5 tips for getting your job searching skills back on track

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of last Sept., over 3 million long-term unemployed Americans were still searching for fulltime work. With Arizona’s unemployment rate looming at close to 7 percent, more and more people are looking for ways to sharpen their job seeking skills.

Matt Grimes had been running his own business for many years but went bankrupt by a wife who gambled away the profits. He wasn’t sure how to re-enter the workforce so he reached out to a Goodwill job center for help. His Career Coach helped him update his resume, create a LinkedIn profile and participate in mock interviews.

Within a short time, a recruiter viewed his profile on LinkedIn and contacted him for an interview as a regional sales manager with Coleman American Moving Services in San Diego. He aced the interview and was offered the job with a great salary and health benefits. Within a few months, he was promoted to Vice President of West Coast Operations.

If you are looking for work but don’t know where to start, here are five tips to get your job searching skills back on track:

1. Spend time researching companies. Get a sense for company culture and possible positions. Follow them on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.

2. Make sure your resume is up-to-date and highlights skills and experience. Find a resume expert or visit GoodProspects for creating a resume that stands out.

3. Stay focused on the skills you bring to the table for potential employers. Don’t immediately ask about pay and benefits. Take your time to learn about the position itself before inquiring about any perks.

4. Network your way to job success. Online networking is good, but going to business networking events and meeting people face to face is even better.

5. Attend job fairs and hiring events. Keep your interview skills sharp by practicing mock interviews with a Career Coach.

Most of all, don’t get discouraged. You don’t have to do it alone. Strengthening your employment finding muscle is easier with the right kind of support.

Goodwill of Central Arizona is able to fund 21 career centers throughout Phoenix, Prescott and Yuma through the resale of donated clothing and household items. The community donations help to fund these career centers for job seekers throughout Arizona. To find out more information or to support these services, donate today at any of Goodwill’s 70+ locations. Find yours at GoodwillAZ.