What advice would you give to someone who is trying to Re-enter?

Question

the work force after having been out of work almost a year?
Please dont say temp agency. They are often all talk and no action!

Answer 1

Been there done that, it's tuff. Your best bet, is to find someone, a friend who can give you inside info about a job opening, but remember, you must be qualified, to begin with. I use to do the hiring, and I always ended up picking the sharpest of the group. Smart and sharp dresser, with good references. Oh and if you smoke, forget it, in todays world, smokers are last to be hired, if at all. Good Luck PS: You could always move to China, that's where most of our jobs have gone.

Answer 2

I'll tell you what I tell my students, focus on those transferable skills that are still in use today. For example, if you had worked in customer service, but it was 10 years ago, you might be a little out of date in terms of how an office works today, but customer service is still customer service. The KEY is to show how you're still able to perform satisfactorily in today's world, and have some understanding as to how things are right now.

A lot of it depends on how long it's been since you were last working, along with the reason for your hiatus. Something like taking time off to raise children is perfectly legit and acceptable. But taking time off to travel and "party" is not!

Updating any skills, such as computer software can also a good suggestion because it shows that you're willing to learn and keep up-to-date, which makes you look good.

Just keep in mind that you'll be competing against those whose skills and/or experience are more "current," but that doesn't mean you won't be right for the job. You'll just have to show a prospective employer how valuable you can be. By demonstrating that you did it before, understand how things have "changed today," and honestly believe you can be a real benefit to them is what will lead to your success.

Answer 3

Use your network of friends and acquaintances to help you locate a job. Phone your old colleagues to see if they know of any openings. Remember that the majority of jobs are not advertised.