When you’re looking for a job, there are certain things you can do to stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are 10 tips to apply in your next job search.

1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Word-Of-Mouth

Sometimes employers don’t post job openings on indeed.com or LinkedIn. Instead, they put feelers out in their network to see if anyone knows who would be a good fit for their company. So keep your ears open and let friends and family know you’re looking for work. Also, if someone you know works for a business you would like to work for, ask if they would be willing to recommend you.

2. Apply to Multiple Jobs

If you apply for a job and wait until you hear back before applying somewhere else, your job search might take a while. Instead, find out who is hiring and submit your application to as many employers as you can. If more than one employer asks to interview you, it’s okay to accept each of those requests. You can always turn a job down if you are offered more than one position, but this way you have multiple options until you get hired.

3. Spruce up Your Resume Before You Start Your Search

Every job interviewer will ask for your resume, so you might as well go ahead and brush it up now. It’s important you ask for others’ input on your resume, as a fresh set of eyes can be helpful for catching spelling and grammatical errors and providing feedback. Additionally, edit your resume so that it lists skills and experience that match the job. No need to go all the way back to high school, either. Stick to listing the most recent experience/jobs you have. If you have time, try to put together a LinkedIn profile in addition to your resume. Forbes contributor Caroline Castrillon says that a LinkedIn profile and a resume go hand-in-hand these days. She says:

“Creating a LinkedIn profile will go a long way in strengthening your job search. Over 90% of recruiters and employers will look for a LinkedIn profile to compare to a candidate’s resume. Not only that but using a sample size of 24,570 fictitious job applications, one study conducted by ResumeGo found that resumes including a link to a comprehensive LinkedIn profile have a 71% higher chance of getting a job interview.”

4. Be Responsive

It may seem like a little thing, but responsiveness demonstrates to employers that you are serious about working for them. They ought to be able to get ahold of you easily, so provide them with several methods of contact. Promptly answer any follow-up emails or phone calls you receive back from businesses you’ve applied to, and if you can’t answer their call or email immediately, try to respond within 24 hours.

5. Wait to Follow Up

Waiting to see if you got the job can be nerve-wracking, but resist the urge to follow up the day after the interview. If you don’t hear back within 5 business days, it’s perfectly acceptable to give the employer a call or send an email to check the status of your application. You can respectfully ask if they have any other questions for you or need anything else from you to make their decision and, if you don’t know already, ask when you can expect to hear back.

Looking for work is stressful, so if you don’t hear back right away or your application is rejected, try not to get discouraged. Your diligence will pay off! For more information contact Workfaith.

Job interviews can be stressful, particularly if you aren’t prepared for them or don’t know what to expect. If you’re nervous about an upcoming interview, stay calm by practicing your answers to common interview questions. Here are 5 common questions in interviews and some tips for answering them.

1. What Is Your Greatest Strength/Weakness?

This is one of the most common questions employers ask during job interviews. Employers ask this question to get an idea of areas you excel in as well as which areas you are still growing and learning.

Tips for answering: When you share your greatest strength, try to think in terms of the job. So, for example, if you’re applying for an office assistant position, name a strength that falls in line with that position such as communication or organization.

Additionally, if the employer asks you what your greatest weakness is, don’t just list it and leave it at that. The interviewer wants to know what you have been/plan on doing to improve in that area. So, for example, if your greatest weakness is tardiness, you could say, “I have a tendency to lose track of time and show up late, but I’ve been taking steps to manage my time better. I have been going to bed earlier, and I use my cell phone alarms to help me get places on time.”

2. How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Job?

If you have prior experience doing the work you’re applying for, then answering this question should be fairly easy. But if you’re brand new to the line of work you’re getting into, you may not have a lot of experience and need to learn while on the job. Not all employers require previous experience, so keep this in mind as you apply and interview.

Tips for answering: If you have previous experience, share that with the interviewer. But if you don’t, try to think of other experience in life that has prepared you for the position. So for example, if you’re applying for a retail job, you could say, “Even though I don’t have experience in retail, I do have experience in customer service. I am also a fast learner and am confident I can learn the ropes fairly quickly.” This shows the manager that, while your experience is lacking, you have a teachable, willing-to-work attitude.

3. Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

This is perhaps one of the more difficult interview questions employers ask. (Who actually knows where they will be or what they’ll be doing 5 years from now?) Once again, though, it’s important to understand the underlying implication of this question. The interviewer just wants to know what your long-term goals are in life and in your career. Try to narrow it down to one or two dreams and explain the steps you’re taking to achieve those goals.

Tips for answering: If you’re having a hard time answering this question, avoid saying, “I’m not sure.” Not having goals/aspirations can be a red flag to employers. Instead, say something like, “The path to this dream is a bit unclear at the moment but I would love to be doing [fill in the blank].”

4. How Do You Handle Stress and Pressure?

Many employers ask this question (or some variation of this question) during job interviews to determine how capable you are of staying calm and getting the job done, even when the stakes are high or there is tension. When tables are full or the deadline is looming or the computer fritzes during an important presentation, will you crack under the pressure or will you keep a level head and figure out a way to keep going? This is a valuable skill in the workplace.

Tips for answering: Don’t just say, “I’m great under pressure.” Elaborate a bit and explain why. And if you don’t handle stress or work well under pressure, you can say something like, “This is something I’m working on.” Regardless of your answer, the best way to answer this question is with a real-life example of a time you handled yourself well under stress/pressure.

5. Why Do You Want This Job?

You might be applying for your dream job. But maybe the job you’re interviewing for is a “stepping stone job” that you plan on doing temporarily until you can do your dream job. This question may sound daunting, but if you think it through and practice a bit ahead of time, it won’t be as intimidating.

Tips for answering: While you should avoid being blunt (e.g. “I want this job because I need money to pay bills”), you should be honest with the interviewer. If you’re looking for experience, networking, or training in this field, it’s okay to say so! The interviewer is simply curious as to why, out of all the jobs you could apply for, you applied for this specific one.

Need more help learning how to answer common interview questions? Let us know! We’d love to help you so that you feel confident and ready for future job interviews.

We hope this time leading up to Christmas is full of hope and joy. As part of your celebration, please consider giving to WorkFaith Birmingham this season. As we head into 2022, we are so thankful for all that has been given this season. In these final few days, consider how else you are able to give to WorkFaith Birmingham, including your time and resources.

“Look among the nations, and see;
    wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
    that you would not believe if told.”

-Habakkuk 1:5

Throughout the month of December, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). We know there are many great opportunities for you to impact lives across Birmingham. Would you consider giving the gifts of WORK & FAITH this year?

70 People Sponsored So Far

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We hope this time leading up to Christmas is full of hope and joy. As part of your celebration, please consider giving to WorkFaith Birmingham this season.

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

– Isaiah 9: 6-7

Throughout the month of December, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). We know there are many great opportunities for you to impact lives across Birmingham. Would you consider giving the gifts of WORK & FAITH this year?

51 People Sponsored So Far

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You’re sitting at a long table, faced with lots of strangers in nice pantsuits. Beside you sit 2 to 5 well-dressed candidates, all ready with their resumes, which look very comparable to yours. You’re in a group interview. How can you make sure you stand out?

#1: Be Yourself.

Yes, the most important tip really is that simple. Many interviewers say that one of the key differentiators of a good candidate is that they know that they’re a good candidate. 

People who will be great at the job don’t feel the need to prove themselves or compare their answers in a group interview. Be kind to your fellow interviewees and have a genuine interest in what they have to say. Answer the questions in a way that makes sense to you, and don’t try to stand out so much that you end up looking just like everyone else.

This is a double-sided coin, though. While you don’t want to try to stand out, don’t try to blend in, either. If everyone else has answered the question in the exact same way, answer with your own unique spin.

#2: Talk About Experiences.

The great thing about experience is that they’re all yours and no one else’s. Your experience is completely unique, so use your experiences within your answers. Instead of answering the interviewer in general, share specific examples of how you’ve overcome the challenge in question before.

#3: Research, Research, Research.

Most people do a little research before an interview, but you’ll stand out if you do more research than expected and bring it to the interview.

Spend an extra half hour on Google and type up a small report. Copy and paste graphs that are particularly insightful and give a brief description on how you would incorporate that knowledge into the position, should you be hired. Bring up this report in one of your answers where it’s relevant, and then offer to give it to your interviewers. They may never read it again, but the memory of your efforts will stick with them.

#4: Prepare for Awkward Questions.

Interviewers are likely to ask a question that would make you compare yourself to others in the room, either directly or indirectly. No matter what, you’ve got to learn to be comfortable promoting yourself even when your competition can hear you. 

Questions like “Why do you think you’re the best fit for this position?” make things uncomfortable in the interviewing room, but there’s no doubt that the person who gets the job is also the person who answers this question confidently. Prepare for awkward questions, and they won’t seem so bad when they are asked.

Group interviews can make you feel like just another candidate, but with these tips, you’ll stand out naturally from the other applicants. Interviews are all about being honest and showing your stuff, so go into your next interview with confidence!
At WorkFaith, we help our graduates find lasting positions by teaching them life-long career skills. Follow this link to see how we can help you.

Last week, we highlighted the importance of ministry partners in our mission of “Empowering Lives Through Work and Faith,” and we shared how Patricia built her confidence as she continued to work toward a dream career. Today, we’d like to share about how we partner with another critical ministry, The WellHouse, who rescues and provides opportunities for restoration for female victims of human trafficking. Please take a moment to read Anna’s story and see how she transformed from “I did not think I had much to offer” to “I truly enjoy my work!”

Anna, tell us about your employment success since graduating from WorkFaith’s job readiness workshop.

The workshop gave me the confidence I needed to apply for employment and to be successful in interviews. I have set goals for myself and have been working two jobs for almost 12 months now. I am working as a Sales Associate in a toy shop in a wonderful family-oriented community. Sewing is my passion, and I also work at home in the evenings creating accessories for college sororities. 

What did you learn or practice during the WorkFaith workshop that helped you succeed in your job search, application, or interview?

I learned so much about how to prepare for a job interview. The WorkFaith instructors taught me not only how to frankly address difficult questions about my troubled background, but also how to present myself. There are things that seem so simple but that have significant impact, such as posture, eye contact, grooming, and appropriate clothes.

Would you mind sharing about one challenge that WorkFaith staff helped you to overcome?

Definitely self-confidence, especially when talking about poor decisions I made in the past and difficult circumstances that were out of my control. Because of my past, I did not think I had much to offer. The workshop assignments helped me see that I had skills and personal characteristics that employers value, and awareness of those values helped me in the interview. They have helped me be successful on the job, too.  

We would love to know about your relationship with the Lord as well. Can you share with us how God has used WorkFaith to encourage you to walk closer with him? 

Bible studies are a part of the WorkFaith workshop, and those studies showed me for the first time God’s plan for work. The Bible instructs us to work and to be fruitful in our work. I truly enjoy my work!

Is there anything else you would like to share for those who are not familiar with WorkFaith?

I was nervous about starting the workshop because I did not know what to expect and did not have much confidence in myself. But the Instructors are amazing. They know so much about how to write resumes and how to be successful in job interviews. They are so compassionate and encouraging. We worked hard in the classroom, but they made it fun! 

Throughout the month of December, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). We know there are many great opportunities for you to impact lives across Birmingham. Would you consider giving the gifts of WORK & FAITH this year?

17 People Sponsored So Far

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At WorkFaith Birmingham, one of our most important values is the collaboration we have with our community partners. One of those partners is The Salvation Army Center of Hope.   Together, we get the opportunity to see lives transformed as our clients begin to discover their skills, talents, and their own self-worth. They become more hopeful and confident in the value they bring to future employers, their families, and the community.  Here’s what Patricia McDaniel, one of our recent Client Alumni, had to say about the impact WorkFaith Birmingham has made on her life…

1. Please tell us about what has happened in your life/career since you graduated from WorkFaith

Right now, I’m most focused on getting my GED and have completed 2 of the 4 remaining sections since graduating from WFB.   I believe that getting my GED and pursuing my education will help me be more successful in finding a good job. I’m continuing to search for work and most recently applied for a part-time job at FedEx. Hoping to hear back from them soon.

2. What did you learn or practice during the workshop that helped you succeed in your job search, application, or interview?

In the past,  I would skip the criminal background information section on job applications.  After taking the workshop, I became more confident in who I am.  My background was a part of my life and although it’s still uncomfortable, I know that “honesty is the best policy.”  I can now tell my story and not feel ashamed.

3. Would you mind sharing one challenge that the WorkFaith staff helped you to overcome?

Again, it goes back to my becoming more confident. I feel better about applying for jobs and I don’t limit myself to looking for just minimum wage type jobs at fast food restaurants (which I respect and appreciate), but I know that I’m equipped to do more. I’m more positive about looking for jobs that I used to think I wasn’t qualified for.  

4. We would love to know about your relationship with the Lord as well. Can you share with us how God has used WorkFaith to encourage you to walk closer with him?

I’ve always had a close relationship with the Lord.  My faith is what has saved me. I feel that God puts me where He needs me to be and the WorkFaith program was one of those places.

5. If you had to pick one thing that was the biggest takeaway from the workshops, the workbook, or your interaction with staff, what would it be?

I would have to say that it was the connections; the bond that was developed with the other ladies in the class and the WorkFaith Birmingham staff.  It was so much more personal than I thought it would be. We encouraged each other. I struggled at the beginning because of my anxiety, but by the second week, I didn’t want the class to end. I really miss everyone.

6. If someone you knew asked why they should enroll in the workshop, what would you say?

It’s a great class! Highly recommend it. Everyone should take it.  I learned to do things that I’ve never done before like building a resume and becoming more confident in how to do a proper interview.

7. If someone was considering volunteering or donating to WorkFaith, what would you say to them?

I would highly recommend them donating time and money to WorkFaith because they encourage people to better themselves and to move forward in their lives.  

8. What are your next steps?

I am working hard to finish my GED.  I’ve been enrolled in Ready to Work at the Salvation Army. I also have plans to enroll in Jefferson State Community College. I’m not sure what I will major in yet, but I’m excited because I know God has a plan for me. 

9. Is there anything else you would like to share?

For the first time, I’m doing something for myself. Before it was about being a mom and a wife and, while that was very important, I never did anything for myself. I put myself last. My becoming homeless and an addict was the major shift that resulted in me becoming totally dependent upon God and now, I feel like I’m somebody. I’ve had periods of self-hate, and God has sent others to speak positive words into my life.  Now, I think about going back to school.  I’m UNSTOPPABLE!

You, Pam, Andy, and the staff at WorkFaith are very encouraging and motivating.  You do more than just teach a class.

Throughout the month of December, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). We know there are many great opportunities for you to impact lives across Birmingham. Would you consider giving the gifts of WORK & FAITH this year?

15 People Sponsored So Far

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It might seem during these hard times that there’s too much competition for jobs, few good jobs, or a lack of career opportunities. Yet, many job seekers fail to find a job that fits their education, skills, earning expectations, and/or dreams merely because they don’t know how to determine if a company that interests them or a company within a certain industry is hiring at any given time.

It’s easy to find “work” in most regions because companies in certain industries are in desperate need of bodies to fill specific positions. It’s harder to find employment that empowers you and helps you to achieve not only your short-term goals but your long-term ones as well. That said, it’s not impossible. You can find out if someone is hiring by following these few simple steps:

1. Talk to a Decision-Maker

If you have a specific company in mind, contact the owner, Human Resources, or a manager within a specific department. You can find contact details on the company’s website. Before you reach out, learn as much about the company’s mission, work culture, successes, and goals as you can. When you’re ready to speak initially with a decision-maker, outline how you could be beneficial to the company based on the information you found and how these areas align with your own plans.

2. Use Job Board Search Tools

A lot of job seekers scroll down and scan online employment classified advertisements and job board listings without any specific position expectations. They waste a lot of time and energy hoping to find any position that sounds interesting or fits their minimum requirement. Instead, use available search tools to find employment ads based on keywords that fit your needs, such as the name of a specific company or position title.

3. Check Social Networking Sites

Many companies now list their open positions on social networks in short posts with related hashtags. All you need to do to find out if they’re hiring is visit their social media page and scroll through their recent posts. You can also perform a search using the same keywords that you would use when searching job boards. Another option: visit a career or professional networking website, locate a company’s profile and employee connections, and then reach out to any managers or other decision-makers with profiles on the platform who can help you learn more about recent job openings.

4. Contact Your Alma Mater

Colleges and universities often help their current students and alumni find work and strengthen their ties to their local community and leadership by offering an employment department and job search tools. Your alma mater might be able to connect you with community business leaders, hiring managers, or recruiters. They can usually provide you at least a list of the current job or paid internship openings.

5. Visit Local and State Career Agencies

Temporary employment firms and other career and recruiting agencies can help you get your foot in the door at a company that uses their services. You might have to start part-time to transition into a full-time position. Many counties also have government and non-profit agencies that provide career counseling and job search services.

At WorkFaith, the members of our caring staff empower our neighbors in Birmingham and the surrounding regions to seek out a wide range of employment opportunities in the area. Via a faith-based approach and workshop, we help our female clients ages thirty to fifty gain the skills they need to better face these hard times, find and apply for jobs, prepare for interviews, and dress appropriately for interactions with potential employers and future positions. For more tips or to schedule an intake, contact us today.

Happy Giving Tuesday! All of us at WorkFaith Birmingham hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We invite you to continue to give thanks with us this December for what God has accomplished in 2021. Below is a short 3 minute video that highlights how God used you to impact over 800 people at The Second Chance Jefferson County Hiring Fair. Take a moment to watch and celebrate.

Starting today and ending on December 31, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). On this Giving Tuesday, we know there are many great opportunities for you to impact lives across Birmingham. Would you consider giving the gifts of WORK & FAITH this year?

Giving is talked about a lot this time of year, but what is often overlooked is the people that need to be empowered through work and faith. Between now and the end of the year, WorkFaith Birmingham is focusing on how your gifts are impacting lives across our city.

See how events like the Second Chance Jefferson County Hiring Fair have helped many people overcome employment barriers.

Here is our interview with 2nd Chance Jefferson County Hiring Fair attendee Ray’Darius Herrod.

1. How Did You Find Out About the 2nd Chance Jefferson County Hiring Fair?

I heard the advertisement on the radio one day on 95.7. I also heard about it, later on, that night on Fox 6.

2. What Was Your Experience Like at the Hiring Fair?

It was nothing like I expected. It was very fast-paced but was surprised to see how well it was organized. I expected chaos, crowds, long lines, and people running around like chickens with their heads cut off. But I could see that a lot of work went into making this event a success.

3. How Was the Hiring Fair Helpful to You?

Because the event was so well organized, it made it very easy for me to be able to have multiple opportunities to meet different employers. It was a great atmosphere, and it was simple to be able to talk with a lot of people so that I could find out what was the best fit for me. The organization was the most important thing to make it simple for me.

4. What Were Some Specific Challenges You Faced That the Hiring Fair Helped You Overcome?

The best thing about this fair is that the people there were willing to listen. The employers there were more interested in the person than just filling a job. I didn’t get the feeling of just being another new employee. The employers were interested in me and finding out if we were a good fit.

5. What Is Your Career Like Now Since You Interviewed at the Hiring Fair?

The cool thing is that I was able to use the skills that I had picked up outside of work to be able to get a great job. I had worked on cars for a long time, and Jim Burke hired me to work on them. I get paid to work on them now. The job fair helped me to meet an employer that was willing to listen to the skills that I had. I also got a second job at night at the 2CHF. I am helping on the cleaning crew at night at UAB.

6. What Would You Say to Someone That Is Facing Similar Challenges That You Overcame if They Were Considering Coming to a Future Hiring Fair?

Make sure you don’t miss the date. Listen to the radio. Listen to the TV. Look out for the ads. You can really make something happen at the 2CHF. I’ve already told some people to be listening for the next event.

7. Is There Anything That You Think Would Be Beneficial to Other People at Future Hiring Fairs?

Yeah. Make it more than just twice a year. Something like this needs to be every month. If it gets too big, you can get a bigger venue. Everything was great.

Starting on Giving Tuesday, November 30, and ending on December 31, we aim to have 150 people sponsored for our workshops ($50,000+). We’ll keep you updated on our progress and on the number of lives that you are impacting.

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