Mark Norris

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Induction / Getting to know you

I welcome this opportunity to introduce myself my name is Mark Norris I've been unemployed for nearly 3 years. Early in Feb this year 2006 I had to take part on the Mandatory employment provision, New Deal over the 13 weeks I applied for 40 jobs in which I had 2 job interviews at the end of both interviews I was told that I did not meet there criteria, also I received 2 letters of refusals and 36 no replies. The rest of my time was spent at trigger point by targeting all 36 none replies with follow up calls, letters, emails, faxes, in which none lead me into full time employment.

Time Management

I've turned my Job Search into a Full Time Job.

Poor time management leads to poor job search results. So to keep my search moving, I treat it like a job itself.

All In A Day's Work

Looking for a job is a challenge, especially right now. Out of work job seekers face another challenge - managing their time wisely and resisting the temptations found at home, such as sleeping, watching television or simply slacking off.

Get Organized

An organized job search can be crucial to my success. I start with my office space. Even though I don't have an actual office, I designate myself a work area, complete with computer, phone and filing space. Every time I sit in my "office," lt feels like I'm on the job.

Next I've created a system to keep track of my leads, my job adverts to which I've responded and the companies I'm interested in. Having this information at my fingertips is especially helpful if I have tailored my CV application form or covering letter to suit a certain position. When a recruiter calls, I will know instantly and precisely how to respond.

Be Your Own Boss

I've just become my own boss and my job is to land my next paid position.

Motivation

Motivation’ and ‘attitude’ are the most important things employers are looking to secure from a recruit, and it is one of the things that they most fear the unemployed lose, as they remain out of work.

I'm highly motivated and open to all job opportunities and actively doing everything I can to look for work and I'm confident that I will get a job

Skills Audit

Skills auditing Although it may expose and highlight shortcomings, it can also help individuals find out where their strengths and weaknesses lie and identify training needs. Skills auditing software can also be used in staff selection.

I find myself in an ‘experience trap’. You need experience to get a job, but you need the job to get experience.

I feel that I need more experience or additional skills in order to apply for a particular jobs

· Benefit fraud officer

· Private investigator

· Web design

· Painter and decorator

· Engineering

Gaining transferable skills

In addition to qualifications and experience, employers seek transferable skills in a successful candidate – these are skills gained in one context that can be applied within another. For instance I was a Refuse Worker so teamwork, motivating people, and problem-solving, working under pressure, planning, time management, numeracy and stamina, and interpersonal skills, all of which would be highly relevant in a Window Cleaner job

Setting myself Goals

The ultimate goal is to find the job of my dreams. Until that happens, and to help it happen, I set small weekly goals for myself

Try to apply for as many suitable jobs as possible.
Promise to make follow-up phone calls.
To comply and to follow my Action Plane

Whatever My goals are, I make sure they're realistic. That way, I'm more likely to keep them. I write them down as an Action Plane and keep it where I can see it. I cross off items as I go for a feeling of instant accomplishment

Setting myself goals.

I do think about what I like and dislike about being unemployed. And I do have a long list of dislikes - I use these as motivation.

For example like,

If I had a job I could save up for driving lessons also being unemployed has some advantage I'm available for work and can start immediately

For example dislike,

No social life due to no money also a low standard of living

And I do think where I want to be in five years' time and I do keep this picture in my mind.

To have a car license or a bike license.

To have the job of my dreams.

Last Revised: 23-07-2007

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