Job Hunt Attitude
Finding a job is becoming more difficult. Most companies hire based on applications received online.
The difference between today versus the old paper applications relates to how applications are processed.
Now, companies can use AI to scan resumes for key data noted in work experiences listed to find applicants worth interviewing. What you say on your resume becomes critical to getting an interview.
Depending on the job and deadline to fill the open position, there may be several that will be considered for an interview.
Think professional when applying for a job. Employers are looking for someone to fill a specific need. They are seeking a person with skills that can fill that need. The fact that they are willing to pay for those skills requires a professional approach to the process.
Professional must be your attitude. And your attitude is reflected in your resume and your interview. Be prepared!
Reflect on Your Resume
You will do well to reflect on how potential employers will perceive your resume and application, including your cover letter.
Do some reading about how to write a resume. Remember to put yourself in the position of the HR person reading your resume. Resume structure for eye appeal is one thing. But, your work experience should reflect your skills and accomplishments to convince them that you are worthy of an interview.
That sounds simple. However, will you appear able to fill their open position?
Think professional. Reflect that on your resume.
AI Issues
I have mixed feelings about the use of AI, especially related to the job-hunting process. The attempt is to speed up the review process for applicants. However, highly qualified applicants may get overlooked due to the way they list details of their work experience.
AI software looks for key words or phrases. Think professional for AI.
The assumption is that most jobs require interaction with others and AI needs a way to see that you can do that well. And to be a self-starter and get your share of the work done. Think professionally about how to present that concept.
How will you get past the AI screening process and land an interview?
Be Professional and Positive
If you can get your resume presented to a Human Resources person, a cover letter will help. That letter will convey your willingness to work with others and for that company and your confidence in your ability to do the job.
Think professional. You must think like a Human Resources person. You are responsible for finding a person that can fill the position and do the job well. Are you that person?
What can you say to convince that person you have what it takes to fill that position? Be positive.
Make the Most of Opportunities
How good you must have felt about getting hired! Then what?
If you have been in a job for a long time, you may not recall your joy at being hired. Office politics or getting past over for a promotion may have soured your attitude about that job.
However, reflect on the process of finding another job. It is much easier to find a job when you have a job. Interviews are less stressful when you can afford to pay your bills!
Make the most of what you have to work with for your job experience. What will look good on your updated resume?
Think professional. Make the most of your opportunities.
Add to Your Base
Short-term needs can distract you from worrying about skills you need to develop or knowledge you could reflect on a resume for your next job search.
You may feel secure where you work now. But technology can change and affect the company you work for or the related industry. That could put your job at risk.
I once worked at a company for over twelve years. Changes in ownership led to reductions in the workforce, including my position. I had not prepared for that possibility. I did not look for changes in the job market or the effects of technology. I was not prepared for what I needed to know to be able to compete for the jobs I thought I was qualified to do.
I had to take classes and lower paying jobs for a long while to get back on track with where I wanted to be professionally.
Think professional. Consider what you need to know and be aware of changes in technology and job requirements that will affect your ability to qualify for equal or better paying jobs.
Add to Your Options
Technological changes affect us all. As an accountant, over my working career, I had to go from a manual posting system to a dumb terminal entry system to a computer tied to a mainframe. That was a steep learning curve, especially when I had to direct a software change after I had gone back to school to get my MBA. Then, the internet added many more aspects of change in our working formats. If you are younger, the internet seems like it has been here most of your life. However, older people have had to make a lot of mental adjustments!
Are you tracking current changes in technology? Are you familiar with AI software?
I know you can learn a lot on YouTube. But do you know how to define your searches? AI might help more than you think.
No doubt some formal training might be worth the cost. Pay attention to the reviews and ask AI. But ask some humans to be able to verify your findings.
Perhaps you do not see or know of any technological changes that will affect your job. However, ask yourself if a robot or some form of AI could do what you do. Technology already exists and is getting cheaper for companies to consider for labor cost savings.
Don’t allow yourself to ignore potential changes. That is forward thinking. That is thinking professionally.
What will be your backup plan? If your career choice is disappearing, you must consider your options.
Consider what you might find satisfying to replace your current job or career choice. Add to your options.
Change for Change
Change is the constant that provides for progress. That translates into making progress by educating yourself about what is changing.
I can relate to the mental transition it takes to learn new technology. You must remind yourself that you are not stupid. You just need to learn something new to survive.
Let that be your motivation. Think professional. You cannot control change, but you can control your reaction to it.
Your family is counting on you. Do your best to be your best!