Employment Opportunities and Information
The Chamber is often looked to as a resource to local employers and those seeking employment in our area. If you are a business in Sumner County seeking quality employees, the listings below will provide you with links to the Volunteer State Community College and Nashville Business Journal job posting sites in which you will be able to list your job opportunity. If you are a resident of Sumner County seeking employment in the area the above sites will be helpful but you may also need additional tips, support and resume assistance. Below you will find the top ten tips for effective job searching, a link to the Career Transition Group which meets at First Baptist Church Hendersonville and a link to Workforce Essentials, a local non-profit who focuses on such programs as drug & alcohol testing, employee assessment & training, and business consulting.
Ten Tips for Effective Job Searching
By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide
First Impressions
Looking, speaking and acting professionally help to make a terrific first impression. Tory Johnson, Women for Hire
Follow-Up
Don't be afraid to follow-up. I hired a Customer Manager over a year after he first sent me his resume. I didn't even need to advertise when the position became available. In addition to sending me his resume, John had called me every month or so to touch base, and even stopped in my office (through the back door not through the receptionist!) just to say hello. Needless to say I remembered him when a position opened up. And he was extremely qualified for the position, which is why I remembered him.
Interviewing
Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the office ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there.
Job Fairs
Periodically attend these events even when you are not necessarily looking for a job to see what opportunities are out there, and to gain a perspective on where you fit in the job marketplace. Tracey Miner, The Mulitcultural Advantage
Keep Track
I have found that one of the most useful things I started doing was to keep track of everything I am doing. I use a simple spreadsheet, like Excel. And I do mean everything. I have one file where I enter all the information from any job sites that I join. Information such as the username and password I created, what type of job site is it - freelance or regular or specialty. Tracey Pederson, Jill of Trades
Meaningful Work
Explore your passion, identify a new direction, and take action to create a career that leaves you energized and excited. Curt Rosengren,Passion Catalyst
Say Thank You
Try to send your thank-you note within 24-48 hours of your interview or meeting. The note may be handwritten on a small, professional, thank-you note card (if you have extremely neat handwriting and only a brief message to convey), word-processed, or emailed.
Stay On Top of the News
Be aware of the lastest business news in your community or the city where you want to work. Read local business journals to find out who's on top in your industry. Review the Business section of your local newspaper, as well. These resources will give you a sense of which employers are "hot" as well as often contact information to send your resume.
Your Resume
Write it until it's right. Think, write, think some more, rewrite, proofread, get feedback and rewrite. Joyce Lain Kennedy, Career Author
Don't Give Up
Last, but not least, don't give up. Job searching is never easy and it's even harder when the job market is difficult. Keep plugging away at your job search and eventually, though it may take more time that you expected, the right position will come along.
Links