Hello, all!
One of the things we see the most at the RLC is the connection between being productive and feeling good. Sometimes, our mental or emotional states make it difficult to take care of ourselves or hold down a job, and that’s okay--as long as we remember we’re strong enough to seek help and get though it! But few things satisfy like this knowledge: “I am earning my own money. I am pulling my own weight!” That said, it can be tough to find a job, especially during difficult economic times and when we face obstacles that not everyone has to face (like anxiety, depression, hearing voices, etc). Well, the RLC is just one of the many programs helping peers with those extra obstacles, so I figured I’d write up some tips on how to get over the regular obstacles on the path to employment.
First and foremost: employers want someone with personal responsibility. The most obvious sign of personal responsibility is hygiene: showering regularly, brushing teeth every day and washing clothes are SO important! Between our natural bodies and the things we touch every day, human beings can collect odors without even realizing it. Some people prefer an “au naturale” philosophy, and this can work perfectly well: washing with pure water can be an effective way to get clean. Most people take the next step in hygiene and use soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant to get every nook and cranny squeaky clean and pleasant-smelling. A few people will go beyond even that and employ a perfume, cologne or body spray, but these things can be overwhelming if used heavily, and they are certainly no replacement for simply getting clean.
Secondly: employers want someone who can handle other responsibilities as well. Usually, this can be proven with work history, references and an up-to-date resume. This can lead to a problem: “How can I have a resume with work experience if I can’t get a job to get work experience?” A great way to avoid this problem is to build work experience by volunteering. A volunteer looks like he or she is more motivated and involved than someone who stays at home all day without productive activities. There are plenty of ways to volunteer at the RLC itself, but there are also numerous venues in every community that can use an extra pair of hands--animal shelters and soup kitchens are just a few of the possibilities.
Thirdly: employers need workers who are motivated... and applicants need self-motivation to track down those jobs! The first step is to find the positions to apply for. Newspapers, reliable websites (like careerbuilder.com and monster.com), and even walking in to places can give you an idea of how to apply. If you’re committed to getting a job, set a reasonable goal for yourself. For me, it was: “Three applications a week.” A few days after you submit your application--maybe four days, maybe a full week--give the company a call or a visit to politely and energetically ask, “Have you had a chance to review my application?” This is a great way to show your commitment to the job before you even interview.
Of course, every employer is different, and every company has different needs at different times. These tips are no guarantee that you’ll land a job... that’s up to you! Good luck, and happy job-hunting.
Author: Deanna “Berry” Cassidy
Central Mass RLC
One of the things we see the most at the RLC is the connection between being productive and feeling good. Sometimes, our mental or emotional states make it difficult to take care of ourselves or hold down a job, and that’s okay--as long as we remember we’re strong enough to seek help and get though it! But few things satisfy like this knowledge: “I am earning my own money. I am pulling my own weight!” That said, it can be tough to find a job, especially during difficult economic times and when we face obstacles that not everyone has to face (like anxiety, depression, hearing voices, etc). Well, the RLC is just one of the many programs helping peers with those extra obstacles, so I figured I’d write up some tips on how to get over the regular obstacles on the path to employment.
First and foremost: employers want someone with personal responsibility. The most obvious sign of personal responsibility is hygiene: showering regularly, brushing teeth every day and washing clothes are SO important! Between our natural bodies and the things we touch every day, human beings can collect odors without even realizing it. Some people prefer an “au naturale” philosophy, and this can work perfectly well: washing with pure water can be an effective way to get clean. Most people take the next step in hygiene and use soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant to get every nook and cranny squeaky clean and pleasant-smelling. A few people will go beyond even that and employ a perfume, cologne or body spray, but these things can be overwhelming if used heavily, and they are certainly no replacement for simply getting clean.
Secondly: employers want someone who can handle other responsibilities as well. Usually, this can be proven with work history, references and an up-to-date resume. This can lead to a problem: “How can I have a resume with work experience if I can’t get a job to get work experience?” A great way to avoid this problem is to build work experience by volunteering. A volunteer looks like he or she is more motivated and involved than someone who stays at home all day without productive activities. There are plenty of ways to volunteer at the RLC itself, but there are also numerous venues in every community that can use an extra pair of hands--animal shelters and soup kitchens are just a few of the possibilities.
Thirdly: employers need workers who are motivated... and applicants need self-motivation to track down those jobs! The first step is to find the positions to apply for. Newspapers, reliable websites (like careerbuilder.com and monster.com), and even walking in to places can give you an idea of how to apply. If you’re committed to getting a job, set a reasonable goal for yourself. For me, it was: “Three applications a week.” A few days after you submit your application--maybe four days, maybe a full week--give the company a call or a visit to politely and energetically ask, “Have you had a chance to review my application?” This is a great way to show your commitment to the job before you even interview.
Of course, every employer is different, and every company has different needs at different times. These tips are no guarantee that you’ll land a job... that’s up to you! Good luck, and happy job-hunting.
Author: Deanna “Berry” Cassidy
Central Mass RLC
