The MicroTrain Blog

Hump Day Hunting Help: April 6, 2011

by Kassandra McGhee on April 6th, 2011

Tip of the Week: Positioning Yourself in the 2011 Job Market

Jobs are available including the one that’s a good fit for you!  So, how do you find it? 

During the 2nd quarter of 2011, start by assessing where you are with your job search.  Then consider some tips on how to help position yourself to be hired in today’s market.  

What About Me?

by Kassandra McGhee on April 4th, 2011

Focusing on a full-time job search can be tough.  It literally is a job and at times may feel overwhelming. 

Your resume has you thinking about how your skills match the needs of the employer.  The job interview has you thinking about how you can tell an employer about your value and specifically how you can provide answers that will help the company.  Now, as a job seeker, you should spend plenty of time focusing on these objectives.  BUT STOP!  Have you stopped to think, “What about me?” 

Taking care of you first is essential, even for your next employer.  After the job offer, if you aren’t taking care of “numero uno”, how will you be able to provide maximum value to the company? 

So, let’s look at a few things to help you keep you the priority:

  • Career Goal or Filler Job

Handle your financial stress.  Honestly assess your current financial needs.  If you really need income now, why not consider a filler job?  Filler jobs typically are not your career goal but may be in the industry of choice.  But even if it’s not, it can be a very good way to not just gain income, but expand your network and perhaps find the job you’re really looking for.  So if you are having difficulty finding the ideal job, don’t stop looking but perhaps a filler job detour may be something to consider.

  • Time Management

Use your time wisely.  How are you using the time you would typically spend at a job?  If you are not seeing a positive ROI on your 40 – 50 hour work week, then it’s time to SHIFT.  Make a realistic job search schedule that considers all of the things that are involved in your life.  And then, stick to it.  Organization and effective time management are skills that will benefit you directly as well as your employer.    

  • Quality “Me” Time

Schedule "me" time.  All work and no play…not a good idea!  Everyone should have some quality time (QT) to unwind and do something that makes them happy. Even on a decreased budget, fun can be built into your weekly schedule.  Here’s a few no cost/low cost things that can help make your week enjoyable:  watch a favorite TV program, go for a walk, prepare your favorite meal, read a good book, play a board game/cards, visit with family/friends, rent a free movie from you library, etc. 

Keeping you the focus, keeps your priorities straight.  And a little QT can go a long way to help you stay at your best. 

Raves & Praise

Jean S.

PMP Certification Training, Lombard, 2008

I was laid off for many months and not really getting many callbacks for my resume and no job offers. After I put the letters PMP on it, not only did I see an increase in quantity, but also quality of interviews. I had been spinning my wheels for 5 months, and after the PMP went on, I had 2 job offers in 6 weeks. It really was the "golden ticket"

Kaycee Ekufu

MCSA

The instructor [Al Khalfan] was very knowledgeable in the field. He presented the materials and concepts with a professional touch. He also frequently adds humor to his teachings, which made it easier for me to understand. The support staff was all nice, gentle, caring, and very helpful. The materials, rooms and amenities were excellent and exceeded expected standards.

D. Easter

PMP Certification Training, November 2008

Thanks Microtrain for conducting a great PMP course that set me on a successful path to obtain my PMP certification. I have passed the test!

Christopher Fowler

MCSA

Very thorough, good mix of lecture and lab work. Al is great! Keeps classes interesting and supplements required test material with need-to-know items from real world experience.

Scott Wilson - Team Bradley

Employer Partner Feedback

Dawn has been a pleasure to work with. She is diligent in her efforts to give MicroTrain’s students the best opportunities to connect and network with various companies and players in the job market. The curriculums and certification programs are in line with today’s current IT needs. It’s good to see that they evolve with what employers are most seeking out there. I would recommend to any employer that hires skilled IT workers that they look into MicroTrain’s career services department as a potential source of candidates. The business of hiring can be quite costly, and Dawn and her staff provide a free service to outside companies. This value-add for MicroTrain’s students aligns with their mission in both training and job assistance to set up a win/win scenario for all involved.

Connect with MicroTrain

Begin building a successful long-term career pathway.

(630) 981-0200

Back to Top