Seeking the competitive edge in your job search

The job market today is more competitive than ever for the job seeker. There are things you should be doing to help yourself become more competitive if you are looking for a job. You can bypass other job seekers who have more education or work experience when you know how to do an effective job search. The major difference between successful and unsuccessful job-hunters is not skill, education, age, or ability, but the way they go about their job hunt.

What are you looking for?

Taking the first job that comes available may start bringing in a check, but you are likely to be miserable if the job does not line up with who you are. You need to identify your skills and abilities as well as your values, dreams, and passions. Match these up with your personality tendencies and your strengths to find out what work fits you best.

Look at the process in how you are conducting your job search.

Sending 40 - 50 resumes to targeted companies will be far more productive than sending resumes blindly to every job that pops up on a job board. Statistics show that only 1% of job seekers are successful using the latter method.

You should update your resume and identify a list of companies to research.

Places to look for local companies include:

NC Research Campus - has links to jobs and the companies at the campus
NC Employment Security Commission - Employer websites with the state
Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation
Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce
Cabarrus Christian Chamber of Commerce
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte Christian Chamber of Commerce
Rowan Chamber of Commerce
Rowan Cabarrus Community College - site to help those in transition
Gaston County Chamber of Commerce

There are many other listings, but this is a start. Use it to identify companies that are a good match for you.

"You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes rise to the stars. Enthusiasm is the spark in your eye, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of your will and your energy to execute your ideas. Enthusiasts are fighters, they have fortitude, they have staying qualities. Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress! With it, there is accomplishment. Without it, there are only alibis."

- Henry Ford