According to the state Department of Labor, the unemployment rate has been steadily declining since 2011 which leads me to believe that employers here in Connecticut have been doing quite a bit of hiring and are always looking for the “right person” to fill their openings. Here are some tips for getting a new job if you’re currently employed or seeking employment.
Employers consistently strive for the best of the best to join their team. They dedicate a great deal of time and resources planning, posting, and strategizing each new hire; and then additional resources are dedicated to training the new employee and to acclimating them to the culture and standards of the organization.
Applying for positions and looking for opportunities isn’t easy for the applicant or for the employer. Believe it or not, both sides of the table want what’s best for the candidate!
If you’re currently employed and curious about what’s out there: Take a look! Network! The more people you meet and keep in touch with, the more opportunities will present themselves (LinkedIn ring a bell?).
When a position presents itself, think about it: Does the position description describe exactly what you’d like to be doing in the foreseeable future? Does the employer’s website depict a culture you’d like to be a part of?
If your answer is yes, carefully review your resume and submit it for consideration. Brag about yourself, cover the measurable results you’ve achieved for yourself personally and for your current employer that relate to the position for which you’re applying. Be sure also to address your career goals.
If you’re about to graduate, between jobs, or unemployed, use your resources in addition to your aforementioned network. Apply for positions through employer’s postings and reach out to state resources, employment agencies, nonprofit organizations, and more. You may find that you need to explain your gap in employment; if so, develop your brand and stick to it!
Keep looking for the positions that reflect what you’re looking for. Try not to apply for anything and everything; employers can tell when you’re doing this and it turns them off quickly. It may be tempting to apply for a job online, drop off a resume in person, and call to speak with the recruiter, then the human resource manager, followed by pretty much anyone who will take your call – all within an hour. Well. Don’t. You’ll very likely get that decline email promptly.
Follow up (unless, of course, the posting says ‘no calls, please’); call the employer about a week after submitting to see if they’ve received your resume and if you can answer any questions. If no one answers, leave a polite voicemail and move on.
Also be sure to send a thank you note after an interview; a simple handwritten card is always appreciated. In fact, it won’t hurt to run to a coffee shop immediately following your interview armed with a box of cards and some stamps. Write out a card to each person you met with and drop them in the mail immediately.
Employers really want what’s best for their potential employees. Think of that “thanks but no thanks” note as a great thing; the position wouldn’t have been a fit and the right one will come.
Hopefully some of these tips help you as you work to grow your career.
Amy Ryczko is the young professionals director for the Human Resource Association of Central Connecticut. It is a group of HR professionals committed to promoting excellence in the field.
Read other Friday Focus columns.
Friday Focus is an online-only weekly series of columns focusing on human resource, business legal issues, technology, and marketing. Interested in participating? Send an email to Keith Griffin at kgriffin@hartfordbusiness.com.
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