How to Prepare Yourself for the Workforce

There’s no better time than the present to enter the workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the country’s unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in more than a decade. To take advantage of this, you should begin searching for a new job in your desired industry. Before submitting an application or conducting an interview, though, consider the following tips to better prepare yourself for the workforce.

 

Touch Up Your Resume

A resume is a vital tool in your search for the perfect job. As explained by Forbes, employers and recruiters review candidates’ resumes to determine their attention to detail. If your resume is missing information about your work history or contains errors, you may struggle to get a job. Therefore, you should touch up your resume by adding as much information about yourself as possible. A good rule of thumb is to place the most important information — the stuff that appeals to employers and recruiters — at the top of your resume where it’s most visible.

 

Develop Your Skills

Don’t let your skills suffer from periods of unemployment. Even when you are searching for a job, you should continue to develop and improve your skills. If you’re searching for a job as a software developer, try coding your own app. If you want to become a culinary chef, upgrade your kitchen and use it to cook and prepare your own meals.

 

Regardless of your desired job, you’ll probably benefit from improving your communication skills. According to The University Network (TUN), nearly half of job recruiters say that millennials lack the necessary communication skills for the modern workforce. A simple way to improve your communication skills is to take a public speaking class. Here, you’ll learn how to speak in front of a public audience, which is a valuable skill sought by countless businesses. Combined with the right attitude, this skill goes a long way in helping you secure a job.

 

Consider Placement Services From Previous Company

If you were recently laid off from your job, contact your employer to see if they offer job placement services. Many companies will work the employees whom they lay off to help them find new jobs. Known as outplacement, it smooths over the transition of finding new employment for laid-off employees. When considering to offer this service, businesses must analyze outplacement cost. Finding new employment for laid-off employees costs time, money and resources, so businesses must determine if it’s worth the investment. If you were laid off from a company that offers outplacement services, though, this is a great way to find employment in the workforce.

 

Search for Jobs Online

Statistics show that more than 18.5 million U.S. workers have found employment using the internet. Thanks to job recruiting websites and apps, you can easily search for available jobs in your desired area and industry. Furthermore, it allows you to see the exact qualifications required by jobs. If you don’t have the qualifications, you can move on to another listing.

 

Update Your Wardrobe

You can’t expect an employer to hire you if you show up for the interview wearing a wrinkled short and denim jeans. So, invest in a formal outfit, such as a two- or three-piece suit. Whether you’re picking up an application, meeting with management or conducting an interview, you should wear a formal outfit. If an employer is forced to choose between you or a different candidate wearing casual attire, he or she will probably hire you.

 

Don’t lose your dream job to another candidate. Follow these tips to prepare yourself for the workforce and increase your chances of finding the perfect job.

 

Craig Middleton

Craig has worked in health, real estate, and HR businesses for most of his professional career. He graduated at UC Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in Marketing.

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