Faith In Action

Elder Robert D. Hales Audio file

“As companies continue to downsize or close, even ideal employees may find themselves needing to find new employment. This is an opportunity to rely on the Lord, to grow, and to be strengthened. If you are seeking a new job, increase your faith in the Lord’s desire and power to bless you. Also seek counsel from those you trust, and don’t be afraid to network and ask for help in finding a new job. If necessary, change your lifestyle—and possibly your place of residence—to live within your means. Willingly seek additional training and learn new skills, regardless of your age. Maintain your health and stay close to your spouse and children. And, above all, be grateful. Express your gratitude in prayer for all that has been given to you. Heavenly Father loves you. His Son has promised, ‘all these things shall give [you] experience, and shall be for [your] good’ (D&C 122:7).”

“A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action,” in Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 1–3.

Monday, January 18, 2010

10 Things You Can Do To Get Your Job Search Started



1.  Mentally prepare.  Finding the job you want is a numbers game.  Once you understand this you will be less prone to discouragement.  You must plan on setting goals, working hard, working smart, and talking to a lot of people through networking.  Consider the following clip that describes why networking is so critical in today's job market.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClVW115nMo&feature=related


2.  Alert your Bishop and your Ward Employment Specialist that you are out of work and that you are beginning your job search.  The more people that know the more others can help.  If it is all about networking, then tell people so they know how to help.  Set up a time with your Ward Employment specialist to review your job search needs and to discuss your plan of action.


3.  Obtain a copy of the Career Workshop Participant Workbook from your Ward Employment Specialist and begin doing the exercises.  You can also download and print a copy of the workbook here: http://www.providentliving.org/employment/CareerWkshpStndt35163000.pdf


4.  Visit the Mesa LDS Employment Resource Services, 235 South El Dorado Circle, Mesa, AZ. Learn about the resources available.  Schedule yourself to attend one of the many workshops offered to help you develop your job search skills, hone your resume, and kick-start your networking.  Check out the services and workshops offered:  http://www.3dqueststudios.com/employment/Mesa%20LDS%20Employment%20Flyer.pdf


5.  Drive to the Maricopa Workforce Connection Career Center located at 735 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 134, Gilbert, AZ.   Go to the front desk and tell them you need to find a job and ask how they can help you.  Check out their website:  http://www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com/


6.  Get a copy of the books, "The Unwritten Rules of a Highly Effective Job Search", and "Highly Effective Networking" by Orville Pierson.  A description of these books can be searched by clicking here:  http://www.highlyeffectivejobsearch.com/thebooks/index.htm

7. Develop and master an "elevator speech" to help you quickly and efficiently communicate you experience, capabilities and what type of job opportunity you want to land.
8. Find and attend networking events in the area that you can attend to meet people and tell you story.  Check out these sites that provides the most comprehensive list of networking events in the Greater Phoenix area:  http://www.networkingphoenix.com/, http://www.southwestjobnet.com/.  Plan to attend the Boulder Creek Job Club held at the LDS Stake Center 3025 S. Hawes Rd: Mesa, AZ 85212 at 7:00 PM, Tuesday http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-vvBUgMN7Hdwo


9.  Order business cards to pass along to your networking contacts.  These cards can be obtained on-line at: http://www.southwestjobnet.com/business-cards/


10.  Start using on-line social and professional networking sites to quickly expand and manage you job search network.  This includes sites like Facebook, Linkedin, and Plaxo.  Linkedin.com is where you should focus first.  Facebook can be a rich source or family and friends from the past who can help you.


Login to Linkedin.com and create your profile. www.linkedin.com Search out people you already know and form a connection.  Invite new contacts to connect with you in LinkedIn.  Join LinkedIn groups that can give you instant networks.  Use the advanced people and company search features to find people that can help you target a specific job or company.


Watch the following clip that shows how to get set up in Linkedin.   Please note that your Linkedin.com version may be more recent than that shown in these clips but the concepts are still valid and useful.
In addition to these 10 steps, take time to learn how trials, like loss of a job, can be a great blessing in your life.  There is a  reason for this experience.   In part, how you respond shows the depth of your faith and your resolve to stay true.  Ultimately, this trial is an opportunity to learn, grow and become more capable.


Watch the following videos to give you insights on how your current trial can be a blessing in your life.
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