Tips for MN Job Seekers

At Auto Technical, Inc., we help individuals and families get back on their feet through reliable transportation. Many who receive refurbished, donated vehicles by our organization have already found employment in the Minnesota workforce. At some point in their lives however, they may decide to grow in their respective careers or specialties and seek additional or new employment. Perhaps you’re a first-time job seeker or someone seeking employment after a layoff or other type of termination.

ATI is committed to serving the community in as many ways as possible, which is why we’ve created this list of tips for MN job seekers. Please note that we offer advice we don’t expect for you to see and read everyday. We know you can get that elsewhere.

  1. Start with the Minnesota Workforce Centers. We pride ourselves in the work we do with this state agency and one of our longtime community partners. When you visit their main website, notice a number of resources for a wide population, including those who are recently unemployed, veterans, disabled, and blind or visually impaired. This is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking a job in MN because the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, which oversees the Workforce Centers, offers training, job listings and activities to help you network with other job seekers and professionals in your desired industry.
  2. Remember the “three Cs”: Consistency, Commitment and Connection. Throughout your job hunt, the results will come based on where you put your energy and how much of it you apply. If you’re not focused on your job search each day, opportunities will pass you by. Be consistent in your search and commit to it each day, even when discouragement starts to set in. As far as connection, remember job searching is a numbers game and a function of networking. Put yourself out there; tell everyone you know you’re seeking employment and what you want to do. Ask those you trust and professionals in your industry for advice on how to market yourself through your resume and interviewing. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
  3. Get up, suit up, show up. While job searching, it’s tempting to sleep all day, watch TV until the late hours and overall get lazy. Again, it can be discouraging when seeking employment, which impacts how we feel about ourselves and the world around us. If you feel yourself slipping into depression, change your habits. Set your alarm and start your job search early. Dress nicely as if you’re getting ready for an interview. Better yet, use your time to get training, education or certification in the industry where you apply. Exercise and get those endorphins pumping. Act “as-if.” Show the Universe you’re committed (see No. 2) to gainful employment and bettering your life even when you’re bummed out. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey but you can stand out if you think and act your best each day.
  4. Don’t let your past dictate your future. If entering or re-entering the workforce with previous snags on your so-called “permanent record,” for example, getting fired, a misdemeanor or felony, or a bad reputation from poor performance or a job that wasn’t the right fit, don’t let that stand in your way. If you’ve learned from your mistakes and have gone through necessary and proper steps for counseling, rehabilitation or self-discovery, there will either be employers willing to give you another chance or you may need to be resourceful and start your own business. Here’s some advice for those with a criminal background. If you’re dealing with bad blood with a former boss (or bosses) and you know they’ll work to sabotage your chances of finding a new job (within their legal limits), gather a list of individuals who respect your capabilities and are willing to provide your prospective employers with positive references. Don’t just take our word for it. Talk to a job counselor who can give you the right answers and realistic picture of what you can expect and what you need to do.
  5. Be a good steward of your money. This is a hard one for all of us to follow, especially as Americans who are accustomed to spending frivolously. But every penny you currently have, whether it’s through unemployment insurance, support from family members, government subsidies or money you’ve stashed away in savings, matters. Be careful of how you spend your money and use your funds wisely. Let the Universe know you respect your limited resources and express gratitude for they money you have. With the right attitude, your money will multiply and therefore can accelerate your chances of landing a job.
  6. Send thank-you cards after job interviews. There are two perspectives on this: It is either OK or not so OK to do. But here’s the thing about thank-you cards—they’re marketing tools. When a prospective employer receives a thank-you card from you after an interview, it not only shows you’re interested in the job but it also keeps you top-of-mind. Remember, they are interviewing multiple candidates and your goal is to stand out. Just watch. A thank-you card usually leads to at least a second interview and maybe an offer. Check with the MN Workforce Centers for ideas on what to say or read this article.
  7. Volunteer and give back. To stay productive while unemployed, consider volunteering with a local community organization. By helping others in need, you will not only feel fulfilled but you will also feel grateful for what you do have. Check the search engines such as Google or Bing for local organizations that might interest you.

We hope our advice helps but remember, we strongly recommend working with the Minnesota Workforce Centers and leveraging the resources they have, especially if there are opportunities for one-on-one counseling and training. Be transparent when asking for advice so they can offer honest and accurate solutions for your situation and goals. Most of all, good luck!

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