Ways To Become Employed With Dreadlocks

With the popularity of dreadlocks on the rise, finding or getting a better job with them is a concern shared by many. However, there are several actions you can take to help improve your chances. You must dedicate yourself to whatever it takes to succeed in finding your dream job with dreadlocks.

Never judge yourself negatively because of your dreadlocks. More than anything else, they should empower you to excel and succeed in all of your endeavors including finding the job of your dreams.

Be very clear on the job you really want. Get a job description and imagine you with your dreadlocks in that position. Write down three compelling reasons you want this job or career. With living expenses, list heartfelt dreams and goals this job will help you achieve. Read it morning, noon, and night.

Approach the search for your dream job as a full-time job. Do something every day such as scanning online job sites, reading the classifieds in local papers, and working on your resumes. Create a job searching to-do list every night or early morning.

Regardless of how long it takes, never give up finding the job you'll be happy and proud to have. Many people with dreadlocks have found rewarding jobs and careers. Get advice from them on how they got their jobs.

Before you begin to search for the job of your dreams, do a reality check. Do you have the needed experience, skills, certification, or college degree for the job? If not, figure out a way to get them. There are online courses available, local colleges in your neighborhood, and opportunities to volunteer to get experience.

Here are 5 steps to help guarantee success in finding the job of your dreams with dreadlocks.

1. Create a Personal Work Profile

- Get a notepad or open the word processor on your computer and make a list of every job and place of employment. Ensure their contact information is correct. Keep a list of dates employed and salaries of past positions.

- List all job skills and training experiences. Include degrees, completed training, certificates, and self-taught skills.

- Add accomplishments, goals achieved, and responsibilities of previous positions. Computer skills are important. Note the type of computer and software you are experienced in.

- Get references from previous employers and co-workers. Give each one a call to verify use of names, addresses, phone numbers, and availability.

2. Write a Winning Resume

- Use the information from your Personal Work 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 relative with the job you want to review or compare resumes.

- Create electronic copies of your resumes for sending by e-mail and posting on Internet jobsites. 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, mail, or e-mail your resume immediately.

3. Post or Send Resumes Weekly

- Post your resumes to employment websites such as Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, local newspaper websites, and company websites.

- Send out five to ten resumes a week every week. Make sure you follow up to ensure the targeted company received your resume. If the company has not contacted you after you sent your resume, send an e-mail or call. This also gives you a chance to reassure your interest in the job.

- Log the company's name, address, contact person, and dates to follow-up.

4. Network Online and Offline

- Practice TTP (Talk To People). Broadcast the job you're seeking to anyone and everyone you know. Speak with others at department stores, churches, parks, and anywhere possible. Attend job fairs, business functions, seminars, and happy hours (try not to get too happy, your purpose is to network).

- Take part in online chat rooms and discussion forums. Many are hosted by professional associations in the field or industry of the job you're seeking. You can also find job postings and other career opportunities.

5. Keep a Positive Professional Image

- Set aside one good suit for interviews. Keep starched shirts and shined shoes in the same place ready for immediate change. If possible, keep interviewing clothes in a travel bag in the car.

- Groom your dreadlocks. For men, make sure you edge all facial hair such as mustaches, sideburns, and beard. Most importantly, make sure your dreadlocks are clean and fresh. Tie your dreadlocks behind your head with a black hair band.

Women can be more flexible since most companies consider long dreadlocks a female hairstyle. For both man and woman, a professional image with dreadlocks is very important. A loctician or image consultant can give you ideas on styling your dreadlocks before you go to the interview.

- Make sure the messages on your answering machine and cell phone are informative. Write a script, rehearse it, and record it several times until it's perfect. Make sure you state your name slowly and clear. Call potential employers back as soon as you hear the message.

- Practice interview sessions. Think of potential questions the employer may ask and rehearse your answers. Practice how you sit, speak, and use eye to eye contact by sitting in front of a mirror.

Send a thank you note immediately after every interview preferably the next morning by mail or e-mail.

You must be prepared at all times. Tennis great Arthur Ashe states, "One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation."

Last, but not least, be bold, positive, confident, and daring. Letting your confidence show wins many points with the interviewer. Groom your dreadlocks, develop the right skills, and have a professional appearance. You will be closer to the job of your dreams.