Job-hunting skills transfer to on-the-job success

(ARA) - For those who are looking for employment right now, it doesn't help to know that in May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 9.7 percent nationwide and that 15 million people were out of a job. A job search can become overwhelming in the face of rising competition. Before your confidence begins to wane, it can help to remember that the skills applied to a search for employment can strengthen performance on the job.

"With a thoughtful approach to finding employment, you can take steps to make yourself stand out from the crowd, plus hone skills that will help you succeed on the job," says Robert Gray, director of Career Services at Brown Mackie College - Northern Kentucky.

Persistence is key
Rarely does anyone secure a position on the first attempt. "Looking for a job takes persistence. Candidates must look at job opportunities every day. They need to use multiple resources, such as networking, online job boards, professional organizations and social media sites," Gray says.

As a skill, persistence applies to success on the job. "People often do not get desired results from the first attempt to solve a problem. They must try again and look for the answer in different places," Gray continues. "Just like using multiple resources for a job search, employees must learn to use multiple resources to solve problems on the job."

Clear, focused communication is a must
When interviewing, effective oral and written communication skills are a must. "Different companies recruit and interview in different ways. The process often varies from company to company, and can include phone screening, Internet screening, e-mail communications and face-to-face interaction," says Gray." He advises candidates to speak or write clearly and stay focused on the topic. At every step in the process, prospective employers evaluate each candidate's ability to communicate.

Once employed, effective communication skills can prove invaluable. "On the job, different employees prefer different forms of communication," Gray says. "It is important to communicate effectively and convey the necessary information whether communicating face to face, over the phone or in writing."

There is no substitute for professionalism
Whether an employee or a prospect, it is important to remember that the way people conduct themselves outside of the workplace is a personal reflection on them. "During a job search, most candidates take great care to ensure that they are dressing, communicating and representing themselves professionally," Gray says. "On the job, however, employees sometimes get comfortable in the work environment and become less professional over time. This can lead to a less than professional reputation and hinder future opportunities."

Social media Web sites present a new forum to be considered with an eye toward professionalism. Gray advises job candidates and employees alike to remove personal information and never post questionable images or negative information about a coworker, boss or the company. "We've all heard the story about the employee that called in sick and then later the same day posted a smiling photo of him while sitting at a sporting event," Gray says.

Those who are out there looking for employment can take heart in the skills they apply to the search. Those same strengths can help them succeed when they accept a position. And once employed, Gray reminds everyone to "remember that every day on the job is an interview and screening process for an employee's future."

Courtesy of ARAcontent