Dr Work
The Age
Saturday December 13, 2008
Q MY SON has been out of a job for a long time. I want to encourage him to keep trying, even though it now seems harder to get a job. Any advice?
A SOME jobs will be harder to find in tougher economic times, but the business of finding and securing a job has never dried up and it never will.Let your son consider the following points.No, it's not always easy to get a good job - but persistence plays a major part in any job hunt.Be creative (unique) in the way you apply for jobs.Be honest with yourself. Look for any barriers to your job hunt and how to get past those barriers.Talk to people - ask questions about the job you want; it's called research - and it makes a real difference in helping you break the job-hunting ice.Grab every opportunity you can to learn, particularly when things seem to be tougher. If you can do some study to add to your skills, or give you new skills, grab it with both hands. The gains from learning will open doors.Always consider a broad base of job options. If you see one job opportunity, look for 10 more. Don't rely on just one job advertisement or one interview. Job hunting is always competitive.Don't underestimate yourself. You have work skills, life skills and personal qualities other people don't have - have a good look at yourself and value what is uniquely you. Don't quit on yourself.
© 2008 The Age