The most common question I receive is “Why can’t I find a job?”

The Rhode Island job market has grown by a small number of new jobs in the last couple of years. There have been declines in many of the employment sectors which means job seekers have to look beyond the state in their job search. An effective job search requires three ingredients: attitude, skills and knowledge. The attitude you have about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, long term goals and how you feel about work are important as you prepare to conduct a job search. Finding a job is a job. Your communication skills - how you present yourself in your resume, how you read the requirements of the job and how you accept advice and criticism will help you to narrow down the type of positions where you meet the requirements. And, your knowledge which is evidenced by your education, job history and other accomplishments give the potential employer a strong indication of your passion to succeed. To identify job opportunities, you need to use newspapers, directories, state and private employment agencies, network of friends and associates, the internet, web pages of companies, professional associations and the career placement offices of colleges and schools. Be cautious about any opportunity where you have to pay to get the job whether it be an employment agency or for jobs at home that charge an upfront fee. Once you get the interview, you need to differentiate yourself from the other candidates so that you may get an offer.

What is the difference between a job and a career?

There may be no difference. A career often requires some form of education and/or licensing which may be the same case in getting a job. Since most people will spend forty or more years working outside the home and switch jobs (or careers) at least five times before they retire, it is important to understand what you want from a job. Compensation, satisfaction and accomplishments are three important considerations. Planning for a job and/or a career requires research which includes talking with individuals, researching job descriptions and reading everything you can about the position and industry in which you seek employment. Career planning involves balancing your personal life and expectations with your work life. It is a serious investment in time and dollars particularly when you have to add the costs of education and continuing education.

How important is personal appearance in getting a job?

Appearance is your first impression on others and shows people whether you want to be taken seriously or not. In the workplace, your colleagues, your employer and those you come in contact with are important to your success on the job and to the company at which you work. Although some companies make allowances for appearance particularly for those employees who do not come in contact with customers, many companies have a dress code (or an expectation of how they would like people to look.). Tatoos and body piercing are “cool” when you are young but are frowned upon when you want to advance in an organization. A business is judged by its employees. You do not want your appearance to be detrimental to finding and keeping a job.

Should I pay for help in finding a job?

Payments that are acceptable are for help in preparing a resume, advertising in professional and trade publications in the “seeking a position” job section and coaching to bring out your strengths in the interview. If you use an employment agency, the employer pays the agency based on a formula which is often a percentage of the salary for the position. Any other payments would be questionable. Never provide your social security number to anyone who wants to charge you for getting a job such as those advertisements about working at home.

After accepting a job and showing up for work, everything I was told about the job is not true. What are my options?

If you left your previous job in a favorable way, they may take you back. Also, if you turned down another position which is still open, they may be willing to hire you. It is never too late to admit you made a mistake. You should also talk to the person who hired you about your concerns with the caveat you are willing to do your job at least until you find another job. You and your employer have to come to an understanding about the job so that you do not lose the job.