If you’re looking to change careers and are interested in working in an office environment, opportunity awaits! With Hawaii’s low unemployment rate, companies are currently competing for employees and are even willing to train the right candidate. All you need is a handful of hard skills to get your foot in the door, and everything else is about basic professionalism and strategic networking.
Here are five tips to get you started and encourage you to take your next step.
1. Familiarize yourself with relevant software
The one critical skill you need to work an office job is to know your way around a computer, especially Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office (which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook) is an essential software application that every office employee is expected to know. Luckily for those who have spent their careers immersed in point-of-sale software, there are tons of useful resources to help you out. Check out Microsoft’s Office Training Center and online programs like Skillshare. Bonus: Some even offer a certification of completion which you can list on your resume.
2. Create an attention-grabbing resume
Your resume is a potential employer’s first impression of you so make it impactful. Highlight your strengths, identify your transferable skills, and add details that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Make it easy to read, consistent, and clear. Spellcheck, proofread, have a friend read it, and then spellcheck again! Explore these free resume templates from Microsoft to get you started.
3. Improve your online presence
Social media is a popular way for recruiters to find prospective job candidates, so make sure that your online presence is working in your favor! Avoid (or quickly delete!) social media mistakes that can get you fired. For proactive job searching in the professional world, definitely get set up on LinkedIn. You can apply for jobs, connect with recruiters, engage with other office professionals, and much more.
Related: Are you getting the most out of your LinkedIn profile?
4. Network, network, network
Have you ever heard the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? This is especially true in Hawaii’s tight-knit community. While the “what” is incredibly important, there is no denying that knowing the right people can go a long way. Every person you meet is a potential door to a new career opportunity. Make sure to build relationships that are going to lead you in the right direction—join a professional organization or local career center to learn from other people in the industry; pack your resume and check out the next job fair; or simply ask someone you look up to for professional guidance.
5. Interview with a staffing company
Many people mistakenly assume staffing companies only have temporary work. But did you know that there are also multiple opportunities for permanent and executive positions? A staffing agency like ALTRES Staffing will be able to consider you for many jobs at once and find the one that best fits your skills and needs—whether it’s gaining experience in a temporary assignment, picking up part-time shifts, or landing the perfect full-time gig. Our experienced recruiters also know the local job market and will be able to answer questions you might have about common job requirements and local salary averages.
Find a job
If you’re not happy with your job or career path, ALTRES Staffing may be able to help. We understand the local job market and match qualified candidates with Hawaii’s leading companies every day. We offer jobs you won’t find anywhere else, and one interview will give you access to hundreds of jobs. Best of all, our services are FREE for jobseekers. You can search our current positions, or just reach out if you need guidance. We are happy to help!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
If you’re looking to change careers and are interested in working in an office environment, opportunity awaits! With Hawaii’s low unemployment rate, companies are currently competing for employees and are even willing to train the right candidate. All you need is a handful of hard skills to get your foot in the door, and everything else is about basic professionalism and strategic networking.
Here are five tips to get you started and encourage you to take your next step.
1. Familiarize yourself with relevant software
The one critical skill you need to work an office job is to know your way around a computer, especially Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office (which includes Word, Excel, and Outlook) is an essential software application that every office employee is expected to know. Luckily for those who have spent their careers immersed in point-of-sale software, there are tons of useful resources to help you out. Check out Microsoft’s Office Training Center and online programs like Skillshare. Bonus: Some even offer a certification of completion which you can list on your resume.
2. Create an attention-grabbing resume
Your resume is a potential employer’s first impression of you so make it impactful. Highlight your strengths, identify your transferable skills, and add details that are relevant to the job you are applying for. Make it easy to read, consistent, and clear. Spellcheck, proofread, have a friend read it, and then spellcheck again! Explore these free resume templates from Microsoft to get you started.
3. Improve your online presence
Social media is a popular way for recruiters to find prospective job candidates, so make sure that your online presence is working in your favor! Avoid (or quickly delete!) social media mistakes that can get you fired. For proactive job searching in the professional world, definitely get set up on LinkedIn. You can apply for jobs, connect with recruiters, engage with other office professionals, and much more.
Related: Are you getting the most out of your LinkedIn profile?
4. Network, network, network
Have you ever heard the saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”? This is especially true in Hawaii’s tight-knit community. While the “what” is incredibly important, there is no denying that knowing the right people can go a long way. Every person you meet is a potential door to a new career opportunity. Make sure to build relationships that are going to lead you in the right direction—join a professional organization or local career center to learn from other people in the industry; pack your resume and check out the next job fair; or simply ask someone you look up to for professional guidance.
5. Interview with a staffing company
Many people mistakenly assume staffing companies only have temporary work. But did you know that there are also multiple opportunities for permanent and executive positions? A staffing agency like ALTRES Staffing will be able to consider you for many jobs at once and find the one that best fits your skills and needs—whether it’s gaining experience in a temporary assignment, picking up part-time shifts, or landing the perfect full-time gig. Our experienced recruiters also know the local job market and will be able to answer questions you might have about common job requirements and local salary averages.
Find a job
If you’re not happy with your job or career path, ALTRES Staffing may be able to help. We understand the local job market and match qualified candidates with Hawaii’s leading companies every day. We offer jobs you won’t find anywhere else, and one interview will give you access to hundreds of jobs. Best of all, our services are FREE for jobseekers. You can search our current positions, or just reach out if you need guidance. We are happy to help!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.