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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" media="screen" href="/~d/styles/rss2enclosuresfull.xsl"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/css" media="screen" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~d/styles/itemcontent.css"?><rss xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" xmlns:feedburner="http://rssnamespace.org/feedburner/ext/1.0" version="2.0"><channel><title>Secrets of the Job Hunt</title><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/SecretsofTheJobHunt" /><language>en</language><lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:08:40 PST</lastBuildDate><feedburner:info uri="secretsofthejobhunt" /><atom10:link xmlns:atom10="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" /><description>If you're looking for real world, practicla career advice then this career advice social network is for you. Blogs, discussion groups and video make this a network worth joining.</description><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://add.my.yahoo.com/rss?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FSecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/my/addtomyyahoo4.gif">Subscribe with My Yahoo!</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://www.newsgator.com/ngs/subscriber/subext.aspx?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FSecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://www.newsgator.com/images/ngsub1.gif">Subscribe with NewsGator</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://www.bloglines.com/sub/http://feeds.feedburner.com/SecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://www.bloglines.com/images/sub_modern11.gif">Subscribe with Bloglines</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://www.netvibes.com/subscribe.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FSecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://www.netvibes.com/img/add2netvibes.gif">Subscribe with Netvibes</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://fusion.google.com/add?feedurl=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FSecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://buttons.googlesyndication.com/fusion/add.gif">Subscribe with Google</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:feedFlare href="http://odeo.com/listen/subscribe?feed=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2FSecretsofTheJobHunt" src="http://odeo.com/img/badge-channel-black.gif">Subscribe with ODEO</feedburner:feedFlare><feedburner:browserFriendly>This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site.</feedburner:browserFriendly><item><title>Why the one page resume doesn’t solve everything for everyone!</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/CDG-j7jsM4s/866628:BlogPost:57966</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:56:34 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-10:866628:BlogPost:57966</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Just when you think resume writers have helped the world understand that the <strong>one page resume</strong> is a myth, someone wakes it up again!</p>
<p><img class="alignright" title="what should my resume look like?" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5205/5302862115_8533bbb775_m.jpg" alt="what should my resume look like?" height="191" width="240"/>Yesterday <a href="http://ariherzog.com/about/" target="_blank">Ari Herzog</a> sent me a link and asked if this <strong>one page resume advice</strong> was contrary to my thinking. The link he sent was <a href="http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2012/02/06/one-page-resumes.htm" target="_blank">this one</a> by Alison Doyle. I respect Alison as one of the people in the career industry who is thoughtful and gives accurate advice. I read through the article which begins:</p>
<blockquote><p>Should your resume be longer than one page or should you try to condense it to keep it on a page? There isn't a yes or no answer, the <a href="http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumetips/qt/resume-length-tips.htm">length of your resume </a>depends on the type of candidate you are and your level of experience.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I agree with that advice. It doesn't recommend a <strong>one page resume</strong> for everyone. But then Alison shares data from Saddleback College Survey which says in part:</p>
<blockquote><p>According to a <a href="http://www.saddleback.edu/jobs/documents/The2011OrangeCountyResumeSurvey.pdf">Saddleback College Resume Survey</a> most employers want a one page resume <em><strong>unless</strong></em> the position requires experience. In fact, the percentage of employers looking for <strong>one page resumes</strong> increased to 48% last year, up from 35% in 2010.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Note the UNLESS and understand this is one survey done in Orange County, California. There are things in that survey I agree with too. But there are things that I don't think are a national trend. Like this:</p>
<blockquote><p>Nearly 30% of employers would prefer a 2-sided printed resume over a 2-page resume to conserve paper.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Now that contradicts most employers I know. So many resumes are read online or submitted via <a href="http://designresumes.com/2012/01/the-secret-to-making-sure-your-resume-gets-to-the-employer/" target="_blank">applicant tracking systems</a> that I think it is a mute point. Saving paper is a nice idea but I think there are many other ways to do that. The resume isn't one of them.</p>
<h3>Misconceptions about resume writing are everywhere</h3>
<p>The <strong><a href="http://designresumes.com/2011/05/should-you-drop-value-from-your-resume-to-shrink-to-1-page/" target="_blank">one page resume</a></strong> is one of the misconceptions. People get so focused on this <strong>one-page resume idea</strong> that they don't put anything of value into the resume just so they can keep it on one page.</p>
<p>I think employers who believe in <strong>one-page resumes</strong> need to rethink their goal with the resume. You want candidates who can do the job. You want them to be succinct in their ability to communicate but you need them to tell you what they can do. Here's another point from that Saddleback survey that I do agree with:</p>
<blockquote><p>Mentioning where they worked (and years of service) but providing no information on what they accomplished. Projects completed. The overall details of their work.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The title of that page was the #1 resume mistake. Give job seekers a break. Let's tell them loud and clear that to be hired or even considered for an interview, they need to provide value to the employer. Examples of your accomplishments are much better than a boring list of duties neatly set to fit on a <strong>one page resume.</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">Ari asked what my recommendations are and this is it: At Design Resumes, the resume is a marketing document that promotes you as the product to the employer. Proof is always in whether job seekers are hired. I can tell you success story after success story of my clients. They make me so proud. My clients (including students) have gone up against the worst economy in 80 years and found positions that they love by using 2 page resumes filled with value and accomplishments and implementing networking strategies to make sure their resume is read.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This from a student client from Wausau who graduated from the University of Minnesota with Bachelor of Chemical Engineering - Biomolecular Engineering Concentration, 2011, moved to California and used his value-filled two page resume:</p>
<blockquote><p>243k jobs added? Make that +1. Started my new job at Medtronic today!!</p>
</blockquote>
<p>What do I think? Write a resume that shows your value and you will be hired. Let's give them some meat (think value and accomplishments) to read!</p>
<p><em><em><em><em>Stuck in your job search or just ready to move on or up from your existing position? Julie Walraven, a Wausau, Wisconsin-based professional resume writer who works with a global base of clients can help you find a new career! To find out how, <a href="http://designresumes.com/hire-me/" target="_blank">Click here!</a></em></em><br/></em></em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/o5com/" target="_blank">Photo Credit</a></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/CDG-j7jsM4s" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;Just when you think resume writers have helped the world understand that the &lt;strong&gt;one page resume&lt;/strong&gt; is a myth, someone wakes it up again!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;img alt="what should my resume look like?" class="alignright" height="191" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5205/5302862115_8533bbb775_m.jpg" title="what should my resume look like?" width="240"&gt;&lt;/img&gt; Yesterday &lt;a href="http://ariherzog.com/about/" target="_blank"&gt;Ari Herzog&lt;/a&gt; sent me a link and asked if this &lt;strong&gt;one page resume advice&lt;/strong&gt; was contrary to my thinking. The link he sent was &lt;a href="http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2012/02/06/one-page-resumes.htm" target="_blank"&gt;this one&lt;/a&gt; by Alison Doyle. I respect…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/0hXRrgwmxao/The2011OrangeCountyResumeSurvey.pdf" fileSize="3064668" type="application/pdf" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57966</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/0hXRrgwmxao/The2011OrangeCountyResumeSurvey.pdf" length="3064668" type="application/pdf" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://www.saddleback.edu/jobs/documents/The2011OrangeCountyResumeSurvey.pdf</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>4 Reasons Why Tech Candidates Can't Get Tech Jobs</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/txIgADRmyxI/866628:BlogPost:58068</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:24:32 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-09:866628:BlogPost:58068</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>So much is made today about the fact (or myth) that there aren't any technical jobs out there. What I have heard from employers (and found to be true) is that they simply cannot find quality candidates to fill technical openings they have been trying to fill for quite some time. A current sampling of the technical jobs site Dice.com finds more than 83,000 job openings as of February 7, 2012.<br/> <br/> <br/> Why the disconnect? Here are my top 4 reasons:<br/></p>
<ol>
<li><b>Lack of Training:</b> Many technology candidates simply don't have the training required in the necessary skill sets to qualify them for the openings that are out there. Very few are willing to go out and get that training (on their own, if need be) to position them for that next great opportunity.<br/><br/></li>
<li><b>Subpar Academic Framework:</b> Our schools and universities today are failing our true technical candidates. The push in recent years has been for colleges and universities (either brick-and-mortar or online institutions) to offer "technology" degrees. They end up teaching a lot of unapplied theory that corporate technology leaders don't value, because they have not seen it translate into real-life results.<br/><br/></li>
<li><b>Ineffective Resume:</b> Some candidates do have the sought after experience, skills, and knowledge. However, many don't know how to market those traits effectively on their resume to be seriously considered for the opportunities. One example is the generic resume. A job seeker wants a resume that works for many different roles, but makes it so general that they are not strong in any one area. Of course, when an employer is hiring, they are doing so for a specific role, not a general one, rendering the resume ineffective.<br/><br/></li>
<li><b>Poor Job Search Skills:</b> Finally, many job seekers simply don't know how to look for jobs in the right way. More than 50% still use job sites like Monster, Indeed, or CareerBuilder exclusively. Although lots of jobs are posted on these sites, that's not where the real action is. There are so many other, more effective channels that a job seeker can employ to identify and secure a great job.</li>
</ol><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/txIgADRmyxI" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;So much is made today about the fact (or myth) that there aren't any technical jobs out there. What I have heard from employers (and found to be true) is that they simply cannot find quality candidates to fill technical openings they have been trying to fill for quite some time. A current sampling of the technical jobs site Dice.com finds more than 83,000 job openings as of February 7, 2012.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; Why the disconnect? Here are my top 4 reasons:&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Lack of…&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58068</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Do You Have the Necessary Skills for a New Job?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/oicBdMGFvUE/866628:BlogPost:58163</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:04:06 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-08:866628:BlogPost:58163</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><b>It Makes Sense; a Myriad of Skills Necessary for Job Opportunities</b></p>
<p>While the job market shows life in some fields and is on life support in other industries in early 2012, millions of Americans find themselves either looking for work or looking to change <a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/jobs/" target="_blank">jobs</a>. No matter which group you find yourself in, your skills level will play a major role in which group you end up in.</p>
<p>A survey last year from the National Association for Business Economics points out that business conditions have been on the uptick, with a rise seen in demand for goods and services, which translates to a need for more employees to fulfill those openings. Among the areas seeing a boost in employment are fields like real estate, health care, recreation and finance, while technology continues to remain strong.</p>
<p>It is important to note, however, that the national job market is far from out of the woods.</p>
<p>Unemployment continues to reside in the area of 8.3 percent, as businesses such as those in the communications, transportation and utilities industries continue to remain behind in terms of job opportunities. Additionally, the private sector remains slow at forming new jobs.</p>
<p>A NACE 2011 Job Outlook Survey points out that along with technical skills, employers are seeking what is known as soft skills. Those individuals with such soft skills, a good education and a strong work history are much more apt to score the job than candidates lacking one or more of those skills.</p>
<p>So what exactly are employers looking for? The areas include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Verbal communication skills;</li>
<li>One’s work ethic;</li>
<li>Initiative;</li>
<li>Teamwork and analytical skills.</li>
</ul>
<p>Along with a formidable skills set, employers also want employees who demonstrate a positive attitude, both for their businesses and the assignments they are tasked with. Employers also desire to bring on board workers who while experienced, prove a willingness to learn. Lastly, employers seek individuals who possess formidable characters.</p>
<p>Given that employees will have to deal with a number of challenges over time in their careers, they will be asked to show commitment, compassion and trustworthiness. On-the-job training can only do so much to bring out these traits, so it is important that new employees come aboard with as many of these traits as possible.</p>
<p>Employers also want someone who will work well with co-workers and not be a distraction on the job.</p>
<p>Employers want employees who can co-exist with their colleagues and will act both in a mature and responsible manner when dealing with trying times on the job. If you’re an employee that proves to be challenged even under the simplest circumstances, odds are you will not last long in your present position.</p>
<p>Finally, it may seem like the most obvious of things, but being on time for work and not stretching the rules is very important.</p>
<p>While it may come as a surprise to some, being at work 9 to 5 means just that.</p>
<p>Employees are expected to put in a full day’s work for a full day of pay. That includes not pushing the limits on time for both lunch and breaks. In instances where an employee is going to be late, out of work for the day, etc. it is very important to communicate that to a supervisor in a timely manner.</p>
<p>Using common sense on the job is something that employers want from those they hire; it just makes sense.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items</em> <i>advice on</i> <a href="http://www.business.com/startup/starting-a-small-business/"><i>starting a small business</i></a><em>, writes extensively for</em> <em>Business.com</em>, <em>an online resource</em> <i>destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</i></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/oicBdMGFvUE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;It Makes Sense; a Myriad of Skills Necessary for Job Opportunities&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;While the job market shows life in some fields and is on life support in other industries in early 2012, millions of Americans find themselves either looking for work or looking to change &lt;a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/jobs/" target="_blank"&gt;jobs&lt;/a&gt;. No matter which group you find yourself in, your skills level will play a major role in which group you end up in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;A survey last year from…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58163</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>4 kinds of workplace cultures that can affect career choices</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/2nkdwvkAAaI/866628:BlogPost:58062</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:16:05 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-08:866628:BlogPost:58062</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<h2 class="date-header"><span>TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012</span></h2>
<div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><a name="3765178251869643168"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title"><a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7911105226596103442&amp;postID=3765178251869643168"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/sm-share-en.gif" width="83"/></a> </h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3765178251869643168"><div dir="ltr"><div><a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7911105226596103442&amp;postID=3765178251869643168"><br/></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fym4KO4L64/TzG4hzO1NUI/AAAAAAAAAFc/S5tNFw9SifE/s1600/images.work.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fym4KO4L64/TzG4hzO1NUI/AAAAAAAAAFc/S5tNFw9SifE/s1600/images.work.jpg"/></a><a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7911105226596103442&amp;postID=3765178251869643168"><br/></a><br/>What would happen if you had some choices that you <u>could control</u> in your career? While it's often true that we cannot choose our co-workers, we can make conscious choices to improve our career prospects. When career professionals advise job seekers to check out a "company's corporate culture," this refers to collecting information, such as <b>work culture, </b>before accepting a job offer.<br/><br/><b><u>The Wall Street Journal </u> </b>reported that there are four kinds of workplace cultures.  They include:<br/>1. <b>hierarchical</b> -As the term implies, this workplace culture is highly structured and rigid. A prime example would be the military or <i>academia</i>. If you are prepared to accept this work culture, and conform to it, hierarchical could be advantageous for certain personality types. (If you are unaware of your personality types, check this blog for my post, "<u>Why you need to use your personality</u> <u>and ask for help in your jo</u>b <u>search</u>," and another article, " <u>Do you represent the 25% or the 75% personality type</u>?")<br/><br/>2.<b>Dependable</b>-This represents a process-oriented culture, where change happens slowly. What comes to mind? Manufacturing, above all. The wages may not be competitive, depending on the company, but certain products are relatively stable. Another example may include healthcare (i.e. geriatric).<br/><br/>3. <b>Enterprising</b>- Creative and competitive in nature. This culture may attract creative arts, such as graphic artists, free lance workers and media. If you can tolerate a "dog eat dog" mentality with minimal discomfort, this may be worth exploring. Intellectual stimulation and motivation levels are fair game here.<br/><br/>4. <b>social</b>-The work culture emphasizes collaboration, trust and relationships.  Charitable organizations or non-profits come to mind, where decision making is especially valued.<br/><br/>If job seekers have the ability and freedom to choose their work cultures, all the better. Supposedly, there are 12 factors that affect career satisfaction, and workplace cultures are no exception. Working in these cultures can affect such factors as stimulation,  career advancement, productivity, and most of all happiness.<br/><br/>If you could make a difference in finding career happiness, wouldn't it be a worthwhile investment to explore workplace cultures?<br/><br/>Melissa Martin<br/>bilingual career/social media strategist<br/>webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com<br/>Twitter: @ravingredhead and @ravingredhead<br/>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/melissacynthiamartin2">www.facebook.com/melissacynthiamartin2</a></div>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/2nkdwvkAAaI" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;h2 class="date-header"&gt;&lt;span&gt;TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2012&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;div class="date-posts"&gt;&lt;div class="post-outer"&gt;&lt;div class="post hentry"&gt;&lt;a name="3765178251869643168"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;h3 class="post-title entry-title"&gt;&lt;a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7911105226596103442&amp;amp;postID=3765178251869643168"&gt;&lt;img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/sm-share-en.gif" width="83"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;  …&lt;/h3&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/70tXkH_Z2EA/images.work.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58062</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/70tXkH_Z2EA/images.work.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fym4KO4L64/TzG4hzO1NUI/AAAAAAAAAFc/S5tNFw9SifE/s1600/images.work.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Managing Your Career – I Bet You’re Not Doing It</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/XRHUvmcuBX0/866628:BlogPost:58152</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:14:39 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-06:866628:BlogPost:58152</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://photorack.net/"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/RlFHfKYEbA8EnLyHbfmmxf*hrDKUmPirqSAbnYpOvXvlr-R1*NbDZYAH7stTWcwbyWFG5hEWqpKL*fhtArPjkw__/ManageCareer.jpg" height="193" width="166"/></a>Have you ever noticed that the person who gets promoted is not always the most competent for the job?</p>
<p>Or how about the person who did all the work not being recognized as much as the person who talks about it?</p>
<p>Or what about the person who is career-stunted because they once said the wrong thing to the wrong person.</p>
<p>These are all symptoms of not managing your career.</p>
<p>Many hard-working people suffer in their career growth solely because they have not spent the time to identify the factors and people who most influence their career. Here are 3 simple tips to help you get going:<span id="more-935"></span></p>
<p><strong>1. Clarify Your Job Goals</strong></p>
<p>In fast-paced organizations (and who isn’t in one nowadays), it is easy to lose focus on what is really important. Make sure you have sat down with your manager and clearly identified and PRIORITIZED your goals. Make a point to regularly communicate progress.</p>
<p>KEY TIP: Managers hate it when you come to them with problems and no solutions, so if an obstacle comes up, make it easy on your boss by presenting a number of viable solutions and action plans.</p>
<p><strong>2. Identify Your Boss’ Goals</strong></p>
<p>Become a career ally to your manager by understanding how they are measured and then see how you might be able to contribute. Don’t be a brown nose, but if you know more about what their personal priorities are and can find a way to assist, you will be viewed in a new light.</p>
<p><strong>3.</strong> <strong>Map Out the Key Decision-Makers and Influencers</strong></p>
<p>When is the last time you clearly identified those who can affect your career? Clearly your boss, but what other people influence him and his managers?</p>
<p>What about the HR people who will always be involved when there are promotions under consideration?  Make it a point to build strong alliances with them so they can understand your management style.</p>
<p>Make sure you identify the political game-players who are focusing on building a fiefdom, because while you are working to produce results, they are strategizing as to how they can surround themselves with loyal followers and advance their career.</p>
<p>Then take the time to see who influences your boss, their boss, HR and your peers. Then grade yourself on a scale of 1-10 regarding your relationship with each key member. Now build a plan to get more visibility and ally yourself with those in command.</p>
<p>Take 1 hour of your time to map out your career strategy and you will enjoy faster career growth and security.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/XRHUvmcuBX0" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://photorack.net/" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" height="193" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/RlFHfKYEbA8EnLyHbfmmxf*hrDKUmPirqSAbnYpOvXvlr-R1*NbDZYAH7stTWcwbyWFG5hEWqpKL*fhtArPjkw__/ManageCareer.jpg" width="166"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Have you ever noticed that the person who gets promoted is not always the most competent for the job?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Or how about the person who did all the work not being recognized as much as the person who talks about it?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Or what about the person who is career-stunted because they once said the wrong thing to the wrong person.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These are all symptoms of not managing your career.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Many hard-working people suffer in…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58152</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Should Return to School Be in Your Future after a Layoff?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/igioBNZbEcg/866628:BlogPost:58150</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:54:01 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-06:866628:BlogPost:58150</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>With the national unemployment still sitting around 8.5 percent, it isn’t unusual to hear that many laid off Americans are considering a return to college to enhance their skills and even learn completely new areas of interest, hoping to use that education to find a new position.</p>
<p>As millions of Americans continue their search for work, those who have the finances for courses at their local colleges, universities, community colleges and even <a href="http://www.business.com/education/online-education/" target="_blank">online sites</a>, are giving a harder look at such possibilities.</p>
<p>While many individuals are challenged to come up with the needed funding to go back to school or attend college for the very first time, others are tapping into state and federal tuition assistance for displaced workers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>What Are My Options?</b></p>
<p>The $787 billion stimulus bill authored into law two years ago by President Obama offers $1.7 billion for adult employment services, which includes training. In a number of instances, individuals can continue to obtain unemployment benefits and school financial aid provided they stay enrolled in class.</p>
<p>For their part, schools are doing more to offer courses that adults will be drawn to in their quest to add new skills. Oftentimes, schools will team up with businesses in their local community to determine which trades would be most needed for workers searching to stay in their communities and work.</p>
<p>A number of schools have gone on to create courses that give older students the ability to update skill levels in areas such as math, reading and computers. With computers a necessity in countless jobs these days, it only makes sense that older laid off workers who did not have much interaction with technology study up on it and use it in 2011.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Education Choices for New Students</b></p>
<p>Oftentimes, unemployed workers are seeking degrees and certificates that can be earned in the less than standard four-year timetable. The quicker a former employee has a degree in hand in a specialty field, the sooner they can start seeking a position.</p>
<p>With that being the case, is now the time to go to school and reform your career options?</p>
<p>For people interested in going back to school or heading to campus for the first time, among the things to keep in mind are:</p>
<ul>
<li><i>Why am I attending in the first place</i>? Am I going to put in the needed time and effort required for studies etc. or is this going to be more than I can deal with over time? If so, I should rethink my strategy;</li>
<li><i>Do I have the necessary funds for school right now</i>? Even with my unemployment and tuition aid, can I do this financially? Are there other options like seeking free courses either online or at a school;</li>
<li><i>What fields should I consider studying in</i>? While some job fields have taken a hard hit during the last few years, fields like health, technology, insurance, auto repair etc. continue to produce a fair amount of job possibilities. The bottom line on the fore-mentioned fields is that consumers still require services in such areas. If you’re seeking to switch fields from the one you were let go in, be sure it is one that is relatively healthy and one you would be interested in being employed in for at least a number of years.</li>
</ul>
<p>At the end of the day, there are education options out there for those who have been laid off, both for two and four-year degrees and certificates.</p>
<p>The toughest part oftentimes comes with dealing with the layoff to begin with, then deciding what is next.</p>
<p>If you find yourself in this scenario, take the time to educate yourself on all the possibilities that are out there waiting for you.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items</em> <i>obtaining</i> <a href="http://www.business.com/telecommunications/business-phone-systems/"><i>phone systems</i></a><em>, writes extensively for</em> <em>Business.com</em>, <em>an online resource</em> <i>destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</i></p>
<p> </p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=igioBNZbEcg:3ga-Knu23WE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/igioBNZbEcg" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;With the national unemployment still sitting around 8.5 percent, it isn’t unusual to hear that many laid off Americans are considering a return to college to enhance their skills and even learn completely new areas of interest, hoping to use that education to find a new position.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;As millions of Americans continue their search for work, those who have the finances for courses at their local colleges, universities, community colleges and even…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58150</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Resume Optimization for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/35cVPNU-BvA/866628:BlogPost:57935</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:30:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-06:866628:BlogPost:57935</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are a reality in today's world of the job search and resume posting. Regardless of your opinion of them or mine -- which is that the way companies set them up makes them ineffective and costs them lots of dollars -- they are here to stay and are increasing in number. A January 2012 Wall Street Journal article provides some good background and statistics on the topic. You can view it at <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204624204577178941034941330.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet&amp;_nocache=1327506661957articleTabs=comments&amp;user=welcome&amp;mg=id-wsj#articleTabs%3Darticle">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204624204577178941034941330.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet&amp;_nocache=1327506661957articleTabs=comments&amp;user=welcome&amp;mg=id-wsj#articleTabs%3Darticle</a>.<br/> <br/> <br/> The real question is: What do I do with my resume so that it works well with these resume screening ATS systems? Although most claim that a Word document will work fine, that's not really true. Resumes done in MS Word inherently have a good amount of formatting behind the scenes to make the resume look nice. That's great when you email it or print it out for someone to view. Its not so nice for the ATS. The technology is such that they have difficulty parsing the data in your resume properly. Which means that information doesn't always get placed in the right bucket. Oftentimes, this leads to the resume being "booted out" of the system.<br/> <br/> The answer is to have multiple versions of your resume to handle the various submittal requirements. When submitting through an ATS, a text-only (ASCII) or e-version of the resume is the best way to go. The text-only version strips out all the fancy formatting and reorganizes the information into the proper order so that the ATS can load it successfully.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/35cVPNU-BvA" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are a reality in today's world of the job search and resume posting. Regardless of your opinion of them or mine -- which is that the way companies set them up makes them ineffective and costs them lots of dollars -- they are here to stay and are increasing in number. A January 2012 Wall Street Journal article provides some good background and statistics on the topic. You can view it at…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57935</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Does a Past Firing Hamper Your Job Search?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/wIV6p3syhNk/866628:BlogPost:58142</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:48:28 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-03:866628:BlogPost:58142</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>As more and more Americans look for work in 2012, there are myriad of reasons that many individuals continue to be unemployed.</p>
<p>Some fell victim to company layoffs; a percentage was running their own small businesses that failed to take off, while others were met with the unenviable firing.</p>
<p>The latter group makes for an interesting challenge for <a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/human-resources/" target="_blank">human resources</a> when it comes to interviews. That being said, it is important for HR managers to remember that there is a story for each and every individual’s departure from an employer, so be sure not to assume the worst-case scenario.</p>
<p>When a applicant for a position with your business comes in for an interview, it is assumed that you have already gone over their resume. In the event you notice a break in employment, it is certainly valid to question the applicant regarding the missing time.</p>
<p>Among the reasons for breaks in resumes can be:</p>
<ul>
<li>Applicant took time off to return to school or raise a child;</li>
<li>Break was illness related;</li>
<li>They were laid off or fired from a job and chose not to be employed for a period of time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Being in HR, your job is to help in locating the most qualified applicant who in turn will be the best match for your company’s opening. In the event you have an applicant who is honest and indicates they were fired from a prior position, do not automatically think the worst.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Why Do Individuals End Up Getting Fired?</b></p>
<p>Firings take place for a number of reasons; sometimes it isn’t the fault of the employee.</p>
<p>In some instances, it was a personality conflict, perhaps an issue with an employee in their or another department or even a supervisor. While most employers will not admit this, office politics still rear their ugly head at times in offices, so don’t just assume it was the fault of the person who was let go.</p>
<p>In instances where there is a gap in someone’s work history and they are not willing to divulge the details, probe a little more.</p>
<p>In the event they do open up, you then need to decide if the reason for firing was something you can live. Perhaps it was an issue like being late for work or taking an inordinate amount of sick days; this is something that can be corrected.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, you will not even discover that a candidate you’re considering for your company was fired from another job.</p>
<p>Let’s face it, not too many individuals are going to send out alerts to potential employers noting they were canned at another job.</p>
<p>While it is not set in stone, there is an unofficial rule that former employers when contacted will only inform a recruiter that so-and-so worked for them and the dates they were employed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Did They Go On and On about Getting Fired?</b></p>
<p>In today’s social media world that we live in, more and more information regarding an individual’s past finds a way onto social sites.</p>
<p>Unless the prospective employee is silly enough to brag about getting fired at a previous work stop, chances are your work as an HR recruiter will be a little more challenging when it comes to putting together all the pieces of the puzzle on a resume.</p>
<p>As an HR recruiter, it is rather obvious that you will lean towards recommending a candidate whose resume is close to spotless as opposed to someone who needs to fill in some gaps.</p>
<p>That being said, short of the candidate with some questions having openly offered a disconcerting reason as to why they were fired, do not automatically turn down someone who has some resume holes or who was fired. Hear them out and make up your own mind if they are a candidate to work for your company.</p>
<p>Some really good employees who didn’t work out well for one employer await their turn with another company.</p>
<p>Will you be the one to give them an opportunity?</p>
<p><em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items</em> <i>obtaining</i> <a href="http://www.business.com/finance/small-business-loans/">small business loans</a><em>, writes extensively for</em> <em>Business.com</em>, <a href="http://www.business.com/"></a><em>an online resource</em> <i>destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</i></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/wIV6p3syhNk" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;As more and more Americans look for work in 2012, there are myriad of reasons that many individuals continue to be unemployed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Some fell victim to company layoffs; a percentage was running their own small businesses that failed to take off, while others were met with the unenviable firing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The latter group makes for an interesting challenge for &lt;a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/human-resources/" target="_blank"&gt;human resources&lt;/a&gt; when it comes to interviews.…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58142</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>6 Online Forums to Improve Your Web Brand for a Job Search</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/r4xrbqzW78U/866628:BlogPost:58041</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:37:46 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-03:866628:BlogPost:58041</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>A January 24, 2012 article by the <i>Wall Street Journal</i> online (<a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173031991814896.html">http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173031991814896.html</a>) states that some firms are sourcing candidates for jobs by reviewing their credentials only through various online forums. In other words, they are not accepting resumes from job seekers.<br/> <br/> <br/> So how will a prospective employer evaluate a candidate and their potential for the job in question? They will review the online presence or "brand" of each candidate. Some of the sites they will evaluate include:</p>
<ol>
<li>LinkedIn</li>
<li>Twitter</li>
<li>Facebook</li>
<li>YouTube (for personal and professional video content)</li>
<li>Google Search</li>
<li>Blog Content (i.e., WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger)</li>
</ol>
<p><br/> Although the majority of companies still do want a resume, serious candidates need to establish and nurture their online presence as a professional, serious, and qualified individual. So creating and/or optimizing the information contained in these social media is of paramount importance to remain competitive and to distinguish yourself from other job seekers in this tough market.<br/> <br/> To help you get started with developing or improving your online brand to enhance your career, visit <a href="http://www.ittechexec.com/">www.ittechexec.com</a> or call toll-free (866) 755-9800.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/r4xrbqzW78U" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;A January 24, 2012 article by the &lt;i&gt;Wall Street Journal&lt;/i&gt; online (&lt;a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173031991814896.html"&gt;http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203750404577173031991814896.html&lt;/a&gt;) states that some firms are sourcing candidates for jobs by reviewing their credentials only through various online forums. In other words, they are not accepting resumes from job seekers.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; So how will a prospective employer evaluate a…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58041</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Are you ready to return to work? Employment readiness checklist</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/eDJ59F-DCaw/866628:BlogPost:58034</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-03:866628:BlogPost:58034</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Are you READY to return to work?</p>
<p>The decision to return to work is a thorny issue , one that is rooted in a number of issues affecting the unemployed. Among the thousands of clients I have assisted, including adults with severe mental illnesses, the decision to work again, or to end a lengthy absence from the workforce necessitates careful thought and reflection. I wish I could credit the author of a resource called the “Readiness checklist.”  The resource is organized into three categories:</p>
<p>-Can you...?</p>
<p>-Are you....?</p>
<p>-Do you...?</p>
<p>Let’s put the “Readiness checklist” into context for you. I am leaving out the conventional wisdom, and turning to issues that are not often broached in a job search.</p>
<p>1. In order  to initiate employment readiness, can you set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals? Goal setting, more than any other activity in a conscious job search, is most likely to propel  motivation, but one caveat. If setting goals seems daunting, do one simply thing-break them down into concrete steps.</p>
<p> Seek <b>new ways</b> of using your skills. Volunteer, become a board member, contribute to a social or charitable cause.  When you are unemployed, doesn’t it seem like you have to juggle many things at once? A last-minute phone call to attend an interview, affects the ability to find respite care or an employer requests that you fill out a lengthy online application before even being considered a job candidate. All of sudden, the length of unemployment is trumped by employers’ increased demands. All the more reason why time management, resilience (i.e. dealing with rejection) and coping skills become  important while you await your job offer.</p>
<p>2. Are you worried about stress from other people or things that may affect your ability to get or keep work?  Take heart that being unemployed for a time, does not have the same stigma that people experienced ten years ago. Certainly, I cannot negate that those who have been absent for the workforce for a considerable amount of time face a greater disadvantage. However, that’s where building one’s confidence, with the assistance of a career professional such as a career coach, or job developer, can make a monumental difference.  This process make seem time consuming,  but you are worth it? Crafting a professional image, combined with identifying a USP (unique selling points) will be time invested, before preparing for upcoming job interviews.</p>
<p>3. Do you know what your challenges are, personal or professional? For example, are you experiencing an ongoing illness or disability which may curtail full-time employment? This refers to “work tolerance skills,” in other words, do you have the ability to accept part-time employment as a springboard to ultimate full-time employment? Sometimes accepting an entry level position, especially after a lengthy absence from the workplace, is just the ticket to building one’s confidence, one shift at a time.  I have assisted individuals with professional backgrounds (i.e. nursing, military, etc), who chose to return to work on their own terms, and not dictated by family pressures.  At the same time, do you have the supports (ie. Family and friends, community resources, etc) to overcome challenges? This is where self-advocacy skills come into play. Be aware of community resources such as  job centers or government subsidized programmes.  You might be surprised at the number of unemployed individuals, who at the beginning of their job search, are resistant to asking for employment assistance. I say beginning because the unemployment cycle resembles the stages of grief: shock, anger, denial and acceptance.</p>
<p>To sum up, a term that I learned in the military was WIN. What’s important now?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Melissa Martin</p>
<p>Bilingual career/social media strategist</p>
<p>Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</p>
<p>Facebook fan page: facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin2</p>
<p>Blog: webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</p>
<p> </p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/eDJ59F-DCaw" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;Are you READY to return to work?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The decision to return to work is a thorny issue , one that is rooted in a number of issues affecting the unemployed. Among the thousands of clients I have assisted, including adults with severe mental illnesses, the decision to work again, or to end a lengthy absence from the workforce necessitates careful thought and reflection. I wish I could credit the author of a resource called the “Readiness checklist.”  The resource is organized into three…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58034</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>360 degrees could be your best online marketing strategy</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/570__Dj8zCc/866628:BlogPost:58225</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:40:12 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-01:866628:BlogPost:58225</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
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<div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><div id="post-body-1866400061448630197" class="post-body entry-content"><div dir="ltr"><div>When was the last time you used Yellow pages? Perhaps the online version, yellowpages.com? I was inspired by a Yellow pages ad in the <u>Globe and Mail</u> newspaper. The newspaper featured a "360 degree online marketing strategy." The seven aspects of the strategy all directly applied to an online marketing strategy for your job search.</div>
<div><br/> 1. <strong>yellowpages.com</strong> is an invaluable source for tapping into the hidden job market. Job search solution: <a href="http://www.twellow.com/">www.twellow.com</a>  If you are on Twitter (and you should be to showcase your skills and experience, connect with influential contacts and portray yourself as a subject matter expert).</div>
<div><br/> 2. <strong>Yellow pages directory</strong>. If you are on Twitter (and you should be to showcase your skills and experience, connect with influential contacts and portray yourself as a subject matter expert), use this site to look up a directory of people in your designated industry.</div>
<div><br/> 3. <strong>Site optimization solutions</strong> Job search solution: Make the most of optimizing your social media profiles. For example, if you are networking on linkedin.com, maximize your visibility by showering your summary and profile with keywords. It is these keywords that make you found easier by hiring managers and recruiters. And yes, Google does like linkedin.com for site optimization! Ensure that all of your social media platforms are communicating the same professional brand. Use the same keywords, if possible, on your other social media platyforms. You want to be visible to potential employers with a clean online identitiy, as opposed to dishing out "digital dirt," or unsavoury online messages. If make a mark by an online post, Tweet, comment on a page, you may show up promimently in a <strong>Google alert.</strong> What a compliment to your professional brand! Some recommended Tweteers who deal with this topic are: <a href="mailto:-@SeoSkye">@SeoSkye</a> @GoogleSEOservs</div>
<div><br/> 4. <strong>Mobile apps</strong> Job search solution: Sign up for mobile apps for your job search. You'll be glad you did. <strong>Twitter</strong> is often portrayed as a real time job board.  Tweeters can take advantage of job posting apps. Why not increase your accessibility to jobs by signing up for job alerts on your iPhone, Blackberry or mobile phone. The instant a recruiter or employer posts an opportunity, you'll be alerted on your mobile. Some of my Twitter followers who specialize in this category include: @Locita (French) @briteapps @wiredtweets</div>
<div>5. <strong>Digital media advice</strong>. Job search solution: Seek out the sages. Join groups; there's strength in numbers. Especially if you're unemployed, read about the latest trends in your industry. Ask questions, share resources, and swallow your pride by asking for advice on how trump up your digital marketing activities. Set a weekly goal by choosing some new activities. With the current unemployment statistics  you cannot afford to dismiss the notion of constantly revamping your digital marketing efforts. Competition is fierce out there!</div>
<div>6. <strong>Performance reports</strong> Job search solution: There is no better solidifier than offering a potential employer a testimonial. When I have helped outgoing military members who are transitioning to the civilian world, (based on my personal and professional affiliation to the military), I have suggested that they use their PER's or performance evaluation reports for résumé writing and interview preparation. Likewise, civilians can use their exemplary performance evaluations to be highlighted in their profiles and résumés. These can be considered testimonials. And speaking of testimonials, use some social media apps such as <strong>branchout.com</strong> to feature powerful endorsements about you. (See my previous blog post on branchout.com). On Facebook, you can use <strong>beknown.com</strong> to highlight your stellar reputation or <strong>comeRecommended.com</strong> Twitter has the equivalent. On <strong>linkedin.com</strong>, ask for influential contacts to write you a recommendation (I have posted about this point on this blog).</div>
<div><br/>7. <strong>website</strong> You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by creating your PURL (personal URL) or web site. There is a plethora of sites to promote your professional brand. Some ideas may include: -visualize.me  You can turn your resume into an infographic. It's now in the beta version. -about.me  This is another beta platform that allows you to promote you. You can see my example on about.me/melissamartin</div>
<div><br/> The concept of 360 degrees has been applied to human resources practices. It is widespread and relies on multiple sources of information and applications. The 360 degree solution is tweeted by @360jobint to help job seekers prepare fully for job interviews. Now's the time to apply your 360 degree digital marketing strategy. "Fortune favours the bold" the ancient Romans said. Wisdom isn't just ancient, it becomes contemporary.</div>
<div><br/> Melissa Martin bilingual career/social media strategist Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual) Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin2">www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin2</a></div>
<div>Skype: melissacynthiamartin</div>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/570__Dj8zCc" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
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&lt;div class="post-outer"&gt;&lt;div class="post hentry"&gt;&lt;div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1866400061448630197"&gt;&lt;div dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;div&gt;When was the last time you used Yellow pages? Perhaps the online version, yellowpages.com? I was inspired by a Yellow pages ad in the &lt;u&gt;Globe and Mail&lt;/u&gt; newspaper. The newspaper featured a "360 degree online marketing strategy." The…&lt;/div&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58225</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Keep your online ID squeaky clean during your job search</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/viqNK065PeU/866628:BlogPost:58019</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-01:866628:BlogPost:58019</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
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<div style="text-align: left;" dir="ltr">Some call it your "digital footprint," others refer to your online personal brand. No matter what kind of online activity in which you are engaged, be mindful about what you post. <u>Employers are watching carefully</u>. And they are making fast and furious judgements about what kind of company you keep on the net and whether you demonstrate "online etiquette." The rationale about this is that employers are trying to investigate what your psychological behaviour is on the internet. After all, social media is, as one pundit phrased it, "the psychology of people."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;" dir="ltr"><br/> In relation to your online "behaviour," I have a sobering statistic to pass onto job seekers. Recently, Microsoft just held its 4th annual data privacy day. In a survey involving Americans, 70% reportedly said that they would <strong>disqualify a candidate</strong>, based on his/her online information."  Unfortunately, the salient information that related to employers' disqualifications were not made public. How ironic.</div>
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<div>Watch for Microscoft to announce the launch of a software called Social Connector. The purpose of the software, which is an add-on feature, apparently allows someone to see the online communication (s) from individuals who have sent you email messages. This allows you, in turn, to see your email recipients' social activities, as well as the lists of contacts in your social network.  (Sounds a bit like Big Brother to me. The predictions in George Orwell's famed book <u>1984</u> appear to be alive and well. In fact, over one hundred of Orwell's predictions came true). The lesson here is that it is going to become increasingly difficult to filter strategically your online communications in the future.</div>
<div><br/> Have you checked whether your online ID is squeaky clean? There is a free tool called <a href="http://www.onlineidcalculator.com/">http://www.onlineIDcalculator.com/</a> If the results reveal that you should exercise caution, be careful. One wrongful move such as a careless communication, unsavoury email or questionable picture on Facebook could be the ruin of your job search. And it is very difficult, although possible, to erase compromising online data.</div>
<div><br/> Melissa Martin, bilingual social media specialist and ebook author, <strong><u>How to use social media in your job search</u></strong> <a href="http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/">http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/</a> Follow me on <a href="mailto:Twitter@ravingredhead">Twitter@ravingredhead</a> Facebook fan page:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/areercoachingbyphonecommelissacynthiamartin2">www.facebook.com/areercoachingbyphonecommelissacynthiamartin2</a><br/> <a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img style="border-width: 0px;" alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/sm-share-en.gif" width="83" height="16"/></a></div>
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<div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><div class="post-footer"><div class="post-footer-line post-footer-line-1"><div class="post-share-buttons goog-inline-block"><a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-ways-to-use-speed-networking-in-your.html">10 ways to use speed networking in your job search</a></div>
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<div class="blogRight"><img style="margin-right: 10px; float: left;" title="10 Ways to Use Speed Networking in Your Job Search | CAREEREALISM" alt="Networking Event" src="http://www.ibtimes.com/data/blogs_editor/careerealism/Networking-Event-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225"/>Regardless of whether you are married or with a significant other, no doubt you've heard of "speed dating." The goal is to talk to many potential dates as possible, in a tight time frame, with just enough time to say your name and see if there's any chemistry (or <em>chimie</em>, as we say in French), with the other partner. No matter what your opinion is, speed dating and trying to find chemistry with a potential employer who shares commonalities. Now that commonality has transitioned into a trend called <strong>speed networking.</strong> Here's what to do before attending a speed networking event:</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>1. Despite the brevity of time you may have with a potential employer, first impressions do count.</strong> Invest in (not just make) a first impression that you will make you memorable, inviting and enticing to develop the next stage - a possible meeting or screening interview.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>2. Mind your manners.</strong> Despite the many modern technical devices that impede communication, social etiquette and emotional intelligence give you a noticeable advantage over someone who doesn't have the foresight to know manners are sought by employers. Those in a <a href="http://www.careerealism.com/interviewer-competitive-intelligence/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">job search</a> who have gracious social etiquette are more likely to receive referrals and establish rapport quicker than those who have poor deportment (something highly prized in the military). When I attended a seminar on a military base with Catherine Bell, I distinctly remember how she taught the audience to shake hands correctly. This custom in itself sets a tone from the job seeker to a potential employer. A handshake can represent an accurate confidence rating on the part of the job seeker. (I must confess despite the high profile of women in the workforce, some still have the tendency to have a "limp" handshake, which conveys a lack of confidence).</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>3. Take notes while you chat with them.</strong> It is wise to "break the ice" with an employer, even for a moment, to resist the temptation to "dive into" a self-serving conversation with a potential employer. Try to build rapport by engaging in benign small talk before advancing to your prime objective - to generate chemistry between you and the employer.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>4. Bring calling cards or business cards with your online and offline co-ordinates.</strong> For example, your LinkedIn account or a link to your blog. Especially advantageous is proof of affiliations to which you belong or memberships of some kind.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>5. Communicate what you can offer.</strong> I often use the terms ROI (return on investment) and USP (unique selling points) to demonstrate your value to employers.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>6. Communicate more like a consultant or solution-finder than a job seeker.</strong> In the course of your conversation, albeit it brief, try to find out what the company's challenge or problem is. (Remember, all employers have problems to solve. Perhaps you can be the remedy by being hired by that company!)</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>7. Articulate your expertise.</strong> Don't give too general information. Be specific about how you can help employers.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>8. Ask questions to probe and reveal answers.</strong> If you're really tactical with questions, you might just find out what the company's "hidden agenda" is or forthcoming plans for hiring or for expansion, as in offering a new product or service. As we career coaches will attest, good questions generate good answers. Especially "mini" ones which connect to one another.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>9. Be flexible with the employer's plans.</strong> Perhaps there's an area you didn't consider in your realm of experience.</div>
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<div class="blogRight"><strong>10. Follow-up with all of the contacts promptly.</strong> Many business decisions are made within three business days. "Strike when the iron is hot," especially if you've developed chemistry or even a "prime impression" with contacts at the speed networking event.<br/> <span style="color: #888888;"><em><strong>Melissa C. Martin is a</strong> <a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>bilingual career coach</strong></a> <strong>who specializes in offering career counselling by phone.</strong></em></span></div>
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Download <strong>Melissa's FREE report, Turbocharge your job search</strong>: 16+ sizzling tips to be irresistible to employers fb.me/12zGsEqDD<br/> Follow Melissa on Twitter @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual)<br/> <a class="addthis_button" href="http://www.blogger.com/"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/sm-share-en.gif" width="83" height="16"/></a></div>
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&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/QEbJGKMR7bM/imagesCA4R9MSN.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58019</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/QEbJGKMR7bM/imagesCA4R9MSN.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz5BEfmUc_g/TV3V3L0KvBI/AAAAAAAAACQ/PISHeMdpBEg/s1600/imagesCA4R9MSN.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Build your self-esteem during unemployment: A starter guide</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/ViEbo9e8yAA/866628:BlogPost:28168</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:25:23 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-01:866628:BlogPost:28168</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
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<p>Quite often, career professionals like myself deal with the "employability factor" to help you get hired, but sometimes dismiss an issue that can make or break a prolonged period of unemployment, battered self-esteem.</p>
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<p>So how do you stay calm, composed and maintain self- esteem in tough economy times? Here are some tips you may to consider as a starter guide to self-improvement.</p>
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<p>Imagine yourself as a Dart Board. Everything and everyone else around you may become dart pins, at one point or another. These dart pins will destroy your self-esteem and deflate you in ways you won’t even remember. Don’t let them destroy you, or get the best of you. So which dart pins should you avoid?</p>
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<p>Dart Pin #1 : Negative Work Environment</p>
<p>Beware of the “dog eat dog” theory where everyone else is fighting just to get ahead. This is where non-appreciative people usually thrive. No one will appreciate your contributions even if you miss lunch and and stay up late. Most of the time you ultimately work too much without getting help from people concerned. Avoid this circumstance; it will ruin your self-esteem. Competition is at stake in a competitive work world, especially with one in five Americans who are unemployed.</p>
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<p>Dart Pin #2: Avoid others'toxic behaviour</p>
<p><br/> Bulldozers, gossipmongers, whiners, backstabbers, snipers, people walking wounded, controllers, naggers, complainers, exploders, patronizers, sluffers… all these kinds of people will poison your self-esteem, as long as you give them "your energy" and your attention. Toxic behaviour pervades those who are already beleagured with low self-esteem, such as laid-off individuals.</p>
<p>Dart Pin #3: Changing Environment</p>
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<p>Babyboomers may recall the Rascals' song in the sixties, "How can I be sure? How can I be sure in a world that's constantly changing?" (Can you dig it man?)</p>
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<p>Changes challenge our paradigms. For example, where has the permanent job gone? A job with benefits has been uprooted by uncertainty. Enter the world of short-term employment and temporary contracts. This is sobering for a job seeker who is craving job security. But why not consider temporary employment, which is enjoying an increase in the workforce? At least you can accept a contract or register with a temporary employment agency and regain any last vestiges of your crumbling self-esteem?</p>
<p>I chose temporary employment long ago to make valuable contacts, get a taste of the labour market, and above all, to be productive.</p>
<p>Let's face it, if you have received severance pay from the government following a layoff, temporary employment may act as a desirable, short-term outcome.</p>
<p><br/> Change is inevitable in the digital, social networked world. Rather than react to change, a preferable behaviour, and perhaps ultimately a skill, is to adapt to change. (Incidentally, look up my previous article, "How to deal with the signs of a layoff," part one on my blog, <a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com/"><font color="#73A642">http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</font></a></p>
<p><br/> Dart Pin #4: Past Experience</p>
<p><br/> It’s appropriate and normal to grieve about self-employment. Grief equals pain, plain and simple. But don’t let pain transform  into fear. This period of unemployment is TEMPORARY.</p>
<p>Your past experience represents value to employers! You just need to craft it into "professional brand" that entices employers to hire you.</p>
<p>Instead of focusing on WHY you were laid off (most often it is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not a reflection of your work performance</span>, but a money issue), focus on what was valuable in your previous employment. How did that experience get you hired before your layoff?</p>
<p>Psychologist Dr. Ron Warner, who certified me in solution-focused interviewing and counselling, once observed, "No problem exists 24/7 except for terminal illness and chronic pain." How true!</p>
<p>Dart Pin #5: Negative World View</p>
<p>Focus on your goals, as small as they may be. Connect with five referrals by phone in the next week. Conduct an informational interview. Set up a free <span style="text-decoration: underline;">social media account t</span>o get acquainted with new technology? Start with <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Linkedin</span>, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Twitter</span> or even <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Facebook</span> to reach out to your networks. Don’t allow the the negativities of unemployment burst your bubble. In building self esteem, we must learn how to make the best out of worst situations.</p>
<p>No doubt you've heard of individuals being laid off or unemployed for prolonged periods, only to enjoy a rebirth and regeneration of themselves. (By the way, it is the year of the tiger in the Chinese system, which means rebirth and resilience). In the common vernacular, we might call this a "blessing" if you have been laid off for some time and then found meaningful employment afterward.</p>
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<p>Dart Pin #6: Determination Theory</p>
<p><br/> The way you are, along with your behavioural traits, is said to be a mixed end product of your inherited traits (genetics), your upbringing (psychic), and your environmental surroundings such as your spouse, the company, the economy or your circle of friends. You have your own identity. If your father is a failure, it doesn’t mean you have to be a failure too. Learn from other people’s experience, so you’ll never have to encounter the same mistakes.</p>
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<p>Being positive, and staying positive is a personal choice. Building self-esteem and drawing lines for self- improvement is a choice, not a talent.</p>
<p>Let's harken back to the wisdom of Eleanor Roosevelt, "No one can make you inferior without your consent."</p>
<p><br/> In life, its hard to stay motivated and upbeat when faced with the life-altering event of a layoff or unemployment. The grim reality of hearing constant rejection from employers is dehabilitating and savage to the soul, at the very least.</p>
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<p>However, take comfort in the fact that NO means "not right now." If an employer is not accepting resumes or hasn't returned your calls, take heart. Do NOT take it personally. The rejection (not an immediate acceptance by the employer) is NOT a reflection about you necessarily, but about unmitigating circumstances, such as an uncertain share of the market, diminishing profits, staff issues, training needs....What lurks behind the closed doors of employers is the subject of speculation for many downhearted job hunters.</p>
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<p>Even though jobs are imminently impermanent, layoffs and unemployment are TEMPORARY to a wide extent. Witness the egregious Great Depression period of American history. Many entrepreneurs emerged from the economic rubble and likewise prosperous individuals with flourishing businesses.</p>
<p>Remember: over ninety percent of employment in North American originates from small and medium business.</p>
<p>If your period of employment is lingering and your patience is waning, why not offer your value-added talents via a small business?</p>
<p><br/> Building self esteem will eventually lead to self improvement if we start to become responsible for who we are, what we have and what we do. Its like a flame that should gradually spread like a brush fire from inside and out. When we develop self esteem, we take control of our mission, values and discipline.</p>
<p>Self-esteem results in self-improvement, true assessment, and determination.</p>
<p>So how do you start putting up the building blocks of self esteem? Be appreciative</p>
<p>of what you have now, whether it's healthy relationships, a healthy body or otherwise. Never miss an opportunity to compliment. French writer Victor Hugo deftly observes: "A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil. "</p>
<p><br/> Put away the stress of unemployment just for a short moment and imagine the life you want, not primarily the employment. Answers will emerge....</p>
<p></p>
<p>Melissa Martin</p>
<p>bilingual career/social media strategist</p>
<p>Twitter: @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin</p>
<p><a href="http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com"><font color="#73A642">http://webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</font></a></p>
<p>Follow me on <font color="#73A642"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/melissacynthiamartin">www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin</a>2</font></p>
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&lt;p&gt;Quite often, career professionals like myself deal with the "employability factor" to help you get hired, but sometimes dismiss an issue that can make or break a prolonged period of unemployment, battered self-esteem.&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;p&gt;So how do you stay calm, composed and maintain self- esteem in tough economy times? Here are some tips you may to…&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:28168</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Should I Be Temping or Looking for a Full-Time Job?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/P5MQqKSUa4Q/866628:BlogPost:58028</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-02-01:866628:BlogPost:58028</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>As more and more workers have hopes of returning to the workplace this year, one conundrum oftentimes is whether to temp in the meantime or concentrate all efforts on the full-time search. Quite frankly, both can and should be done.<br/> <br/> If you find yourself job hunting and coming up short, <a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/temporary-staffing/" target="_blank">temp agencies</a> not only help fill in some of the money gaps, but it also makes you more desirable to potential employers who see you are actively working.<br/> <br/> According to information from the American Staffing Association (ASA), up to 18 percent of temp positions turn into full-time opportunities at the client firm. That being said, many individuals still shun temp positions for a variety of reasons.<br/> <br/> One issue that job hunters often find is that temping interferes with their ability to search for work during the day. That problem can be easily averted by moving your job search to the evenings and weekends, focusing your daytime energies on temping.<br/> <br/> In the event you find yourself torn between temping and continuing your search for a full-time position, take these factors into consideration:<br/> <br/> • <em>Temping means money and possible benefits</em> – Unlike a lot of internships that provide only credits, temping means having a regular paycheck until something better comes along. In many temping situations, employees are paid on a weekly basis as opposed to bi-weekly. While some individuals may feel it is better to sit out and collect unemployment should they be eligible, some temping positions also offer a portion of health insurance benefits;<br/> • <em>Temping means skills improvement</em> – While you may feel like most or all temping jobs are simply filing papers all day or answering phones, that is oftentimes not the case. In a lot of temping positions, you will be doing work on computers with inputting data, doing research, and/or working side-by-side with a manager. This experience can be invaluable in that you are staying up to date on your computer skills, plus working with someone who puts a fair amount of trust in you;<br/> • <em>Temping means opportunities</em> – Even though a lot of temping positions only end up meaning a day, a few days or a few weeks, they also can help you make inroads into gaining a FT position with a company. In the event your performance is well reviewed by management, it could lead to a full-time position either now or down the road when an opening occurs. Even if you are there just for a day or two, make the most of it;<br/> • <em>Temping is great for networking</em> – In the event you do not latch on full-time with the company/companies you temp for, the exposure is still great. Someone may know of someone who needs help in another company, etc. Instead of sitting at home sending out resumes and reading the want ads, being in an office setting as a temp offers you a better chance of being noticed when your work is liked.<br/> <br/> On the flip side, given there are no guarantees with a temp job; it certainly makes sense to apply as much effort as possible to the full-time job hunt.<br/> <br/> If you’re temping, you can still actively pursue a full-time gig, just be smart on how you go about it.<br/> <br/> Your temping position should not be used to use the office computer to job hunt during the day. Remember, you’re there to do a job, so don’t spend your time writing cover letters, polishing up your resume, and searching the online help wanted ads.<br/> <br/> The best way to handle the situation is move your job searching to nights, weekends or whenever you are not temping. Looking for a job is a full-time job in essence, so your concentration level needs to be at 100 percent, not 50 percent or so while you’re on a job.<br/> <br/> Lastly, know where to look for the right temping opportunities so you are not left spinning your wheels and wasting valuable time.<br/> <br/> Search for temping agencies that are focused in your field of expertise, along with ones who will have tests that you can pass without any issues. Per example, you don’t want to be going to a temp agency that specializes in placing people in the technology industry if your tech skills are limited to say the least.<br/> <br/> As the job market slowly begins regaining its footing after the recession and numerous layoffs use any temping opportunities that come along as a good opportunity to add to what you can offer a full-time employer down the road, along with making your wallet a little meatier.<br/> <br/> <em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items <a href="http://www.business.com/startup/starting-a-small-business/" target="_blank">starting a small business</a>, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</em></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/P5MQqKSUa4Q" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;As more and more workers have hopes of returning to the workplace this year, one conundrum oftentimes is whether to temp in the meantime or concentrate all efforts on the full-time search. Quite frankly, both can and should be done.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; If you find yourself job hunting and coming up short, &lt;a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/temporary-staffing/" target="_blank"&gt;temp agencies&lt;/a&gt; not only help fill in some of the money gaps, but it also makes you more desirable to…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58028</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>6 Ways To Get Your Resume Noticed In 15 Seconds</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/7PuGPwmV5Y4/866628:BlogPost:58217</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:29:53 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-31:866628:BlogPost:58217</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/G*rLUdt*5s9brIKQmgufhTMdTsXdypGdah7KLNOw44fQEMIKIGPaCZBfIRjHudLVbUp2dB5WfFY3RNTcU7Q7QZ7IS3qYbKN9/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/G*rLUdt*5s9brIKQmgufhTMdTsXdypGdah7KLNOw44fQEMIKIGPaCZBfIRjHudLVbUp2dB5WfFY3RNTcU7Q7QZ7IS3qYbKN9/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg" width="250"/></a>It's a well known fact in the recruiting and HR world that hiring managers/HR reps/recruiters spend an average 15 seconds deciding if you make it to the interview pile ... or if your resume gets discarded.<br/> <br/>
Keep in mind this is an average ... recruiters/HR reps spend more time on those candidates that make the cut, but less time on those who are discarded (about 5-8 seconds).<br/>
<br/>
If your resume makes it through the ATS screen, it goes through a human pre-screening by HR reps, recruiters, or (in really small companies) an admin. This is where you get your 15 seconds of fame ... or discard.<br/>
<br/>
During these 15 seconds, your reader decides more than just if you get the interview or the scrap pile. Almost as important, they also form critical first impressions that can lead to feeling that you're a superior candidate ... or that you're too old (ageism), that your sills have gone soft (bias against job loss), that you're overqualified, that you're a commodity that looks just like everyone else.<br/>
<br/>
Here's 6 tips to give yourself a better chance of landing the interview by passing your 15 second screen test:</p>
<p><a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5146797/221ca5bbdc530f6a" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5146797/221ca5bbdc530f6a</a></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/7PuGPwmV5Y4" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/G*rLUdt*5s9brIKQmgufhTMdTsXdypGdah7KLNOw44fQEMIKIGPaCZBfIRjHudLVbUp2dB5WfFY3RNTcU7Q7QZ7IS3qYbKN9/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/G*rLUdt*5s9brIKQmgufhTMdTsXdypGdah7KLNOw44fQEMIKIGPaCZBfIRjHudLVbUp2dB5WfFY3RNTcU7Q7QZ7IS3qYbKN9/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg" style="padding: 2px;" width="250"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; It's a well known fact in the recruiting and HR world that hiring managers/HR reps/recruiters spend an average 15 seconds deciding if you make it to the interview pile ... or if your resume gets discarded.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; Keep in mind this is an average ... recruiters/HR reps spend more time on those…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/qV3oLAx0kIA/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58217</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/qV3oLAx0kIA/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/G*rLUdt*5s9brIKQmgufhTMdTsXdypGdah7KLNOw44fQEMIKIGPaCZBfIRjHudLVbUp2dB5WfFY3RNTcU7Q7QZ7IS3qYbKN9/15Seconds3CreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Don’t Ruin Your Job Chances Before They Even Start</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/sA4YJccrMgk/866628:BlogPost:58025</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:14:10 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-30:866628:BlogPost:58025</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Most of us have been there at one time or another.</p>
<p>You know that co-worker that just drives you up a wall. The individual who makes you cringe each time you see their face around the office. The person who’d leave you jumping for joy should they come in and give their two weeks’ notice they were leaving the company.</p>
<p>At the end of the day, having to deal with a bothersome co-worker can be difficult, but your career and its future success are more important when all is said and done.</p>
<p>If you’ve had a bad experience or two working with folks in the past, don’t let it sour you this time around while job hunting.</p>
<p>Remember, interviewers count one’s attitude as much if not more than their skill set. If you’re asked during an interview how you work with others and you start bringing up some bad experiences in the past, don’t be shocked if you’re not called back for another interview and/or do not get hired.</p>
<p>The difficult task oftentimes is trying to find the right way to address the problem. If an interviewer asks you about how you did with others and/or how you would do being part of a team with a potential employer, don’t come across as a problem waiting to happen.</p>
<p>In the event you have found yourself dealing with a difficult co-worker in the past, keep several things in mind during your interview:</p>
<ul>
<li><i>Don’t take the bait – The worst thing you can do is find yourself being baited into a discussion during your interview that shines a negative light on you. If you had issues with one or more co-workers in the past and the subject comes up during an interview, take the high road. Tell the interviewer how you attempted to solve the problem either on your own or through management. Make it clear that you took the initiative to try and fix the problem, showing the interviewer that you are a team player and will do whatever it takes to make the team successful;</i></li>
<li><i>Point out your attributes – Employers like to hear about how individuals worked to fix problems, rather than how they dealt with them in a negative way. Show the positive side of your career and don’t harp on one or more negative experiences;</i></li>
<li><i>Don’t appear to be a problem – The last thing a potential employer wants to hear or see is someone who potentially is going to cause problems in their office. If you’re a low-maintenance employee, you stand a much better chance of being hired and staying on. If you complain about this, that and everything else regarding working with others, good luck getting and staying on the job for long;</i></li>
<li>The past is the past – Having gone on a number of interviews over a 23-year working period, I’ve never made it a major point to bring up past work experiences unless they work to my advantage, i.e. skill set. We all have worked with a few people we’d rather not remember, don’t make them the focal point of your interview when the inevitable questions of how you work with others, are you a team player and where do you see yourself fitting in with us come up.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>Co-workers come in all shapes and sizes; how you associate with them is oftentimes up to you.</p>
<p>Even truer is interviews come in all different forms, some good and some not so good.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that you can control what you say and don’t say, so don’t relive the past in front of someone who is looking to the future.</p>
<p>Have you ever had a bad co-worker situation? If so, how did you handle it?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items</em> <a href="http://www.business.com/insurance/workers-compensation-insurance/">workers compensation</a><em>, writes extensively for</em> <a href="http://www.business.com/"><i>Business.com</i></a>, <em>an online resource</em> <i>destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</i></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/sA4YJccrMgk" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;Most of us have been there at one time or another.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You know that co-worker that just drives you up a wall. The individual who makes you cringe each time you see their face around the office. The person who’d leave you jumping for joy should they come in and give their two weeks’ notice they were leaving the company.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At the end of the day, having to deal with a bothersome co-worker can be difficult, but your career and its future success are more important when all is said and…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58025</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Motivation from A-Z</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/qLq55Rdr224/866628:BlogPost:57919</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:56:31 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-30:866628:BlogPost:57919</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<div class="widget Blog"><div class="blog-posts hfeed"><div class="date-outer"><h2 class="date-header"><span class="font-size-3"><strong>MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF- IMPROVEMENT</strong></span></h2>
<h2 class="date-header"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have to tell you that embarking on a job search tests the limits of your motivation level.  While job seekers experience setbacks, disappointments or perceived failures, their motivational compass needs to be recharged.  </span></strong></span></h2>
<h2 class="date-header"><span class="font-size-3"><strong><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">With the countless negativities a (long) job search entails, how do can job seekers stay motivated? Consider these tips from A to Z and how they apply to job seekers…</span></strong></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><div class="post-body entry-content"><div dir="ltr"><div><br/> <span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A - Achieve your dreams. Avoid negative people, things and places. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">B - Believe in your self, and in what you can do.  When was the last time that you reviewed your successes, accomplishments, skills and qualifications?</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">C – Consider things on every angle and aspect. Motivation comes from determination. To be able to understand life, you should feel the sun from both sides. If your job search is not yielding results, change the approach and take risks.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">D – Don’t give up and don’t give in. Thomas Edison failed once, twice, more than thrice before he came up with his invention and perfected the incandescent light bulb. Make motivation your steering wheel.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">E – Enjoy. Learn as if you’ll live forever. Motivation takes place when people have intrinsic goals (inward).</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">F – Family and Friends – are life’s greatest  treasures. Don’t lose sight of them. They can be your best supports in a long job search.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">G – Give more than what is enough. Where does motivation and self- improvement take place,  at work? At home? At school? It happens when you exert extra effort in doing things.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">H – Hang on to your dreams. The "little" stars in your dreams may be your driving force.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I – Ignore those who try to destroy you. Don’t let other people to get the best of you. Resist the comopany of toxic people – the kind of friends who dislike hearing about your successes. True friends will applaud your efforts and act as your bellweather of support.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">J – Just be yourself. The key to success is to be yourself. And the key to failure is to try to please everyone. For example, if you are unable to land two interviews in a week, reconfigure goals that are realistic.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">K – keep trying no matter how hard life may seem. Realize that unemployment is temporary. Eventually, it will be in your control, and that's why you need to gauge your intrinsic motivational levels.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">L – Learn to love your self. Now isn’t that easy? Quite often, layoffs, for example, are not a reflection of you, but the dour economy,</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">M – Make things happen. Motivation is when "your dreams are put into work clothes." (Sorry, I cannot claim this phrase. I do not know its original author).</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">N – Network strategically. Most jobs are not are never advertised (up to 85%). The larger your network, the more motivated you will be to keep your job search fresh and active. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">O – Open your eyes. People should learn the horse attitude and horse sense. They see things in 2 ways – how they want things to be, and how they should be. Reflect on things that have gone well so far.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">P – Practice makes perfect. Practice is about motivation. It lets us learn repertoire and ways to recover from our mistakes.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Q – Quitters never win. And winners never quit. So, choose your fate – are you going to be a quitter? Or a winner?</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">R – Ready yourself. Motivation is also about preparation. Goal achievers know this fact intimately.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">S – Stop procrastinating. Set goals. Only three percent of adults write down their goals.Use job search management resources such as jibberjobber.com</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">T – Take control of your life. Discipline or self-control is symbiotic with motivation. Both are key factors in self- improvement. Develop a 360 degree job search marketing plan, which includes social media networks. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">U – Understand others. If you know very well how to talk, you should also learn how to listen. Yearn to understand first, and to be understood second. </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">V – Visualize it. Athletes are well known for visualizing success. You can do the same to boost your motivation levels.  </span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">W – Want it more than anything. Dreaming means believing.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">X Factor is what will make you different from the others. When you are motivated, you tend to put on “extras” on your life like extra time for family, extra help at work, extra care for friends, and so on.</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Y – You are unique. No one in this world looks, acts, or talks like you. Value your life and existence, because you’re just going to spend it once. See your USP (unique selling points) to potential employers, recruiters, hiring managers and contacts</span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br/></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Z – Zero in on your dreams and go for it!!!</span></div>
<div><br/> <span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Melissa Martin is a bilingual career/social media strategist. She is an approved expert on the <a href="http://www.careerealism.com/">www.careerealism.com</a>,  and a career advisor on <a href="http://www.careeraviators.com/">www.careeraviators.com</a> Follow Melissa on Twitter @ravingredhead and @melissacmartin Facebook fan page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone./melissacynthiamartin2">www.facebook.com/careercoachingbyphone/melissacynthiamartin2</a></span></div>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/qLq55Rdr224" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;div class="widget Blog"&gt;&lt;div class="blog-posts hfeed"&gt;&lt;div class="date-outer"&gt;&lt;h2 class="date-header"&gt;&lt;span class="font-size-3"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF- IMPROVEMENT&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2 class="date-header"&gt;&lt;span class="font-size-3"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"&gt;I don't have to tell you that embarking on a job search tests the limits of your motivation level.  While job seekers experience setbacks, disappointments or perceived…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57919</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>What If Your Ex-Employer Has A No-Reference Policy?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/0sMzf-tozZY/866628:BlogPost:58131</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-30:866628:BlogPost:58131</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/M6XhXO28glAH-XNkBejlp7Mg77GrwvxJW3b*UIe*On*ieVn5KwpEhtIRt08SQF6pTj1OJL4BW1uRQgxDbh6RQzktc7qvRIsg/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/M6XhXO28glAH-XNkBejlp7Mg77GrwvxJW3b*UIe*On*ieVn5KwpEhtIRt08SQF6pTj1OJL4BW1uRQgxDbh6RQzktc7qvRIsg/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg" width="250"/></a>How can you get references when your ex-employer has a policy against giving references?<br/> <br/>
It's not just if your old employer won't give references, you also have problems if your ex-employer will only give minimal references and only confirm dates of employment.<br/>
<br/>
While technically a reference, confirmation of employment doesn't say if your old employer liked you ... or hated you.<br/>
<br/>
Employers and recruiters don't want these limited information references - they are looking for a reference that will either say good things about you as an employee, or say not-so-good things.<br/>
<br/>
Employers and recruiters want a reference that will take a stand ... otherwise it's not much value to a hiring decision.<br/>
<br/>
Learn what to do when your ex-employer has a no-reference or limited-reference policy, by reading:</p>
<p><a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5109337/4cd9c9bd1839eb0e" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5109337/4cd9c9bd1839eb0e</a></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/0sMzf-tozZY" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/M6XhXO28glAH-XNkBejlp7Mg77GrwvxJW3b*UIe*On*ieVn5KwpEhtIRt08SQF6pTj1OJL4BW1uRQgxDbh6RQzktc7qvRIsg/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/M6XhXO28glAH-XNkBejlp7Mg77GrwvxJW3b*UIe*On*ieVn5KwpEhtIRt08SQF6pTj1OJL4BW1uRQgxDbh6RQzktc7qvRIsg/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg" style="padding: 2px;" width="250"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; How can you get references when your ex-employer has a policy against giving references?&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; It's not just if your old employer won't give references, you also have problems if your ex-employer will only give minimal references and only confirm dates of employment.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
While…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/1G4MrUbZLrc/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58131</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/1G4MrUbZLrc/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/M6XhXO28glAH-XNkBejlp7Mg77GrwvxJW3b*UIe*On*ieVn5KwpEhtIRt08SQF6pTj1OJL4BW1uRQgxDbh6RQzktc7qvRIsg/CompanyPolicyCreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Yep, Twitter is hiring (video)</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/Lxrp4LB2Lw8/866628:BlogPost:58215</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:48:04 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-30:866628:BlogPost:58215</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>I'm a fan of recruiting videos and companies making fun of themselves. Take a look at this twitter recruiting video.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vccZkELgEsU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p><div class="feedflare">
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                        &lt;p&gt;I'm a fan of recruiting videos and companies making fun of themselves. Take a look at this twitter recruiting video.&lt;iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vccZkELgEsU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58215</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Do You Know the Signs of Discrimination During a Job Interview?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/VCrvhF1Mlw0/866628:BlogPost:58129</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-30:866628:BlogPost:58129</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>A job interview is stressful enough, let alone when you have to deal with illegal questions that may throw you off, therefore leading to you not getting the job.<br/> <br/> While some of the questions that employers are prohibited from asking may seem obvious, it is good to review such items before you go on that interview, be it in person or over the phone.<br/> <br/> In the event you are preparing to interview for any type of job, take note that you cannot be discriminated against due to your race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. <br/> <br/> If you are wondering which specific questions an employer may not ask of you, they include:<br/> <br/> • What country did your parents originate from?<br/> • Were you born in the United States?<br/> • Do you have children and if so, how many?<br/> • Are you pregnant?<br/> • How much do you weigh?<br/> • What medications are you currently taking?<br/> • Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist?<br/> <br/> At the end of the day, an employer must be able to show that any questions asked do not illicit information other than that which is critical to evaluation of an individual’s qualifications for the job.<br/> <br/> In the event you have been faced with an illegal question or two, you do have several areas of recourse.<br/> <br/> First, you can answer the question, thereby showing the employer that you are not hiding anything. <br/> <br/> On the flip side, it may give the interviewer more latitude to throw additional illegal questions at you, figuring you are not up to date on the laws. If you stumble on one or more of the questions, it could decrease your chances of getting the job.<br/> <br/> Secondly, you can do what is legally your right and not answer the question.<br/> <br/> By doing so, however, you could come across like you’re hiding something, although you in essence are not doing anything wrong.<br/> <br/> Lastly, you can relay to the interviewer that you know what is and is not legal to ask of an applicant. <br/> <br/> While it may not please the interviewer with not giving them the information they are fishing for, you are also showing them that you are up to speed on the laws.<br/> <br/> When all is said and done, there are actually two interviews going on during your job interview.<br/> <br/> While a company representative is interviewing you, you too are interviewing the company, getting a feel for their culture and how employees are treated should you become one of them.<br/> <br/> If you feel the treatment is less than acceptable, you may not want to work for this company in the first place should you be offered the job.<br/> <br/> <em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items <a href="http://www.business.com/startup/starting-a-small-business/" target="_blank">starting a small business</a>, writes extensively for <a href="http://www.business.com" target="_blank">Business.com</a>, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</em></p><div class="feedflare">
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                        &lt;p&gt;A job interview is stressful enough, let alone when you have to deal with illegal questions that may throw you off, therefore leading to you not getting the job.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; While some of the questions that employers are prohibited from asking may seem obvious, it is good to review such items before you go on that interview, be it in person or over the phone.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; In the event you are preparing to interview for any type of job, take note that you cannot be discriminated against due to…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58129</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>10 ways to stay focused  during your job search</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/uYBwUXAMdcA/866628:BlogPost:58213</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:57:37 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-29:866628:BlogPost:58213</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><a name="8377778025647723781"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3>
<div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div>
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<div id="post-body-8377778025647723781" class="post-body entry-content"><div style="text-align: left;" dir="ltr"><div style="text-align: center; clear: both;" class="separator"><a style="margin-right: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--L4KyxF6NpI/TWr7b0KNo_I/AAAAAAAAADA/X-5MW3hu4ZE/s1600/imagesCA594WFC.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--L4KyxF6NpI/TWr7b0KNo_I/AAAAAAAAADA/X-5MW3hu4ZE/s1600/imagesCA594WFC.jpg"/></a></div>
<div>Hello job seekers: Never lose your focus during your job search. No matter how tough things are, here are 10 tips to share with you:</div>
<div><br/>1. Practise self-care. This is SO vital. Job searching can drain your energy unless you take preventative measures to stop it. Plan time for exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and supportive relations with friends, family and yes, pets!</div>
<div><br/>2. Don`t take rejections too hard. Rejections, no responses, etc are part of  job searching. It really is a numbers game. Rejections do bring you closer to a positive outcome.</div>
<div> <br/>3. Get a copy of your performance evaluations from your last position (aka PER`s in military jargon). Embed your performance evaluations INTO your résumé. If nothing else, the evaluations will set you apart from other job seekers and serve as a conversation piece with an employer during an interview. (An effective résumé should elicit good questions from an employer).</div>
<div><br/>4. Get recommendations from former supervisors, colleagues, character references, etc. Use LinkedIn recommendations to maintain your social media profiles. Facebook also has a recommendation application called Branchout.com. Use it to your advantage. Another Facebook application that will promote your good name and brand is <a href="http://www.beknown.com/">www.Beknown.com</a></div>
<div><br/>5. Get support for all of your job searching efforts. Support includes the emotional, social and familial components of conducting a useful job search. Join a job finding club or join an online job finding club.</div>
<div><br/>6. If you were laid off, allow yourself to grieve. Losing a job is synonymous with losing one`s identity, especially in North America.  (J.T. Donnell referred to this in a webinar on thise site previously). Check out my article on <u><strong>How to deal with the signs of a layoff</strong></u> on my blog, webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com</div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. Instead of acting like a `wounded job seeker, transform yourself into a solution builder.  Research desirable companies and come up with ways to improve their bottom line or appeal to their one track minds: can you save or make money for the company?</div>
<div><br/>8. If your job search is stalled, apply the Zen approach. Do NOTHING. But only for a short while. Re-energize and then get your focus again.</div>
<div><br/>9. No matter what your job search results are, maintain a professional demeamour through your personal brand. Make sure your brand is professional and consistent with how you want to be portrayed by potential employers.</div>
<div><br/>10. Keep track of your milestones, whether major or minor. In all likelihood, you will be rewarded. Ensure that these milestones are reflected in your job searching marketing documents, such as a résumé.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Need help with staying focused in your job search? If you want to learn social media job searching strategies that work, please contact me.</div>
<div>Facebook fan page: <a href="http://www.careercoachingbyphone.com/mlelissacynthiamartin2">www.careercoachingbyphone.com/mlelissacynthiamartin2</a></div>
<div>Twitter: @raving redhead and @melissacmartin (bilingual)</div>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/uYBwUXAMdcA" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;div class="post-outer"&gt;&lt;div class="post hentry"&gt;&lt;a name="8377778025647723781"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;h3 class="post-title entry-title"&gt; …&lt;/h3&gt;
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&lt;/div&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/VPtxgdNASIo/imagesCA594WFC.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58213</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/VPtxgdNASIo/imagesCA594WFC.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--L4KyxF6NpI/TWr7b0KNo_I/AAAAAAAAADA/X-5MW3hu4ZE/s1600/imagesCA594WFC.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Are You Worth an Interview the First Time Around?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/7IH9N-JcJBE/866628:BlogPost:58115</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:07:53 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-27:866628:BlogPost:58115</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>As individuals fight for jobs in an economy that is still struggling to gain its footing, it is important for aspiring workers to give themselves the best chance possible to get their foot in the door.<br/><br/>The best way to go about doing that is having a cover letter and resume that stand out from the competition. If your cover letter and/or resume are just average, they are likely to be filtered into a pile of similar pitches that may or may not get a response.<br/><br/>If you are presently job hunting or will be in the near future, keep in mind several factors:<br/><br/>• Companies get literally hundreds and hundreds of applicants with each job ad they post. Unless you want to just be another number, you need to make your pitch stand out from the crowd;<br/>• Pitch your cover letter/resume to the right individual. It is important during the job hunt to make sure you gain the attention of the correct person at the company you’re applying to. If you email a cover letter/resume to a “general” email, there is a good chance it will not make its way to the right individual. Unless the ad specifically asks for it to be sent to a general box, send your resume to the individual in charge of the department at the company you’re applying to;<br/>• Follow up with care. Having broken this rule in the past myself, it is recommended that you follow up a job inquiry with care. If you’re calling or emailing the company every other day, there is a good chance you will never set foot in the door for an interview. That being said, do not be afraid to follow up on occasion if you have not heard back. Companies get countless resumes and sometimes a quick follow up will allow you to stand out more from the crowd;<br/>• By all means make your cover letter and resume have been reviewed by at least one other set of eyes. Given the fact there are countless characters of copy on your cover letter and resume, make sure someone else reviews it before you hit the send button on the computer. It just takes one typo to push your resume further down in the pile. Think about it, if you’ve made a mistake or mistakes on this kind of document, is a company going to trust you with important tasks on their end? The extra time needed to make sure the copy is clean is well worth it;<br/>• Be upfront about your qualifications and skills. While some people like to embellish their talents, there is nothing more embarrassing than saying you have this skill or that skill, then being unable to demonstrate such when you are given a test during the interview process. Stay true to your word and admit if you do not have one or more of the skills listed in the job ad. Some companies may be willing to take the time to train you if you have an overall background and disposition that they feel would be a good fit for them;<br/>• Be as professional as possible should you go on an interview. If you had a bad experience with a previous employer or co-worker, keep it to yourself. Research the company on its Web site ahead of time before the interview, therefore giving you as much information as possible about the company ahead of time. Finally, take a few minutes and send a follow-up thank you to the company for the interview and even if you don’t get the job. You would be surprised how such a small task can work in your favor down the road if the company has another opening.<br/><br/>With the national unemployment rate hovering around 8.5 percent, there are still millions of Americans looking for work.<br/><br/>In the event you are one of them, ask yourself if you are worth an interview.</p>
<p></p>
<p><em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items</em> <a href="http://www.business.com/startup/starting-a-small-business/">starting a business</a><em>, writes extensively for</em> <a href="http://www.business.com/"><i>Business.com</i></a>, <em>an online resource</em> <i>destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</i></p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=7IH9N-JcJBE:0oyyngf4OCY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/7IH9N-JcJBE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;As individuals fight for jobs in an economy that is still struggling to gain its footing, it is important for aspiring workers to give themselves the best chance possible to get their foot in the door.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;The best way to go about doing that is having a cover letter and resume that stand out from the competition. If your cover letter and/or resume are just average, they are likely to be filtered into a pile of similar pitches that may or may not get a response.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;If you are…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58115</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Does your email address matter to your job search?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/AYKTsh2jLzE/866628:BlogPost:57915</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-26:866628:BlogPost:57915</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xLROlasOSv-trkdjwd8awK9IJskZ93nYyQXvaaW6R-pSD4AFRx6eAWY3p6tmXemq8a2eq3L6jg9wyp6pkE-nxf7oV*bqMkqr/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xLROlasOSv-trkdjwd8awK9IJskZ93nYyQXvaaW6R-pSD4AFRx6eAWY3p6tmXemq8a2eq3L6jg9wyp6pkE-nxf7oV*bqMkqr/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg?width=250" width="250"/></a>Does your email address matter?<br/> <br/> Some career advice I often give candidates - Your email address is often the very first impression you make as you apply for a job, and the first establishment of your personal brand.<br/> <br/> It's often the first thing a hiring manager looks at when deciding whether to open an email ... or delete it.<br/> <br/> Unfortunately, many candidates choose an email address that doesn't help them, or possibly hurts their chances.<br/> <br/> A strong email address can also help employers and recruiters find you.<br/> <br/> If an HR staffer, recruiter, or hiring manager can't find you easily, they are not likely to spend much time searching, when they have a huge universe of applicants. Instead, they will likely find another candidate.<br/> <br/> Learn common email mistakes and 5 examples of email address types that are great for your job search, by reading:<br/> <br/> <a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5062885/39c270f901ab587c#" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/5062885/39c270f901ab587c#</a></p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=AYKTsh2jLzE:VNM9s3rQETU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/AYKTsh2jLzE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xLROlasOSv-trkdjwd8awK9IJskZ93nYyQXvaaW6R-pSD4AFRx6eAWY3p6tmXemq8a2eq3L6jg9wyp6pkE-nxf7oV*bqMkqr/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xLROlasOSv-trkdjwd8awK9IJskZ93nYyQXvaaW6R-pSD4AFRx6eAWY3p6tmXemq8a2eq3L6jg9wyp6pkE-nxf7oV*bqMkqr/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg?width=250" style="padding: 2px;" width="250"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Does your email address matter?&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; Some career advice I often give candidates - Your email address is often the very first impression you make as you apply for a job, and the first establishment of your personal brand.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; It's often the first thing a hiring manager looks at when…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/tfQaQYoE3G8/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57915</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/tfQaQYoE3G8/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/xLROlasOSv-trkdjwd8awK9IJskZ93nYyQXvaaW6R-pSD4AFRx6eAWY3p6tmXemq8a2eq3L6jg9wyp6pkE-nxf7oV*bqMkqr/EmailAddressCreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Dont be average</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/am8989Bc2jE/866628:BlogPost:58109</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:32:51 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-26:866628:BlogPost:58109</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>Average is over. That is the title of Thomas Friedman's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/opinion/friedman-average-is-over.html" target="_blank">latest column</a> in the NY Times. This particular passage sums it up best;</p>
<p></p>
<p><em><span>In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over. Being average just won’t earn you what it used to. It can’t when so many more employers have so much more access to so much more above average cheap foreign labor, cheap robotics, cheap software, cheap automation and cheap genius. Therefore, everyone needs to find their extra — their unique value contribution that makes them stand out in whatever is their field of employment. </span><em>Average is over.</em><br/></em></p>
<p><em><br/></em></p>
<p>So how will you define yourself in a job market where average is over? You need to really think about this and define your <strong>USV</strong>: unique selling proposition. What makes you different? How will you rise above?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Give it some thought and come up with a tagline for your brand. </p>
<p></p>
<p>But above all, don't be average.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/am8989Bc2jE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;Average is over. That is the title of Thomas Friedman's &lt;a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/opinion/friedman-average-is-over.html" target="_blank"&gt;latest column&lt;/a&gt; in the NY Times. This particular passage sums it up best;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;span&gt;In the past, workers with average skills, doing an average job, could earn an average lifestyle. But, today, average is officially over. Being average just won’t earn you what it used to. It can’t when so many more employers have so much…&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58109</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>5 Ways Employers Say "We're Not Hiring You"</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/sQ0FebbZVNQ/866628:BlogPost:58013</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:52:45 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-25:866628:BlogPost:58013</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qZ2hmXcpRS5h*3tRtu1VNH9QhU1B2FpOCnjHil91F-J0PqB9TQu57cv2A99fSWyEKLP62kPHFZKJinORYKruzEtjZFRmYq2e/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qZ2hmXcpRS5h*3tRtu1VNH9QhU1B2FpOCnjHil91F-J0PqB9TQu57cv2A99fSWyEKLP62kPHFZKJinORYKruzEtjZFRmYq2e/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg" height="224" width="150"/></a>Employers are big chickens.<br/> <br/>
Especially when it comes to saying, "Thanks, but no thanks".<br/>
<br/>
With all of the risk of lawsuits these days, it's no wonder. But as a candidate, you don't care about employer risk - you care about getting a straight answer.<br/>
<br/>
Chances are you've already gotten that answer from the employer of HR department. You just may not have understood exactly what they were saying.<br/>
<br/>
When you're the employer's first choice - they make sure you know it, so you'll choose to work for them instead of another employer.<br/>
<br/>
Even if you're one of the top 2 - 3 candidates, employers make it very clear that you're a top candidate.<br/>
<br/>
Learn 5 ways employers say "We're not hiring you", by reading:<br/>
<a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4982881/58919530acd38843" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4982881/58919530acd38843</a></p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=sQ0FebbZVNQ:2gl1N1wbAsc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/sQ0FebbZVNQ" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qZ2hmXcpRS5h*3tRtu1VNH9QhU1B2FpOCnjHil91F-J0PqB9TQu57cv2A99fSWyEKLP62kPHFZKJinORYKruzEtjZFRmYq2e/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" height="224" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/qZ2hmXcpRS5h*3tRtu1VNH9QhU1B2FpOCnjHil91F-J0PqB9TQu57cv2A99fSWyEKLP62kPHFZKJinORYKruzEtjZFRmYq2e/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg" style="padding: 2px;" width="150"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Employers are big chickens.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; Especially when it comes to saying, "Thanks, but no thanks".&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
With all of the risk of lawsuits these days, it's no wonder. But as a candidate, you don't care about employer risk - you care about getting a straight answer.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
Chances are you've…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/v5i1uGTCNTY/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58013</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/v5i1uGTCNTY/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/qZ2hmXcpRS5h*3tRtu1VNH9QhU1B2FpOCnjHil91F-J0PqB9TQu57cv2A99fSWyEKLP62kPHFZKJinORYKruzEtjZFRmYq2e/BigChickenCreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Need to Worry About a Credit Check When Job Hunting?</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/Cis5o50faA0/866628:BlogPost:58011</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-25:866628:BlogPost:58011</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>As more and more people look to go back to work in 2012, there are a number of roadblocks that could stand in their way.<br/> <br/>
Among the issues to worry about is whether or not one’s <a href="http://www.business.com/finance/credit-reports/" target="_blank">credit report</a> could hinder them in obtaining a new job.<br/>
With the economy still in a fragile state of mind, it remains an employers’ market, meaning they are primarily calling the shots.<br/>
<br/>
In the event you’re job hunting and have a shaky credit history, should you be worried about having that history prevent you from getting a job?<br/>
<br/>
As research shows, a number of employers feel using credit searches on applicants allows them to get a feel for if the applicant is honest and good at overseeing their daily lives. <br/>
<br/>
For many individuals and also groups overseeing individual liberties, peering at one’s history with credit cards and loans, however, is taking things a step too far. Employers should not assume that because a potential candidate for their company has a bad credit history they will equal a bad hire.<br/>
<br/>
In an effort to be sure that employers do not go too far in using credit history to screen each and every applicant, some states have been discussing and/or passing legislation to limit the reach of businesses. <br/>
<br/>
<strong>Know Your Rights with Credit Checks</strong><br/>
<br/>
As federal law states, an employer must get written permission from an applicant to run a credit check. Given that replying no could intrigue a possible employer, how many applicants will actually say no to the request?<br/>
<br/>
In Maryland, legislators went as far as to introduce a bill in the last year that would place limits on checking the credit of job applicants. According to legislators, doing credit checks on job applicants is much like an invasion of privacy.<br/>
<br/>
While only a small percentage of states has set in place limits on how far employers can proceed with credit checks, another dozen or so are debating whether or not to follow suit. <br/>
<br/>
Maryland’s proposed bill would allow employers overseeing sensitive data to run credit reports, including running checks on those applicants seeking high-level positions. <br/>
<br/>
The bill would, however, ban employers from utilizing a credit check to deny an applicant for a job, or penalize or discharge someone currently working. Those companies violating the law could be saddled with a $500 fine on a first offense and up to $2,500 for repeated violations.<br/>
<br/>
According to a 2010 survey of employers from the Society for Human Resources Management, 60 percent of employers stated they ran credit checks on a number of job applicants; an increase of 18 percent from a similar survey in 2006.<br/>
<br/>
Given that the recent recession led to record numbers of individuals in temporary layoff mode and out of work permanently in a number of cases, advocates of a credit history protection bill state it is only right that applicants not be penalized with a damaged credit report.<br/>
<br/>
<strong>What to Look for With Credit Checks</strong><br/>
<br/>
In the event a prospective employer seeks to do a credit check on you, keep these factors in mind:<br/>
<br/>
• When it comes to jobs involving the handling money, credit checks demonstrate whether an individual has a pattern of handling money responsibly. If an employer views a history of late payments, major debts, or other financial problems, they may view it as an issue for certain positions;<br/>
• A credit report allows employers to see how you run your personal life. Bad handling of money could translate into someone who is irresponsible in other areas, i.e. showing up for work on time, meeting all their job responsibilities, getting along well with co-workers;<br/>
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates your written permission for running a background or credit checks via a third party. While you can deny the permission, it could be held against you by an employer. In your best interests, let the business run the check and be ready to explain any matters that could be viewed as negative.<br/>
<br/>
As you look to re-enter the workforce in 2012, keep in mind that a credit check could be coming your way.<br/>
<br/>
<em>Dave Thomas, who covers among other items <a href="http://www.business.com/human-resources/background-checks/" target="_blank">background checks</a>, writes extensively for Business.com, an online resource destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.</em></p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=Cis5o50faA0:wxjFOqWBSz0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/Cis5o50faA0" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;As more and more people look to go back to work in 2012, there are a number of roadblocks that could stand in their way.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; Among the issues to worry about is whether or not one’s &lt;a href="http://www.business.com/finance/credit-reports/" target="_blank"&gt;credit report&lt;/a&gt; could hinder them in obtaining a new job.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
With the economy still in a fragile state of mind, it remains an employers’ market, meaning they are primarily calling the shots.&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt;
In the event you’re job…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58011</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>7 Reasons Individual Resume Customization Rewards Your Job Search</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/HIlc9Y5d7Qw/866628:BlogPost:57908</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:09:43 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-24:866628:BlogPost:57908</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Bw4L9sYOwFMRHabbXFq0EZYQkM*wr71HAgjQUyAs7zFbylsIjbpLcXYixoawMP*dSS1pSFM*VruFNBPTAJxFfA__/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Bw4L9sYOwFMRHabbXFq0EZYQkM*wr71HAgjQUyAs7zFbylsIjbpLcXYixoawMP*dSS1pSFM*VruFNBPTAJxFfA__/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg" width="250"/></a></p>
<p>Today, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to pre-screen candidates (or MS Office features that mimic basic ATS functions).<br/> <br/>
These systems, basically resume databases with Google-like search tools, help companies only focus on candidates that meet minimum requirements, from the average 1,000 applicants that advertised jobs draw.<br/>
<br/>
In addition, ATSs help companies demonstrate compliance with federal hiring laws and help them pass surprise Department Of Labor audits.<br/>
<br/>
Ten years ago, Applicant Tracking Systems used to cost companies a few hundred thousand to a few million dollars. Today, companies can use them without cost - A large job board offers basic ATS access to employers. Even entrepreneurs can use features in MS Office to set up and search a database of resumes without special training.<br/>
<br/>
Learn the 7 reasons why individual resume customization rewards your job search, by reading:<br/>
<br/>
<a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4923671/fd9c8e237f6204d7" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4923671/fd9c8e237f6204d7</a></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/HIlc9Y5d7Qw" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Bw4L9sYOwFMRHabbXFq0EZYQkM*wr71HAgjQUyAs7zFbylsIjbpLcXYixoawMP*dSS1pSFM*VruFNBPTAJxFfA__/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Bw4L9sYOwFMRHabbXFq0EZYQkM*wr71HAgjQUyAs7zFbylsIjbpLcXYixoawMP*dSS1pSFM*VruFNBPTAJxFfA__/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg" style="padding: 2px;" width="250"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Today, most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to pre-screen candidates (or MS Office features that mimic basic ATS functions).&lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; These systems, basically resume databases with Google-like search tools, help companies only focus on candidates that meet minimum requirements, from the…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/Plptap6t5hg/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57908</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/Plptap6t5hg/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/Bw4L9sYOwFMRHabbXFq0EZYQkM*wr71HAgjQUyAs7zFbylsIjbpLcXYixoawMP*dSS1pSFM*VruFNBPTAJxFfA__/CustomizedCreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Networking Myths vs. The Reality</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/B1alR2ds8pk/866628:BlogPost:58003</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:59:42 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-23:866628:BlogPost:58003</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><em><strong>In spite of the demonstrated value of networking as a primary job search technique,</strong></em> many people have a very hard time grasping the concept. They may recognize its value for other people, yet they do not think that they have the personal characteristics to put it all together. If you consider yourself one of the “nervous networkers”, you also probably think of yourself as a shy person, or at least around people that you do not know well, but you could find yourself under one or more incorrect myths surrounding networking.</p>
<p><em>Myth – Networking only works for outgoing brown-nosers.</em></p>
<p><strong>Fact – People who are more inclined to strike up a conversation may feel more comfortable using networking than their more introverted counterparts,</strong> but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they are any better. Introverted people typically have very valuable gifts at their disposal – such as the capacity to listen well, ask thorough questions and succeed at follow-ups. Plus, networking becomes much easier the more you work at it. Like many emotional or mental challenges, it takes some time before you’re completely comfortable. Most of the energy is spent at the beginning – making the first couple of phone calls and setting up your initial meetings. But, as you gather momentum, it becomes much easier. Your networking may start off as a snowball, but once it gets rolling, it turns into an avalanche. Before contacting anyone, remind yourself that networking is an essential part of finding a job in today’s America.</p>
<p><em>Myth – Only desperate and under-qualified people have to network.</em> <em>People who are good at their jobs can get them the traditional way, through only job boards or job listing ads.</em></p>
<p><strong>Fact – Everyone has to look for employment throughout their careers.</strong> When you start off you did not immediately have a job, you had to look around and ask friends if they knew of anything. Many people go through this process several times. Smart and savvy jobseekers know that many of the best positions are not actively advertised and that highly qualified applicants put a lot more of their energy into networking than browsing the want ads. Networking is a smart way to find a job.</p>
<p><em>Myth – It’s embarrassing to go around asking people for a job.</em></p>
<p><strong>Fact – Everyone has done it</strong>. It may be embarrassing at the moment, but it won’t be when you get that first pay check. The purpose of networking is not to beg. It’s not even to ask for a job. You don’t start networking expecting a job just to fall in your lap. You go in to learn about the position, the people and the company in your area.</p>
<p><em>Myth – Networkers are imposing on the people they ask.</em></p>
<p><strong>Fact – If everyone was imposed on when they were asked for a job, no one would ever volunteer a position to their friends and colleagues.</strong> Many people that you will ask got their job through networking. They may have felt like they were imposing but they did what they had to do to find a job, just like you should.</p>
<p>Don’t count networking out as a viable job search technique. It may put you in the right spot at the right time.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/B1alR2ds8pk" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In spite of the demonstrated value of networking as a primary job search technique,&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; many people have a very hard time grasping the concept. They may recognize its value for other people, yet they do not think that they have the personal characteristics to put it all together. If you consider yourself one of the “nervous networkers”, you also probably think of yourself as a shy person, or at least around people that you do not know well, but you could find yourself…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:58003</feedburner:origLink></item><item><title>Stupid Recruiter Tricks – Finding the hiring manager’s email</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/c1btju2i2Xs/866628:BlogPost:57906</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-23:866628:BlogPost:57906</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/YHnBaVK56TyI9oMSI6oo*-Nwxcp2JGnzih3dKcYeT9f1SRyEuqGnFzXT8kxWGP1NAd9*8jdA5QRPYty6hv34rFS5ZwBNERX8/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/YHnBaVK56TyI9oMSI6oo*-Nwxcp2JGnzih3dKcYeT9f1SRyEuqGnFzXT8kxWGP1NAd9*8jdA5QRPYty6hv34rFS5ZwBNERX8/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg?width=150" width="150"/></a>What happens after you identify the hiring manager? How do you find their email address?</p>
<p>Recruiters face this issue just about every day - so they have to become experts at finding hiring manager email addresses.</p>
<p>The obvious away to find the hiring manager's email address is to call the company. You might get lucky and the hiring manager's admin or the person who answers the phone might give it to you.</p>
<p>Or you might not get quite so lucky ...</p>
<p>All is not lost, because there are a number of ways to play detective to get a hiring manager's email.</p>
<p>Learn how recruiters find hiring manager emails, by reading:<br/> <a href="https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4895373/752aba71ba33ef1d" target="_blank">https://recareered.infusionsoft.com/app/hostedEmail/4895373/752aba71ba33ef1d</a></p><div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?a=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/SecretsofTheJobHunt?i=c1btju2i2Xs:3C8O67xgD_Q:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/c1btju2i2Xs" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/YHnBaVK56TyI9oMSI6oo*-Nwxcp2JGnzih3dKcYeT9f1SRyEuqGnFzXT8kxWGP1NAd9*8jdA5QRPYty6hv34rFS5ZwBNERX8/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg" target="_self"&gt;&lt;img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/YHnBaVK56TyI9oMSI6oo*-Nwxcp2JGnzih3dKcYeT9f1SRyEuqGnFzXT8kxWGP1NAd9*8jdA5QRPYty6hv34rFS5ZwBNERX8/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg?width=150" width="150"&gt;&lt;/img&gt;&lt;/a&gt; What happens after you identify the hiring manager? How do you find their email address?&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Recruiters face this issue just about every day - so they have to become experts at finding hiring manager email addresses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The obvious away to find the hiring manager's email address is to…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><media:content url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/bGt7REXKx_w/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57906</feedburner:origLink><enclosure url="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~5/bGt7REXKx_w/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg" /><feedburner:origEnclosureLink>http://api.ning.com:80/files/YHnBaVK56TyI9oMSI6oo*-Nwxcp2JGnzih3dKcYeT9f1SRyEuqGnFzXT8kxWGP1NAd9*8jdA5QRPYty6hv34rFS5ZwBNERX8/StupidHumanTrickCreativeCommons.jpg</feedburner:origEnclosureLink></item><item><title>Selling Yourself During a Job Interview is Critical</title><link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~3/8ffMl-q7r3k/866628:BlogPost:57905</link><category>United States</category><dc:creator xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/">CM Russell</dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:10:34 PST</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">tag:www.secretsofthejobhunt.com,2012-01-23:866628:BlogPost:57905</guid><content:encoded xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><![CDATA[
<p>While a number of business reports indicate 2012 will bring an improving U.S. economy, that does not mean an unlimited supply of jobs await those out of work or looking to change employers.</p>
<p>For those individuals searching to rejoin the workforce or believe now is the time to change jobs, it is important to hone your interviewing skills in order to place yourself in the best position available to attain the job you want.</p>
<p>When going on your interview, your appearance and means of communication with your interviewer are just as important if not more so as what resides on your resume.</p>
<p>It is important for those interviewing for a job to focus in on their non-verbal means of communication so they don’t mess up. Keep in mind, your non-verbal communications can actually kill or deliver the results you want.</p>
<p>When you first meet and greet your interviewer, do you make good one-on-one eye contact and offer a firm handshake? If not, you could lose points right off the bat, leaving you to have to play catch up over the course of the interview.</p>
<p>Some other missteps that can doom an interview include not smiling, appearing unusually nervous, demonstrating bad posture, bad wardrobe or grooming and being animated when asked simple questions. Oh, this seems like a no-brainer, but don’t be late to your interview; you’d be amazed what message a little tardiness (non-emergency) can mean to an employer before you even sit down for a one-on-one chat.</p>
<p>A good way to avoid many if not all of these mistakes is by doing a practice interview the evening prior in front of family, friends and/or a mirror. While you don’t want to appear too rehearsed, a little practice never hurts. This also holds true with getting to your interview on time. It never hurts to do a practice run so you know the exact location of the interview and about how long it will take to get there.</p>
<p>When it comes to actually starting the meeting, be sure to maintain good eye contact with the person interviewing you. By being focused in on your interviewer, you’re engaged in the discussion and interested in what the company may be able to offer you; staring past the interviewer is surely not sending a good signal.</p>
<p>While not talking over or continuously interrupting your interviewer, it is to be expected that you will have some questions regarding the company, so prepare them ahead of time. This allows you to come ready to learn about the position you’re applying for, how your role will impact the employer and what the company can do for you.</p>
<p>One question that should not be at the forefront of your list is how much money the job will pay, as nothing looks worse than if you’re only interested in the salary. While it is only natural to want to know what your income will be with your new employer, don’t be overly aggressive in getting to that issue.</p>
<p>Lastly, the reason you're going to an interview in the first place is that you either lost your last job or want to switch positions. Either way, do not badmouth your former or current employer.</p>
<p>The last thing a person should do is burn bridges with a former or current boss. If you do that, it can have a negative impact going forward on your career, not to mention be seen by a potential employer as negative and one reason not to hire you.</p>
<p>When you head off for a job interview - the bottom line is easy - Sell, sell and sell yourself.</p>
<p><br/> <em>Dave Thomas writes extensively for B2B lead generation online resource <a href="http://www.resourcenation.com" target="_blank">Resource Nation</a> that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for small business owners and entrepreneurs. He is an expert writer on items like <a href="http://www.resourcenation.com/business/credit-card-processing?version=C" target="_blank">credit card processing companies</a> and is based in San Diego, California.</em></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/SecretsofTheJobHunt/~4/8ffMl-q7r3k" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded><description>
                        &lt;p&gt;While a number of business reports indicate 2012 will bring an improving U.S. economy, that does not mean an unlimited supply of jobs await those out of work or looking to change employers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For those individuals searching to rejoin the workforce or believe now is the time to change jobs, it is important to hone your interviewing skills in order to place yourself in the best position available to attain the job you want.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When going on your interview, your appearance and means of…&lt;/p&gt;                    </description><feedburner:origLink>http://www.secretsofthejobhunt.com/xn/detail/866628:BlogPost:57905</feedburner:origLink></item><media:credit role="author">CM Russell</media:credit><media:rating>nonadult</media:rating></channel></rss>

