The Career Network

Interview: The Kiss of Death x5

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:05:00 +0000

You’ve got a fool-proof resume chucked full of all the experience and education and you get the big call for an interview. Aside from arming yourself in a business suit and bearing a folder-full of references, is there anything you can do to better prepare yourself for a superior interview without knowing in advance what the questions will be? The answer might not be with the questions your interviewer asks, but perhaps with the questions you ask. Curious if even your most minor inquiries can sabotage your job interview? Oh they can—read on.

Number one kiss of death: When will I get a raise? No matter how much you want to know the answer, don’t inquire about a raise until at least your second interview, and even then, you must take a tactful approach concerning the subject. In this economy, many people have been downsized or laid off and are taking jobs below their typical pay. For this reason, you’ll probably find it necessary to factor in the raises before you can make the best decision about accepting a job. Try this instead: Does the company perform annual or semi-annual reviews for feedback and salary review?”

Number two kiss of death: Exactly what do you do at this company? It’s your responsibility to know this information and if you don’t prior to applying, Google the heck out of the company name, type of company, product or services is designs, provides, performs, whatever—do it yourself. If you don’t, there’s a long line of folks who will. Try this instead: Uh, nothing—just don’t ask dumb questions...

Number three kiss of death: Will you do a background check or drug test? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…and yet employers keep telling us they’re hearing these questions regularly during interview sessions. Way to red-flat the interviewer that undertaking such checks or test might be a problem for you. As best as I can figure, this question emerges from nervous conversation…? Please tell me that’s the case. Try this instead: Is there a facility you’d like me to submit to for a drug test? And/or: Can I provide you with any additional information to assist you in checking my background, references or credentials?

Number four kiss of death: Do you have smoke breaks? This tells a potential employer where your priorities lie and also indicates a lack of self control. Probably at some point the issue of smoking will come up in an advanced portion of a job interview, and hopefully not because you’ve entered an office reeking of the smell of your habit. But the subject may arise. Try this instead: I am a smoker. Are there any policies regarding tobacco use that I should be aware of at this facility?

Number five kiss of death: Is my depression medication covered under your insurance policy?—or any other type specific medication relating to mental health issues, no matter how common or mundane the issue is. Look—we know that at least half the nation is on one type of medication or other for such issues—but it’s certainly nobody’s business and is an issue to be taken up later on via an insurance provider hotline designated for such inquiries. There’s no shame in it, it’s just an inappropriate question to ask your interviewer, and yet it makes the list of top twenty (roughly) questions asked at an interview. Only during an advanced interview session, you may try this: The insurance plan looks solid—is there a reasonable prescription plan that goes along with it?

Chances are good that the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for him or her regarding the position or the company. It’s not mandatory that you have any for show if the interview has been a thorough one. But if you do, word wisely, be tactful, and know when to shut up, frankly. Now, go get ‘em, tiger.

Most Wanted!

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:38:00 +0000

Ever wish you could get inside the mind of your perspective employer and figure out exactly what he or she is looking for in a new hire? Beyond the skills necessary for the job you are applying for, there is a skill set that is most wanted by employers. Once you understand these wants, you revamp your resume and general outlook to make yourself a more viable employment candidate.

You’ve got to have analytical skills: Do you have the ability to analyze whatever situation is presented to you? Can you identify the issues and/or problems and then look for the most likely solutions?
How you list analytical skills on your resume: Demonstrate talent for identifying issues and streamlining multifaceted work processes. Good, huh?

You’ve got to have communication skills: Probably should have listed this one first, as communication is the key to all things problem-solving. Are you an effective listener? Do you remember and respond appropriately? The key to good communications, oddly, is good listening skills.
How to list communication skills on your resume: Able to listen and communicate effectively to facilitate problem solving in the workplace.

You’ve got to have mad computer skills: If you don’t know how to operate the standard computer programs, take a class or get a mentor. Better yet, have your middle-school kid teach you a thing or two about getting around the World Wide Web. You’ll need to know everything about Microsoft Office and anything that pertains to the position you’re applying for.
How to list communications skills on your resume: Computer and software proficiency in a wide variety of programs. Sounds better than mad computer skills, does it not?

You’ve got to have organization skills: If you know where you’re going to be from minute to minute, it’s easier to know what’s going on around you. It’s makes you a shoo-in for leadership positions.
How to list organization skills on your resume: Highly efficient organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.

You’ve got to be aware of office political correctness: Be sensitive to others’ backgrounds, sex, preferences, etc. and handle any conversation regarding such with dignity and utmost kindness. Employ this in your everyday life as well.
How to list PC on your resume: You don’t—everyone who’s looking at your application assumes that anyone applying for a serious job brings these courtesies to the work table. So don’t blow it, okay?

You’ve got to be a team player: If you can’t be part of the team, it’s out of the question that any potential employer will ever see you as being a team leader. Besides, employers want folks who’ll fit in, work hard, and not try to step all over each other on a personal climb to the top.
How to list teamwork on your resume: Builds trusting relationships with colleagues and customers.

These are just a handful of the most wanted characteristics employers are seeking from job applicants. The goal is to enhance the company workforce by selecting an individual who is hard-working and earnest, smart, polite and a team player. By continually practicing these skills and knowing how to put them into written form, you can improve your chances of getting the job you most want!

Just What's Wrong with Retail?

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:25:00 +0000

On the front page of Yahoo! today sits an article about a survey that was conducted across several countries that gauged the respect people have for different professions. Not surprisingly doctors rank right at the top. It's not just respect that the survey polled people on though, it was also which profession people would prefer to marry a practitioner of; doctors again ranking at the apex of the mountain. What's disturbing, though, is that retail employees join Mack at the bottom of the stack (study up on your Dr. Seuss if you don't get that reference).

The study itself is laced with ironies such as actors and musicians also ranking low when their daily antics clog up hours of gossip TV "news" time -- methinks some respondents were less than truthful with their answers. But I really think I'm going to have to call shenanigans on this whole disrespect for retail employees business.

I know many, many people who work in retail at a store level. There's some absolutely fascinating people in that bunch with expertise in a wide variety of subjects. Many of those people are college educated and could be working in fields that this misguided survey would consider respectable. Why are they not doing it? Many reasons.

Since retail offers a very flexible schedule it's a fantastic industry to return to school while continuing to support yourself. Many of these employees work there while pursuing an advanced degree to change careers. And a great many more are kids in college for the first time earning the extra money they need to complete that first degree.

Although beyond that I think a very good reason people stay in the retail sector is that it's uncomplicated. Although a clear majority of people would prefer to marry a person in the health field -- nurses and other health care technicians were included, not just doctors -- they don't seem to realize how much free time these people don't have. These are the professions that seem to get in the way of having a family and generally living life. Retail is very simple, and although it doesn't pay as well, leaves plenty of time for people to live life and love their families. Not to mention nursing didn't pay all that great last time I checked.

That's not to say that people in the health care field aren't living fulfilling lives with their families. It's just disheartening to think that people are judging a career choice without fully understanding it. Different personalities mesh better with different professions.

And by the way, I met my wife, got married, and purchased our first home while working in retail. We're blissfully happy twelve years later.

Keyword Stuffing

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:37:00 +0000

Let me tell you a little trick marketing people use when they are marketing a new product that they want to pop up high in the search engine results: they keyword stuff. One of the most basic ways that search engines organize their results are by the types of words that appear on Web sites. For instance, if you're marketing a mop, you want your Web site to have words like "clean floors," "mopping," and "wash floors" included in the site's content. You want to think of as many combinations that a person would type into a search engine and use those phrases in your Web site copy to flag their attention.

Now, would it surprise you to hear that employers use keyword searches when scanning the resumes they receive? Since most of the job applying happens via the Internet or through e-mail, companies get hundreds, if not thousands, of replies to one single job posting. Instead of wasting precious man hours manually reading each one, they use a modified search to scan the documents for keywords that will help cut the stack.

For instance, there are far too many people that apply to jobs out of their area. It's not uncommon to post a job in St. Louis and get responses from Seattle. One of the initial qualifiers the company would therefore run the resumes through is a keyword search for St. Louis to weed the out-of-towners from the stack. Then, to make sure the rest of the stack is actually qualified for the position, they will run a search of the keywords from the job ad.

This is where you come in. If you feel you are qualified for the position, modify the language of your resume or cover letter to include some of the language from the ad itself. So, if the ad calls for someone with "network marketing experience," and your resume says that you have a "distinguished history with network marketing," modify the language to mirror the former. It's likely to get you launched to the top of the search results.

The key to successfully landing an interview is to think like the people actually doing the hiring. It's the surest way to get your resume to the top of the stack.

Recession Proof Jobs

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:14:00 +0000

I'm sure most have you have been hearing the horror stories about the unemployment rate. It's hard to avoid as it's seemingly been the lead story on every evening newscast for the past few weeks. These guys are throwing up some incredibly frightening numbers. Ten percent of Americans are projected to be out of work by next year. Yikes!

Similarly, there has been plenty of ink devoted to the concept of which jobs are recession proof and which are not. When you start comparing the lists from publication to publication, you'll see some similarities and some glaring contradictions. However, the overall theme of the lists is perfectly clear -- a recession proof job is one that sells services or goods that people need. Luxuries they can do without.

That's why health care workers appear on just about every list. People will spend money on their health. However, within that group there are jobs that are not safe because they are still luxuries. Adults, for instance, will forgo dental care in lieu of their children. Plastic surgery is similarly something that will begin to falter as the bad economy trickles up to the rich and famous.

Auto repair can similarly score pretty high on the list because people can't earn a living if they can't get to work. Grocery stores are seeing an uptick in business as more people abandon restaurants to save a few bucks by eating at home. As more and more people face unemployment, job recruiters are being asked to work overtime.

If you're one of those people spending an entire day online browsing the job boards, and you want to shore up your employment for what could be the next year and a half of dismal economic times, examine the roots of the job and ask this question: Is this selling something people need, or is it something they can live without?

Dress For Success

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:06:00 +0000

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. An interview is an opportunity that can either make or break your job chances, and you want your first impression to be great. One of the only aspects of an interview that you have control over is what you wear. Your interview apparel can make a strong statement about your professionalism and how serious the opportunity is to you.

Here are some general guidelines on appropriate interview apparel so you can walk into an interview with your head held high.

Guidelines for women:

Two-piece business suit - Dark colors preferred; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style; Skirt preferred over pants
Closed toe shoes - Low heel/Solid dark color
Hosiery - Good fitting/Skin color
Minimal jewelry
Groomed hair and nails
Light perfume
Simple makeup (No bright colors!)
Cover tattoos/take out piercings
Solid color briefcase or portfolio

Guidelines for men:

Two-piece business suit - Dark colors preferred; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style; Dry cleaned and pressed
Dress shoes - Polished and in good condition
Dark socks
Leather belt
Silk neck tie
Groomed hair and nails
Minimal jewelry - A wedding ring or conservative watch is appropriate
Cover tattoos/take out piercings
Very light or no cologne
Solid color briefcase or portfolio

Take the time to present a professional image in your interview. If you feel good about the way you look then you will have a more positive attitude when going into your interview. So hide those tattoos, pop in a mint and put a smile on your face!

Employer Pet Peeves

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Want the scoop on employer turn-offs? What are some of those pet peeves that get under their skin? The last thing you want to do is get the hiring manager on your bad side, so here are the top ten no-nos to avoid when on the hunt for a job.

1. Coming late to an interview. Traffic, bad directions, sick, car breakdown - these excuses just won't cut it!
2. Having a résumé with grammatical errors.
3. Leaving a message for the employer with a garbled name/phone number.
4. Having your child's voice recorded on your answering machine. Not cute or professional looking when an employer calls!
5. Wearing a wrinkled shirt, stockings with runs in them, or a tie with coffee spots on it.
6. Treating a receptionist, janitor or anyone at the company with disrespect.
7. Forgetting to send a thank-you note after an interview.
8. Lack of research about the company you are interviewing for.
9. Not reading all the instructions when applying for a job. If a company asks for a cover letter AND résumé don't just send your résumé.
10. Dishonesty! Don't lie or be evasive when an employer asks you a question. If you aren't honest in an interview then how can an employer trust you working for him/her?

These are some of the most infuriating pet peeves that hiring managers have. Don't become another job seeker that ticks off employers, learn how to stand out against the other job seekers by avoiding these turn-offs.

How Long Should My Résumé Be?

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:34:00 +0000

It's an age-old question: how long should my résumé be? Many people abide by the one page rule but it's not necessarily a sin to have a two-page résumé. The correct answer is that your résumé should be as long as you need it to be. But no longer!

If your résumé is two pages long then it must be compelling to read. You must remember that the purpose of your résumé is to land the interview, not tell your life story. It is acceptable for people who have been in an industry for over ten years or have highly technical careers to utilize two pages worth of space. Other than that, stick to a single page!

A one-page résumé will help you target your skills and objective without adding fluff. It will look lean and clean to an employer and allow them to quickly scan it without spending time flipping through pages. If you think it's impossible to get your résumé down to a page, here are a few suggestions:

Reduce the size of your headings
Change your 12 point font to size 11
Decrease your margins
Change the font type/size for your name and address at the top of your résumé

Recent graduates or people who have less experience in an industry should definitely stick to one page. Remember that it is ultimately your decision how long your résumé is and how much information will really reflect your abilities the best.

The Importance of Thank-You Notes

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Following an interview the most important thing you can do to stand out from the sea of job seekers is to send a thank-you letter to the person who interviewed you. But what should you say? Should it be handwritten or typed? Do you send an e-mail or snail mail? Here are some guidelines that will help you out.

Snail mail vs. e-mail:
Think about the company that just interviewed you. Is it traditional and formal or modern and creative? Did the company use e-mail to initially contact you? If you interviewed at an advertising agency or something equally creative and technological then it is appropriate to send an e-mail thanking them. Make sure you send the e-mail thank-you note as soon as you return from the interview so the company doesn't forget about you. One of the advantages of using the Internet is that it is much faster than standard mail and the interviewer can read your thank-you note within a few hours of the interview.

However, not all companies have adapted to modern e-mail thank-you letters and would rather receive a traditional thank you in the mail. This would most likely be the case for accounting, finance, management and other standard business practices. Take the time to type up a letter (it looks more professional if it is typed) and send it off as soon as you get back from the interview.

What should you say? A standard thank-you note should address the following:

Thank the person for the opportunity to interview with the company
Clarify any information/questions that the interviewer needed you to check on
Recap your skills and why you would be a good fit for the position. Don't write a novel, but one or two sentences reminding the interviewer of your skills never hurts

Just remember that a thank-you note is the last chance you have to sell yourself and make yourself stand out from the rest of the potential candidates.

First Impressions

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:48:00 +0000

First impressions are the most important. You've probably heard this a thousand times, but now it actually proves true. A recent survey suggests that employers know if they are going to hire someone or not within the first few minutes of meeting a potential candidate. Some interviews can be up to an hour long but what really matters most is the first few minutes after the opening handshake and small talk. What we all want to know is, how can we make the first minutes stand out?

The simple answer is that you need to master the answers to these important questions:
1. Why are you here?
2. What can you do for us?
3. What makes you different from everyone else?
4. Will you fit in?

Rehearse your answers to these questions! Add your own personal stories and flair to your answers so you stand out. Make sure you take the time to research the company so you can mix your skills with what the company is looking for (it never hurts to throw in your knowledge about the company into your interview - this is your time to flatter them!).

Remember that first impressions count for a lot and use this time to wow them. Prove that you will be advantageous to the company by acting as a problem solver instead of a job seeker. If you can master the art of the first impression then you are on your way to landing your dream job!

Laid Off? Re-evaluate Your Career

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:37:00 +0000

Being laid off from a job can definitely sting, but it isn't the end of the world. In fact, losing your job could be one of the best things that happens to you. During this period of lounging around and staring at the wall in disbelief, you have the perfect opportunity to reassess your long-term career goals.

If you are like me, and many other recent college graduates, we enter the workforce unsure of our passion and career interests. We pick jobs that most closely relate to our major, even if that isn't necessarily the path we want to go down. Being let go can be a blessing in disguise, which allows us to switch to a job that is more personally fulfilling. Take the time to assess your skills and your interests and decide if switching jobs is what you need or if leaving an industry altogether for something new is what you desire. Rethink your goals and discover your true career interests.

After rethinking what you want out of your career, make the change. Take action. This means doing your homework, researching industries, shadowing employees in potential fields of interest, attending job fairs, or volunteering. Learn more about your career interests. Decide if you need to go back to school or if you can start applying to new jobs right away.

Being laid off isn't the kiss of death. It can give you a new perspective on your career goals and make you realize what you really want out of life. Get out of bed and use this valuable time to explore industries and new career options.

Attracting Positive Attention to Your Cover Letter

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:47:00 +0000

The cover letter has one significant purpose: to generate interest from employers in order to land an interview. Writing a cover letter is the crucial first step to a job seeker's hunt in landing the perfect job. Understanding how to attract positive attention to your cover letter and ultimately yourself is one of the most important lessons that you can learn as a job seeker.

Although the following tips may appear trivial, they are cover letter basics that you need to know in order to secure the position you are after.

1. Understand that a cover letter is expected. Unless otherwise stated, you should ALWAYS attach a cover letter to your resume. It is a part of business etiquette and gives a good first impression.

2. Tailor your cover letter to the specific company you are applying to. Do NOT be lazy and send out a generic cover letter to every company you are interested in. Be unique and describe what drew you to the company and why you want to work there.

3. Take the time to avoid careless errors. Misspelled words can end your chances of landing an interview. Go over your cover letter carefully for grammatical errors and have a few people read over it and give their feedback. Another pair of eyes can never hurt.

4. Keep it short! NEVER go over a page long when writing a cover letter. Try and keep it to two-thirds of a page long and comprised of two or three paragraphs. Brevity is key.

5. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Not all companies will list a specific contact, but if you can obtain a name then it is best to address it to that person. Just think of all the letters that get lost in a pile that is addressed to the HR department!

6. Don't re-write your resume. Your cover letter is a chance for you to address the elements that are absent from your resume. You don't have to list all your positions and jobs you have worked at, but rather tell the employer why you are qualified and why you would be best for the position.

Just remember that a well written cover letter can help you stand out against your competition and land you the interview that you've been waiting for.

Volunteering To Land The Perfect Job

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:27:00 +0000

I recently went on an interview and while the employer was perfectly nice and we hit it off, she was unfortunately unable to offer me a position. Her company decided to hold off on hiring for the position and she directed me down a different path: volunteering. She spent time talking to me about different organizations in my field that would love to have volunteers and where I could learn more about my industry.

Her suggestion proved beneficial and here is what I took away from her advice:
1. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a stay-at-home mom, or changing your career path, you may want to consider volunteering as a job search strategy. Volunteering enables you to test out job environments without making a long-term commitment. You can feel good about volunteering while learning more about yourself and your career goals at the same time.

2. You can gain experience in the field you are interested in pursuing. If you treat the volunteer opportunity as you would a normal paying job, you will learn more and develop passion for what you are doing.

3. You will make contacts in your industry! This was what proved most helpful to me. By volunteering with others in your field you are able to talk to a variety of people from different companies and learn who is hiring. You are positioned to hear the buzz, industry trends, and job opportunities, and when a job opens up you will be first in line to hear about it!

Volunteering is a great way to land your perfect job by networking with professionals within your industry. If you take the time to help out an organization and express interest in certain projects then many professionals will remember you for future jobs. Sometimes it takes patience and a bit of volunteer work to find exactly what you are looking for, but it is well worth it in the end.

Increasing College Tuition

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:53:00 +0000

If you are anything like me, you didn’t get a full scholarship to a university had to find a way to pay for most of your college education. I was accepted to a private university and the costs weren’t cheap. I had to come up with the money through a combination of federal aid, scholarships, private education loans and even a little help from my parents.

If you keep up with the news, you will notice that tuition costs are on the rise. The have gone up over 6% for the fall 2008 school year. Although they are not as bad as earlier years, the cost increase still affects many students and families trying to gain a higher education. Typically, tuition rates increase at about twice the general inflation rate. State budget cuts have left colleges little choice, but to raise tuition.

Even though prices are up, there are still options for making your college education dream come true. While a four year degree is beneficial, there is no shame in starting off at a two year public college. The tuition is always lower and I was even able to attend a community college, before transferring, and afford to pay the tuition in full.

When it is time to attend or transfer over to a traditional four year university, it would be a good idea to look into educational aid programs including grant aid and education tax benefits. Some examples of grant aid are the Federal Pell Grant Program and college scholarship programs. Much of this information can be found and applied for directly through the Internet.

Election Year Interview

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:25:00 +0000

If you really think about it, an election is like a job interview. Sure, it's an insufferably long interview that lasts for years, but at its core it is a job interview. You, the voter, are deciding whether or not you want to hire him or her as your representative. For many job seekers, this is the only opportunity you will have to sit on the other side of the desk and make a hiring decision. Use this opportunity to learn what interviewers are looking for and apply it to your own search.

For instance, most people boil down what they're looking for in a president to a few key areas like experience, history and character. That's not too far off of what a company is looking for in you. That's why your resume is constructed of your experience and history.

It's that third variable that plays out in the campaigns, and is really the most essential component of your interview. How candidates react to events and stories generated during the campaign tells the American public (the interviewer) a lot about the person's character. Did they try to lie their way out of a tough situation? Are they playing hardball with their opponent or are they slinging mud?

And that's what the interviewer across the desk is trying to do when you're interviewed. They have your experience and history right in front of them in easy to read resume form, so what's your character like? How do you answer questions? Are you being honest or are you just saying what you think they want to hear?

All of the thoughts that run through your head when you're watching a stump speech or a debate, are the same running through the mind of the guy interviewing you. What you need a candidate to say to get your vote is very close to the things you need to say to get the job.

So, when preparing for an interview think about the decisions you made about who was getting your vote. It could help you more than you know.

Middle-Skill Workers

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:24:00 +0000

Although it has now become more common for high school graduates to go on to get a four year degree, this is not always the way to ensure a lucrative career. There are a number of valuable positions in high demand that do not necessarily require a four year college degree. Often, post-secondary education such as an associate degree, apprenticeships or occupational certificate is enough to secure a great career path.

Recently there has actually been a shortage of skilled-workers available to fill these positions. Such a shortage has led to a demand for workers and the Council on Competitiveness has the need for national attention to this growing issue. The Council urges the need to train middle-skill workers and keep these types of jobs in our country.

There is often a negative connotation associated with lower-skill jobs, though this is not the case as many of these jobs pay more than median wage or salary. CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinists often make over $60K annually including their overtime wages. This kind of money could make one consider a career change!

Community colleges offer vocational programs to help students prepare for skilled trades. The Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act of 2008 wants to provide grants for these particular training programs to strengthen the workforce. Some of these high demand jobs include: paralegals, heating and A/C installers, computer specialists, repair and maintenance (especially in manufacturing) and health technicians (dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants and emergency medical technicians). Many of these occupations will be around for a long time, which will provide for job security.

So, whether you are a recent high school graduate or someone stuck in a career slump, check out these middle-skill jobs. Your next career could be just a certificate away.

Don’t Check Out Early

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:12:00 +0000

You’re sick of your job. Everyone gets there at one point, it’s inescapable. As a species, human beings, whether they want to admit it or not, need change. We crave new challenges. It can be in small ways like a book that takes our world view to task, or a new sport that tests the limits of our body. It’s this craving for new experiences that drives us, and ultimately shapes our displeasure with the same routine, day in and day out, at work.

Like millions of your disenfranchised brethren, you’ve probably placed your résumé on one of the multitude of job boards populating the Internet and are currently drumming your fingers, impatiently waiting for a return on your investment.

That’s a great step, but you have to remain mindful of one little thing -- don’t check out early. Don’t give up on your current job in anticipation of your new one.

Internet job searches can take a painfully long time; at least months if not a full year. In that time, you’ll be jeopardizing your current paycheck as well as your new job prospects.

Nothing will aid you in your search for a new job better than a sterling record at your current and previous jobs. Safeguarding that should be your primary concern for the present. You’ll be relying on your current boss for a recommendation to your new boss. The last thing you want to do is spoil your entire performance with a few weeks of chicanery.

If waiting the months for a job search to be successful is too much to bear, try some different strategies that will also require your continued best performance. In addition to the outside companies you’re exploring, don’t forget to explore internal possibilities as well. A great way to cure the doldrums of your current job is to seek promotion or transfer to another department or division that might better stimulate you.

Marketing Yourself for Interview Success

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:27:00 +0000

Chances are, someone in your life thinks you’re great.

It might be your mom, grandfather, best friend, imaginary friend – whoever – point is, someone believes in you. There are three very basic steps to applying this knowledge of your supreme greatness to your job interview preparation for very positive results.

1. Believe in Your Product

If you don’t already think this, you need to start by cultivating the belief that you are the bee’s knees, completely awesome, unparalleled best choice for the position.

A big difference between a “salesperson” and someone helping a customer get what he or she needs is that impression you get that salespeople couldn’t care less about the actual product. The less they care about the product, the more apparent it is that they’re only in it for the money. And if they don’t even care about or believe in the product, why on earth would you?

Keep in mind that it’s even worse to fake this belief than to not have it at all. Then you become a used car salesperson trying to convince a family of four that the 2004 midnight blue "X-Plode" they’re looking at is the safest choice. It’s incredibly transparent, everyone involved will know it right away, and it will bring up all sorts of questions like “why do you need to fake it if you really are the best candidate.”

2. Know Your Product

Become an expert in you-ology. Read some common interview questions. Brainstorm about your best answers. Practice the interview process with friends who can take it seriously (unlike my friends who kept exclaiming “you’re fired” The Donald style during our run-through).

Practicing your interview is not about memorization! For crying out loud, making note-cards and rehearsing your answers to be the same each time is the worst thing you can do. You need spontaneity and spice to keep them listening. How often have you taken a class where it was clear the teacher was an expert in the field, but had lost that “spark” somewhere along the way? The result is a Ben Stein monotone droning on while your audience falls asleep – not cool!

Get familiar with what your honest answers would be to all of the basic questions. Ponder the possible responses to the more complicated questions about goals and why you think you’d be a good fit for the company. If your answers start to sound rehearsed: stop! Take a day or so to think about other things and revisit your interview prep the night before the big day for a brief review.

3. Educate Others About Your Product

The best sales people are the ones who’ve sold you something, rung up the sale, handed you the package, and said “have a nice day” before you even realize you hadn’t planned on spending anything.

This normally has a very negative “and that’s how they get ya” connotation, but in very few instances, interviewing and charity donation gathering, for example, it can be a great method for getting important work done.

An assistant hiring manager once pulled me aside to comment that the reason I had my new position was because of the way I spoke so matter-of-factly about my abilities. She said I’d made it so clear that I couldn’t imagine anyone doing a better job than me that she started to believe it by the end of the interview.

That’s it. Those three relatively small things can help you get a position you when you might otherwise be forgotten in a large pack of interviewers vying for the same spot. There’s confidence involved, sure, but even more so it’s about selling yourself (not like that, guttermind).

Just remember that the more you believe in your product, the better you can sell it to others. The more you know about your product, the more at ease you’ll seem and they won’t be able to surprise you with any trick questions. Being calm and collected will help you seem like the obvious choice for the job rather than a nervous salesperson bent on getting that large commission.

Evaluating Job Offers

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:43:00 +0000

Although employers allow you a few days to contemplate a job offer, these few days are crucial in order to completely evaluate a potential new job. Careful consideration needs to be taken when deciding whether or not to accept a job offer. Researching the position and job market to make sure you have all the facts will strongly impact your decision and ability to receive the best job offer available.
One of the first, and often most, considered aspects of a job is the monetary compensation. This part of the job is often negotiable if you are able to present a credible argument. Knowing your worth and comparable salaries, based on geographical location and the current job market, will make it that much easier to ensure fair compensation. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site to evaluate your potential self-value.

While many employee benefit packages are standard, there are some compensation features that can be discussed. While health coverage may not be negotiable, paid time off or vacation time can provide for some leverage in your deal-making process. For some job seekers additional vacation time is more valuable and can be offered in lieu of a higher salary. You need to weigh the importance of these factors when finalizing the terms of your employment.

The actual office environment should also be high on your list of considerations. While money and benefits may seem more important at first, the corporate culture should play just as big a role. You will be spending most of your time at work with your boss and coworkers. If you do not get along with them, it can make for long, miserable work days. Also, the work ethic of the company should be in line with your own ideals.

Accepting a new job means enhancing your career. Make sure you are enthusiastic about your new job. Your day-to-day work should interest you and make good use of your skills.

Finally, whether planning to accept or decline a job offer, it is important to do so as professionally as possible. In order to maintain a sense of professionalism, when accepting a job offer, first call the contact at the company and inform them of your decision. This is the time when to ask questions pertaining to your start date, etc. Then, as a formality, send a letter of acceptance (send a hard copy or e-mail based on the company’s preference).

If you choose to decline a job offer, then a call the employer is necessary. There is no need to go into an elaborate explanation. It is sufficient to simply state that after careful consideration, you do not feel that this job would be a good fit. Do not forget to also send a letter of declination. Make sure to keep the letter positive. It is beneficial to your career to remain on good terms with previous and potential employers because you never know when you may cross paths again.

Social Networking Web sites: Good or Bad for You?

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:50:00 +0000

These days a person’s name can be “Googled” in order to fulfill a general inquiry. If someone is active on the Internet, then he/she can be found. Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are popular among youths and professionals alike. Most profile pages are viewable by the public, which allows for scrutiny by anyone.

These Web sites are becoming an increasingly popular tool among employers. Employers search the Web before making a decision between candidates. Since the information is public, than it is fair game. It is similar to a background check, yet more personal. An employer may have to choose between two well-qualified individuals and if one of them has a profile indicating undesirable corporate behavior, it could cost them a job.

Information and comments posted on a social Web site, whether added in all seriousness or in jest, is up for interpretation. Without actually knowing the person, employers may pass judgment based solely on the content of a page. If seemingly offensive content is posted, employers may also question the beliefs and rationale of the applicant, even if the applicant was merely showing off or joking around.

Although social networking pages are public information, some people question the ethical and legal behavior of employers using the sites. Using these sites as a reference may impact employers’ decisions when choosing an employee. Employers are able to find answers to personal questions that are not permitted to be asked during a formal interview. It is also possible that a line is being crossed in regards to discrimination law violations when these sites are being used as an employment screening process.

On the upside, social networking sites can do wonders for one’s career. The Internet can be used to broadcast past career and personal achievements, which make employee candidates more appealing to potential employers. One can also find employment opportunities through social networking. Many past colleagues or acquaintances are involved with social networking. Past relationships with these individuals could open the door to new jobs, employment referrals or even valuable business contacts.

In addition to the mainstream social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, there are also sites like LinkedIn that cater to business professionals. Specialized networking sites can be utilized for business or to boost one’s career. Many of these sites require membership and fees to uphold a sense of professionalism.

Also, just because one already has secured a position within a company, that does not mean he/she is safe to then post anything on the Internet. Privacy concerns arise when employees post private information regarding current or past companies of which they have been employed. Since the popularity of blogging came about, there have been numerous stories in which bloggers have been fired from their place of work because of a blog they wrote. In these cases, the blogs were often used either as an outlet by which the blogger vented frustration about their employers or sometimes an online attack of a company. Either way, employees must be wary about what they sign their name to on the Internet; anyone could be watching.

Career Network Saves Job Seekers Time

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:53:00 +0000

Fast growing Internet job board actively reaches job seekers, notifying them of opportunities they may have missed through traditional channels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 06, 2008 – Internet job board Career Network (http://www.career-network.com) saves job seekers precious time by reaching out directly with intriguing employment opportunities.

For Americans, searching for a new job can be tremendously time consuming and therefore limited in scope. Searches are often limited to newspapers on Sunday or one of the major online job boards. Career Network assists job seekers by notifying them of open positions by direct contact, and by allowing them to apply for those positions via a quick and easy process.

Career Network pools thousands of jobs and allows job seekers to search, view and apply to jobs directly through their network of sites. A team of recruiting professionals then forwards the applications and resumes on to the employers. At this stage, the employer evaluates the qualifications and education of the applicant, matching them to the duties and responsibilities of the open opportunity. If the employer decides that they would like to speak with the applicant for an interview, the decision resides exclusively with the employer.

Through the use of online advertising verticals, Career Network is able to provide this valuable service free of charge for both employers and job seekers. This is especially helpful at a time when most employers are looking for ways to cut back on expenses, and job seekers are looking for higher-paying opportunities in today’s slow economy. Career Network saves both parties time and money while offering an unmatched advantage and a user-friendly interface.

The following newly added domains will help comprise the Career Network:

Destinyemployment.com
Newstartcareers.com
Professionalcareerstoday.com
Careersolutionsnow.com
Reliablecareersolutions.com

Transferable Skills-Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Those seeking employment directly out of college will have to be creative in the way that they present their skills. Although most recent graduates will be applying for entry-level positions, employers still want to know they are taking on an employee that could be a vital addition to the company. Many skills honed in the classroom can be applied to real world settings.

The education process aids in developing the ability to meet deadlines. With the average college student taking about five classes per semester, the amount of personal responsibility adds up. Students develop the knack for meeting numerous deadlines by multitasking. In college, grades speak for themselves and a student will be able to prove the possession of these skills through his/her academic success. Establishing and achieving goals is important for anyone to be able to get the job done whether it is applied to a classroom setting or used to complete a business acquisition.

Every college graduate must learn how to write. Even if students are only obligated to take just one English class to complete their major requirements, one class should sufficiently prepare them for the level of writing that may be required in their field. Research and planning are also

It is a good idea to come across as a confident individual. Confident people are not afraid to speak their mind and would excel as leaders or managers. Leaders are entrepreneurial and able to organize their thoughts to come up with new ideas and problem-solving techniques to move forward.

So essentially, the complex process for gaining an undergraduate degree arms one with many of the necessary skills sought out by potential employers.

Transferable Skills-Part One

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Entering the workforce, or even changing careers, can be an overwhelming and stressful ordeal. Employers are seeking the most qualified candidate to fill positions. In order to make the cut, one must posses the skills deemed necessary by employers. Many skills are not particular to specific careers. They can be transferable between different careers and fields of study.

Basic workplace skills can be derived from previous jobs, classes, projects or even hobbies. It is important be able to communicate effectively no matter what field of work you choose. Both written and oral communication skills will help one to succeed. It is also essential to maintain a good work ethic.

It becomes quite obvious, after a period of time, if an employee has the drive and will to do well at his/her job. A positive attitude is reflected in one’s work product, therefore, vital for becoming a valuable and indispensable employee. Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team are obvious, but important qualities. It is vital to appear intelligent and on top of things as logicalness equates to reasonableness, which is something employers will be looking for. No one wants to hire a potential problem employee or someone that will not be a long-term investment.

Being flexible is an obvious skill that is easy to portray. Flexibility is key considering how versatile this skill can be. To be tech savvy is to be valuable. Almost every employee is expected to at least be fluent in common computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Internet navigation. If one was born before the technological boom or has just not caught up with the time, there is still hope. Many learn-at-home programs or books are available to teach even the most computer illiterate person basic tech skills.

Try Not to Spam

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:33:00 +0000

We've all been there. We really want a very specific job with a very specific company. So we send in our resume and don't hear anything back. So, we send in another one. And a few months later we send in a third. Frustrated that you still have yet to get a call for an interview, you polish up your cover letter and submit the old resume for a fourth try.

This is probably the worst tactic you can take. You're not increasing your chances. If anything, you're doubling the poor HR supervisor's workload and making sure that each new resume ends up in the garbage.

There's usually a very good reason you're not getting that call. Consider the difference between the job you want and the one you're qualified for. Typically, when job hunting, we apply for the job we want, which is typically a higher pay grade, even if we're not qualified enough for it. Consequently, the company is looking for the right experience for the job, so they shuffle you right out of the candidate pile. If it's a job you really want, then try to do what you can to get that extra experience through education.

However, there are those jobs for which you are qualified, but it's just very competitive. Again, application repetition is not the key. This requires your due diligence to research the company and discover what it is they are looking for. What sets you over the top? That can be accomplished easily by calling the HR representative for the company, ask about the status of your resume, and then strike up a quick conversation about what it is that can get your name to the top of the list.

Does Your Employer Measure Up?

noreply@blogger.com (The Career Network) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Think about it for a few moments. Compared to others in your industry, do you know how the company you work for ranks in employee-related criteria? Are you being treated better or worse than average? Think about the following questions. These are things that can greatly contribute to your overall happiness in the workplace. Are you getting the treatment you deserve or is it time to start searching for a new job?

Recognition—When you work harder than normal, like stay late to finish an important project, for example, does your boss thank you? Do you get any recognition outside of the normally scheduled performance reviews given at your company?

Raises—Are your raises regularly scheduled or do they come “every once in a while”? Do you feel you are fairly compensated compared to others working in your industry with your qualifications? A great tool you can use to check this out is http://www.salary.com.

Unreasonable expectations—Are you frequently asked to finish multiple projects in a very short amount of time? Do you often think to yourself how impossible it is for one person to finish as much as you’re expected to?

Core Benefits—Are you happy with the health and life insurance you’re receiving? How about your flexible spending account and 401K options?

Family Related Benefits—Does your company offer extras like childcare, maternity/paternity leave and/or elder care programs? Would they seriously consider offering things like this if enough people suggested it?

Work Environment—Do you sometimes wonder if you’re working for a fascist regime or are you offered things like flextime, employee rewards, regular break times and a relaxed dress policy?

Communication—Does your company communicate within itself? Do you publish a newsletter, have an Intranet system or even a suggestion box? If not, are your employers at least approachable about new ideas concerning different methods of improvement?

Training and Planning—Are things like continuous training for employees and tuition reimbursement benefits offered at all?

Community Service—Is your employer generous and charitable or are they a bit cheap when it comes to donation drives, fundraisers or volunteer work?

Morale—Is employee happiness important enough to your company? Do they encourage things like staff associations to promote camaraderie and teambuilding? Do they ever throw work parties for staff birthdays, holidays or other events?

Hopefully, this has started you thinking about how your employers contribute to your happiness at the workplace. If they rate highly, this might be a company worth moving up in. But if you started get a really negative vibe while pondering these questions, it may be time to move on rather than up.

Either way, it doesn’t hurt to put up your résumé and see what other companies in your field are hiring… and for how much!