Opinion: The difficult job of getting a job

So, you’re looking to dive into the labor pool, whether you are unemployed, underemployed or have never been employed. Here are a few tips to help you find your way through the maze of websites, blogs, job clubs and online applications and come out the other side with a job.

Grieve the job you lost
If the reason you’re looking for employment is because you’ve lost a job, the first thing you need to do is deal with the feelings that occur as a result of an occupational loss.

Feeling lonely, useless and sometimes even ashamed is common after the loss of a job and can be part of the grieving process. The best thing you can do is acknowledge these feelings and understand that they’re normal. In other words, have a pity party, but keep it brief. You are about to take on one of the hardest jobs ever: the job of getting a job.

Assess your personal situation
The next thing you need to do before you begin actively looking is assess your personal situation. Everyone’s situation is different.

For example, if you are underemployed and are working two jobs, you apparently have proven you have the will, tenacity and strength to multitask and keep it together. If you have been a stay-at-home parent, you have a certain skill set you probably use every day: scheduling, coordinating and planning, to name a few. If you lack basic computer skills, you will need to get some training before you begin actively looking for a job.

Have you been working for the same employer or the same industry for a long period of time and have been recently laid off? If your employer is moving operations to another country and ceasing operations locally, you may be entitled to Trade Act Benefits, which provide training and tuition assistance, counseling, support services and your very own career counselor to help you connect to numerous resources.

Are you looking for your first job? You may want to consider volunteer positions or internships first.

Experience is valuable and will give you a leg up.

Assess the labor market
After assessing your personal situation, assessing the labor market is the next step. The website Onet Online, OnetOnline.org, offers a snapshot of just about every job in the United States, skills required and expected wages. This resource is especially useful if you are considering a career change or enrolling in training for a certain career path.

If you have any prior convictions, make sure they are not going to keep you from working for a particular employer before you start your training. Certain convictions can prohibit you from working in certain career fields.  

Educate yourself on what local employers are seeking by visiting their websites and/or their human resources departments to view their job listings.

Stay connected to the working world. If you’re not working, make sure you to stay in touch with former co-workers, colleagues and networks.

Make it a point to dress nicely and leave your house every day. Opportunities are everywhere, and you never know when one might present itself.

Be ready.

Mary Ann Rojas is the director of workforce development for the city of Springfield. She can be reached at mrojas@springfieldmo.gov or by calling the the Missouri Career Center Ozark Region at (417) 887-4343.[[In-content Ad]]