Networking

I met with Linda Sollars a career coach and founder of creatingpurpose.com in my journey in finding a job, I am amazed at all the new stuff I learned. I had no idea there was so much I wasn't doing or was doing on my resume that was pretty outdated. At least three years outdated, which is the last time I was in the paid workforce.

I was pretty nervous walking in, and I felt GREAT when I left. I really feel like I have the tools to find the perfect company and position for me and my family. I am so excited to really get out there and show everything I have to offer.

First thing is Linda let me know to remove my address from my resume. She said in today's day and age so much is on the internet it's better for safety to remove it or only list your city/state.

She also told me about www.andrewhudsonsjobslist.com, let me tell you, this site has some great jobs listed and it has worked better for me than some other job sites that seem to have a lot of junk jobs listed with the great jobs. It has been a wonderful resource, I would check it out if you are looking for a job.

She also brought up using www.linkedin.com for networking. I have a LinkedIn account and have for years but I was not using it to its' full potential at all.

You are able to follow companies and get updates when they list new jobs or post a new article, you can search for great jobs, you are able to join groups in your area or your field which is a great way to network and get yourself noticed. So if you don't have a LinkedIn account I highly suggest getting one and if you do make sure your profile is up to date and you are joining groups.

For interviews she hit the nail on the head by saying most interviewers are going to ask you to tell them something about yourself and Linda suggested having the top things you would want them to know about you, and not your skills- they know your skills, they have your resume but about YOU.

And of course I had my BIG question that I have gotten so many different answers to is, "Do I put down homemaker/daycare provider on my resume?"

Linda says YES!

Any parent who stays home knows it's hard work and you have amazing skills working in the home. She suggested using www.onetonline.org for ideas on how to list your skills on your resume.

My last piece of advice and what I walked away with is NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! The average job gets 250-300 applicants, your resume is much more likely to be viewed if you know someone who can pass your resume along and recommend you to the hiring manager.

Well, I am excited about this journey and I really feel like I have much better tools to find a great position for me. I'll keep you updated on how it goes and the interviews I get.