If you are wondering if you can find the job you want with
dreadlocks, the answer is yes. Your dreadlocks give you a
unique appearance. Therefore, to find that perfect job you
need a strong desire, dedication, discipline, and
determination.
Never judge yourself negatively because of your dreadlocks.
More than anything else, they should empower you to excel
and succeed in all of your endeavors including finding the
job of your dreams.
Take a moment and think about the job you want. Get a job
description and imagine you with your dreadlocks in that
position. Write down three compelling reasons you want
this job or career. With living expenses, list heartfelt
dreams and goals this job will help you achieve. Read it
morning, noon, and night.
Approach the search for your dream job as a full-time job.
Do something every day such as scanning online job sites,
reading the classifieds in local papers, and working on
your resumes. Create a job searching to-do list every
night or early morning.
Regardless of how long it takes, never give up finding the
job you'll be happy and proud to have. There are many
people with dreadlocks happily employed in jobs they love
having and doing. Talk to them, ask questions, and get
advice on their job success.
Before you embark on the search of your dream job, do a
present reality check. Do you have the needed experience,
skills, certification, or college degree for the job? If
not, figure out a way to get them. Take courses online,
enroll at a local college, or take a job close to the one
you want to gain experience.
Here are 5 proven tips to help you find great jobs with
dreadlocks.
1. Create a Personal Work Profile
- Get a notepad or open the word processor on your computer
and make a list of every job and place of employment. Make
sure the name, addresses, and phone numbers are accurate.
Keep detailed list of employment dates and salaries.
- List your professional skills and learning experiences.
Include degrees, certifications, completed training
courses, seminars, and self- taught skills.
- Next add accomplishments, work experience, and
responsibilities of previous jobs. Make sure to highlight
computer experience such as computer type, tasks performed,
and software you become skillful with.
- Get references from previous employers and co-workers.
Give each one a call to verify use of names, addresses,
phone numbers, and availability.
2. Write a Winning Resume
- Use the information from your Personal Work Profile to
create a professional resume. Get samples from the
Internet, bookstores, and libraries to create effective
resumes, cover letters, references, and salary history.
Ask a friend or relative with the job you want to review or
compare resumes.
- Create electronic copies of your resumes for sending by
e-mail and posting on Internet jobsites. The two most
popular forms are Microsoft Word documents and Adobe PDF.
- Keep copies of resume in a folder, flash drive,
briefcase, car, or discreetly on a computer at work. You
should always be ready to hand-deliver, mail, or e-mail
your resume immediately.
3. Post or Send Resumes Weekly
- Post your resumes to employment websites such as
Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, local newspaper websites,
and company websites.
- Send out five to ten resumes a week every week. Make sure
you follow up to ensure the targeted company received your
resume. If you've haven't heard back from the company,
call or e-mail to verify they did receive your resume.
Also, you can let them know you're still interested in the
job or position.
- Keep a log with the company name, address, date, contact
person, and follow-up dates.
4. Network Online and Offline
- Practice TTP (Talk To People). Broadcast the job you're
seeking to anyone and everyone you know. Strike up
conversations at grocery stores, school, church, parks, or
anywhere people gather. Attend job fairs, business
functions, seminars, and happy hours (try not to get too
happy, your purpose is to network).
- Take part in online chat rooms and discussion forums.
Many are hosted by professional associations in the field
or industry of the job you're seeking. This can also be a
great way to find open positions.
5. Keep a Positive Professional Image
- Set aside one good suit for interviews. Keep starched
shirts and shined shoes in the same place ready for
immediate change. If possible, keep interviewing clothes
in a travel bag in the car.
- Groom your dreadlocks. For men, make sure your beard,
mustaches, sideburns, and edges are neat. Most
importantly, make sure your dreadlocks are clean and fresh.
If you have long dreadlocks, wear them in a ponytail tied
behind the head with a hair band.
Women can be more flexible since most companies consider
long dreadlocks a female hairstyle. In either case, always
try to present a professional image with your dreadlocks.
Before interviews, visit a loctician or image consultant to
get ideas on how to create a business hairstyle with
dreadlocks.
- Record an informative message on the answering machine
and cell phone. Write a script, rehearse it, and record it
several times until it's perfect. Make sure you state your
name slowly and clear. Call potential employers back as
soon as you hear the message.
- Master the art of the interview. Think of potential
questions the employer may ask and rehearse your answers.
Spend time in front of a mirror critiquing how you sit,
your tone of voice, and eye to eye contact.
Send a thank you note immediately after every interview
preferably the next morning by mail or e-mail.
Most important in looking for your dream job with
dreadlocks is preparation. As inventor George Washington
Carver says, "It is better to be prepared and not have an
opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be
prepared."
Last, but not least, be bold, positive, confident, and
daring. Letting your confidence show wins many points with
the interviewer. If you have the right skills, groom your
dreadlocks, and keep a positive professional appearance,
you should be well on the way to your dream job.
----------------------------------------------------
Jeffery Bradley has been growing dreadlocks for twenty
years and has worked at six major corporations. He's
passionate about showing you how to create a prosperous
life with dreadlocks. Get your free ebook "5 Steps to
Great Dreadlocks" at http://www.howtogrowdreadlocks.com
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