How I found a job in a bad economy – Part III

After developing resumes, cover letters, business cards, and thank you notes, and after setting up my office, networking, and filling our applications, etc. I knew I needed to do more. I needed to get my foot in the door.

I went temping. Working for a temporary employment agency gave me flexibility in work hours, brought some money in, but most importantly got my foot in the door. I signed up with several agencies – the process is pretty easy. I filled out an app (attached my resume), took a few tests, and then I was on their lists. I dressed “business”  when first meeting them (which is a step above what others were wearing – you want to stand out and look professional). I also followed up two days letter with a phone call to see if anything was available yet; I also followed up that same week with a personal visit.

That first assignment is the most critical – they usually give you something safe and short. They want to see how you do before using you on better jobs. What I found out with talking with them – showing up on time, staying the whole day, and not goofing off make you a star! After I successfully passed their first job test, I was on their radar for better jobs – mostly in office settings with bigger companies.

The jobs lasted anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This was enough time to show the company I was a hard worker, and enough time for me to check out their personnel department. I soon found that there were a lot of jobs being posted within companies that never made it out to the public – now I had a leg up.

After several different temp opportunities, I was able to turn one of them into a full time job – all because I was there, they saw me in action, and I saw an opening.

I stayed with that company for about a year – it was a springboard to another opportunity (it is easier to get a job when you ahve a job!).

For those of you currently looking for work, maybe these three posts have given you some hints, but more importantly some hope. Let me know the things you are doing or have done to get that job.