Page 6 - Demo

6|November 2019
Looking? Seeking?
Wondering? Thinking?
Slippery rock Gazette
If you get to the point in your job search of filling out an application, fill it out completely. Many jobs involving heavy equipment or working with tools also require a drug test.
One of the hardest things for a company to do is hire skilled, qualified
candidates for a position. Any position, actually; office, field or shop can be difficult. Luckily, in my neck of the woods, somebody always knows somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody. If someone puts in an application here, it is most likely because somebody else recom- mended them over here. That’s how I got my job here eight years ago. I told a friend of mine that I was looking for a change. He knew that Artistic was looking for someone with my skill set. Eight years later, I’m still here, and it’s all good. Artistic never adver- tised the position. They just let it be known that they were looking. I never went to any sites like Monster or Indeed. I never got the chance. We both just networked our way to each other. In this one instance, the sun, moon and stars lined up just right.
However, we all know that it really seldom happens that way in the real world. Resumes, job boards, social media, network- ing, emails, walk-in applications, phone calls and interviews can all make one’s head spin. Is all that really necessary? Unfortunately, yes, it is probably necessary.
In this modern electronic world, a paper resume is still one of your best friends. If you give a good resume to a potential employer, whether the job is office, trade or management, you look profes- sional and serious as an applicant. Even if it is a situation where you are just filling out an application,
Sharon Koehler
Artistic Stone Design
bring it. A good resume will more than likely have the answers to most of the application questions: where you worked and how long, education, reference information, etcetera. There is no more guess- ing or not remembering phone numbers and addresses.
An application to a potential employer looks much better filled out completely. Plus, a resume doesn’t have to stay on paper. I have had the same resume writer for 30 years. He offers paper, disc, thumb drive and electronic presentations that you can offer to any employer.
A good resume writer isn’t cheap. View it as an investment in yourself. I can honestly say that over the years, every time I have offered my professionally written resume to an employer, I have gotten the job (no kidding!). It also looks good when a job board like Monster lets you post your own resume. That’s what you want right? You want to stand out and be noticed.
When you start looking for a new job, you should clean up your social media profiles. Some of your posts, tweets and social media comments could be misun- derstood by someone who doesn’t know you. These days, more em- ployers than not will check your social media presence to get a sense of who you are. Let’s face it, this happens every day some- where. You hear about someone being sued, arrested, forced out or fired** for something they posted
or tweeted years ago.
Look what just happened to
Carson King. One day he is on top of the world, raising money for a Children’s Hospital, and then the next thing he knows, some re- porter finds an offensive tweet or two from when he was 16, prints it in the paper and the Fortune 500 company** that was backing him cuts ties with him. Don’t let your social media profile be the thing that doesn’t get you an offer.
Network, network, network! Tell everyone you know what you are looking to do. Even if the per- son you are talking to can’t help you, they may know someone who can.
When the moon and the stars line up and you get an interview, be proactive. Prepare yourself be- fore the interview. Research the company online. See what they are about. Figure out why you are a good fit for them AND tell them during the interview. You don’t just have to sit during an interview and answer their questions, ask
St. Jude Walk/Run
Continued from page 5
It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent
your own questions! What are the exact duties of this position in this company? Is there a chance for advancement from this position? Who do I report directly to? What are the values and goals of this company? No matter what type of position you are interviewing for, sitting like a lump on a log during an interview does not do anyone any good. Showcase yourself!
People look for jobs for many reasons. No matter what the rea- son, job seeking is hard work. Whether you have to because your previous employment came to an end, or you just need a change, the more organized and prepared you are, the less time it will take and the sooner you will be working in your new position. Good Luck!
Just an afterthought or two:
Another reason you want to research a company online is to see if you really want to work for them. A company with bad re- views or low star ratings across
the internet may not be where you want to settle down. Only you can decide that.
Also, if you are currently em- ployed and you don’t want your current employer to know you are seeking a job elsewhere, you may need to be a bit more careful and discrete about what you are doing. Only you know how far you can safely go. Another option is to be honest and discuss your dissatis- faction with your boss. You might be surprised what your employer is willing to do to keep a skilled, trained worker.
**The Fortune 500 Company that cut ties with Carson King did say they would honor their monetary commitment to the Children’s Hospital, just not in conjunction with Mr. King.
Please send your thoughts on this article to Sharon Koehler at Sharon@asdrva.rocks.
since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago.
To learn more, please visit st- jude.org or follow St. Jude on social media at @stjuderesearch.
For 25 years Braxton-Bragg’s philosophy has been to offer ex- ceptional products and first-class service to its partners in the stone, tile and concrete industries. Visit braxton-bragg.com and face book.com/braxtonbraggllc.
© MARK ANDERSON. www.andertoons.com
“The trick is to get one of the kids to give you a name.”