When Can Your Personal Life Impact Your Job Search?

In the midst of the Republican Party's race to select its presidential candidate, we have seen lots of personal "dirt" unearthed. Infidelity, corruption, and questionable financial deals are among the few issues that have been raised. It begs the question, does your personal life really impact your ability to secure a job? As the GOP canididacy - and every day life - has proven, your personal life does make a difference in your employability.

Credit Score
On the surface, one might think a low credit score would not impact your ability to land a job. However, did you know that it is very difficult obtain a government security clearance with a bankruptcy or even a low credit score? The same holds true in banking, finance, and the insurance industry. Employers often look at your credit score as an indication of your ability to make decisions and hold responsibility.

Online Presence
In an earlier blog post I discussed how to manage your online presence. If an employer is conducting a search of your name, what will they find? Pictures on facebook of you drinking heavily or participating in illegal activities are a definite red flag to employers. However, they will also look at comments you make on blogs and on social media sites such as www.twitter.com and www.facebook.com to get a sense of your values and beliefs.

Consider the types of pages, businesses, and causes that are among your "likes" on Facebook. Are any of these organizations controversial or indicative of your religious or sexual preferences? These types of personal beliefs should be kept just that - personal. Remember that when you post something online, it stays there for other people to find, so beware!

Convictions
Everyone makes mistakes in their life. However, some are more costly than others. If you have been convicted of a felony in your life, you need to be ready to counteract the negativity that will follow. Try to offer a simple straightforward explanation of the conviction followed by the changes you have made in your life since the conviction. Read this earlier blog post for more information.

Job Search Tips for People with a Not-so-hot Background

Last week I taught a group of more than 50 people who had been convicted of felonies at some time in their life. I was there to offer advice on resume writing and interviewing skills. The information was well-received, however, the sense of frustration – and often desperation – was palpable in the room.

I started thinking about how challenging the job search market is for people with a spotless job history, and comparing how hard it must be for those people with some sort of black mark on their record. Whether you were fired, laid off from multiple positions due to downsizing, have been out of the workforce due to raising a family, or are returning from an injury, job searching can be a very daunting process when you have roadblocks in the way.

Here are some tips to help you cope with, and overcome, these obstacles if this is something you or someone you know are facing.

• Rely heavily on networking. People who know you and can vouch for your work ethic and personal values – as opposed to your work history on paper – will be valuable to getting your foot in the door.


• If you have been out of work for a while, or plan to be off for a long period of time, consider volunteering. Community service will not only strengthen your resume, it will also enable you to make new contacts and potentially network your way into a company.


• Keep in mind that you are a product that you must sell in the job search process. Present your skills in terms of how they can be of benefit to a company. Do your research and find out why a company is hiring. Use your resume, cover letter, and interview to demonstrate how you can be cost effective and achieve the results they need.


• Be honest when you answer questions and discuss your background. However, don’t volunteer information they do not request. For example, if you are asked why you left a job, don’t tell them why you were fired. Simply state that you decided to take your career in a new direction.


• If you did make a mistake, such as a felony conviction, admit you made a mistake and express remorse. Offer as few details as possible when discussing mistakes. Instead, focus on the positive changes you have made – and wish to make – in your life.