The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot about the way we perceive work. Many workers are switching to fully remote or transitioning back to working in the office.
There’s a lot to consider about working in a post-pandemic world–especially when you’re a father and have a family to provide for.
For example, did you know many of the most popular companies can provide special auto insurance for postal employees?
Considering all the changes going on in the workforce, it can be challenging to re-enter it again, especially if you had to take off for a while, whether it be pandemic-related or fatherhood-related.
Here are some strategies and tactics to effectively find a better job to support you and your family.
Aim for Positions You’re Most Qualified For
This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s important to apply for the positions with companies that suit you best. The job will not only determine your salary but will also affect other aspects of your life, such as insurance.
It’s easy to feel like the best way to get a job is to simply apply to everything you can find.
But when you go with this strategy, you’ll likely end up with a job. It just might turn out to be a position that you lack passion for, or even worse, a job you hate.
Even aside from these downsides, you are also more likely to get rejected when you apply to various positions without tailoring your applications to each position.
Ensure Your Resume Is Modernized
If you are an older individual or have been working since you were young, it’s likely you will have a lot of job experience spanning many years.
You should try to avoid listing any older positions. Stick to the jobs you’ve had that are most recent. A good rule of thumb is to use your last three to five positions.
In modern times, computers will often review your resume before it reaches anyone working with the company you applied for.
Therefore, you should use keywords that are relevant to both your current skills and the position’s job description.
Other places that you can find beneficial keywords to put in your resume and cover letter:
- “About Us” section on company websites
- The posting of the job you are applying for
- Other relevant job postings for similar positions
- Job postings for positions that are higher than the one you are applying for
Properly using keywords will help set you apart from other applicants as the hiring managers are reviewing the applications they received.
Research the Companies You Apply For
There are many benefits you can get when you do your research on the companies and positions you apply for.
The biggest thing you get is a competitive edge with your application, resume, cover letter, and interview if you get that far.
If you take note of things like their company culture or recent developments within the company and mention them in your interview, that could really impress your interviewer. Create an impression that you could be the ideal candidate for the job.
Don’t Be Afraid to Search Outside the Internet
Despite the fact online job-searching is an extremely common method nowadays, the other “old-fashioned” methods are still a good route to take.
Networking has always been a huge part of getting that perfect job for multiple reasons.
Not only can you find out about job openings from your network, but they can also vouch for you when it comes to your skills and work ethic.
It can also be useful to network with people who have recently switched jobs or begun working a new job so you can get advice if you are in a similar position.
Attending Job Fairs: Tips & Tricks
Job fairs are typically associated with high school or college graduates, but there are job fairs that suit any age in any situation.
Job fairs can be great for someone who is new to a particular industry and wants to meet professionals or companies that are hiring.
Job fairs can also help someone in the opposite situation: when they aren’t sure what kind of career they are looking for.
Here are some tips for having a successful trip to any job fair:
- Research what companies will be attending before you get there. Once you attend the event, you’ll be able to focus on what companies interest you the most rather than scrambling to learn about each company while you are there.
- Spend enough time with each company. You want to have proper conversations with the recruiters but don’t linger for too long.
- Give out your resume as early as you can. If you wait too long to give these items to recruiters, they may end up getting distracted by another person interested in their booth.
- Ensure your attire is both professional and comfortable. Your shoes should be comfortable enough to walk in for hours, as well as your clothing being lightweight enough to keep you from getting too hot.
- Ask for their business cards. Not only will this make it easier for you to follow up after the event, but it will leave a memorable impression on the recruiters as they will know you are truly interested in their company or position.
After attending the job fair, you should follow up with all the companies you met with, even if you weren’t interested.
All you have to do is send a thank you note and a short, personalized email.
As for the companies you are interested in, you should follow the instructions that the recruiters gave you for applying to their company.
The sooner you do this, the better as the recruiters are more likely to remember you when you do it shortly after the event.
Keep Your Online Presence Professional
It’s well-known by now that many companies will look at the social media of those who are applying for their jobs.
With that in mind, it’s important to have a professional, yet current online presence.
If you still want to have your profiles, you can set those to private and create another profile focused on looking professional for potential bosses or managers.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. His passions include insurance and helping parents find suitable employment in the 21st century.
