Survey Says More Jobs on Horizon—Here's How to Land One

From LaGrangePatch - By Robert E. Ware |  August 21, 2010

Employers are looking to hire, but until you get a job, volunteer to build skill sets.

No one should have to tell you that it is hard to find a job right now and much, much harder to secure a position that will lead to the possibility of a career and long-term employment. It seems all media share the same negative news that no one is hiring, everybody is getting laid off and tens of thousands have quit looking. 

Though tough, it could be worse, and in fact, data shows better days are ahead.

In July, the unemployment rate in Illinois was 10.6 percent—6 million employed and 700,000 unemployed, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The unemployment rate was 0.1 percent greater last year during July, according to the same data.   

Beth McCormack, owner of a Express Employment Professionals franchise in Brookfield, Ill., cited an employment trend survey conducted by Express Employment corporate, which had some interesting tidbits. 

The survey received about 900 completed responses from 10,181 current and former clients from across the United States who were given the survey.

The results, presented in a press release July 25—the PDF is attached—showed 34 percent of respondents planned to hire full-time commercial and light industrial positions in the third quarter of the fiscal year, which is April 1 to June 30. And, 28 percent planned to hire for administrative and office clerical positions in the third quarter.

Interestingly, those doing the hiring said they are closely looking at complete and credible work histories of applicants. And, they said they're concerned with job experience and specific skills to be performed at the jobsite.

Many employers will be focusing on jobs that will come about with a recovering economy, such as customer service, accounts receivable, warehouse and machine operators. 

So what can the job seekers do to improve their chances of finding work? 

In the short run, it would be very beneficial to do a search of the company that he or she is applying to. Learn what they do, what they're known for, how long they've been in business, whether they pay dividends to stockholders, their locations, and exactly what types of employees they employ.

Being able to ask qualified and intelligent questions can go a long way toward being asked back for another interview.

How does someone get job experience, specific skills and a credible work history, especially when you don't have a job? 

Try volunteering.  You probably will earn no income but you will gain knowledge.  You will also be able to honestly attest, "I used to do that job" or "I have recently performed a skill that closely matches what you are looking for." 

Don't quit your volunteer position while seeking paid employment, as it that may prove to be extremely beneficial because you will also be able to state, "I work at XYZ organization and currently perform certain skill sets that you are seeking."

Some quick tips: work hard at honing your computer skills and typing accuracy, always dress appropriately for the job interview, bring a pencil and pen, have all the records you will need to fill out any application, including past employers, and always accept the offer of coffee or water.

Also, be prepared to talk about two or three things you are most proud of accomplishing, the last book you have read, current events and where you see yourself advancing in the next two to five years. Talk yourself into a job—not out of one!

Finally, post your resume on every job site on the Internet, use all of you family members and friends for referrals, read newspapers and look at the windows of businesses and posting areas for employment announcements. 

If you will keep in mind that looking for work should consume eight hours a day—five days a week, you will be employed sooner than later.