Employment Spot

Help Wanted - Top Ten Reasons to Respond to help wanted ads

Many people pass by help wanted advertisements on their daily commutes or web browsing without taking notice. Not everyone who has access to posted job openings pays attention to them, which may be to that person’s detriment. Though you can keep your attention on your overall career objectives, some of these reasons may persuade you to also take note of unexpected opportunities:

1. Reentering the Work Force

For people who have taken time off, for example, to raise children, reentering the work force can be an intimidating task. Before diving into the job postings in the help wanted section, consider your boundaries and desired career objectives. Determine how you feel about a range of possible positions within your chosen field, from “ideal” to “acceptable.” Being realistic can aid you in reestablishing the career you put on hold.

2. Unemployment

The victims of layoffs and lost jobs should begin the employment search anew by refocusing their energies on a career path they may not have considered otherwise. Use the old adage that “every cloud has a silver lining” to find a better position. The next “help wanted” ad you see may be the silver lining.

3. It’s Your Dream Job

Some of the top dream jobs include Ice Cream Creator, Video Game Designer, Brew Master, Toy Creator, and Comic Book Guru. These jobs certainly would be ideal, but if finding one of these ads in the “help wanted” section seems difficult, broaden the dream. Perhaps your dream job could also include work in the non profit sector, work as a writer or illustrator, or working with young people. These careers may be more accessible (and easier to find) in the help wanted ads.

4. More Money

Obviously, working the same hours for increased pay offers incentive to most people to apply to a help wanted advertisement. Receiving a paycheck is, after all, why the majority of people work at all. Perusing the”help wanted” section on occasion to check for jobs with better benefits or more money could certainly be beneficial.

5. Better Hours

Not all jobs fit conveniently between the hours of nine and five. Especially for workers new to their careers or companies, long hours may be required. Working until late in the evening on occasion may not be a problem, but consistent expectations of extended hours may hurt the time normally reserved for family or recreational activities. If the hours of a current position are inconvenient or unreasonable, responding to a help wanted ad may be the only feasible option.

6. Transitioning to a New Career

Few people have only one career. For example, people from nearly every profession eventually transition to a university setting in order to teach and educate others about their past career experience. Look for new opportunities throughout your career. Your past experience may be your biggest asset in switching gears and transitioning to a completely new career path. The right help wanted ad could inspire you to consider a career transition.

7. Better Company

If you dislike your office environment, coworkers, or supervisor, you could be much more likely to respond to a help wanted ad. Kate Lorenz, editor at CareerBuilder.com, quotes experts Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster, who say that to handle”harmful colleagues” you should”unhook” from them physically, mentally, and verbally. If techniques such as this fail, looking to the help wanted ads may be the next step. After all, you cannot “unhook” from everyone you work with.

8. Searching for Temporary Employment

The spring months bring not only April showers and May flowers, but also a burst of young students, in both high school and college, looking for summer employment. These job seekers require flexible hours for the summer in order to make money (and appease mom and dad) before classes begin again. In this season of job hunting, popular help wanted ads may include employment opportunities that require little or no experience, as they are currently in hot demand. Popular summer jobs include life guarding, baby sitting for younger children, and working in seasonal positions like landscaping or construction.

9. Improved Health

Working in an office and sitting at a desk all day may not be ideal for everyone, and could be harmful to your health. Especially for adults busy with family life and children after work, getting exercise during your off hours or busy weekends may not be convenient or possible. Although it may seem like a drastic switch, looking for a different position that allows you to work outside or in a more active environment may help your health and improve your life.

10. Additional Education

Going back to school can provide not only educational benefits but inspire new careers in many individuals. Taking elective classes in unknown subjects can also spur interest in jobs and careers that were not previously considered. Take the time to investigate uncommon opportunities in the help wanted section after receiving your degree.

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