertainty. These jobs often turn into regular full-time employment; but even if they don't, the experience can yield a positive employer recommendation.
-- There is some truth to the statement that the hardest job of all is finding a good job. Try to maintain a positive attitude, focus on your health, and enjoy the extra time you have to do things for and with your family.
Get organized - be methodical about your job search - write and/or design a new resume. Heartland Workforce has three One-Stop Career Centers equipped with staff and resources to help you find a job. Or attend a workshop on Interview skills, Job Readiness, or Resume Writing.
Employers, Heartland Workforce can help you find the right person for the job by providing online job postings, applicant prescreening, assessment & testing, virtual recruiting tools, labor market information, and more.
Contact Heartland Workforce in DeSoto county, Hardee county, or Highlands county, or visit them on the web at www.hwib.org to find a location near you.
Heartland Workforce is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
All voice telephone numbers may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
Sunday, December 09, 2012 - www.newssun.com/120212-Holiday-Job-Search