Living INdependently
Find help for living on your own.
Living on your own can be tough, especially when you feel like you have no support or family to turn to for advice. We’re here to help guide you through the experience of learning to live independently. Find information about opening your first checking account, job interview do’s and dont's, apartment hunting, preparing a quick and cheap meal and much more.
Job Search
Having a job is crucial to becoming self-sufficient. That’s why we’re here to help you acquire the skills needed to not only help you on your job search but maintain long-term employment, which can make all the difference in your future success.
Remember, it can be tough searching for any job, especially the one that is just right for you. Don’t give up – sometimes you will find that perfect job when you least expect it.
Simplifying Your Job Search
Looking for work can be stressful, especially when you are feeling overwhelmed. However, there are ways in which you can be more productive and organized in your job search. When you are unemployed, it is important to maintain a structured lifestyle. Creating a schedule each week using job tracking and job reference sheets will not only help you stay organized but will help you maintain a positive attitude and prove that you are serious about your goals and determined to reach them.
Resume Basics
A resume is a document that summarizes your academic and professional accomplishments. Its purpose is to highlight your qualifications for employment. Every job seeker should have a resume. No matter how basic the job is for which you are applying, potential employers will be impressed with your professionalism. You should learn the difference between good and bad resumes and use a resume worksheet to create your own.
Interviewing: From the Paper to the Chair
Many interviews fail because of lack of preparation and not being able to communicate effectively. While the process may never be easy, you can become more comfortable in the “hot seat.” There are important steps you need to take to be prepared. Have you researched the company? Do you know what to wear? Can you elaborate on what you have written in your resume? Have you thought of how you will respond to typical interview questions? Have you had a mock interview? Will you send a thank you letter/note?
HOT TIP! 88% percent of executives said they consider a thank you note influential when evaluating candidates.
Job Maintenance / Career Growth / Networking
Now that you are employed, how will you maintain your job and focus on professional growth? Sometimes getting the job is a cinch, it’s what you do professionally that matters from that point forward. Are you going above and beyond what is required? Have you been networking with others in your field or those in higher positions who may be able to assist you in your career endeavors?
Take Charge
Building Your Resume
Job Search Strategies |
Job Searching
Job Maintenance + Networking |
Living Independently
Q & A
Q: A lot of us think we cannot have a resume if we don’t have a lot of work experience. What advice do you have for us?
A: Believe it or not, just about everyone can create a resume. Of course, it will take a creative person to help you come up with something worthwhile, but it CAN be done even if you’ve never worked in a paid position. Think about what you have to offer an employer. For example, instead of an objective statement, you might have a section entitled “Professional Skills and Personal Qualities.” This section would highlight your computer skills, and personal characteristics an employer will find appealing.
Did You Know?
- The internet accounts for 33% of hiring results
- Healthcare and Social Assistance–Including public and private hospitals and residential care facilities and individual and family services–will grow by 25.4 percent and add 4 million new jobs nation wide. (US Department of Labor: Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009)
Good resume examples