Tools for Job Searchers

Not exactly a set of “fun” links, really.

I still work in Oil and Gas, albeit in IT, which means there are a lot of layoffs.  And, there are more coming.  Even though I’m in IT, and they need use like they need electricity, I could go at any minute.  So, in solidarity for those who have already lost their job and those who might still, I’ reposting several links to resources for job seekers.

First, for those who are still employed, but who have lost their boss, here’s some advice from The Muse, via LifeHacker, about what to do when your boss resigns which might prove useful.. The first suggestion is good advice for us all right now; Don’t Panic. And, frankly, I’d add to the list they give you a bit of my own advice. Be helpful to the new boss, or anyone who’s left. They probably just walked into a bad situation that they may or may not be fully prepared for so do them, and yourself, a favor and help out. For that matter, make sure you’re a team player and everyone knows it. Naturally, you should have been doing this all along, but, if you haven’t, now’s the time to start.
Secondly, if you are out there searching already, or think you might be, make sure your resume is in order. Need help? Try this collection of Five Free Resume Building Apps from Techrepublic. If you’re stuck writing your resume, maybe because you haven’t written one in a while or even never have, these can be a good way to get started. If you have a resume already, and are searching, you may want to try customizing them to the particular job you’re applying to at any given moment. If you need help with that, check out Resunate, the Smart Online Resume Builder.
You just load up your current resume, then add in the job you want to apply for and let this website tell you where your resume matches, or doesn’t match, the job description. Then, as if that weren’t enough, they actually let you create a new resume based on the changes, automagically!  Of course, always run it by an actual human being that you trust before sending it to anyone. If you’re using a placement firm of any kind, a good way to test their quality is to send the resume to them for feedback. The good ones will actually give you feedback.
Finally, once you get as far as an interview, Fortune and CNN have a list of Five Questions to Ask Your Next Boss to determine if you’ll be a good fit. People always forget that an interview is for the candidate to evaluate the company, position and boss, as well as the company to evaluate the candidate. This article gives you some great ideas to try and see how you’d fit into a new organization.  Just because the job market is tough doesn’t mean that you should just grab anything, if you can help it.

So, I hope that none of my readers has lost their job recently, or been too greatly effected by layoffs, but, if you have been, I hope these links help. Also, remember, we aren’t our jobs, so go do something fun this weekend that connects you to people outside of work.
Good luck, y’all.