UNEMPLOYED NEED GUIDANCE TO RETURN TO WORK

Job seekers who are currently unemployed need career guidance to address issues only they experience due to their unique situation.  I recently asked a client I am currently assisting to complete a brief survey about his job search concerns.  He was asked to list three answers for each question.  

Of special note, one of my clients wrote, "I feel there should be a websites for mature adults who have worked all their lives.  Give us a chance."  Very moving....There was no way I could turn my back on this request and created www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com.  On this website, you will find articles of interest to the unemployed.  Here you will find job search, resources, coping ideas, and other articles to help move you forward and put the work loss behind you. 

Here is what I asked my current clients – How would you answer?

 

What do you miss about working?

What are some of your biggest job search obstacles?

What are your biggest job search fears?

Most of the answers were along the lines of what I expected to hear - I have been counseling the unemployed for a long time... I want to assure you that you are not alone and what you are feeling is entirely normal!

Here are some of the answers I got to my brief survey:

What do you miss about working?

 Being out in public and seeing people

 Filling up my day with different activities

 Earning money, having freedom, and independence

 Having something to look forward to

 Doing something I'm good at

What are some of your biggest job search obstacles? 

 Use of my injured body part

 Memory and concentration

 Lack of skills

 Finding a job in a new field or industry

 Age

What are your biggest job search fears?

 Not being able to do the job

 Interviewing

 Not being able to make enough money

 Not being hired

 Learning new skills

I'd love to hear from you! Comment below....

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM

lifeworks@mail.com

Professional, Rehab, & Occupational Services, LLC

http://www.life-works.info

http://www.injuredworkerhelpdesk.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysevinsky

Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile: 410.444.1989 | Skype Mary E. Sherwood

Read another great article: difficult doesn't mean impossible!

Let me know how you are doing or how I can help! 

Comment below or reach out. 

Monday Mission October 22, 2012

WHY SHOULD I WORK WITH A STAFFING AGENCY?

One of the many things that I preach to my clients over and over is to register with as many staffing agencies as possible and stay in touch with them.  This is important for several reasons:

Photo from: http://www.morguefile.com/creative/mantasmagorical

1. Many employers only hire through staffing agencies
2. Staffing agencies should be considered another source of job openings
3. Recruiters at staffing agencies can often provide valuable feedback about your match with specific employers
4. Often, the staffing agencies have insight into what a particular employer is looking for or how to get a "leg up" above the competition
5. Staffing agencies often provide "Temp to Perm" positions, not just temporary positions (although this may also be a good way to impress an employer)
6. A recruiter's recommendation of you may carry more weight with an employer than you or your references alone

In short, a job seeker may be considered for jobs he or she might not otherwise have been or at the very least be able to garner an edge over the competition by working with a Staffing Agency.

Job seekers often still ask, "Why should I work with a Staffing Agency?" Why do many job seekers resist taking advantage of this other source for jobs? It is a mystery to me!  My thoughts are that they just don't understand the benefit and/or have misconceptions about what staffing agencies are or do.

It is my hope that the benefits above and a few tips on how to work with a staffing agency will make it a more appealing option and part of the job search process.

HOW TO WORK WITH A STAFFING AGENCY

There are a few things to be aware of if you do register with staffing agencies:

• Staffing agencies often specialize in specific types of employment 
• You should treat them as you would an employer - don't get too personal or share information you wouldn't with an employer
• Registration processes may vary widely - some will handle everything over the phone or online, others may ask you to come in person and even test or interview
• Almost all recruiters at staffing agencies will tell you that you don't have to worry about following up (don't call us, we'll call you)
• You do need to follow up to:

                Ensure they know you are still looking
                Develop a relationship with the recruiter
                Obtain information from the recruiter
                So they think of you first when an opportunities arises

Utilizing a staffing agency should be just one part of a job search plan.  A job seeker still needs to identify openings through other methods if they are to be successful!

Other articles that may be of interest: 

Job Search for the Rest of Us!: Job search tip of the day: Create a ...

Aug 23, 2012

Thursday: follow up calls with any outstanding employers, work force technology job search. Friday: Networking – Call friends and identify employers who are hiring. Call and follow up with Staffing agencies you registered ...

http://www.jobsearchfortherestofus.com/