In addition to a good resume, cover letter, interviewing skills and networking, these tools and resources can help you land a job.
Most employers periodically do a formal, written review of your work. A positive performance evaluation from your current or previous job can increase your chances of getting a job. You can include it with an application or resume.
It’s customary for an employee leaving a job on good terms to request a letter of recommendation from the employer or supervisor. However, employers are not required to provide these and may not because of liability or company policy. The letter should focus on your job performance and duties but may touch on personal qualities, such as being a team player or your dependability.
If you’re a student ready to complete your training but you have little or no work experience, you can ask your teachers, academic advisor, or a mentor to write a letter of recommendation. If you are new to the labor market and you have no paid work experience, ask someone you’ve completed a task or project with or someone who knows you well to write a letter of recommendation. This could be someone you’ve done volunteer work for/with, a church or community leader, a neighbor or landlord. The letter should say how long they’ve known you, address the quality of your task performance, dedication, skills and work habits.
Temporary work, such as in a retail store during the holidays, or for a temp agency, is a way to get work experience and a letter of recommendation from an employer and may even lead to a permanent job. Volunteer work or an internship—paid or unpaid—can accomplish these things as well.
Figure out a way to show work you’ve done to a prospective employer—something you’ve written, before and after pictures of a project you’ve done, video, or objects you’ve created that relate to the job you’re applying for. For example, a clerical worker may show pamphlets or brochures she’s written or designed; a painter, carpenter, chef, or hairdresser could show pictures of their work; a trainer or speaker could show a video of the presentation. Even hobbies can demonstrate relevant skills.
Veteran Services can help veterans prepare for and find employment. For a complete list of services and more information, see http://jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/veterans.
Eligible individuals with disabilities can receive assistance to prepare for and obtain employment from their local Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. Services include vocational evaluation, assistive technology, supported employment and other employment assistance. Log on to http://www.usor.utah.gov/ or find them in the State Government blue phone book pages.
One of the best ways to find out what employers are looking for is to read their web sites and literature. Also read their vacancy notices, whether or not you want that particular job. This gives you a good feel for what they look for in potential employees. It is helpful to make personal contact with someone from the company. For instance, job shadowing within the organization, or an informational interview helps your chances. This gives you the opportunity to find out things they don’t tell you in the brochure—t he pace at which people work, the way people communicate within the organization and the overall workplace culture.
All recruiters have specific qualifications and a range of skills that they are looking for. The key is to be clear about their requirements before applying, so you can tailor your resume, respond well in an interview and hopefully get that job!
http://www.linkedin.com a professional networking site
http://www.u.arizona.edu/~cats/qualities.html what employers are looking for
