How do you find your dream job with dreadlocks when you hear a lot of negative comments about them? Creating a professional image with dreadlocks is key, as well as improving your skills and work experiences.
Never judge yourself negatively for your dreadlocks. More than anything else, they should allow you to excel and be successful in all your endeavors, including finding your dream job.
Be very clear on the job you really want. Get a job description and imagine yourself with your dreadlocks in that position. Write down three compelling reasons why you want this job or career. With living expenses, list the dreams and sincere goals that this job will help you achieve. Get in the habit of reading your reasons often. This helps keep you motivated.
Approach your dream job search as a full-time job. Do something every day, like scanning job sites online, reading classifieds in local newspapers, and working on your resumes. Create a to-do list to look for work every night or early in the morning.
Be relentless in your search for the job that you will enjoy and will bring you satisfaction. Many people with dreadlocks have found rewarding jobs and careers. Get advice from them on how they got their jobs.
Before you start looking for your dream job, get a reality check. Do you have the experience, skills, certification, or college degree needed for the job? If not, find a way to get them. There are online courses available, local colleges in your neighborhood, and opportunities to volunteer for experience.
Here are 5 steps to help ensure success in your search for your dream job with dreadlocks.
1. Create a personal work profile
– Get a notepad or open the word processor on your computer and make a list of each job and place of employment. Make sure your contact information is correct. Keep a list of dates employed and salaries for previous positions.
– List all job skills and training experiences. Include degrees, training completed, certificates, and self-taught skills.
– Add achievements, goals achieved and responsibilities from previous positions. Computer skills are important. Consider the type of computer and software you are experienced with.
– Get references from previous employers and coworkers. Call each one to verify the use of names, addresses, phone numbers, and availability.
2. Write a winning resume
– Use the information from your personal job profile to create a professional resume. Get samples from the internet, bookstores, and libraries to create effective resumes, cover letters, references, and salary history. Ask a friend or family member with the job they want to review or compare resumes.
– Create electronic copies of your resumes to be sent by email and posted on Internet job sites. The two most popular forms are Microsoft Word documents and Adobe PDF.
– Keep copies of your resume with you at all times. Store them in a folder, flash drive, briefcase, car, and secretly on a computer at work. You should always be ready to hand-deliver, send, or email your resume right away.
3. Publish or send CV weekly
– Post your resumes on employment websites such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, local newspaper websites, and company websites.
– Send five to ten resumes a week every week. Be sure to follow up to make sure the recipient company has received your resume. If the company hasn’t contacted you after you submitted your resume, please email or call. This also gives you the opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the job.
– Keep a record with the name of the company, address, date, contact person and dates of follow-up.
4. Network online and offline
– Practice TTP (Talk to people). Pass on the job you are looking for to anyone you know. Start conversations at grocery stores, school, church, parks, or anywhere people gather. Attend job fairs, trade functions, seminars, and happy hours (try not to be overjoyed, your purpose is to network).
– Participate in chat rooms and online discussion forums. Many are hosted by professional associations in the field or industry of the job you are seeking. This can also be a great way to find job openings.
5. Maintain a positive professional image
– Reserve a good suit for the interviews. Find a place to store starched shirts, pressed suits, and polished shoes. If possible, keep interview clothes in a travel bag in the car.
– Prepare your dreadlocks. For men, be sure to trim all facial hair, such as mustaches, sideburns, and beards. The most important thing is to make sure your dreadlocks are clean and fresh. Tie your dreadlocks behind your head with a black hair band.
Women can be more flexible as long dreadlocks are considered by most companies to be a feminine hairstyle. For both men and women, a professional image with dreadlocks is very important. A loctician or image consultant can give you ideas on how to style your dreadlocks before going to the interview.
– Make sure the messages on your answering machine and cell phone are informative. Write a script, rehearse, and record it several times until it’s perfect. Be sure to say your name slowly and clearly. Call potential employers as soon as you hear the message.
– Practice interview sessions. Think of possible questions the employer might ask and rehearse your answers. Practice sitting, speaking, and using eye contact when sitting in front of a mirror.
Send a thank you note immediately after each interview, preferably the next morning by post or email.
You must be prepared at all times. Tennis great Arthur Ashe says: “An important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”
Last but not least, be brave, positive, confident, and daring. Letting your confidence show itself earns a lot of points with the interviewer. Groom your dreadlocks, develop the right skills, and look professional. You will be closer to the job of your dreams.