By Quinn Andersen

Manpower Branch Manager Laura Lunde offers tips for your job search

Manpower Branch Manager Laura Lunde offers tips for job seekers. Lunde has been the branch manager of Manpower since 2009. In her position she helps 25 to 50 people per month find long-term positions, and she finds it rewarding to help people market themselves and find the perfect job match.

“I think people see job searching as a scary thing and reaching out eases some of the fear for them,” Lunde said.

 

Research and self-analysis:

“The key to figuring out what you want to do is research,” Lunde said.

Look on the Internet or ask people already in the

workforce. Know what you like, and know what’s

available. Know your strengths and more importantly,

your weaknesses. Finding a way to display a weakness

in a positive light is important.

 

Networking and a good resume:

You can have a huge network of possibility with Facebook and LinkedIn. You simply need to learn to build on it. Use it as a way to let people know you’re looking for work or to find references. Experience and great qualities displayed in that experience make a good resume. Include community activities as well as work history.

“If they don’t have any experience, they need to go get it,” Lunde said.

 

Organize and dive in:

Use spell check, power words and action verbs.

“Most importantly have at least three people look over everything that you do — you need to get new eyes on it,” Lunde said.

Start your application submittal process. Make sure to carefully read and clearly understand the directions for each submittal process. It’s important to complete every part of the submittal process.

 

Cover letter and planning for the interview:

A cover letter clearly states what you’re applying for, how you heard about this opportunity, your qualifications and your follow-up plan. Select business attire the night before. Make sure it’s well pressed, clean and fits well. Wear sensible shoes and minimal accessories so it won’t be a distraction. Bring along multiple copies of your resume.

 

Meet and ask questions:

A firm handshake and good eye contact set the tone for the meeting. You should be familiar with your resume and be able to give specific examples to display your qualities. Sometimes you have to take notes in an interview, so it’s good to have a portfolio along. Have questions prepared for the the person conducting the interview beyond

benefits, pay and vacation days. Though these things may be brought up it’s important to ask about the goals of the company and a typical day in the workplace.

 

Saying thank you and sticking to the plan:

Send a thank you note after every interview to thank them for their time and considering you for the position. Send the thank you within the first 48 hours after the interview. Then move on to the rest of your follow-up plan. The cover letter presented to the interviewer should have explained a

follow-up plan. It is important that this plan be followed exactly as written.