Job Seeker News

“These tips are meant to encourage people to continue their job search efforts through the holiday season and offer ways to assist with the difficult challenges of being unemployed,” said Gary Earl, WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA president and CEO. “It’s important for people not to give up looking for employment during the holidays. We encourage people to utilize WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA job search assistance and other services.”

The following are guidelines to help job seekers continue to be diligent in their search activities.

1. Some businesses hire part-time workers to fill positions created by holiday vacations or to meet year-end demand from customers. Part-time work is better than no work at all. Part-time work adds to your unemployment credits and is an excellent way to show your talents to a prospective employer. Because of the complexity of hiring full-time personnel, some companies hire part-time employees to evaluate how a person fits in and to determine if he or she meets their expectations.

2. Don’t put off applying for full-time work during the holiday season. Companies operating on a calendar-year budget will make decisions about personnel. Make sure your application and resume are there for employers when they consider hiring new people.

3. Exploit the season by attending parties or gatherings and networking with people who might know of job openings. Many times your best sources for job openings are friends and acquaintances with insider knowledge about good jobs currently open or that companies will post in the future. While it’s difficult to admit to being unemployed to friends and family, these people are essential to your personal marketing network. They will keep their eyes open for potential opportunities for you.

4. Don’t complicate your situation by overspending during the holidays. Try to avoid debt and cut expenses. Renew your relationship with family and friends. Many wealthy, successful people look back to tight financial times, when they were forced to focus on friendship, as some of the best, most meaningful moments in their lives.

5. Seek help from WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA for job counseling and financial assistance. Whether you are looking for a high-tech or entry-level job, let WCF work for you. Use the programs that provide financial aid to meet your basic needs or improve your skills to locate a new job. You have access to these services at no cost to you. To find out if you qualify, visit any WCF office.

6. Understand that job loss, unemployment and job seeking are stressful situations. Acknowledge this fact and understand that you are not alone. Many people are experiencing this same situation or have gone through periods of job seeking. There is some truth to the statement that the hardest job of all is finding a good job. Avoid bad habits – don’t get into drugs or alcohol. Get yourself in shape, focus on your health and enjoy the extra time you have to do things for your family. Keep a positive attitude. Today’s new education and training opportunity can become tomorrow’s job.

7. Get organized. Write and design a new resume. Customize a few resumes to highlight specific career tracks where you have good skills. Be methodical about your job search. WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA has excellent resume writing software and can provide you with helpful tips and suggestions to make sure you are approaching your job search in a professional, effective and efficient manner. Post your resume online. Use our Resource Room. Again, for unemployed or dislocated workers there is no cost for WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA’s job search services.

8. Decrease tension at home. Money issues and employment problems rate highly on the stress scale. If you have a friend or family member who is unemployed, be supportive and helpful. Now is not the time to be argumentative or to blame someone or yourself for your situation. Kindness, sympathy and compassion for people who are going through a temporary period of unemployment will be rewarded when your significant other lands that good job.

9. Be positive and be patient. Bringing a positive attitude to your job search and interviews will help you be successful. Patience goes a long way too – understand that it takes time for your resume and cover letter to be routed to the appropriate person or department. Be courteous and understanding when you follow up with potential employers – your attitude on the phone may be the deciding factor in getting an interview or job offer. “Thank you’s” go a long way both before and after the interview.

10. Use the staffing industries. More and more employers are using “contingent workers,” especially during time of economic recovery and uncertainty. Employers often use temporary help agencies as recruitment and screening strategies. These jobs often turn into full time, regular employment and even if they don’t, the experience can yield another positive employer recommendation. WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA also provides linkages with the staffing industry.

WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA has three offices to help you find the services you need to get and keep a job. Visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com for more information or call 1-800-757-4598.   If you are a business, WCF can help you find the right employee at no cost to you. For additional information about listing a job opening with WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA, visit www.WorkforceCentralFlorida.com/employers  or contact the Employer Hotline at (407) 531-1200.