With the challenging economic climate, it is imperative you are prepared to launch a focused, purpose-filled job search. To ensure your Christian job search is linked to self-discovery rather than frustration, follow these simple steps.

1.        Make a list of your goals and career priorities (things you value or feel strongly about within your career or work environment). Some people place a high priority on a career that offers a flexible (or structured) work schedule, long-term job security, task diversity, or a high paying salary. Your completed list will help you determine your core values and guide you in your job search.

2.       Spend time researching organizations then only focus on those companies that line up with your values. You can use Google or your local library to find out information on companies or specific industries. Be sure to locate a company directory so you can address your résumé and cover letter to the appropriate person.

3.       Prepare yourself with an up-to-date résumé that is specific to the employer’s needs. Do not send out a general résumé or one that is focused on what you want. Take a little extra time to tailor your document toward how your skills will meet the employer’s needs. Always follow the employer’s specific posting instructions and, if it is a cold call, address your inquiry directly to the decision maker rather than the human resources department.

4.       Outline a plan of action. How will you conduct your search? Will you answer classified advertisements, post your résumé online, attend job fairs, and /or send your information snail mail? Each will require a different strategy. Spend a specific amount of time each day on your search and always have your home answering machine and voicemail greetings set up correctly. You never know when opportunity will knock, don’t get caught off guard. Take the time to have everyone in the family prepared with appropriate an appropriate phone greeting and answers to questions.

5.       Always thank the interviewer for their time and confirm your interest in the position via a follow-up letter. Be sure to customize each letter toward specifics discussed during the interview. Just saying “thank you” is not enough. Don’t pass up the opportunity to show your attention to detail, further demonstrate how you can provide solutions, and lend expertise on overcoming obstacles and challenges.

By taking the time to conduct research, tailor your résumé, and outline a plan of action, you will be laying a solid foundation that will help you avoid the frustrations usually associated with a job search. Your purpose filled search will give you the edge when interviewing by allowing you to express your interest in the company and focusing the discussion on how your skills match their particular needs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Tammy Shoup, CPRW

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.

The purpose of any resume (Pastoral, Ministry, or Secular) is to get the job seeker interviews. If your resume isn’t getting you noticed, it is time to polish it and make it POP! When writing your document, do not use the mindset that your resume is about your past, but rather, breakthrough and write toward your future. Focus on your qualifications that match the employer’s needs and enhance your document with words, phrases and verses that show your passion. (For the non-ministry worker, use past accomplishments and always quantify results to set yourself apart.)

 Here are 5 ways you can improve your resume:

1.  POP that Resume – Put your Passion On Paper. Use words and phrases that convey your dedication, commitment, and love for serving the Lord.  Keep your action-oriented statements brief and demonstrate to the reader the value you offer and the impact you have made within your congregation and community. Don’t get bogged down with extreme details Example: Pastoral Candidate with 10+ years’ experience preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ, leading small groups’ ministries, and spearheading diverse outreach events. Possess servant’s heart and focused on providing pastoral care and reaching others with the life-changing message of salvation.

2. Write Toward Your Future – Emphasize your qualities and experiences that match the needs of the employer. What is the employer looking for in a candidate and what experience do you have that allows you to fulfill their needs? Example ad: able to guide the congregation and outreach to the community. Example Response: Collaborated with staff members and community leaders to spearhead age-appropriate activities and events that cultivate faith in Christ.

3.  Add a Proclamation / Vision Statement – What key verse is your ministry based upon? Briefly explain your ministry focus and your core beliefs. (If you are a non-ministry job seeker, use a profile section to highlight your key skills / attributes and add recommendations throughout your document to further demonstrate the value you offer an employer!)

4.  Make Your Resume Uniquely Yours – Microsoft offers great products but make your resume uniquely yours by not using one of their templates. After you have created a visually appealing layout, add adjectives that describe your personality and breathe life into your document. Sample resumes and the examples above are just that. Samples and examples. Try to use them as a guide and not as a wording template.

5.  Give a Personal Portrait and List References – Allow the committee to get to know you as an individual by giving them a glimpse of your personal life. Are you single or married? Do you have children? Are you in good health? What are your hobbies?  Selection committees also want to see the names of three to five individuals who can attest to your abilities within a ministry setting. (If you are a non-ministry job seeker, you can use recommendations throughout your resume but do not include references.)

When an employer is seeking candidates, multiple applicants apply. The Pastoral Candidate and Ministry Worker need to be armed with an honest, fact-filled document that gives a basic portrait but yet shows their passion for serving the Lord. These 5 strategies will help express your passion (on paper) and give you the right edge to stand out from the competition.

 Remember to place your plans before the Lord, stay faithful in prayer, and trust in Him.

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:21 (NLT)

Thanks for stopping by!

Blessings,

Tammy

Tammy Shoup, CPRW is a Christian Resume Writer dedicated to helping Pastoral Candidates, Ministry Workers, and Christian Job Seekers launch a successful job search campaign. She is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), Member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and National Résumé Writer’s Association. She is also a past member of the Christian Writer’s Guild.