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As a temporary staffing agency, Galt Foundation can offer valuable advice about entering or reentering the workforce. To help job seekers achieve their new year’s resolution of finding a job, we’ve created this helpful resource.
Ready for a fresh start in the new year? As a temporary staffing agency for job seekers, Galt Foundation can offer valuable insight and advice about searching for, acquiring, and thriving in a new job. If your new year’s resolution is to enter or reenter the workforce, we’re here to help. Here’s our list of ways to achieve your new year’s resolution of finding a job.
Prepare Your Resume
No matter how far along in your career you are, it’s always a good idea to update your resume before applying to a new job. While it’s important to ensure that your latest roles are up to date, it’s also important to consider other aspects of your resume.
For example, if you’re applying to a job that mentions specific certifications or credentials, it may be beneficial to take a course to show “completed” or “enrolled in” on your resume. This is especially relevant if you’re applying to technical jobs, such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNAs), that may require or prefer candidates with specific credentials.
It’s also a good idea to also follow some basic best practices for your resume, such as:
- Keeping it to one page
- Including only recent and/or relevant roles and education
- Using a legible font (at least 10 point font) and ensuring there’s ample whitespace
- Sending it as a PDF so that it loads properly
If you have a disability and want to disclose it on your resume, we offer tips on how to do so in our Guide to Disclosing Your Disability to Employers blog post.
Ensure You Have Job References Lined Up
Before you begin applying to jobs, we recommend reaching out to prior colleagues, employers, professors, or anyone that can attest to your hard work and skills so that you have a reference list ready.
There’s a good chance employers will reach out to at least one of your references, so give the people on your list a heads up about a potential phone call or email, and make sure you have their most up-to-date contact info to provide to the hiring manager.
Get Your Social Media Platforms Job-Ready
These days, it seems everyone is on social media – including your future employer. While it’s not always the case that employers research you prior to hiring, there is still a chance they could come across your public profile. It’s a good idea to review your social media profiles to pulse check what’s on there, or switch them to private.
One social media account that you should display loud and proud, however, is LinkedIn. Many employers use LinkedIn to connect with employees, so it’s a good idea to make an account and keep it updated. Your account can act as your public profile and resume all in one. Having a LinkedIn account also allows you to research jobs, follow relevant topics (for example, industry developments that may impact nursing jobs), and allow hiring managers to reach out to you.
Use Networking in Your Job Search
Networking allows you to connect with people in your industry, including prospective employers. While COVID-19 has limited or postponed in-person gatherings for now, there are still many things you can do to network online. Websites, such as Meetup and Eventbrite, list networking events happening in your city that you can register and attend virtually. For example, if you live in Oklahoma, here are some virtual (and in-person) networking events in Oklahoma City.
Alternatively, you can network through other avenues, like engaging with brands on social media, reaching out to past employers or coworkers to see if they know of any opportunities you may be suitable for, and connecting with a reputable staffing agency such as Galt.
Apply Strategically to Jobs
While it can be tempting to send your resume to every job opening you find, this strategy may not actually be “strategic.” Hiring managers are looking for applicants who are the best fit for the role, so you’ll want to show them why you’re that person.
First, compile a list of places you want to apply to and where your skills, experience, and education would be a good fit. Then, read through the job description and pull out keywords and phrases that apply to you to include in your resume and cover letter. Lastly, try to get the name of the hiring professional to address your cover letter, instead of a generic “to whom it may concern.” Personalization is a great way to demonstrate genuine interest and begin a professional relationship.
If you’re a job seeker with a disability, check out our Tips & Resources: Job Hunting as a Person with a Disability blog post for additional advice.
Work on Your Interview Skills
It may seem a bit hasty to prepare for an interview before you actually have one scheduled, but as the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
Regardless of the job, make sure to research the company beforehand and know the main points about them, such as their mission, products/services, values, key people, etc. For example, if you get asked “why do you want to work for us?” you’ll be able to easily share points about the company that resonated with you, found through research.
We also recommend practicing common interview questions to ease interview anxiety. There are many guides available online, such as this interview resource.
Connect With Galt Foundation
Looking for a job in 2022? As a temporary staffing agency for job seekers, Galt Foundation is a valuable resource during the job search process and beyond.
To connect with one of our helpful representatives, call 1-877-361-1277 or contact us here. Or take a look at our current opportunities.
