Taking on the job search can be tough, but with the right strategy, optimism–and guidance–you can achieve the career advancement you seek. As part of our Get Hired! job series, here is a compilation of questions from job seekers in various industries answered by BLACK ENTERPRISE editors, from how to transition into a different career to finding work after a major unemployment gap. — BlackEnterprise.com
Trouble Finding Work in Human Resources
- I’m so discouraged trying to find a position in my field of human resources management. I am a 30-year-old woman with eight years of HR experience along with a master’s in human resources. I have applied for hundreds of jobs but interviewed with only a few. Companies tell me that I am ‘not qualified’ for the job. Any suggestions?–T. Carroll, Mobile, AL
- The first question you have to ask is how relevant are those eight years to what HR positions require today. If multiple companies have told you that you’re not qualified for a position, then you may need to reassess your skill set. This requires asking yourself some hard questions such as, “What are my qualifications?†“How have I rated in past job performances?†and “Do I need more academic or job training to qualify for this position?†Talk to industry peers about what they look for in potential candidates, and become involved in the National Association of African Americans in HR. Take an online skills assessment test and follow the advice listed in our comprehensive “Job Seeker’s Readiness Guide†(this issue) offering information about your résumé, network, skill set, profile, and flexibility.
Landing a Gig After Months of Joblessness
- I’m a 24-year-old public relations professional who has been laid off for seven months. I’ve been seeking employment and right now I’m freelancing as a writer and independent PR consultant. Things are really hard because I want to keep looking for a job but I keep getting looked over. What can I do to stand out to employers?–A. Allen, Greensboro, NC
- For every job available, there are countless qualified applicants to fill positions. Now more than ever, it’s critical to stand out to potential employers.
- Firstly, your cover letter and résumé must specifically talk about why you’re interested in the job. On your résumé, avoid abstract words. Instead, write action words that describe concrete details of your professional experiences. As a PR professional you want to highlight client placements and the extent of your media contacts.
- Secondly, you must be prepared for your interview. Research the company background and position you’re applying for and make sure to ask questions. Also, always dress in a professional manner (business formal or casual depending upon the company) because perception matters.
- Thirdly, post-interview follow up is critical to show you’re serious about this job. Send individual thank you e-mails or cards to all people who interviewed you. Read How To Say It On Your Resume: A Top Recruiting Director’s Guide to Writing the Perfect Resume for Every Job by Brad Karsh and Courtney Pike (Penguin Group; $15.95).
Finding Free Professional Training
- I’ve been unemployed for quite some time, I’m aggressively seeking full-time employment in a field where my extensive education and professional background can be maximized. What can you suggest as a starting point to locate free professional training and coursework to add that additional punch to my qualifications.?–B. Sherman, Via E-mail
- First, check out CareerOneStop in your area. This is a state-run unemployment office funded by the U.S. Department of Labor where counselors can help you find educational and financial programs that fit your needs. You can also find out information about local training programs by visiting America’s Service Locator and America’s Career InfoNet, two CareerOneStop—affiliated Websites that provide a range of local work-related services, educational opportunities, user-friendly occupation and industry information, salary data, self-assessment tools, and talent development resources.
- For workers 45 and older, The MetLife Foundation/Civic Ventures Community College Encore Career Initiative provides grants to community colleges that develop training programs for job seekers looking to switch or advance their careers. Also, AARP provides online articles and resources specifically for older workers.
Making a Career Change in Green Industries
I’m looking to make a career change within the next two years. I’m very interested in this up-and-coming green industry. My education consists of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a M.A. in business administration. My ultimate goal is to become a project manager within the green sector. What steps could I take to get my foot in the door?–B. Evans, Via E-mail
- What a timely question! Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson defines green jobs as any employment that protects our environment, reduces pollution, or puts our country on a path of sustainability. This broad definition allows companies to create millions of jobs in areas such as weatherization, air pollution control, water plant upgrades, diesel pollution retrofitting, and superfund cleanups, to name just a few.
- Your educational experience makes you a perfect candidate to work as a project manager. If you’re looking for more training, the EPA offers programs such as the Brownfields Job Training Program that prepares people across the country for jobs in the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields properties, including abandoned gas stations, old textile mills, and abandoned industrial and commercial properties. As of November 2009, more than 5,200 individuals have been trained and 3,300 have been placed in full-time employment in the green jobs environmental field. Check out www.epa.gov for more information on programs.
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