Finding a job: identifying your skills and talents

Nov

Knowing How: Finding a job & identifying your talents

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Well God’s at work. I have been planning a piece on how to find a job etc for a while and never got to it. Last weekend I get a message from Lil Miss P who wants to write stuff for this blog about jobs and careers, so I’d like to welcome her and thank her for stepping in.

This is the first in a series of columns that we’re going to call Knowing How

A good future is in you

I’m new here. I had a troubled life full of hurt and sadness that I know was very similar to a lot of people that visit this site. But that’s not what I’m going to write about today. That’s because like you, I wanted to move on and those days are behind me. I didn’t get to choose what I was born into or what the past I was given during my childhood but everyday I wake up and I choose what happens next. A long time ago, I vowed to do this and my life has never been the way since. A big part of how I was able to do this was having a vision of what I wanted to do and that didn’t come easily. When you’re not exposed to a lot of options growing up, it’s hard to know what option might be for you. The good news is that the number one clue to finding this is closer than you think. It’s in you.

What you are supposed to do with your life — the real thing, what’ll make you happy and feel fulfilled (and yes, make you money) — is in you. It can be just having a knack for something, a dream or gut desire towards a direction or certain gifts and skills. Lots of everyday traits we have in life actually are also things that can make us good candidates for certain jobs and careers. The first thing to do in finding your path is ask yourself what are you good at? What has always come naturally to you? You may be a great talker, have a knack for technology, a good writer/communicator, whatever it may be. Try to name as many things as possible. Is everybody always asking you to style their hair or complimenting you on your fashion? Are you great with people? Write them down on a list. These are what we call your “tinsel.”

Everybody in life has been given gifts and capabilities. Sometimes, we have to look to find them. Once you have your list down, take a good look at it and keep reminding yourself of it. This will help you more than you think — not just in communicating why you should get the job, but also it will help you find your specific talents and strengths. I am a good talker, a good writer, I meet people and am friendly, and I’m a good problem solver. That didn’t come at all from any school or any silver spoon in my mouth — that came from God given ability. We’re all born with it. If you really want to take your life to a new place, you have to get to know the abilities that have been given to you. Now, don’t worry if it doesn’t come to you right away — it will come to you if you keep thinking on it. Ask people who know you what they think you are good at if you are really struggling.

Once you’ve got your list, then it’s time to think about how to use it. If you are a good speaker and have always had a knack for keeping things organized, a receptionist or assistant job may be perfect for you at a business. If you have always had a knack for technology, customer support at an internet or cable company might be ideal for you. Don’t necessarily assume that because you don’t have direct experience that they’ll count you out — many of these companies aren’t expecting people to be rocket scientists and provide you with information on what to say and do. Anybody who is good with numbers might do really well in a data entry job. Since it uses your natural abilities, it will actually seem easy and energizing to do.

As you start to look for jobs, think about your tinsel and how it might fit into what the job description is. You may not fit all of the things listed but even if you at only meet some, there is always a shot. As you communicate with companies, think about the list of abilities you created and communicate them with prospective employers — not your past, your situation, your struggles, etc. From now on, those days are behind you and you are what your list says you are. Great at organizing, a good communicator, talented with numbers, etc. — whatever it may be, this is who you are from now and moving forward. The gang banger, prostitute, drug addict, runaway, or whatever you were is gone and does not matter. You made a choice to put that in the past. The most important thing you can do is leave it there and take the role and the person you want to be, always. Today and in the future.

Finding a job is hard for anybody and it will take time. Know this is how it is for everyone going into it — it will not only help you from becoming discouraged but also help you to keep pushing forward. I know people with degrees from Ivy League schools who can’t find work for months. Coming out of jail or a bad situation may make it even harder but again, do not focus on that. Remember your tinsel, and put it to work for you. Now, onto to the job hunt. The working world is divided up by industries. They are healthcare, technology, retail, restaurant, etc. There are jobs at all levels in each of them, from entry level to executive. This means that even though you may start at the entry level there may be an opportunity to advance ahead and make more money. If you have access to the internet, sites like Craigs List (www.craigslist.org) and Monster.com (www.monster.com) list jobs. Craig’s List is a lot more direct — I have never had any company respond to my resume submission on Monster.com, but try both. Craigs List is cool because it lists jobs in a lot of cities and has a lot of categories. Also, don’t forget to check the websites of companies that might be in your area as well as the local newspaper. Many companies list jobs on their sites. If you’re unable to get access to the internet, the newspaper is your best bet. You can also drop off your resume at companies in your area — just tell the receptionist that you’d like to drop off your resume for Human Resources when you arrive. Watch and look for job fairs and open houses for possible jobs as well.

It may be possible that there are not a lot of jobs in your immediate area, so be sure to search the cities that are around you if you can. As you read the help wanted ads and job descriptions, don’t just scan and assume you’re not qualified. Read them closely and look at your tinsel — are any of the talents, skills or abilities you have capable of transferring or a fit for what’s listed? For example, I was always a good communicator and writer. Journalist or blogger, which requires good writing skills, is a job I can do well. I didn’t have experience the first time I was hired to do it. I was just able to communicate why I would be good for the job based on the natural skills I had. That’s why knowing your skills and talents (aka, the tinsel) is so important before you even start looking. Once you’ve got a position you are interested in, always focus on conveying to the company the things you bring to the table. “I’m a good organizer with a solid attention to detail,” or “I’ve got very good writing skills and would be perfect for the job.”

Once you’ve started sending out resumes, take time and practice communicating your tinsel. I call this “pre-game” — or preparing. I never go into a meeting or project without doing it. It really helps. Not only will you start to become very well versed at talking about yourself in a forward, positive way that will help demonstrate your talent and value to employers, it’ll also help you become more confident in saying it. You can practice in front of a mirror, practice in the car, etc. I also reached out to people in the jobs I wanted to be in, business leaders, etc. to expand my potential to find work. These days, you can find email addresses and connect with people through the web. You’d be surprised at how many doors opened and people came forward to give support and advice just because I simply reached out to them. Just drop a line saying something like, “I’m really interested in working in your industry. If you were to share any one tip for someone looking to get into it, what would it be?” Lots of times, people don’t respond — but lots of times they do. Give it a shot!

Getting out of jail or out of a bad situation can it seem like you’ll never get ahead in life because it’s a large and overwhelming change. But, it’s also a new start. Just like me, every day of your life is a new day to change what you don’t like. All it takes is knowing where you’re going.

I know this was a bit entry level this time around — I’ll be writing about more advanced level careers and even tips for launching your own business soon!

Lil Miss P

Gangs & Street Gangs

Knowing How: Finding a job & identifying your talents

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