Looking for a new job is often fraught with difficulties in time of recession. However, searching for a job in another area or industry is even more difficult. You may have all the skills and qualification to do the job, but the trick is to get yourself an interview to convince potential skeptical employers to give you that chance. Here are some tips on how to prepare for that interview:
Prepare yourself psychologically. One important reason people fail to achieve a successful career transition is because they give up too easily. Research shows that perseverance is a key characteristic of people who achieve their goals. Don't give up so easily, stop and think about how you can modify your approach and keep on doing so until your goal are met.
Be flexible in your expectation. Beginners cannot be too choosy. Be prepared to take a pay cut, lower job title and status. If you are serious about making a career switch, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. Bear in mind that your experience in your previous jobs count, it will not take years to work your way up. You enthusiasm and willingness to learn should go a long way in helping you climb quickly. (read: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/294320.asp)
Think out of the box. Do not stick to conventional job-hunting methods by relying heavily on job advertisements. Be prepared to try different things. For example, try to write directly to the CEO of companies you are interested in working with, join relevant professional associations you wish to get into and attend their functions and talks. Build a network of people in the industry and keep in touch with them regularly. Make time for coffee or drinks after work with them. (chatting over facebook or msn alone will not get you the job). You never know when you might get a phone call from one of your contacts telling you about job opportunity.
Be prepared for part-time work or volunteerism. Working for a few hours a week in the field you wish to break into demonstrates your commitment and drive. It will also go a long way in teaching you things about the industry that are difficult to pick up as an outsider. Volunteerism will also expand your network and exposed you to new area you've never thought about before.
Online job portal. There are many online job portals you can register with. Post your resume with them so that potential employers searching for candidates can find you. You can also get jobs preference emailed to you and save you time searching. There are also many career advice and articles to ensure your resume, cover letter and interview skills are up to scratch. Here are several of them:
Prepare yourself psychologically. One important reason people fail to achieve a successful career transition is because they give up too easily. Research shows that perseverance is a key characteristic of people who achieve their goals. Don't give up so easily, stop and think about how you can modify your approach and keep on doing so until your goal are met.
Be flexible in your expectation. Beginners cannot be too choosy. Be prepared to take a pay cut, lower job title and status. If you are serious about making a career switch, be prepared to start from the bottom and work your way up. Bear in mind that your experience in your previous jobs count, it will not take years to work your way up. You enthusiasm and willingness to learn should go a long way in helping you climb quickly. (read: http://www.todayonline.com/articles/294320.asp)
Think out of the box. Do not stick to conventional job-hunting methods by relying heavily on job advertisements. Be prepared to try different things. For example, try to write directly to the CEO of companies you are interested in working with, join relevant professional associations you wish to get into and attend their functions and talks. Build a network of people in the industry and keep in touch with them regularly. Make time for coffee or drinks after work with them. (chatting over facebook or msn alone will not get you the job). You never know when you might get a phone call from one of your contacts telling you about job opportunity.
Be prepared for part-time work or volunteerism. Working for a few hours a week in the field you wish to break into demonstrates your commitment and drive. It will also go a long way in teaching you things about the industry that are difficult to pick up as an outsider. Volunteerism will also expand your network and exposed you to new area you've never thought about before.
Online job portal. There are many online job portals you can register with. Post your resume with them so that potential employers searching for candidates can find you. You can also get jobs preference emailed to you and save you time searching. There are also many career advice and articles to ensure your resume, cover letter and interview skills are up to scratch. Here are several of them:
- http://www.monster.com.sg
- http://www.jobsdb.com.sg
- http://www.efinancialcareers.sg
"Nothing happens by itself...it all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions." - Ben Stein
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