New Mexico, like many other states, had dropped the job search requirement as an eligibility criterion. In a recent development, the Department of Workforce Solutions has lifted the work search waiver for those receiving unemployment benefits. This means that if you are an unemployed individual, you have to document at least two job search efforts per week to continue receiving these benefits. The decision is not surprising considering the successful vaccination roll out and many employers opening up their businesses again.
If you are currently unemployed and receiving UI benefits from the government, it would be best to actively start looking for jobs to remain eligible to receive benefits or find a suitable job that pays well. You can use the following steps to search and secure a job in New Mexico.
1. Choose a profession and find a relevant job
Being unemployed can leave you with more time on your hands than otherwise. You can use this time to take stock of a lot of things in your life. For example, if you were dissatisfied with your career before, you can prepare and pursue a new profession altogether.
Once you’ve decided or if you’re satisfied with your professional career, you can use this time to start searching for suitable job opportunities. You should apply for jobs that match your interest, skill set, experience, education, and other relevant requirements.
2. Create a resume and cover letter
The popular saying, “First impressions make lasting impressions,” does hold some water and your resume and your cover letter are opportunities to make a good impression on a potential employer.
Your resume should consist of basic information about yourself, your previous employment details, educational background, and your primary skills. To make your resume stand out from the rest, try arranging your details in an accurate, crisp, and organized manner. Highlight your strengths and qualifications by giving specific examples.
The main goal of your resume is to secure an interview with a potential employer. Your cover letter, on the other hand, should bring notice to your resume, and give an introduction about yourself, briefly explain why you are interested in their job listing and what you can contribute to their company. Try to make it as personalized as possible. You can use the help of online tools or templates to create your resume and cover letter.
3. Prepare for interviews
The thought of appearing in interviews can put even the most experienced people in a tough spot. Preparing for your interviews can somewhat help in calming your nerves and boost your confidence levels. Most importantly, though, your knowledge of the company’s offerings and how your qualifications make you suitable to handle the job, may leave a good impression on your interviewer.
Another tip is to speak with your interviewer in a clear, confident, and positive manner. Remember that an interview is a two-way conversation, so pay mind to what the interviewer asks and try to respond with appropriate answers.
You should also groom yourself before an interview, even if it’s a virtual one. Wearing formal attire and taking the effort to look professional can help you score more points in your favor.
4. Follow up with employers
Writing a follow up email after your interview is important. It is best to do it as early as acceptable as you have a higher chance of being recognized. You can include being thankful for the interview, any significant or positive discussion that you might have had, or any ideas that you may have forgotten to mention in the interview, in your follow up email. Try ending your email in an open-ended manner, with you asking feedback about your performance, or asking them to reach out to you if they have any questions, etc.
5. Negotiate your job offer
If you end up with a job offer, try to keep the following things in mind. Once you get your offer letter, carefully go through it and see if it aligns with your requirements. You should also check if the average salary of the job you applied for matches your offer.
If you’re dissatisfied about any aspect of the offer, you can try negotiating with the employer. You should address your concerns in a polite manner and justify any additional requirements that you want. Keep in mind that both you and the employer need to come to a mutual agreement for a successful negotiation, so listen and consider anything that they might say.
New Mexico’s Department of Workforce Solutions has a website that you can use in your job search process. From career solutions to access to labor market statistics so that you can make an informed decision, their website can help you through all stages of your job search.
It is important to search for jobs and get back to work as soon as possible to live a more comfortable life and to boost the economy. The New Mexicon government has come up with incentives to encourage people to return to work. You’ll be eligible to receive certain amounts when you find a job and report it to NMDWS. If you report it on July 4, you’ll get $1,000, $800 on July 11, $600 on July 18, and $400 on July 25.If you have been recently unemployed, you can try checking to see if you are eligible for UI benefits in New Mexico. If you find yourself to be eligible, you can use the money received for necessities while you search for jobs.
