You can’t hide who you are in today’s world. Everything you do, or have done is like an “open book” to

be found by “googling” your name or conducting a background check and or drug testing by your hiring

company.

Companies are visiting your Facebook account to see if you are a gang member, a member of a terrorist

group or simply a druggie. Our lives are on display for everyone.

Finding a job can be especially difficult if there are red flags in your past….for anything. Here’s a list of

things that may make you an undesirable employee:

*Been fired (who hasn’t been!) *Been in jail *Poor or failing grades

*Have medical or disability issues *Gone Bankrupt *Job Hopper

Believe it or not, many of the challenges you face in finding a job are similar to what other job seekers

face. That’s right, although you may not have a “pretty” background, you face and can overcome many

of the same mistakes made by job candidates with a good background. Avoiding these mistakes or

having a plan to address these key issues can help you leap ahead of these people. Let’s take a look at

some of the common mistakes we all make when looking for a job.

The Order of Your Job Search is "Out of Order"

Finding a job doesn't start with reading the classified papers

Getting a job doesnt end with going on an interview unprepared

Lack of Goals & Objectives

Before you start your job search have a clear idea of what you want

Create a plan for achieving your goals

Can't Do Attitude

Having negative feelings about yourself can hurt your chances

Don't hang around people who "put you down". Look for positive influences

Learn how to deal with these critical issues in a positive way and you can overcome

you “bad” background. Most people are forgiving and want to help others. If you

give them a reason to, they will extend a helping hand.

Failure to demonstrate skills and or achievements

Everyone is good at something - find a way to connect that to the job you're after

Failure to tell a story about yourself in a compelling or memorable way

Networking

If you are unfamiliar with this term you better become familiar

Networking with the right people

Ineffective Job Search Techniques

Job search techniques has changed over the last 10 years

Show employers you haven't been left behind

Resist Change and Acquiring New Habits

The world is changing and you must too! Developing new skills, habits, behaviors can be exciting even thrilling and can win you the job.

Job Interview Mistakes

Every employer conducts an interview before making a decision to hire you

Avoid the most common mistakes and learn the best way to make a good impression

Sending out horrible letters - & emails and resumes

Blue collar workers must still show they can communicate. learn the basics of these and win the job!

Let’s get started….

Examine your relationships with friends and family. Make sure there are enough

“positive” people around you to encourage you in your job search…not put you down.

Sometimes your poor attitude is a result of being surrounded by others with a sour view

on life. Reach out to other people in your community or family who have a positive

attitude about themselves and the world, not an angry one and you will be surprised

how it rubs off on you.

Another good way of looking at your life as the “glass is half full, not half empty,” is to

make a list of things in your life in which you are blessed. Counting your blessings will

help you see life isn’t all doom and gloom and that you have reason to be happy and

joyful. Try to write down one thing in which you are blessed each morning and it will

help shape your outlook on life…in a more positive way.

When you don’t set goals for your job search, or anything for that matter, your life

becomes a series of random actions with no end point in mind.

To help set goals remember this easy formula….

SMART stands for:

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

Specific goals are important because it gives you a target to shoot for such as, “I want

to get a job that pays $600 a week minimum.”

Measureable goals makes it easier to determine whether you are meeting your goals,

for example, “I am going to have a drink only on weekends.” Attainable goals lets

you set a goal that is realistic but challenging.

Relevant goals are important as a way to check if the goals are really the right ones for

you given your circumstances.

Timely goals helps push you forward to meet your goals. Everyone knows that

deadlines helps you switch into gear.

SMART OBJECTIVES NOT SO SMART

OBJECTIVES

I want to make 5 calls a day to

employers who are currently

managing construction projects

in NYC.

I want to make as many

calls as possible this week

to construction companies

I want to complete my resume by

the end of the month

I need to create a resume

to send out.

I want to get a job as a

construction helper in Brooklyn

I want to get a job

I want to meet 2 new people who

are currently working on

construction sites as a helper

I should talk to some other

people who are working

I want to limit my drinking to

twice a week

I should stop drinking less.

Take a few minutes to create a set of SMART goals for your job search, listing one or

two of your most important goals, and using the SMART system to help you accomplish

them.

ENTER SMART GOAL HERE:

Smart

Measurable

Attainable

Landing the job you want begins with a series of organized steps. A good place to start is to list your

skills and abilities. You’ll be surprised how many you can list. Once you make your list, identify 3 or 4

that you think might be helpful to get a job in construction. Here’s a sample list…see which of these

skills or abilities best describe you and then develop a story around them to share with your potential

employer. Make sure they are relevant to the type of job you are looking for (i.e. construction).

1. Good listener

2. Computer literate

3. Flexible

4. Leadership

5. Works well under pressure

6. Works well with all cultures

7. Sensitive and Aware of Different Customs

8. Good organizational skills

9. Planner

10. Problem Solver

11. Enjoys working or playing in teams

12. Problem Solver

13. Trustworthy

Relevant

Timely

14. Honest

15. Morale

16. Has integrity

17. Adaptable

18. Flexible

19. Hard Working

20. Completes Tasks

21. Open to new ideas

22. Dependable

23. Reliable

24. Responsible

25. Loyal

26. Positive Attitude

27. Motivated

28. High Energy

29. Passionate

30. Mature

31. Self Confident

32. Able to work with little or no supervision

33. Willingness to learn

34. Careful

35. Good-natured

36. Cooperative

Now that you have identified several of your own skill sets that are right for construction jobs, you will

need to connect with the right people and organizations that are in that industry. Use the internet for

your research into companies that are bidding on and receiving contracts for large scale projects. These

are the companies that are looking to hire large numbers of employees…even those with “questionable”

backgrounds.

TIP: Don’t spend a lot of time looking for your job online…you will be wasting your time. Of course post

your resume on the largest job boards like Monster and Careerbuilder, but the likelihood you will get a

job through your online efforts are small. Jobs are most likely uncovered through “word-of-mouth, call

calling, knocking on doors, direct application and of course, networking. Looking for work is a full time

job. If you are going about it on a part time way, don’t expect good results.

Once you have identified some key employer prospects and other friends, family or acquaintances or

community organizations (such as unions) working in construction, spend time “networking” with them.

We also mentioned in our free job guide that you should consider temporary agencies and apprentice

I know a construction foreman

will appreciate my

dependability. On my last job I

didn’t miss a SINGLE day of work

for one year. He can also count

on my “positive” attitude..even

if I am not thrilled with the job

assignment, I complete it

without a complaint!

programs. Find out which agencies specialize in construction related jobs. That means setting up

appointments to meet for coffee, lunch or drinks to discuss more about their jobs, careers, likes/dislikes

and get recommendations from them to talk to other similar people. Through your “networking” efforts

you will likely meet people who know of job openings, or new someone who is hiring, or can

recommend someone to speak with to give you more ideas about how to land your job. Remember

networking is not asking someone for a job…rather you are looking for information, advice and referrals

from your contacts. When you network this way, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number of

people who are willing to give you some of their time and help.

Once you have completed your research, you can start putting together your resume including some of

the ideas collected from the people you met and writing cover letters that are relevant for your target.

In these sections we’ve covered job search order, ineffective job search techniques (spending 80% of the

time online and 20% offline), skills and abilities, networking. Now we’re ready to give you some tips on

sending out cover letters and e-mails resumes.

Your Networking Contacts

Immediate Family

Distant Relatives

Ministers/Spiritual Leaders

Friends

Fellow Workers

Close Friends/Former

Co - workers

Community Leaders

Acquaintances

Those employed in Target Industry

• Other networks include:

• Construction Firms

• Vocational Schools

• Social Services Departments

• One Stop Career Centers

• Non Profit Volunteer Organizations

• Mental Health Clinics

Resumes are important tools for communicating your purpose and capabilities to employers. You will

likely be asked to complete an online application form in addition to a standard paper form. It is wrong

to think that blue collar jobs like construction may not require a resume and or cover letter. More and

more employers are requiring them as part of the overall employment process.

There are a number of self help books on how to write a resume and this paper cannot cover all of the

important issues. Here is a top ten list of mistakes made to avoid:

1. Your resume is too long or too short. One page should be the general length of your resume

2. Misspellings, and poor grammar. Everyone has access to a computer. If you don’t own one,

borrow one from a family or friend, or go to the library. You can create an electronic resume

using the most common document software like Word, or Google Docs. Ask a librarian or friend

for help.

3. Dishonest information or omission of facts.

4. Unexplained time gaps between jobs 5. Too many jobs within a short time frame.

6. Failure to include critical contact information such as address, phone and or email

7. Sloppiness

8. Poorly typed and reproduced.

9. Soiled with coffee stains, fingerprints or ink marks

10. No cover letter

Resumes should communicate your purpose in applying and what skills, abilities or experiences you have

related to the job. The resume should be easy to read and highlight accomplishments or skills.The

resume should communicate responsibility to the employer and make them want to know more.

You should include a cover letter with your resume which can be personalized for each specific job. The

cover letter should try to catch the reader’s attention and persuade them of your value. The letter

should convince them of your worth with evidence…and encourage them to learn more.

If you can answer three basic questions, they should be:

1. What is the purpose of the leter?

2. What are the needs of the employer?

3. What benefits will the employer gain from hiring me?

1. Making a bad first impression…whether it’s a sloppy appearance, poor grooming or hygiene,

weak handshake, poor manners…this is not the time to ignore this important rule

2. Arriving Late- Plan ahead so you know how you will arrive on time allowing an extra 30 minutes

or so to account for delays. There is no acceptable excuse for being late.

3. Interviews can be stressful. Don’t blame others for your behavior. Coming across negative or

angry or aggressive is considered inappropriate.

4. Don’t demonstrate inappropriate behavior or actions when interviewing. No one needs to see

your tattoos or muscles. Flirting is obviously inappropriate.

5. Failure to express yourself. Even though you may not be working in an office doesn’t mean that

communication with the office or your fellow workers and supervisors will be important. If you

can’t convey an idea without being understood…this will likely disqualify you.

6. Lack of enthusiasm…You should demonstrate a high level of energy in your voice and body

mannerisms. Don’t slouch in the chair..sit up straight! When responding, look the person in the

eye and smile with genuine enthusiasm.

7. Don’t appear dishonest or desceptive. Employers will be able to gather the facts about your

background so it is better to be in control of a bad story. Employer’s are governed by law not to

exclude you from consideration for certain arrests and convictions, and most are willing to try to

help you if you have shown that you are changing your behavior. If you have “red flags” in your

background, you have to come to the interview prepared to discuss them in the best light.

8. Show little interest in the company. Most employers will want to share something about their

company in an effort to interest you. You should show interest in their discussion and come

prepared to ask a few questions about both the company and job.

9. Don’t talk too much during the interview. Try to follow the pace of the interviewer who will

allow you to talk about yourself and also talk about the company, the job, the benefits, etc.

10. Poorly prepared overall. Every interview requires preparation. You need to research the

company, what they do, the products they make, how long they have been in business and other

important facts. Go online and type in the name of the company and you will likely find news

articles you should read. In addition, come prepared to ask questions about the job and other

items that come up to show you are thinking on your feet.

Like a “positive” attitude, being resistant to change can hold you back. Learning to acquire new and

better habits can make the biggest difference in your success. Remember, if you do nothing to change

or learn new things, its unlikely that anything will change and you will continue to be a victim of your

own circumstances.

Few people who are down on the luck can maintain a positive, can-do attitude. But if you can, you will

stand out above the crowd. Your negative feelings about yourself and others is obvious to the people

you interact with including the people you need to impress for a job.

Its natural that you have fear about your job search and your success. However, it’s the control of your

attitude that can help motivate you to overcome this fear and succeed. Stop making excuses for yourself

and begin tomorrow with an attitude of responsibility and initiative. Attitudes and changed habits take

time to achieve. You will need to work on them every day

Make a list of some of your habits that need to change:

1.

2

3.

4.

In order to change your habits, what actions will be necessary?

2.

3.

4.

Well we are coming to the end of the guide and we want to leave you with some ideas for addressing the

“red flags” in your background. Remember, just because your background may not be good, doesn’t

mean you can do good things to prepare you better then someone else. You are competing with other

people who may not be working as hard as you to get their next job, and you’ll be better prepared if you

follow some of the ideas in this guide.

There are plenty of “red flags”in many people’s background. Here are just a few:

Absent and Tardy at work Drug & Alcohol abuse

Broke rules Fighting on the job

Insubordination Lying

Bad attitude Dishonest

Incompetent Abused co-workers

Unpredictable behavior Undependable

Incarceration Failing school grades

Arrest record Health or disability issues

The biggest challenge you face is take responsibility for your actions and tell the truth about your

background to prospective employers. Your goal is to try to do this while building trust between you and

others.

One of the best ways to be honest is share things about you that the prospective employee will welcome

hearing. What does the employee want to hear about you……how can you solve their problems with

your skills and abilities…and why they should hire you….this is where your focus should be. There is no

need to reveal the frank truth about yourself. Employer’s will conduct background checks and will likely

discover through reference checks your conduct in previous jobs along with any criminal conviction

records. Employers will then have to decide is your work conduct or conviction relevant to the job you

are applying for. Employer’s also have to consider the “look back period”.

The employer must make an informed judgment about how long to consider convictions. In some states,

this period is mandated by law. Arrests that are not subject to active prosecution should not be

considered.

In the end, employers must consider all evidence relevant to rehabilitation and the risk of future

misconduct.

Employers know that millions of workers with prior convictions have turned their lives around and

become productive members of society. It is your job to convince the employer that you are one of

these people. If your work record and behavior was poor, give examples of how you have changed.

Most employers will not ask about criminal records on the application form, so you do not have to

volunteer your record. The goal is to determine if you are qualified to do the job first, and then only if

your conviction is for something relevant to the job consider your record and the time in which your

actions took place.

People change over time. Some people with criminal convictions change their lives and become good

citizens who can be good employees. Applicants with relevant convictions recent enough to be of

concern should not automatically be rejected. Instead, he or she should be given the opportunity to

present evidence of rehabilitation which the employer should carefully consider before making a

decision. It is your job to convince the employee that you have made positive changes to your life. Give

evidence of what those changes have been since your conviction.

The best way to practice your “speech” is to actually write it down on paper and share it with someone

you trust and respect. Your goal is to convey the key skills and accomplishments that are likely to be of

interest to the employer in a way that that puts your best foot forward and is truthful. Consider

something that can be stated in 2 to 3 minutes time. This speech can often be your opening comments

to a question such as “Tell me about yourself.”

Good luck in your job search!

OSHA 10 NY | www.osha10ny.com |info@osha10ny.com | 516-570-0754