FINDING WORK IN THIS NEW ECONOMY · May 13, 04:50 PM
Recently here at Dental Link Services, my hands, not to mention my desk, have been overflowing with the abundance of new resumes we’ve been receiving from applicants looking for work, which brings me to today’s topic. “UNENPLOYMENT” – a term many of you are unfortunately entirely too familiar with. So without any further delays and a healthy dose of optimism, let’s get to it…..
I’m sure that many of you who are reading this are asking yourselves,” When will all this economic mayhem end?” Being the eternal optimist, I would like to believe that the answer is soon, but with my crystal ball on the fritz again, I just can’t quite pinpoint exactly when it is that you will be once again be gainfully employed. Incredibly large numbers of people are in the very same situation you are. As of late, it is a common occurrence to interview people with Masters Degrees searching for work and willing to accept a rate of pay which is far less than their credentials should demand. Needless to say, the economy has affected most everyone, and the dental industry is no exception. Let’s take a look on how we can be proactive, and formulate a plan to improve your chances of getting hired.
First, let’s put our egos aside for a bit, and realize you are NOT the only game in town. The employers that are now hiring have their choice of several candidates with quite possibly just as much or even more experience than you do. Besides a positive attitude, you’ll need to bring a new, motivated and fresh style with you to these interviews. Your qualifications make up only a part of what it is that will get you hired. Be prepared to be somewhat flexible with your expected salary until things turn around. Adjusting your salary, or hourly wages slightly, is much better than no pay check at all. The current trend has made it possible for the employer to be very choosey when hiring new employees. With more applicants to choose from, they can be downright picky! Why you ask… Because they can be!
Your calling card, is as I have mentioned several times in the past, is of course your resume. Presenting an interviewer or potential employer with a poorly prepared resume can cancel your chances of getting hired almost immediately. Would you be impressed by a resume that was riddled with misspelled words, improperly set up, or listing too many jobs which make you appear flighty and undependable? The best advice I can offer you is to Clean up your resume. If you do not know how, there are plenty of articles, templates, and guidelines available free on the internet. By all means, take advantage of these free tools!
As always, the rule of thumb is to arrive at your interview, on time, prepared, and looking professional without going over the top. The majority of today’s work places are business casual. Do some research, ask questions, and find out before going. Be positive, express your interest in their business, but do not seem desperate. Do your best to get a working interview scheduled before you leave. You will increase your chances of getting that job when you are allowed to show your skills in a working environment. Be enthusiastic about the position. Employers want to know you really have the desire to work there.
An easy method to remember these important points is with a simple acronym: RISE
R – Resume
I – Interview
S – Skills
E – Enthusiasm
It’s a very simple plan which will produce great results.
Job availability is tight, so now more than ever, you must be on the top of your game. Avoid listening to negative economic feedback. It will not change anything except your attitude. I am not recommending that you ignore current events or what is going on with our country, just do your best to absorb the information without allowing it to affect your goals in employment, or the positive attitude needed to achieve those goals. Positive thinking brings positive results. If nothing else, you will feel better.
There is work out there! So, get your tools in order, and your attitude in the right place, and I can assure that you will find a markedly different response the next time you go on a job interview.
Till next time!
— Judy
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