This is a Great Time to Start Your Job Search!
Published on September 9, 2009 by Guest Author
By Mary-Helen Giles.
If you are one of many local Katy residents looking for a new job or just thinking of making a change, things are finally starting to look up! Recent statistics show that the rate of unemployment is starting to trend downward and layoffs are slowing down. In addition, the use of temporary help across the Gulf Coast region is increasing. In past recoveries, this is often the first indicator that the economic situation is improving. In fact, recent conversations with hiring managers in the Greater Houston area have given us even greater reason for hope: budgets being prepared now for 2010 actually allow for addition of permanent staff in several key areas.
So how can you take advantage of this situation? Now is the time to dust off that old resume, take your interview suit to the cleaners and start networking. The first step in this process is to contact anyone you plan to use as a reference in your job search. Let them know that you are looking for a new position and ask them if they will provide a reference for you. Confirm that you have all of their current contact information, including address, phone number and email address. Many employers will run detailed background checks on new hires, so make sure that all of the information on your resume is correct (especially dates) and that your education information can be verified. In other words, if you still owe an old library fine to your alma mater, now is the time to pay it so they will confirm your degree! Depending on the type of job you are seeking, it may also be a good time to double check your credit report to make sure all of the information is correct.
The next step in the process is to network, network, and network some more! Let your friends and neighbors know that you are looking. Attend meetings of professional organizations in your field. If you are between jobs, visit organizations like Between Jobs Ministries and get to know the other people there. The keys to successful networking throughout your career are to have a great attitude and to always try to provide something of value to the people you meet. This could be an introduction, a lead or just valuable information. Another hot trend now is social networking. Make sure you are familiar with the professional sites such as LinkedIn and confirm that all of your information is correct and has a professional appearance. If you have a webpage on a site like MySpace that anyone can view, make sure that you don’t have anything you don’t want a potential employer to view on your page.
If you are currently unemployed, one great way to increase your visibility in the marketplace and improve your network is by doing temporary work. There are many great organizations in the area to help you find your next temporary position. Be flexible on your assignment and do your best work. Treat the temporary role like a permanent position and the experience can open many new doors in your career. For example, even if the department you are working in does not have an opening, there may be one in another area of the company or even with a completely different company that the manager knows well. You may also gain valuable new industry experience in the process. Just remember to give notice as you would with any permanent position once you decide to leave. You will want to keep this manager as a reference!
If you are employed and are considering changing companies, a recruiter that specializes in your field can also be very helpful. Recruiters often have access to positions that are confidential or are even still in the works with their client company. Do your research, ask questions and make sure that you are comfortable with the recruiter that is going to represent you. Once you have chosen a recruiter you like, be open with your recruiter about your goals for your career, your target salary and what type of role you desire. The more information they have from you, the better match they will be able to make for you.
Get ready now because all of the market indicators are that things are turning around in the Greater Houston area! Be flexible. This is a great time to start your job search for a new position. Good luck!
About: Mary-Helen Giles is a tenured recruiter in the greater Houston marketplace. With over a decade of experience spanning several economic cycles she brings valuable insight to the job search process. Ms. Giles manages the legal recruiting practice in the Gulf Coast Region for McIntyre Youngblood Recruiting, LLC.
McIntyre Youngblood Recruiting, LLC, www.myrecruiting.biz is an equal opportunity employer specializing in direct hire employment and temporary staffing of accounting, finance, legal, administrative and information technology (IT) professionals in Houston, Dallas and New Orleans. With 30 plus years of experience we are able to provide experienced candidates at all levels including management consulting. MYRecruiting is a certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and HUB qualified. McIntyre Youngblood Recruiting, LLC was named to Louisiana’s Top Business List for 2009 by www.DiversityBusiness.comas a top emerging business.
Published under Business, Featured, Living
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