What do you need to know when applying for a new job? Local pros answer

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I remember being right out of college and overwhelmed by the dozens of questions I had about finding a new job: “How do I know if it’s a good fit for me?” or “How much is too much to put on my resume?”

If you’re in a similar stage or looking for a career change, you might have similar questions. Luckily, there are experts to help ease the process, and the best of the best are right here in Birmingham!

Keep reading for things to know during the job search—whether you need it now or just asking for a friend.

Meet a local HR expert: Lawrencia Richardson

Lawrencia Richardson works at United Way of Central Alabama as the Assistant Vice President of People and Culture.

She’s been a dedicated—and fun!—part of the team for five years now, and if I could guess, the organization and morale around the office is better because of her.

So, what exactly does an AVP of People and Culture do?

“I oversee the recruiting, training and organizational development functions within our Human Resources department.

I often describe my role as the operational backbone of the department. While I may not be directly involved in every aspect of HR, I have a hand in most areas and work closely to support the VP of Human Resources.”

Lawrencia is no stranger to the nonprofit world, either. Her desire to know people and do meaningful work is what drives her to lead the team well.

3 tips when searching for your new job

I probably am not the first to tell you: The job application process is stressful. But there are tons of Birmingham resources—and people like Lawrencia—who are here to help you.

Here are 3 things to keep in mind when applying for your new job:

1. Stay flexible and stay focused. “Today’s job market can be tough, but there are still great opportunities. Be open to opportunities and always be open to learning; it can take you far in your career.”
2. If at first you don’t succeed, TRY AGAIN! “Just because you don’t get a role doesn’t mean you’re not a fit. If you give up quickly, you might miss the opportunity for you.”
3. Make sure you review your resume often. “Tailor your resume for the position you are applying for, and make sure you have a digital footprint. Things like your LinkedIn profile and a digital portfolio with work samples are great to showcase your previous work.”

Find your dream job in Birmingham

Part of every great team is a lot of great people. Lawrencia and the rest of the HR department at UWCA know what to look for when building these teams.

Here are a few things Lawrencia and her team look for when mulling through applications:

• Professionalism: Clear, appropriate and eager to learn.
• Culturally fit: Volunteer work, shared interests or values that reflect the organization’s mission.
• Relevance of experience: The candidate has experience that aligns with the role.
• Achievements over duties: Stronger candidates show impact, not just tasks.

Don’t be afraid to lean on your connections! Whether it be through school, church, social groups, you name it. Someone in your circle may have the perfect fit for you.

Plus, working with non-profits (there are so many in Birmingham that could use your help) is a great way to marry your job with a personal passion.

“I always tell everyone: We are the people, who support the people, who help people.” That’s important. That’s meaningful work. We are always looking for more good people to support.”

Check out open jobs at United Way of Central Alabama. Good luck in finding your new job, Birmingham!

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