Are you preparing for a new career but don’t have a lot of money to spend on the job hunt? There are some things you can do to prepare for a new career on a budget. Whether you want to save on interview attire or need to update your education with a diploma, here are a few tips that will get you started.
Tip #1: Interview Attire Shopping on a Budget
Are you job searching and need to find clothes for your next interview. With the current inflation coupled with the need for work attire, Meridian College has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to help educate cosmetology students on shopping for interview and work attire on a budget. There is no need to shop at a high-end retailer to impress your prospective boss. There are some great clothes at Goodwill that can extend your wardrobe. Meridian College partners with Goodwill to educate students on proper attire and even offers a $10 gift card to help find the right job outfit.
Tip #2: Don’t Quit Until You Have Another Job
Many of us are living paycheck to paycheck and can’t quit our jobs without running up debt. Credit card debt can be costly so try to find a job while you are already employed. Be discreet and still work hard at your current job. Employers understand that times are tough, and we need to make ends meet. You can also go to vocational school while you are employed so you can prepare for a new career. Vocational schools offer flexible schedules that allow you to take care of responsibilities while attending classes.
Tip #3: Decide What Job You Are Looking for First.
Are you accepting interviews for jobs that you will never take? Don’t waste time on an interview just because they called you back after sending in a resume. Decide what you are looking for and take interviews for jobs that you are interested in. If you pick a job that you like, you will be much more likely to stick with it.
Tip #4: Use the Internet To Promote Yourself
If you don’t want to spend money on resumes printed on expensive paper, only to find out the employer just added it to a big stack of resumes. Then, use sites like LinkedIn to show your prospective employer that you are tech savvy and resourceful. You might even be able to find a free web hosting or blog hosting site that you can use to make a unique vision of your experience, education, and skills. If you are looking for work as a cosmetologist, Instagram can be a great tool to show of your hairstyling expertise. There are many free resources on the Internet that you can use to start looking for a new career on a budget.
Tip #5: Network. Network. Network.
If you are attending a vocational school, make friends with fellow classmates and stay connected with instructors. You never know when you will need to reach out and contact your network to fill an employment gap. Use LinkedIn to keep track of your network and stay connected.
Plus, there is no rules that says you can’t go to a business and request to talk with the hiring manager. Some businesses, like hair salons, will like your go-getter attitude. Visit the hair salons in your community and ask who the hiring manager is. Pick a time when you know they will be at the salon and stop in for a quick chat. They may not have openings right away but if you start to network with them, they will think of you the next time they have an opening.
Top #6: Attend a Vocational School Program
Don’t have 4 years to get an education that may or may not result into a job? The good news is that you can complete a vocational program at Meridian College in less time than a 2- or 4-year college. This will satisfy the educational requirements to get licensed and the confidence boost to start working at a local business near you. During the program, you get hands-on experience, in addition to a well-rounded education in the classroom. Instructors are ready to guide you through the curriculum that you will use in your new career.
The best part about attending Meridian College is our career services that will help you find a job you are passionate about. We have strong ties in the community with employers and community businesses that are looking for graduates of Meridian College. They know that these graduates are highly trained and job ready.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to prepare for a new career on a budget, it is time to learn more about Meridian College. We offer programs in Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Ultrasound and Medical Administration. All of these programs are a great way to start a new career. Let us help you find the career you are passionate about.
Want to Learn More?
Does it seem like the life you planned and the life you have now just keep getting farther apart? Now is the time to change your life with vocational training. You can be just months away from the technical skills for a new career and a new life with a vocational training program.
We will assist you through the school’s application process. At Meridian College, we work with you to make sure that you are in the right vocational training program for your career goals. When you are successful, we are successful.
Contact Meridian College today to learn more about our vocational programs.