Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Be patient and persistent.  

Apply for Jobs Until Ink’s Dry on The Contract. 

Job searching can be frustrating and demoralizing, but staying patient and persistent is important. Finding the right job takes time, and it’s unlikely that you’ll land your dream job on the first try. 

Start by building a list of companies and positions that align with your skills, interests, and values. Design your cover letter and resume for each job. Also, highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments. 

When applying for jobs, be ready for rejection. You’ll likely apply for dozens of positions before landing an interview, let alone an offer. Don’t take rejection personally. Use each rejection as a learning opportunity. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your network for advice and support. You may want to work with a career coach or recruiter. And with persistence and patience, you’ll find the right job that aligns with your skills, interests, and values. 

Ask Good Questions About the Company and Position  

Ask Fact-Finding Questions in the Job Interview 

Asking good fact-finding Questions is a great way to show interest and engagement in the company and the position. It also lets you learn more about the company, culture, and plans. You also want to know about job responsibilities and potential growth and advancement. Good

Do some research on the company and the industry before the interview. It will give you a better understanding of the company’s mission, values, and goals. During the interview, ask questions that show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company and the position. 

You might want to ask about the company’s plans for growth and expansion or what qualities they are looking for in a successful candidate. You could also ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the job or what opportunities there are for professional development. 

The interview should be a two-way conversation. Asking thoughtful questions will show your interest and engagement and help determine if the company and the position fit you. 

Be Both Personable and Qualified 

It’s essential during interviews to strike a balance between being friendly and personable in showing your skills and qualifications. On the one hand, you want to make a good impression and build rapport with your interviewer. You must also show that you are capable and qualified for the job. 

To do this, you must start by researching the company and the position you’re applying for. It will give you a better understanding of the company culture and the skills needed for the job. During the interview, be friendly and be prepared to provide specific examples of how your skills and qualifications make you a good fit for the position. 

Remember, the interviewer seeks someone who can do the job and fit the company culture. So display your personality and communication skills while highlighting your relevant experience and professional accomplishments. 

Research the company – could you show your knowledge of its values? 

Researching a company before applying for a job or conducting business with them is crucial to understanding their values and culture. In researching the company, you will find its mission statement, memorize it along with company values, and anything else you see of interest. 

Use their website and any articles you can find about them to better know their plans, what they advocate in their policies, and how others see them.  Also, know what their customers think of their products. 

Know what negative thoughts people have of them. You will not use this in the interview; however, knowledge is power. 

By doing your research, you are ahead of all the other candidates who failed to do so. Being able to talk to the interviewers in their words will set you apart as someone who knows the company and wants to work there. 

You can be personable – show your personality and genuinely connect with potential employers. 

Regarding job searching, it’s easy to fall into the trap of presenting yourself as a bland, professional robot. After all, you want to be taken seriously and seen as competent, right? However, there’s a fine line between professionalism and appearing cold and impersonal. Your personality and personable qualities make you stand out in a sea of job applicants. 

The key is to strike a balance. You want to showcase your skills and qualifications and let your personality shine. It could be as simple as including humor in your cover letter or sharing a personal anecdote in an interview. It’s important to remember that employers are looking for someone who is not only capable but also someone they would enjoy working with daily. 

Being personable can also help you establish a genuine connection with potential employers. By showing interest in their company culture and values and being authentic about your own, you can create a rapport beyond just a professional relationship. You can use an asset like this in the hiring process, as employers are more likely to hire someone they connect with. 

Feel free to let your personality shine through in your job search. It can be the thing that sets you apart and lands you your dream job. 

Volunteer in your desired industry to gain experience and make connections. 

Volunteering is a great way to gain hands-on experience in your desired industry and make meaningful connections. It is an excellent opportunity to gain new skills, and valuable experiences, giving back to the community. By volunteering, you can work alongside experienced professionals and learn from them while contributing your skills and talents. 

Volunteering can be beneficial for those looking to transition into a new career. It allows you to gain practical experience in your desired field, which can be challenging without prior experience. Additionally, volunteering can help you build a network of contacts and references that can be invaluable when seeking paid employment. 

Volunteering is about more than just gaining experience and making connections, however. It is also about giving back to the community and making a positive impact. By volunteering, you can help develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference in the lives of others 

Volunteering in your desired industry is an excellent way to gain experience, make connections, and give back to the community. It is a win-win situation that benefits you and those you are helping. So why not consider volunteering today? It would be best if you always found out where it might lead you. 

Demonstrate A Willingness to Adapt to Changes and Take on New Challenges. 

Flexibility is essential in today’s fast-paced world, where changes occur often. It means being open-minded and adaptable, ready to take on new challenges as they arise. Employers highly value flexibility, as it shows a willingness to learn new things and adapt to new situations. 

When you’re flexible, you find yourself better equipped to handle change. You’re more adaptable and can switch gears quickly when things are unplanned. This ability helps you and the people around you, as you can help others navigate change and uncertainty.  

Flexibility is also beneficial in personal life. It allows you to be more open to different experiences and perspectives, which can enrich your personal growth and relationships. When you’re open to new challenges, you’re more likely to develop new skills and discover new passions you may not have otherwise encountered. 

By proving a willingness to learn and adapt, you show yourself as better equipped to handle whatever comes your way, and others will appreciate your flexibility and openness. 

Demonstrate A Willingness to Adapt To Changes and Take on New Challenges.

Flexibility is essential in today’s fast-paced world, where changes occur often. It means being open-minded and adaptable, ready to take on new challenges as they arise. Employers highly value flexibility, as it shows a willingness to learn new things and adapt to new situations.

When you’re flexible, you find yourself better equipped to handle change. You’re more adaptable and can switch gears quickly when things are unplanned. This ability helps you and the people around you, as you can help others navigate change and uncertainty.

Flexibility is also beneficial in personal life. It allows you to be more open to different experiences and perspectives, which can enrich your personal growth and relationships. When you’re open to new challenges, you’re more likely to develop new skills and discover new passions you may not have otherwise encountered.

Being flexible is an essential attribute in today’s world. It allows you to adapt to change, take on worthy challenges, and grow professionally and personally. By proving a willingness to learn and adapt, you show yourself as better equipped to handle whatever comes your way, and others will appreciate your flexibility and openness.

Be a team player 

Being a team player is an essential aspect of any workplace. In today’s world, almost every job requires some form of collaboration, whether it be working in a team or with clients. Therefore, show your employers that you work well with others and contribute to a positive work environment. 

To be a team player, you need to have good communication skills. Good communication is the key to working well with others. You need to be able to express your ideas clearly and listen to others. Being open to feedback is essential; constructive criticism will help you improve and grow.  

Another crucial aspect of being a team player is reliability. You must know that you must be accountable for your work and deliver on your promises. Additionally, it would be best if you were willing to help others when they need it. This shows that you are a team player and invested in the team’s success. 

A positive attitude can go a long way in creating a positive work environment. It would be best if you are willing to work with others and support your team members. You are creating a positive work culture, increasing job satisfaction for everyone involved. 

Team players are vital to any workplace. By having good communication skills, being reliable, and having a positive attitude, you can contribute to a positive work environment and be an asset to your team. 

Have Confidence in Your Abilities and What You Can Bring. 

Confidence is an important trait that can help you excel personally and professionally. It’s the belief in yourself and your abilities to achieve your goals and succeed. Confidence is not something you’re born with but something you can develop and nurture over time. If you want to exude confidence in your abilities and what you can bring to the table, here are some tips that can help you: 

  1. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Know that you can achieve your goals and have the skills to do so.  
  1. Identify and use your unique talents and abilities to your advantage.  
  1. Practice self-care and maintain a positive mindset. Take care of yourself. It includes your physical body, your emotional being, and your mental Strength. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people.  
  1. Be authentic to yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, and don’t compare yourself to others. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in everything you do. 

Confidence is a powerful trait that can help you achieve your goals and succeed. By believing in yourself, focusing on your strengths, and being authentic, you can exude confidence in your abilities and what you can bring.