Five on Friday: Tips for Job Hunting

And we're back! I've been in a rough patch lately....lack of creativity, time, motivation, all those excuses ya know?

Here are my five tips when you're job hunting.

1. Don't give up!

It's so easy to get down on yourself when you don't hear back from that job that you really wanted. Or the one that you thought you were the perfect candidate for. What I've learned in life is that it always works out how it's supposed to and that job that passed on you, really wasn't the best fit anyways.

2. Be thorough

I'm not sure why but it seems as application processes for organizations are getting longer and longer! Although not ideal, spend the time on an application. This is your FIRST impression. Make it a good one. If the job ad looks for a cover letter, write up a cover letter. If it asks for references, send them. Don't pass up on a potential new career just because the application process is annoying.

3. Look for alternatives

When you can't find your perfect job, look for alternatives. Not all job titles do a good job reflecting the job itself. Dig a little deeper into the job description and discover if your skills would be transferable. Also look into alternative work set-ups. Telecommuting and home based jobs are out there and certain companies are known for offering those arrangements like Dell and ADP.

4. Create a new e-mail

I can't tell you the amount of times I have viewed resumes with e-mails like sexychick@hotmail.com or ilove420@yahoo.com. Make sure you are using a professional e-mail so that your experience stands out and not your immaturity.

5. Be patient

Sometimes candidates send a resume and then call two days later to follow up. Be patient with organizations. Allow them at least five business days to view your resume.

There is much, much more that goes into job hunting but I hope these tips help you on your way!

The New Adult

I've reached a really strange point in my life....the point where I feel like I am a true adult. When I say adult, I don't mean that I am 26 and in the sense of life that means your an adult. I mean that I am reaching a point where sometimes I feel more responsible than my parents. Or the point where I'm watching the performance of my 401K and getting excited by gains.

I think what brought this on is my dad is flying up from Florida this week and he's STAYING with Tim and I. My parents recently divorced and normally he would stay in the home I grew up in but they are in the process of selling it so it's literally EMPTY. So I offered our house and it's making me feel really strange.

For 26 years, I've relied on my parents. To always have a place for me to stay. To always be there if my bank account is at $3 and need money (at 26, this still happens sometimes). But now, my dad is relying on me for something.

Maybe this is the shift in life that happens with every adult where the people you once relied on, now rely on you more and more.

Circle of life I guess.