If you have decided to give up the hunt, like so many job seekers, due to an unsuccessful few months of looking, now is the time to make a to do list and get back in the game. Here's where to start:
- Start with your cover letter - even if you have not been working, you may want to let the cover letter explain what you have been doing i.e. volunteering in the community, mentoring students, taking training courses, etc.
- Update your resume - if you have been working elsewhere and it is pertinent to your career, add information about your recent experience.
- Practice your skills - take some time to refresh your interview skills and practice your interview presence.
- Sharpen your network - knowing that companies may be ramping up to hire again, now is the time to start networking with professionals who can set you on the right path to finding a job
- Prepare your networking and interviewing suit - make sure you have your interview suit pressed and ready at a moment's notice.
If in fact more companies are preparing to hire, competition for job openings will be tight because so many job seekers are in the talent pool. So take each of the tips above very seriously, and do your homework. Read all you can about jobs searching techniques, and how to stand out from other job seekers.
]]>- Submitted by Lynn Boone, Boise, Idaho
A: Dear Lynn,
In today's tough economy, online job opportunities seem to be increasing - streaming into inboxes and found in classified ads faster than ever before. Believe it or not, real online jobs do exist, but identifying them has become quite a challenge with so many of the jobs being scams. Learning how to identify online job scams is a skill that must be mastered if a legitimate job is to be found. There are several 'red lights' to watch out for when applying for an online job.
Take a close look at the ad or recruitment email for spelling and grammar errors. As a sign of professionalism, legitimate companies tend to have little or no spelling or grammatical mistakes. If an ad has numerous mistakes or run-on sentences, it most likely is not a credible company.
If the website or ad asks for any kind of billing information, beware of a scam. A "sign-up" fee is also a tell-tale sign that the job you are applying for is a scam. The purpose of a job is to get paid by a company, not pay them.
Real employers ask for a resume, not money. They provide an address, email address or fax number, and never list their phone number to get the resume. If a phone number is provided, call it. If a computer answers, it's probably a scam. If a person answers ask them direct questions about where they are located and details about the actual work. Scammers will avoid such questions. If emailing the company, see if the response answers your specific question, not a generic one. Most importantly, research the company online for any complaints.
The bottom line is that real employers are looking for skilled, knowledgeable and experienced applicants. They never say "No Experience Necessary" - instead they use the term "entry level" when describing a position. They also typically don't list job salaries.
It's important to know that legitimate online jobs are obtained the same way as traditional jobs. Apply for a job you are qualified for, fill out an application and submit your resume to obtain an interview for employment. Anything less is questionable.
Seymour
]]>Beware of this strategy - not because learning new skills is a bad idea, but because you have new qualifications, doesn't mean that you will find a job in a different field right away, as one article points out. The key is to stay patient, and not become discouraged.
Check out a few other stories of workers' experiences with retraining programs. How about some of our readers? Do any of you have retraining stories to tell? Was it a positive or negative experience? Did retraining help you find a new job?
]]>As frustrating as this can be, it is an unfortunate team dynamic that happens. One article that I read illustrates how you can turn a situation like this around to you advantage.
If this does happen to you, try not to get angry. Approach the perpetrator in a manner that does not accuse them specifically. Say something like, "Let's talk after the meeting about the details, I have plenty of ideas to compliment this one since we previously discussed this matter brainstorming."
Be subtle about how you approach a colleague, but let them know that you remember the idea they gave was yours. These days, workers are concerned about showing value to their employer, and are willing to do anything to show it.
Try not to think about it as stealing ideas. Some experts believe that ideas are meant to be shared for the brain trust of the team to explore and expand upon. This is for the betterment of the team and ultimately the bottom line of the company.
If it truly bothers you to have someone stealing your ideas and using them as their own, then hold back some of the big details to share with the team when the manager is around. That way, you can share your idea, and provide some of the "wow" details.
As one article explains, prospective job seekers should stick with the basics of resume writing and not be too ornate or "creative" about developing a resume. Unnecessary gimmicks or too many block letters and boxed information, could get your resume thrown into the trash.
With more workers looking for employment, recruiters and hiring managers are spending more time sifting through resumes and applications to try and find the qualified talent they are seeking. If resume set ups are too distracting, they may lose their patience and move on to the next.
Furthermore, companies are not hiring en masse right now. Chances are they are only looking for a handful, or fewer, candidates at a time. With fewer jobs and more candidates, workers can ill-afford to have their resumes tossed to the side, or thrown away without even having a chance at an interview.
]]>Although some reports may say that the number of green jobs available is disappointing, these jobs are still options for passive and actively seeking job candidates. Check out the following article about finding a green job.
Not only does this article offer advice about what one might need to do to find a green job, such as relocating and staying focused on particular industries, but it also lists a number of web sites that can keep you up to date on the news and information about green businesses and industry.
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"As workers begin to leverage social networking tools in their job search, it is important to keep abreast of changing etiquette for these venues as well. Social networking is no longer just social, it has quickly become a career networking medium as well. Which means a change in how, when and what you post. And as they say... what is posted on Facebook, stays on Facebook."]]>
- Submitted by Jane Ayers, Tuscaloosa, Florida
A: Dear Jane,
Facebook started in 2004 as a pet project of then Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg. It was originally designed for students, but in no time it exploded into an international social networking phenomenon that included everyone and excluded no one. Though it was once a forum for students to chat and post photos, now facebook is for anyone and everyone--including potential employers - which means if you're serious about your career, there are rules to follow.
Is this professional?
Before you post anything to facebook, ask yourself: Is this professional? If you knew a boss or a potential boss would see it, how would you feel? What might they assume about you? Social networking is about being friends with people, but now that business and career networking has become part of it as well, it's important to mind your p's and q's. If you wouldn't do it or say it in an office, don't put it on facebook.
Consider creating a career-only profile.
It's a great idea to make a profile that is only for business and networking. You can easily create a separate e-mail address to help you manage this, and it will eliminate the question of whether it's okay to post something on facebook. Make this profile only about your work and your career goals. Post a professional photo if you choose to post a photo at all, and make your updates about industry news. If you have a career blog, link to it there. This is also a great idea for friending people you work with--office rumors can spread quickly, so only having work friends on your business profile will protect you. This will allow you more freedom on your personal site.
Manage your friends and your privacy.
Many people have hundreds, even thousands of facebook friends. It's smart to create lists to help you manage your friend list and also to regulate the privacy settings of each group. You may have one group for closest friends, one group for family, and one for career networking. Privacy settings are so sophisticated now that you can manage who sees what, so it's easy to still post your beach vacation photos but only make them visible to your social friend group. Think about what is appropriate on your profile for friends and what is appropriate for business and use the privacy accordingly.
You never know who is watching.
This is true in life, and it's also true on facebook. Even if you think your privacy settings are set, even if you think you are unsearchable, you never know how word could get out about something you said or did. Maybe one of your friends ends up knowing your next hiring manager even if you are unaware of the connection. Most hiring managers are eager for information about candidates, and while using a friend to view other's profiles may not be completely ethical, it's wise to expect the unexpected.
One short, simple rule for facebook or any social networking: If your grandma and your boss shouldn't see it, don't post it.
Seymour
]]>1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search? Recruiters can connect you to job opportunities that you otherwise wouldn't know about. They can also assist in 'selling' you to the hiring manager. They offer guidance on how to present yourself and advice on how to win the job.
2. Is it OK to use more than one staffing/recruiting agency at a time? Yes. However, you have to be respectful and honest with your recruiter to make sure that they are kept in the loop on other opportunities that you have been presented for. You don't want a war of which agency was the first to refer you.
3. What trends have you been seeing in the job market? I am seeing a lot of consolidation. Merger and acquisition activity is currently underway, affecting the availability of jobs in this economy. However, there are some promising growth areas due to government policies, consumer demand and economic conditions that are making way for job creation. These new and/or expanding opportunities lie with companies that are involved with: Biotechnology; Construction and Engineering Services for Infrastructure and Government Projects; Health Products [including Health / Organic Foods]; Health Services; Energy Conservation / Renewable Energies; and Cosmetics Manufacturers.
4. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions? All job offers need a certain level of consideration to ensure that you can commit to the role. However, don't hesitate for too long or someone else will move in. Also remember that the early stage of your career is the best time to explore career paths and take chances.
5.What is the one thing you recommend candidates steer clear of during an interview? During the initial interview it is great to ask questions about the business based on your research in order to showcase your interest. But asking questions about where you will sit, what sort of a computer you will be getting, etc. sounds like you are under the assumption that you will get the job. Also avoid asking questions about vacation time or other company perks; it can leave a bad impression about your level of commitment. It's important to remember you are on a interview and trying to impress your prospective employer.
6. What types of things can candidates do to distinguish themselves from the pack? Structure your approach like a marketing campaign. Research opportunities before they become publicly advertised. Do your homework on the company that you are applying for; personalize your approach in letters and conversations using your research. Most importantly, do homework on yourself. It is important to make sure that you are prepared to answer questions and demonstrate your capabilities. For example, it is a good idea to name your strengths and be prepared with examples of how you have put them to use.
7. What do you enjoy most about your job? Problem solving. I really enjoy working with our clients to understand their needs and deliver creative and achievable solutions to meet their business requirements. The process is always a great learning experience. Plus, I get to meet interesting and diverse people along the way!
Those were probably the most common comments. But I bet there was one more that you possibly heard - "Maybe when the economy gets better, they will ask you back." This is always a possibility, but according to one article, it can be a blessing and a curse.
If you want to leave the door open to come back to your former employer, don't burn any bridges as you leave. Stay in touch with your colleagues and manager while you look for another job, and mention that if the opportunity arises, you would like to come back.
Should your former employer call you back, but you are not sure if it's the right move, don't feel pressured to return just because you need to have a job. Weigh the options and potential opportunities you have in front of you, and determine if your previous employer is the right place for you to be.
There is certainly some daylight in the job market, and little by little, more job opportunities are becoming available. If you are out of work, conduct a job search as normal, and keep an eye on your former employer. You never know, there may be a chance that you could be a boomerang employer one or two years down the line.
]]>Take a look at this list of specific job search styles and evaluate yourself based on the characteristics that describe each one. You may be a combination of different styles, but consider the one that is most like you.
Pay close attention to the area about improving your search methods. There are many people in the job market, so competition is stiff. Any improvements that can be made to your search will put you head and shoulders above the rest.
]]>Even the news of the unemployment rate could play psychological games with jobs seekers, making them feel as though there is no hope. However, there are still many industries that are hiring. According to one article, those industries include health care, information technology, accounting and restaurants.
If you are looking for jobs in these areas, be sure that you have a focused search and are including niche job site such as Dice.com (technology) and AccountingJobsToday.com.
Also, don't forget to use your social media and networking connections. A different article points out that sites such as LinkedIn are the "resume of the future". If you are not up to speed on how to use these online tools, start stretching your social media wings now, and become more acquainted with the power of these communities.
So keep your resume sharp and updated, and start looking at the industries that are ready to find and hire talent.
There is much emphasis on recruiting younger members of the workforce, and what employers need to do to attract these tech-savvy, philanthropic-minded, emergent workers. But older workers, who still possess the knowledge and experience that their younger counterparts don't have, are looking for opportunities for training and flexibility as well.
When you consider the boomer generation and the responsibilities they may have at home, such as taking care of elderly parents, flexibility would be a key benefit for them.
And what about training? The attitude of some companies is - "why spend money to train employees who may not be with the company for the long haul?" In reality, most workers over 50 are preparing to work well into the 70's and even into their 80's. So instead of having them lag behind, why not give them the tools they will need to be productive?
Each year, AARP publishes its list of the Best Employers for Workers Over 50. The companies listed are all representative of those that are doing their part in maintaining a healthy, happy mature workforce. So managers and executives take heed, and stay tuned into ALL of your employees' needs.
]]>According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, those who major in areas with a strong focus in math can look forward to having the most lucrative careers.
One article lists the top 15 earning degrees, which include engineering, science and technology degrees.
So if you want to earn a top salary, sharpen those math skills and look in to pursuing one of those top degrees.
]]>The most cited reason why workers show up late is heavy traffic, followed by a lack of sleep. The bottom line is that it's workers' responsibility to get to work on time. It is as much part of the job as meeting deadlines.
Every once in a while, showing up late to work is unavoidable, but when it becomes a habit, that is unacceptable and behavioral changes need to occur. If your employer's policy on tardiness is a strict one, you could be in danger of being overlooked for promotions, or worse, even lose your job.
If you are habitually tardy, own up to it and be prepared to make changes to your routine. Traffic an issue? Then wake up 15-20 minutes earlier to beat the rush. Oversleep? Monitor your caffeine in take and don't have any too late at night. Need to iron your clothes? Do so the night before.
These are small changes that can be made to your daily routine, but the biggest change may nee to be your mindset. Once you get away with being late, it's easier to be late again and again. If you set your mind to being at work on time, then you have a better chance of turning your tardiness into punctuality.
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