What do you want to be when you grow up? This is the question I ask people when I work with them on their job search. Some people laugh, but it is important for you to focus your job search.
I ask people to write three columns on a piece of paper and make lists. The columns are labeled: Passionate about, skills and abilities, and don’t like.
For the “passionate about” column, list the things you love to do. What makes you want to get up in the morning and want to go to work? For me it is connecting people, advocating, public speaking and helping people find jobs.
The next column is where you list your skills. What do you know how to do? List all of your skills, knowledge and abilities that are work-related. It can come from volunteering or be self taught. I never took a class on Microsoft Excel, but I needed it for a job so I bought a book and taught myself.
For the “don’t like” column, list things that you have done in your jobs, but never want to do again. These items should not go on your resume if you can leave them off. For me it is payroll. I am not detail-oriented and make too many mistakes, which gets people upset. So it is far from my ideal job.
After you do these steps, it should help you to build a skills-based resume and focus on which jobs to apply for.
Questions? Write me.
sandi@christianhelp.org
407-834-4022
Fax: 407-260-2949
Mail: Ask Sandi C/O Christian HELP
450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707
Our goal is to answer many of the questions you may have about your employment search, resumes, networking, promotion opportunities, and other employment related questions you may have.
Note to employers: If you e-mail your job leads to cfec@cfec.org, we will share your job openings with Christian HELP clients.
Until next time-
Sandi
Sandi Vidal is the Executive Director for Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. She has over 15 years of Recruiting and Human Resources Experience. Visit the website at www.cfec.org.