Job Search Networking Tactics - 4 Tips For Leveraging Conferences to Build Industry Contacts Quickly - And Much More - 187 World Class Expert Facts, Hints, Tips and Advice on Job Search Techniques

Job Search Networking Tactics: 4 Tips for Leveraging Conferences to Build Industry Contacts Quickly, and Much More - 187 World Class Expert Facts, Hints, Tips and Advice on Job Search Techniques

Notice of Rights: Copyright © Martin Walker. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Notice of Liability: The information in this book is distributed on an “As Is” basis without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of the book, neither the author nor the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the products described in it. Trademarks: Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book, and the publisher was aware of a trademark claim, the designations appear as requested by the owner of the trademark. All other product names and services identified throughout this book are used in editorial fashion only and for the benefit of such companies with no intention of infringement of the trademark. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with this book.

Write a Review and Receive a Bonus Emereo eBook of Your Choice

Up to $99 RRP – Absolutely Free If you recently bought this book we would love to hear from you – submit a review of this title and you’ll receive an additional free ebook of your choice from our catalog at http://www.emereo.org.

How Does it Work? Submit your review of this title via the online store where you purchased it. For example, to post a review on Amazon, just log in to your account and click on the ‘Create Your Own Review’ button (under ‘Customer Reviews’) on the relevant product page (you’ll find plenty of example product reviews on Amazon). If you purchased from a different online store, simply follow their procedures.

What Happens When I Submit my Review? Once you have submitted your review, send us an email via [email protected], and include a link to your review and a link to the free eBook you’d like as our thank-you (from http://www.emereo.org – choose any book you like from the catalog, up to $99 RRP). You will then receive a reply email back from us, complete with your bonus ebook download link. It's that simple!

Foreword

Information is power – you know that. But how do you effectively research the best strategies without spending too much of your own time (and money)? The average person earns $1,100 per week, which equates to $27 per hour. Attempting to properly research a topic yourself will consume at least 5 hours, and you’ll need to continue to do this on a regular basis to stay abreast of what’s current, relevant and up-to-date. How much is your time really worth? There has to be a better way to access the information you want. Well yes, there is: we’ve done all the research for you. We’ve combed a range of expert sources for the most relevant and up-to-date theoretical and practical guidance. And it’s all assembled right here in this book. The author uncovers the questions that matter, with straightforward, highly accessible tips that have never before been offered in print. And accessibility is the key: instead of long-winded ins and outs of Job Search Networking, this book answers the top questions most asked within contemporary professional forums, consultancy and education programs, to provide you with this fantastic one-stop resource. Looking for world class expert facts, hints, tips and advice addressing the key strategic points behind success in Job Search Networking? STOP. Look no further. Success is yours– you’ve found it!

Table of Contents Online Job Search .................................................................. 15 Maximize Your Job Search Results ..................................... 21 How to Find the Best Job Openings in Your Area ........... 25 Job Search Madness - Preparing For an Increase in Job Opportunities During and After March Madness............ 28 Temporary Job - What Are the 2 Best High Paying Part Time Jobs Available Today? ................................................ 34 Job Searching For Students .................................................. 38 How to Write a Job Transfer Letter .................................... 41 Failing Job Search - Signs & Symptoms & 7 Top Tips to Solve the Problem Fast ......................................................... 45 Summer Youth Jobs - What Are the Best Paying Summer Jobs For Teens ........................................................................ 48 How to Find $100,000+ Jobs in a Bad Market ................... 51 Why Some Job Seekers Get Interviews - And Others Wait by the Phone........................................................................... 55 Don't Forget to Do This After the Interview - It Could Cost You the Job! ................................................................... 59 Where to Find a Job in Today's Market ............................. 64

Your Online Resume - Why No One May Ever Get to See It! ...............................................................................................66 Oil Sector Jobs in the US & Canada - Employment Assistance & Resume Posting Service.................................71 What is an Executive Headhunter? .....................................73 Strategies For an Online Job Search.....................................76 Oil Rigs & Offshore Oil Sector Jobs in the Middle East....80 Are There Any Recession Proof Jobs For the Over 50s?...83 Online Job Search Sites Vs Job Recruitment Agencies......88 Finding a Job? Everything You Know is Wrong! ..............91 How to Find Great Online Bahamas Jobs ...........................97 Green Collar Jobs .................................................................101 How to Manage Your Online Reputation ........................105 The Shot Gun Approach To The Job Search Will Miss Every Time ............................................................................108 Credit Reports Can Affect Your Job Search .....................112 The Interview Upset - Bring Your "A" Game ...................114 Government Jobs You Won't Find Anywhere Else .........118 10 Ways to Ensure a Teen's Successful Job Search ..........120 Secrets to Finding Jobs ........................................................123 Standing Out Amidst the Job Candidate Sea of Mediocrity .................................................................................................129

Two Critical Elements For Successful Job Search - While You Are Still Employed, Part I .......................................... 133 Jobs For Teenagers - Which Are the Best Ones For You 140 Finding Temporary Work .................................................. 143 Tips to Managing Your Time During Your Job Search . 148 Having Trouble Landing Your Next Job?........................ 151 Job Search Tips - Two Powerful Secrets to Connecting With Your Market ............................................................... 156 Why Targeting Your Job Search Gets You More Interviews and Offers ......................................................... 160 Searching For Jobs Online? 7 Valuable Tips You Must Keep in Mind ....................................................................... 164 Find a Job - Radically Different Approach ...................... 168 Job Search - Get That Job Fast ............................................ 172 There is Life After Retrenchment ...................................... 184 Adjunct Professor Jobs ....................................................... 188 Five Reasons Your Job Search Isn't Getting the Results You Want .............................................................................. 191 Advice For Older Job Searchers - The Best is Yet to Come ................................................................................................ 198 Be One Step Ahead Preparing For a Job Interview ........ 202 Keeping Your Job in Tough Economic Times ................. 205

Job Search in a Tough Economy - How to Step it Up .....207 Avoid the Lingering Eau D' Desperation in Your Search by Using Social Media .........................................................210 How to Find a Job When You Already Have One ..........214 How to Take Control of Your Job Search .........................217 Marketing YOU 101 - Tips For the Job Seeker .................221 Are Sales Resume Distribution Services Or Resume Blast Services Worth the Money? ................................................228 What If You Have Exhausted All Your Job Search Options and You Are Still Unemployed? ........................................232 Find a Job - Step 7 - Crafting a Value Proposition Idea Letter, VPI .............................................................................236 Find a Job - Step 5 - C3 Due Diligence ..............................241 Find a Job - Step 2 - Creating a Strategic Plan..................245 Find a Job - Step 3, Putting Together Your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) .......................................................248 Find a Job - Step 4, Targeting 10 Companies ...................255 Do You Hate Your Job? Here Are 10 Signs it is Time to Start Looking Elsewhere .....................................................258 How to Get Tons of Job Opportunities by Your Warm Contacts .................................................................................261 The Power of Networking in Job Searches .......................267

Job Search Woes? Use a Lifeline........................................ 273 Manage Your Career Or Someone Else Will! .................. 276 Jobs Part-Time ...................................................................... 284 A Startling Fact About How to Obtain an Invitation For a Job Interview ........................................................................ 291 How to Create a Job Bailout Emergency Kit ................... 294 Careers & Employment Information ................................ 297 The Importance of Internships During College! ............. 300 Negotiate For Success ......................................................... 304 Seven Secrets to Finding the Job You Want Quickly! .... 306 The Truth About What Employers Want ........................ 310 The Truth About Finding 100k+ Jobs (or 6 and 7 Figure Jobs) ....................................................................................... 313 Ten Simple Steps to a Great Job Interview ...................... 318 Find a Job - Developing the Value Proposition Idea (VPI) ................................................................................................ 325 Find a Job - The VPI Briefing ............................................. 330 Find a Job - The Next Step Proposal ................................. 334 How to Get a Job Without Experience ............................. 340 The Successful Job Search - Separate Yourself From the Competition ......................................................................... 343

Supercharge Your Job Search - Use Jack Bauer-Like Tactics to Find Your Ideal Position....................................347 First Impressions and the Job Search ................................351 The Top 5 Ways to Kickstart Your Stalled Career...........354 10 Tips to Find a Job ............................................................357 Temporary Job Loss - 8 Tips to Respond ..........................360 Dealing With Taking a Job You're Overqualified For ....364 Creating the Perfect Pitch ...................................................368 Keep Your Job Search to Yourself......................................373 Part-Time Evening Jobs .......................................................376 Are You Looking For a New Position? Here Are 3 Proactive Ways to Get Great Jobs in This Market ...........378 Preparing For Your Job Search ...........................................382 3 Easy Sites to Find Profitable New Work .......................386 Places That Are Hiring - The Top 3 Ways to Find the Best Jobs That Are Hiring Right Now! ......................................389 Jobs Hiring in My Area - Where to Find the Best Secure and High-Paying Jobs and Careers ...................................393 The Top 10 Hottest Careers For 2009 and How to Get Them ......................................................................................396 Job Search Time Management ............................................400

Is it Really Worth it All, Just to Be Under Valued Again? ................................................................................................ 404 Find Jobs That Others Don't .............................................. 407 Classified Ads For Job Hunting - Pros and Cons ........... 410 From Fired to Hired - 7 Communication Strategies For Your Job Search ................................................................... 415 Job Search During a Recession - 5 Things You Can Do Now to Get Better Results .................................................. 425 6 Tips For a Successful Telephone Interview .................. 429 Employment in Today's Tough Environment ................ 433 Job Seeker Secrets - 21 Tips to Give You the Edge Over Millions of Out-of-Work Competitors ............................. 436 Why Business and Personal Have to Mix ........................ 447 Expanding Your Job Search to a Different Industry ...... 450 Ten Steps For Maintaining Value in the Workplace - For the Mature, Over 40 Manager ........................................... 456 Looking For Work? Don't Be Shy ..................................... 460 Thank You Note Examples For Employment Reference Letters.................................................................................... 463 Find Travel Jobs by Heading in the Right Direction ...... 466 Job Finding Tips For 2009 .................................................. 470

Job Search Networking Tactics - 4 Tips For Leveraging Conferences to Build Industry Contacts Quickly ............473 Job Search Networking Tactics - Time to Reshape Your Career? 4 Ways Your Network Can Help ........................477 Waiting For Job Opportunities - How to Keep Yourself Occupied ...............................................................................480 How to Increase Your Chances of Being Interviewed ....484 Job Hunting - 9 Things You Need to Know .....................488 Find a Job - 9 Steps to a Radically Different Approach ..494 What You Don't Know About LinkedIn That Can Hurt Your Job Search ....................................................................498 Managing Your Online Reputation - 6 Must-Dos For Springing Hidden Traps That Can Derail a Job Search ..504 Career Fair Misery - Which of These 3 Deadly Mistakes Are You Making at Career & Job Fairs?............................508 Networking - An Essential Part of Job Searching ...........511 Job Searching For a Recession-Proof Career ....................514 Looking For Jobs Hiring in My Area? Read to Find Out How ........................................................................................517 10 Tips For Job Hunting in Today's Market .....................520 Retired Before Your Time? - Three Hot Job Search Tips in a Down Economy .................................................................524

All Jobs Are Not on the Internet! ...................................... 529 New Job Search? Get Noticed in Seconds by Offering a Bonus ..................................................................................... 531 Job Search Tips - Group Job Hunting ............................... 534 Job Search Tips - Optimizing Your Job Search Network538 10 Important Things to Do When You Lose Your Job to the Recession ........................................................................ 542 Constructing a 30-60-90 Day Business Plan .................... 545 Job Search Networking - Hone Your Skills and New Fair Pay ......................................................................................... 549 How to Answer Interview Questions .............................. 556 The Hidden Job Market ...................................................... 559 Using Your Relationships to Help You Find Work........ 561 Job Fair Fears - 7 Top Tips to Crush Job & Career Fair Fears ...................................................................................... 572 How to Shorten the Odds For Job Search Success.......... 575 Why Businesses Use Temp Agencies ............................... 579 Social Networking-Media and the Job Search ................ 583 The Best Work at Home Computer Jobs .......................... 589 Job Hunting Tips For Temps ............................................. 593 How to Be Successful With Online Job Searches ............ 596

Why Do Companies Insist on Having a Potential New Hire's Salary History?..........................................................598 Job Search For the Older Worker .......................................605 Veteran Job Search - How Veterans Can Find Jobs They Really Want During Good Or Recession Times ..............612 How to Find Or Create More Work in Today's Tough Times ......................................................................................618 Job Seekers Top 10 Tips .......................................................622 Job Search Strategies - How Long Can I Afford to Search? .................................................................................................633 First Five Things to Do When Considering Your Job Search .....................................................................................636 Job Search Strategies - Taking Stock of Your Skills and Knowledge ............................................................................638 Job Search Strategies - Identify Your Accomplishments 642 7 Tips & Trends For Job Seekers in 2009 ...........................645 The Easiest Way to Finding Your Dream Job ..................649 Fake Employment Ads & How to Best Avoid Them ......652 It Just Might Be Your Resume ............................................656 Dental Assistant Jobs - How to Find a Job Online ..........659 How to Uncover Job Openings in My Area .....................662

Job Search Engines - 3 Tips on Getting the Most From Job Sites........................................................................................ 666 Find a Specialist Recruitment Agency - Keywords Are So Important!............................................................................. 669 Job Hunting Tips For Secretaries - Get Your Curriculum Vitae Right ............................................................................ 671 Find a Job Online Without Using Job Search Sites ......... 674 How To Compete in a Tough Job Market........................ 677 Recruiters Are Not "Employment Superheroes" ............ 682 The Secret Finding to Jobs Available in My Area........... 688 How to Find Jobs Hiring in My Area ............................... 692 Some of The Least Stressful Jobs ....................................... 695 A Hidden Source For Jobs in My Local Area .................. 699 College Student Guide to Get an Online Job................... 702 Creative Ways to Contact HR Employees During Your Job Search .................................................................................... 704 Ladies - How to Dress For Success at Your Job Interview & Get Hired! ......................................................................... 708 Five Ways to Manage Your Online Identity While You Are Job Hunting .................................................................. 714 Finding a New Job Through Strong Online Personal Branding ............................................................................... 721

Job Search Tips and Ideas ...................................................729 Online Job Hunting For 2009 - Know What You’re Up Against ...................................................................................732 Trade Show Career Building - Report Your Expertise to Prospective Employers ........................................................736 How to Ace Phone Interviews ...........................................740 Unemployed Managers - Get a Great Job Offer Without Using Your Resume .............................................................744 Job Search Basics - Five Actions Job Seekers Must Take to Find the Job of Their Dreams .............................................747 Best Job Search Techniques to Use in a Recession ..........752 How to Be Successful at Job Interviews ............................756 Smile, You're on Video Conference! Overcoming Obstacles When Job Interviewing .....................................759 Interview Savvy - 5 Smart Things Job Seekers Do to Build Relationships and Win the Job ...........................................765 Job Search Networking For Young Professionals - 5 Strategies for Maximizing Face-to-Face Networking .....769 Job Search Tactics - 3 Ways to Leverage Your Network to Find an Adult Internship ....................................................773 Job Loss - Five Strategies for Taking Action after Job Loss .................................................................................................777

Job Seekers on Edge - The Top 5 Craziest........................ 780 Why Recruiters Are Good and How They Can Help You ................................................................................................ 787

Also from Emereo Publishing:

How to Land a Top-Paying Top Executive Job: Your Complete Guide to Opportunities, Resumes and Cover Letters, Interviews, Salaries, Promotions, What to Expect From Recruiters and More! Theoretical and practical guidance from a range of expert sources, with tips and success factors to understand, implement and harness Job Search Networking conferences, tactics and strategies, build industry contacts, and other bestpractice tools.

15

Online Job Search If you are looking for a new job, an online job search may be one of your best tools for finding a new position. Nonetheless, it's not easy to know how to find a job in an employer's market and really set yourself apart from the competition out there. This article strives to provide some helpful hints to make your job search successful. Hint One: Polish that Resume & Get Your References Together If your resume has spelling or grammar errors when it goes out, you can be certain that's one job lost. Professionalism is a huge factor in the employer's mind. They don't want gimmicks, scented paper, or frilly borders - they want someone who looks (on paper at least) like a good candidate.

16

One of the key rules of how to find a job is this: tailor your resume to specific skills. If you are a secretary who also happens to be a writer, for example, then have a resume that emphasizes your office aptitude, and one that stresses your work as a writer. You will need both for either the online job search, or responding to newspaper ads. You will want to create some pre-fabricated cover letters too (ones that can easily be tweaked to respond to specific skills and qualifications that are listed in the ad). Finally make sure you have two personal references and three professional ones on which you can depend. If you're new in your field remember that you can use volunteer work, and look to guidance counselors, teachers, and clergy members as potential references. Hint Two: Consider Your Options & Identify Transferable Skills

17

With a market filled with qualified people, you could be applying for the same position as hundreds of other individuals so choose your options wisely. You don't want to waste time and money sending resumes to every ad that even remotely represents what you want in a job. Remember potential employers aren't going to hire you if they thing you're settling for that position until you find something better. That's where transferable skills come in. A second rule in how to find a job is to recognize skills you have that can take you into new territories successfully. For example, that same secretary may be fantastic with a budget, so why not look into purchasing as one option. Plug that word into the online job search engine and look at the difference in pay rates too! Hint Three: Use the Technology And Networking Resources You Have Effectively.

18

This means having a resume online (that's cooked to perfection). Also put up information about yourself on job boards, MySpace, Live Journal, professional chats and/or groups, etc. These days it's all about networking, especially on the internet where you're bombarded with a sea of job sites with job listings, not all of which are legitimate. If you haven't already now's the time to become very savvy about the way a legitimate ad presents itself vs. the scam/redirect/bot ads. These ads will list a huge range of potential income for a position that you know, full well, isn't paying that much in your area. They will often have imbedded images, or ask you to go fill out a form at a site that they've "created to avoid viruses." These ads are nothing more than an effort to collect email addresses / personal information, or sell you goods / services and they'll eat up precious time if you don't begin recognizing them in your online job search. Rule three in how to find a job: if it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a false lead.

19

Other good tools you can use at most job sites include job alerts (you'll automatically get an email when jobs come up with key words you've specified), running queries to narrow the list of jobs that suit you, and perhaps find an online recruiter. If nothing else, these folk can filter out the spam from real opportunities (just make sure to find out what fees or contracts they require in advance of signing with the agency). Hint 4: A Face Is Still Worth 1000 words Unless an ad specifically states no in-person applications consider paying a personal visit to an employer. Dress for success, have a clean copy of your resume and a pen, and fill out their application dutifully. Remember to get a business card if you can, ask for the name of the person to whom you give your resume, and say THANK YOU. A good secretary will make a mental note of your effort and he or she is your first hurdle to overcome in talking to a person in charge. Hint 5: Keep Meticulous Documentation

20

Rule four in how to find a job is always remember to whom you've applied. Create an alphabetized spreadsheet with the name of the company, the job title, any name/contact information, the ad or company URL if it was an online job search, and the date on which you sent your resume. This insures you don't duplicate efforts and allows you to follow up with potential employers after 7-10 days to reiterate your interest. It also allows you to keep in touch with placement agencies (who are often looking for that person who steps up and stands out). This article was written by Scott Mogul, editor for http://www.bestjobtoday.com For more information on conducting job searches, follow this link to http://www.bestjobtoday.com/employment-search.html

21

Maximize Your Job Search Results With unemployment rising it's becoming more important to maximize your job search results. It doesn't matter what industry you work in, there is bound to be a lot of competition which is why you need to find as many available jobs as you can when conducting a job search. There are many job search resources available, all you need to do is make the most of your resources. You will need a great resume. A resume should make you stand out to any potential employers. If you are looking for jobs in multiple areas, then you will need resumes for each job type. Each resume should highlight your strengths for the job you are applying for. These is why it's important to have multiple resumes, you will want to change the wording for each different type of job you will be applying for.

22

Start your job search in your local newspaper. Every newspaper has an employment section. Start with the largest newspaper in your area, make note of any jobs you want to apply for, and how the company would like you to apply. Then go to all of the smaller local papers. They may have additional leads that you can follow so don't count the smaller papers out. You should also conduct an online job search. This will give you even more options in your field. You should start with companies that you know you would like to work for. Visit the company's website and use their job search feature. This will allow you to see all of the jobs these specific companies have available and allow you to review the benefits offered to employees. A lot of companies allow you to apply for positions directly on their website, so make sure you have your resumes available.

23

Also, take advantage of the numerous job search websites available. Monster.com is probably one of the biggest job search directories. A lot of large and prominent companies use places like Monster.com to find potential employees. Online job directories are simple to use. You sign up for a free account, upload your resumes, and then search for open positions. Since you have your resumes uploaded on their website, it makes it easy to apply. You just visit the "apply" button on the ad you like and select which resume you want to send. The good thing about these websites is that you can make your resume searchable to employers. This means employers looking for specific skills may find your resume and contact you. Making the most out of your job search will allow you to be more selective in the job you choose to take. This could mean a higher salary or better benefits. Your job search is only your first step to employment. therefore you should also use your resources to their maximum potential.

24

Dustin Heath recommends that you visit http://www.HomeProfit.biz to learn how you can start your own home-based business earning multiple streams of income with a Plug-In Profit Site - Complete Money Making Site Setup FREE!

25

How to Find the Best Job Openings in Your Area Looking for a new job isn't always easy and it's usually not fun. You need a plan to find the best job opening in your area, so that you can find a great job and fast. 1. Know what you want out of a job. You can always find job openings, but in order to find available positions that could benefit you, then you should know what you are looking for in a job. What type of job would you like to do? What type of benefits do you require? How much money would you like to make? (Be realistic) Knowing the answers to these questions will save you a lot of time going through jobs that you will be unhappy in. 2. Write your resume to highlight strengths you have that will benefit the types of job openings you are looking for. For example, you wouldn't want to send a resume in for a job as an administrative assistant that highlights what a great grill cook you were at the corner restaurant.

26

3. Start with your local newspaper. You local newspaper is one of the easiest ways to find any job openings in your area and now that you know what you are looking for this process will go faster. Highlight any jobs you are interested in and start applying. 4. Do an Internet search for job openings. The Internet puts the world at our fingertips and it puts job leads there. Look at the large companies in your local area and visit their websites. You should also try places like Monster.com for any local job listing. 5. Talk to people in the field of work you are looking to apply. One of the best ways to hear about great job openings is from the people who already do the job. Word of mouth is a great thing, take advantage of it. Networking is an important part of any career, but it can also be very useful when searching for jobs. Applying these techniques will put you on the fast track to finding the job you are looking for.

27

Dustin Heath recommends that you visit http://www.OscarAranda.com to learn how you can start your own home-based business earning multiple streams of income with a Plug-In Profit Site - Complete Money Making Site Setup FREE!

28

Job Search Madness - Preparing For an Increase in Job Opportunities During and After March Madness If you are a job seeker that has been on the market for more than a few weeks, then you recognize that things have been slower than usual through January and February. Of course, most people know that the time from November through mid-January is historically challenging for job seekers, as many employers are not active in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring because of the holidays and vacations. However, the market generally picks up by early February. That has not been the case in the general market this year.

29

Don't expect this lull to last too long, though. Despite the sensationalist views of the media and others who state that this is the worst economy we have seen in over 70 years, the facts simply do not support that view. Sure, the economy is down and big companies are in a wait-and-see mode before investing in new people and new projects. As long as we stick with free-market principles, the economy will quickly stabilize and businesses will begin to hire once more. So you need to make sure that you are prepared and ahead of the game when that begins. Be Prepared To ensure that you are ready to go when the market loosens up, here are some things that you will want to have in place already. *

A professionally written resume that is targeted for

your ideal position and that conveys your strengths and aptitudes in areas hiring managers recognize as integral to success.

30

*

An established, active and growing network of

friends, professionals, community contacts, family members, and other job seekers to aid you in your search through recommendations, referrals, etc. *

A focused job search strategy that optimizes the

amount of time you spend interacting with others and sending your information to decision makers for positions that match your job target. Having these items taken care of now will ensure that your job search is visiting on all cylinders as the job market picks up again. But What About Now?

31

Many of you may be asking this exact question. For whatever reason, you need to make a move right away. So what options do you have for securing a job in a tough economy with limited employment opportunities? Consider some alternatives to big-name companies. In the past, small and mid-size companies have taken advantage of the opportunities that present themselves as a result of corporate reticence to expand. These smaller companies are really the innovators in many industries. Think about it! That is why big corporations have such big mergers & acquisitions (M&A) departments. They let the little guys come up with the great ideas and then they buy them out once they are proven or show promising signs of being successful. Some candidates feel that more is at risk when seeking employment with a smaller company. But remember, it is mostly these big companies today that are the ones laying off, downsizing, or in hiring freezes. So is there really job security with a Fortune 500? Ask people who used to work for a whole host of leading financial institutions, Enron, or Arthur Andersen.

32

So do some research to identify up-and-coming companies in existing or emerging markets. One of the advantages of a rough economy is that it separates performers from pretenders. Any organizations on firm financial footing with a record of growth and profitability despite this economy are the types of entities you want to pursue, as they will be the types of companies actually looking to hire new people. Preparing for and launching your search now and focusing on emerging leaders is the best prescription for finding the ideal position regardless of economic climate-even though it appears that things are improving right as we start the March Madness basketball season. Good luck and get going! So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience.

33

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals. In February 2009, I launched a new group job hunting networking site: NoddlePlace.com. It is absolutely FREE to join, and you have access to everything on the site. Come check it out at NoddlePlace . You can also follow me on Twitter .

34

Temporary Job - What Are the 2 Best High Paying Part Time Jobs Available Today? There are many people from teenagers to adults in their 30's and 40's that are either out of work or in between jobs and I do not know about you but I for one have a hard time sitting at home being lazy when I was in between jobs. You really do not need to do this these days as you can find a temporary job easily as these positions are really quite abundant, but you first need to spot the best ones and then you need to find job openings in these fields. Let’s go through a few of the best ones that would be considered a good temporary job. These 2 jobs below are listed as my favorite part time jobs as far as pay and enjoyability of work involved.

35

From my research and the experiences of my friends working in a cruise ship is the top temporary job out there today. The pay is much better than most long-term jobs as most people that are lucky enough to get a job working in a cruise ship average around $2000 to $8000 a month. Not only that, but most cruise ships these days offer many extra perks such as picking up the tab on your medical, life, dental and disability insurance, not to mention that some of the bigger cruise ships even give a 401k plan. Most of them even allow you to make use of the pool area and even have a section at the bar where workers can relax after a long day of work and grab a beer while they watch their favorite sporting event or movie. The biggest perk of them all is that you get to travel all over the world and visit places you would never have been able to go to if you were not working in the cruise ship industry. My only advice as far as working on a cruise ship is you should try to save at least 90% of the money you make during your stay and also do not gamble in their casinos as it can get really addictive fast.

36

Another great temporary job is being a tour guide. This job not only pays very well but also is one that is great for people that love the outdoors and working with people in a very relaxing atmosphere as the people you will be showing around are on vacation and are in the mood to have a great time. You hardly ever get people that are grumpy while they are on vacation. It seems like a very fun job to have, but there are also some important responsibilities involved with it like making sure you book the right hotel room for your clients and getting the right transportation vehicles as well as your sightseeing duties. The most important quality you must have as a tour guide is that you must be a people person. My uncle who is a steward in an airline would have been great for this as he is always excited to show people around the world and talk about the places he has visited. You cannot let your customers get bored at any moment, but you must also know when to let them catch their breath and take a break We at http://www.SeasonalEmployment.com are the premier online Seasonal jobs website.

37

Visit us today and we will help you find a great part time job fast.

38

Job Searching For Students Ok, so you are a student and you find that you simply cannot manage on your meagre grant. This is supposed to be a really exciting time, where you can enjoy your youth, go out a lot and have wild parties and intellectual discussions. But what happens? You are either heading deeper and deeper into debt, or you find that you don't have any money to go out and all you do each night is sit in and either study(!) or watch TV or listen to your iPod. But there is another way! You could get yourself a temporary or temping job! All you need to do is to sign up with a good recruitment agency and ask them to find you a suitable position. This is by far the easiest way to get good, well-paid positions. You should not have any bother finding a recruitment agency to take you on, as long as you complete the forms properly and honestly. This will save you a huge amount of time, because they effectively have jobs coming to them, so you don't have to go out and search for jobs.

39

Of course, that may simply be too easy for you. You may want to do it the hard way. This involves looking through all the local papers and then calling up about jobs. This can often be quite time consuming. You phone up, but the manager isn't there. You are asked to call back. Then when you do, you find that the position has already been filled. How frustrating is that? You may find yourself running up a considerable telephone bill, just trying to get work. Another way of finding jobs is to look on the notice board on campus or in the Students' Union/Bar. But the problem here is that all the other students who could not be bothered to sign up with a recruitment agency will also be looking at the boards, so they too will be after the same jobs as you. So the answer is simple: use a recruitment agency and take the easy option!

40

Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent Office Jobs in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the UK from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

41

How to Write a Job Transfer Letter A job transfer letter, as an easy working definition, is more of a formal request forwarded to your direct supervisor. This is commonly made by employees who are requesting a change of work location or a change in position. A job transfer letter is akin to writing a resume as if you are applying for a new job opening. It can be made as a response to an actual job vacancy in your company or as a personal request for that change. The steps you take to write a job transfer letter is pretty much like writing a resume or, to be more specific, your resume cover letter. In short, you are trying to sell yourself to the company all over again and are hoping to get that change. We'll go over some important details when you write a job transfer letter.

42

Just like a your resume cover letter, when you write a job transfer letter or request you need to specify certain things to persuade your supervisors and prove yourself worthy of that change. Other than an attempt to sell yourself, you also need to make your argument and saleable points pretty obvious to make you the ideal choice. You should not only try to prove your own competencies, you should also show how the company, or that specific department or division, is going to benefit from choosing you. Another point to consider when you write a job transfer letter is that though you are currently a company employee, that doesn't automatically mean that they'll hire you for the vacant position or grant your request for a change. The little details we mentioned earlier are important to consider as you write a job transfer letter. Other than a new vacancy, another reason to write a job transfer letter is when circumstances have forced you to relocate, illness, or any big change in your personal life. This time the objective is for you to keep your job and move to a different location.

43

When you write a job transfer letter in response to a job opening in the company you're presently working for, remember to do the following things: You should mention your intent to apply for that certain job vacancy. You should also emphasize your experience, abilities, and the advantage of being familiar with company. You should also noticeably give your sincere praise for the company. But remember that you should never overdo it since this might be interpreted as kissing up to the boss just to get hired. State the reason, as clearly as possible, for your request or application. Most of all, remember to mention the specific benefits the company will gain if they hire you. When you write a job transfer letter to request a personal transfer, remember to mention the following specific items. State the specific reason, appealing to your supervisor's human side, for your transfer request. You should still include a summary of your best work qualities. Make your commitment and loyalty to the company a big highlight of your letter. Remember to express your appreciation for all the things the company has done for you. You may include a proposition to train your replacement before your move.

44

When you write a job transfer letter, you are not only appealing to the company but you are also appealing to your supervisors. Balancing your skills to the company needs is a key to writing a great job transfer request. Peter Garant is a career specialist and job-hunting consultant and has written many articles such as Job Transfer Letter Info and How to Write a Cover Letter for Iqio Web Site.

45

Failing Job Search - Signs & Symptoms & 7 Top Tips to Solve the Problem Fast Just when you should be getting expert assistance, advice from mentors, and inputs from people who care about you, you feel alone. The advice seems conflicting. You have no written plan. Now you want to be left alone. These are clear signs and symptoms your job search is failing. Here's what to do now: 1. Take charge. Let everyone (stakeholders) know in writing how, when, where, what, why, and who shall help you. You become the General Manager (CEO) of your job search (career). You write the "book" (about one page) on your job recovery plan. You distribute the results via pdfs AND hard copies. No kidding.

46

2. Lay down the law. You say, "I am not going to go through this again. I will, with help, always have 'bench strength'." That means, "I will always have a contact at a great organization, company, firm, or start-up who says to me, in writing if I can get it," (Your name here) "______, if you ever decide to leave where you are now please call me because I might have something very interesting for you." Please read this entire article. Your future is riding on it. 3. Train others. Show and tell in writing what others should say about you. (Your name) "_______ is a successful person, in transition, with a plan. She has the time and resources to find a really good fit with her experience, accomplishments, skills, and education." 4. Work your plan. "Full court press." How you work your job search plan will show what type of a worker you will be at the new job. The "Attractor Factor" kicks in. People are a) impressed by how hard you are working, b) are more willing to recommend you to others c) get names of at least two new worthy people for you to add to your principlecentered networking. Blue sky? Try it. Prove me wrong.

47

5. Follow through. You do the work plus, plus. You work harder at finding a job than when you had a full time job. 6. Keep everyone in your network informed in writing about your progress whether YOU think they want to know or not. It's your way of reminding them about you. 7. Write brief thank-you notes to everyone who treats you like a person. Take full names of "barrier persons;" people who cooperate when they don't need to; people who get you through to the person you are calling; and other people who show respect and courtesy toward you (Critical). And you are invited to claim your free one page professional job search and career planning sheet when you join Job Angels, friends, experienced coaches, and me for a live and interactive Free job search Q&A teleseminar Sundays at 9PM US EST (on the web or on the phone, your choice) no charge when you visit http://www.resumesteve.com/ spam-free. Stephen Q Shannon The Free Teleseminar Resume Guy!

48

Summer Youth Jobs - What Are the Best Paying Summer Jobs For Teens I still remember how cheap it was being a teenager during the summer back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Everything was cheap from gasoline, car down payments, going to concerts and food in general. These days, thanks to our governments runaway fiscal spending policy, inflation is too high which means that summer youth jobs have to be very well paying for a youth to really enjoy his or her summer time and also have a little extra cash at the end of the season to start saving for a rainy day. What are some of the better paying summer jobs available to our teens? Today I will focus on 2 or 3 that pay very well compared to the other alternatives available.

49

A camp counselor job is a great job in which you get to work with youths or even other young adults around your age and since they are around your age range you will probably do a great job at understanding the everyday problems in their lives enough to get them to open up to you about anything that is bothering them. They will also respond better to your authority then to older people that they can’t relate to and because of the proximity in their age to yours , you will probably have a great time with them. The typical pay of this kind of job is around $250 a week or more depending on the budget and location of the camp in question. If you are lucky enough to land a summer youth job as a waiter or waitress then you should consider yourself very lucky as this job can pay even more than a camp counselor job because of the fact that you will probably make a lot of money in tips alone. While this type of job will not be as fun of a job as a camp counselor job (because of the fact that it’s indoors and you need to be on your best behavior with adults that are much older then you) the money alone will help you keep your focus. This job requires your etiquette to be A rated and your clothing to be super clean You can expect to make up to $500 or more from this line of work so the cash savings can pile up very quickly.

50

The next summer youth job that is also a pretty well paying occupation is any kind of work at a country club. Big country clubs always have openings that are above average in pay compared to their regular counterparts. Poolside servers at these resorts can pay super well as most of the clients that go there are very affluent and are basically there to spend money and if your poolside manners are really sharp and you can keep them amused they will usually tip you very generously and not even think twice about it. While groundkeeper work is not as sexy or high paying job as a poolside server it is probably an easier job to do since it does not require you to talk to many people or try to keep the clients happy verbally. You just go about your work and when you’re done you clock out and drive home. http://www.SummerJobSection.com is the top online resource for Summer Jobs for teens and young adults

51

How to Find $100,000+ Jobs in a Bad Market Landing $100,000+ jobs typically takes six months. But the amount of time is less important than what occurs in that time. In a tough job market, the time can be extensive, but the activities, remain the same. Your objective is to rise above the competition with outstanding messaging, industry presence and recognized expertise. Conduct a job search review. Have you covered all the basics in the classiest way possible? 1. Does your executive summary address the exact needs of the prospective employer? 2. Do your emails ask for only one thing with a specific call to action or request? 3. Have you incorporated news feeds as a resource to find leads and connections? 4. Have you joined a volunteer group noted for attracting executives?

52

5. Do you have a world-class elevator pitch that generates questions and requests for your business card? 6. Do you wear a well-fitted suit to all networking events and interviews? If you are unemployed and are in job search mode, commit to it. A proper job search requires a minimum of five hours a day in networking, researching, meeting and planning. Create a job search budget that includes a proven Job Search Coach if you can afford it. This is no time for a Career Coach or Life Coach or a new design on your parachute. You need a job and this requires a professional approach, excellent networking and crafting the right messages including a specific resume for each opportunity. Job Search today is a shell game; companies are not advertising and most deplore use of job boards. Jobs are discovered by networking because employers are fragile; they need to know the people they hire are part of their community in order to hedge their bets. Amp up your networking techniques. 1. Go to industry conferences.

53

2. Pay the tariff to attend trade shows. 3. Blog on topics on which you are an expert. 4. Answer questions about strategic topics on other peoples' blogs. 5. If you are a $100,000+ executive, buddy up with others who are also in job search mode. 6. Share leads, encourage one another and stay focused. 7. Talk to people who have a job like the one you want; ask them to refer people to you when they are contacted about jobs. 8. Become a known face at networking events, don't just go occasionally. The name of the game is exposure, accessibility and expertise. The more people see you, see your name or hear from you with targeted links and articles, the higher the probability you will be thought of when that next $100,000+ job opens up. Don't be a hit and run executive. Make your presence known and expected.

54

Rita Ashley, Job Search Coach My clients get hired. http://www.jobsearchdebugged.com

55

Why Some Job Seekers Get Interviews - And Others Wait by the Phone When it comes to the job search, some people just seem to have more luck. They're the ones who get traction...they get called for interviews...things happen for them. Why is that? Luck isn't random. It has a funny way of knocking at the doors of those who are prepared for it. "Lucky" people are the ones who know how to look for and identify it; they're the ones who lay the necessary foundation that enables luck to pay a visit. Some people do get a lot of interview activity...more than most. But not because they're lucky. Here's the key: it's the referral. Probably the most significant factor when it comes to whether or not a person's candidacy is going to go anywhere is the "inside connection." A referral is golden, regardless of the context.

56

If you need to hire a contractor, which person are you more likely to call...somebody you picked at random out of the phone book, or the person a friend recommends? Whether you're looking to hire a mechanic, a financial advisor, or a realtor, you're probably inclined to ask around and see who your circle of friends suggests. Not only will they provide you with some names, but they'll give you background information and you'll be able to ask questions. Right. Same goes for the job search. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes. Think about the last time you were trying to fill a position. Which resume are you more likely to read more carefully...the blind submission, or one that a colleague forwards to you?

57

Which candidate's email are you more likely to follow up with...the stranger who found your name on the company website and decided to take a shot at a direct resume submission, or the person who lets you know in the first line of the message that he's sending his materials on the recommendation of one of the members of your management team? You may be an exceptionally qualified candidate. But if you're going up against someone who's forged some kind of personal connection to the hiring manager (even if his qualifications aren't quite as strong), you'll lose every time. You've got to get inside the company and create a direct path to the person you want to contact. You may not know anybody there. Yet. Ask your network for help. If there are no direct connections, then start asking your circle of contacts who they know who may be able to get you inside. A friend of a friend or an acquaintance of a colleague...whatever it is, it can work...keep looking until you find that connection.

58

Exponentially increase your odds of getting in the door by obtaining a referral or an introduction. Your resume will almost certainly be read, which of course means you'll have a much better shot at an interview. Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition (http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com). You're welcome to friend her on Facebook.

59

Don't Forget to Do This After the Interview It Could Cost You the Job! How do you feel when you do something for someone and they do not say "thank you?" Few people will say they feel great. Naturally, being human, we like to be appreciated by others. The same goes for interviewers. They have taken the time to get to know you a little better and you should take the time to thank them for doing that. Sending a thank you letter or a follow-up letter after an interview is an excellent and effective interview follow-up strategy. It also can be the deciding factor when your competitors have the exact qualifications as you. Remember the biblical story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed? Only one went back to thank him. Jesus asked for the other nine. Why did only one person express thanks and what did Jesus say to this one? Jesus told this thankful leper that his faith made him well. He got an extra blessing!

60

Make sure you ask each interviewer for their business card to ensure correct spelling of their names and also their correct titles. Send each of them a follow-up letter. You should plan to thank the interviewer as soon as possible after the interview. Sending a letter the day after the interview is appropriate. Do not wait too long as decisions are often made within a very short time. Keep your letter to a minimum of one page. You do not want to overwhelm the reader. Ten Reasons to Send a Thank You Letter 1. To show courtesy, etiquette, and professionalism 2. To stand out when it is time for the interviewer to make a decision 3. To show your written communication abilities 4. To separate you from your competitors who did not write a thank you letter 5. To briefly highlight how your assets that you relayed in the interview will benefit the company. (Caution - Do not rewrite your resume)

61

6. To state something you forgot to say in the interview that is relevant 7. To address unresolved points 8. To reinforce that that you understood exactly what was said during the interview. 9. To emphasize that you do want this job 10. Because even if you do not get this job, you may still be remembered in the long run. What will help you to write a thank you letter? During the interview, take mental notes of points that the interviewer seems very interested in. This will help you to include in the letter, a common interest or goal that was stated in the interview. What should your letter include? A thank you letter should include the following: 1. Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you on the date on which the interview occurred.

62

2. Reaffirm your interest in the firm by pointing out particular issues brought during the interview that appeal to you. Try to personalize the letter by referring to some topic or commonality you discussed during the interview. 3. Wrap it up! Conclude by again expressing your appreciation, an offer to provide more information, and a statement that you look forward to hearing from them. ©2005 Claudia Newton

63

Master Resume-writer and Resume Strategist Claudia A. Samuels Newton is the President and CEO of Rewarding Resume Services (http://www.rewardingresumes.com). Claudia has a Masters of Management in Human Resource Management degree and a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. With over 20 years of industry experience, she has served hundreds of satisfied clients. Her speaking engagements include being a featured guest on WLTX TV in Columbia, SC and serving as a resume-writing consultant for higher education institutions in her community. Samuels-Newton provides online instruction in Communications as an Adjunct Faculty member for the University of Phoenix Online. She also serves in a management role at BlueChoice HealthPlan, a subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of SC.

64

Where to Find a Job in Today's Market I'm pretty sure we are all aware of the recession we are going through, and how hard it is as to where find a job with today's economy the way it is. You may know of somebody, or yourself may affected by this recession. With the economy the way it is, it’s making it increasingly difficult for people to find jobs. In the area I live in, their happen to be a job offer for somebody to do routine maintenance at the local YMCA, nearly 5000 people applied! Surely there must be some sort of method one can incorporate in where to find a job and deal with this kind of competition. Many people are resorting to the internet to make a little extra money, which is a great way to make some disposable income. However many people don't know much about the internet and how it works, and really don't intend to discover the benefits it can have for you. If it doesn't interest you that is not a problem, but you're still left without a job, or a job that you don't like.

65

You may however be able to use the internet to find a job, and I'm going to explain to you how. There are systems and programs on the internet that will give you the tools necessary to acquire that job you've been looking for. Think back to when a parent was trying to tell you where to find a job, they would take you lead you to store after store. You would hand in a resume to every job you see and hope you get hired, you need to be armed with the proper knowledge to get those jobs, fast! These programs and guides walk you through simple tricks that will increase your likelihood of finding your dream job. Eliminate your competition and you will no longer have to worry about where to find a job, you will worry about what job to accept! For more information on where to find a job, visit Where to find a job . James D. Plewak recommends to you resources and information that can allow you to easily overcome this economic downtime. These resources may also be useful in times when the economy is better, for this employment tool visit find a job .

66

Your Online Resume - Why No One May Ever Get to See It! You're looking for a new job; you've put together an outstanding resume and now it's time to post online. You've highlighted your career experience and educational background and you're just certain that when this puppy goes up there's going to be a digital lineup of employers offering you your next dream job. WRONG! The purpose of a resume is not to get you a job, rather, to get you an interview. But here's the rub; you may have overlooked the most crucial point of the entire exercise and you're not even aware of it! This is seldom taught or even mentioned in most business courses. There is a huge chance that a human, initially, won't even look at your resume!

67

In this time of economic downturn, most positions garner hundreds of applicants. That's hundreds of resumes coming in for each open slot. If you think that all these resumes are being viewed by human beings you're in for a real shock. Gone are the days when an assistant scours through stacks of resumes to find that perfect applicant for the boss to call in for an interview. In this day and age most resumes are scanned looking for target keywords. Your resume needs to be optimized so that it can be seen by these scanners. Without doing so, you will likely remain as invisible as if you hadn't submitted in the first place. Employers scan resumes to transfer them from a paper format to an electronic format for easy storage and review. Unfortunately, scanning software is not perfect and is easily confused. This means that you need to produce electronic versions of your resume and any "hard copies" that may be scanned in a recognizable form. Digital resumes and paper resumes differ in three crucial ways. 1) Font/Typesets 2) Format

68

3) Keywords Remember these rules when composing your resume. Font/Typesets ? No tabs ? Use 10 to 12 point fonts ? Avoid two-column formats ? No parentheses or brackets ? Place your name and contact phone number or email on each page ? Acceptable font types - Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Tahoma, and Courier ? Avoid italics, underlining, and shading ? Opinions on Bolding and using UPPERCASE characters are split. If in doubt, don't use them. Format ? Left justified. Don't center or indent lines.

69

? Avoid using vertical and horizontal lines ? Avoid using graphics, or boxes Keywords Keywords are specific words or phrases that employers look for to identify the candidates they want to interview. Software programs that most companies use scan based on keywords - in much the same way you use keywords to search for information online. If you don't have the right keywords in your resume, employers won't be able to find you. But how do you know which keywords to include? Here are three places to look: ? The specific description or ad for the job you're applying for ? Recent online or newspaper ads for similar jobs ? Ask other job seekers and people currently employed in your field

70

Rick Gillis, in his book Really Useful Job Search Tactics provides 11 excellent ideas for identifying and embedding keywords in your Scanable Electronic Resume. I recommend reading this book and employing his tactics. Well, that's it, the most important thing that most people overlook. If you're going to spend the effort to assemble a first-class resume, make sure that you don't miss this crucial step. Good luck on that next job! Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

71

Oil Sector Jobs in the US & Canada Employment Assistance & Resume Posting Service The Canadian oil exploration sector is currently hot and there are thousands of jobs here. Many immigrants have taken jobs in this sector recently. There are lots of opportunities in Saskatchewan and Alberta in Canada. These regions have also been the leaders in economic growth in the country. The main oil producing regions of US are Houston, Lafayette, Denver, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Midland Odessa. There are various companies looking to hire in these regions. These cities have also been major industrial centers and attracted many people. It is difficult for an individual to apply to every major oil company in the US or Canada. There are many jobs available in various big companies. There are various openings for skilled men, engineers and workers. In order to take full advantage of the latest job offers in MNCs, you can use the recommended resume posting service for oil jobs.

72

Use the offshore oil employment service to get your resume blasted to hundreds of companies which are hiring for various positions. You get complete professional assistance in finding a job and you will start getting real interview calls and replies from various companies in the US, Canada and other countries too. You can be assured that your resume will reach where it is intended to reach. This is a highly recommended oil sector employment service and many people have got jobs after using this. You will get assistance till you get a real job. So let them handle the jobhunting task for you and wait for the interview calls. Check out the oil sector jobs assistance service and latest interview questions.

73

What is an Executive Headhunter? With the way that the economy is these days it is almost a must to employ the services of a headhunter to find a job. A headhunter is someone who is basically a recruiter who helps people find jobs and who helps companies fill different positions. There can be headhunters who specialize in finding jobs and filling jobs for specific industry or those who find and fill jobs for a wide variety of occupations and skills. An executive headhunter would be someone who works specifically with executive companies and positions. These recruiters work with those who have executive experience, who are seeking a senior job and for those companies who need to fill senior positions.

These agency recruiters are going to work with individuals who are in a sense, leaders; because that's part of what being an executive is all about. The positions that they will be filling and the individuals that they will be working with are by no means entry level.

74

These positions will be those that are higher paying and at higher levels within companies and organizations. The people that are looking for a job by using an executive headhunter are those people who have college educations, possibly graduate educations, a great deal of experience and a real know-how for the business in which they are pursuing. Executives are considered managers and are looking to hold a great deal of responsibility in their hands. An executive must be a leader, a manager, and someone who is a doer. The recruiter will be looking for people who possess these qualities to fill the positions that they have available. A headhunter of this caliber is one that has a good understanding of what the executives in certain industry must know and do and they will most likely have a great deal of contacts in that specified area. These recruiters are not only going to help individuals find jobs, but help them find careers. And they are not only going to help companies find employees but executives and assets.

75

A recruiter doesn't just help someone find a job or help a company fill a position, but they are more involved in the process than you may think. These professionals help interview potential candidates so that they are really only presenting the companies with the top-notch individuals to fill the positions. Kathleen Whitlow is a copywriter and marketing agent of The Charis Group. The executive headhunter firm provides executive recruiting throughout North and South America. For more information on their Executive Recruiting Agency please visit their website.

76

Strategies For an Online Job Search Finding a job used to be a very slow process, but this has drastically changed with the advent of online job search boards. Rather than waiting for the Sunday newspaper to find good jobs to apply for, you can now set up an account with a multitude of online job search agents and have hundreds of leads delivered to you inbox daily. This article will show you how to properly put together an online job search that is efficient and effective. Online Job Search Strategy - Step 1: Get Your Profile Online

77

The first step in conducting your online job search is preparing electronic copies of your resumes and cover letters. The major online job boards allow you to create a free profile and upload as many targeted resumes and cover letters as you like. Putting your job search documents in an electronic format makes it super easy to distribute them to potential employers quickly. Once you have put your resume in an electronic format, it's important to upload it to as many sites as possible. Most importantly, make your resume "searchable" or public to employers. This way when an employer runs a search for specific keywords, your resume will show up without even needing to apply for the job. Online Job Search Strategy - Step 2: Set Up Automated Job Search Agents

78

The major online job search sites offer a fantastic automated feature - emailed search results. You can create a free profile that will bring daily leads to your email address. When you create a job search agent, be sure to use as many relevant keywords as possible relating to your field. Don't just use the title of the position you are looking for, include synonyms and related words to increase the chances of finding leads you are interested in. For example, if you are an accountant, don't just search for "accountant." Instead put together a large string of related keywords, such as: "accountant, accounting, general ledger, finance, financial reporting." You may end up seeing jobs that you are not qualified for, but it's better to have too many than too few. Online Job Search Strategy - Step 3: Managing the online application process

79

It can get pretty cumbersome to manage the application process once you have multiple emailed search agents created. To keep yourself focused, you need to have a good process for organizing the leads. I like to use the daily job application organizer that you can find at JobSearchPower.com. By keeping a list of jobs you are interested in you can be sure you are following up properly on each job you apply for. Finding a job online can be much faster and easier than using a newspaper and regular U.S. postal mail, but it can also take up a lot of your time. By putting your materials online in an electronic format and using automated job search agents, you will be able to quickly find and apply for the best jobs available. For more information on a proper online job search strategy , check out the articles and other resources at JobSearchPower.com. Job Search Power offers a free course and newsletter that will help you stay organized and focused, and increase your chances of getting a job interview.

80

Oil Rigs & Offshore Oil Sector Jobs in the Middle East Middle East is the leading oil-producing region in the world. There are various petroleum fields both offshore and onshore. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and others cater to a major portion of the world's oil demand. With increasing worldwide petroleum consumption, various new wells are being drilled both onshore and offshore. More refineries are being set up and the existing ones are being expanded. There are hundreds of thousands of jobs for engineers, general workers and other skilled persons in the middle east oil sector. The workers come from all over the world to work here. This is a highly rewarding career. There are various international oil companies drilling wells and various oilrigs. There is always a strong demand for engineers, managers and general workers. Thousands of jobs are currently available in this sector for various tradesmen.

81

Both experienced and fresh graduates are hired as engineers and managers. It is not easy for you to apply to every major oil company in the Middle East countries yourself. Many times your resume may not be actually read. Use the offshore oil employment service to get your resume blasted to hundreds of multinational companies in the Middle East and elsewhere worldwide which are currently hiring people for various positions. You even get professional cover letter making assistance and be assured that your resume will reach and be considered by the leading companies and real hiring agencies for the middle east jobs. Get your resume blasted now. Go to an Oil Sector Employment service for that. Succeed in your job hunt. Be prepared for various interview calls by multinational companies now that you have sent your resume to all major companies.

82

Your Resume can reach all multinational oil sector companies with this oil sector employment service. It is a very useful service and has helped thousands get high paying jobs.

83

Are There Any Recession Proof Jobs For the Over 50s? Lots of us are looking for recession proof jobs. Fortunately, there are some careers -- even for those of us over 50 -- that are pretty much recession proof. If you haven't been in the job market for a while and it's time to change careers, let's take a look at a few new choices, some of which may not have been available last time you were job hunting. Teaching We all hear that teachers are overworked and underpaid, but in fact, this is one of the fastest growing professions in the industry. And, despite the so-called "advantage" that teachers get summers off, this is one of the most difficult positions to do well, too.

84

Fortunately, you have a couple of options. First of all, the teaching profession is so desperate for teachers right now that one of the fastest growing sectors of that market is in the area of substitute teachers. As a substitute teacher, you generally don't need ANY specific certification to get started. You do need a college degree, but it can be in accounting, for example. Many districts will give you a twoyear provisional certificate and you can begin teaching absolutely immediately. If you like it, you can stay with it and get a degree in the area you want to teach in permanently, which makes it a win-win situation all around. Finances and bookkeeping

85

There are an awful lot of people out there who are good business people, but they're terrible at figures. In addition, a lot of established companies are forgoing in-house accountants and bookkeepers in favor of outsourcing the work for much cheaper rates. If you've got a degree in bookkeeping or finance, set up your own shingle and start to offer your services to those who need the extra financial help. You can set an introductory "new client" rate initially so that you attract clients your business, and then establish a higher rate for ongoing business. If you don't have a degree in bookkeeping or finance but you're good at this type of work, consider getting a degree, as this is an area of employment that's not going to go away anytime soon. "Green" living and renewable energy This is an area that's burgeoning, especially with an emphasis on global warming and the need for a move away from fossil fuel dependence. This is a particular employment sector that's going to open up in all areas in the next few years. Depending on your area of expertise, it bodes well for job-hunting indeed. Maintenance or repair work

86

If you've been a handyman, good at plumbing, good at fixing things, and so on, now may be the time to make a career change into this area. With the shrinking economy, people are no longer buying new as much and they're trying to keep what they have running. Car mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and all areas that deal with repair work of some sort are going to be growing in the foreseeable future. In general, this does require specific certification and training depending on the area you live in, so check into your areas ordinances and get the proper training you need. Childcare It's true that as incomes shrink, more households may have one parent staying home and taking care of the children while the other works, but as the economy picks back up, so, too, will the need for childcare. As soon as the recession begins to recover at all, there will be an explosion in the need for childcare. Get your certification now so that you're ready to go to work. Alternatively, of course, you can offer babysitting services out of your home without certification as well, as long as you're otherwise qualified.

87

Of course, there are truly no guaranteed "recession proof" jobs, but there are those that certainly stand up well to recession even when it happens. If you're in the need for a career change, take a look at one of the career options listed above and see if one of them is for you. Embrace the change if it happens, get the training you need, and be ready to go onto a new opportunity. Suzanne Daykin is the Editor of http://www.income-inlaterlife.com a guide for over 50s looking to make extra money. More over 50s recession proof tips are available here http://www.income-in-laterlife.com/how-to-survive-arecession.html

88

Online Job Search Sites Vs Job Recruitment Agencies Searching a perfect job can be quite tricky. The first step is to choose the right channel to find one. There are various options - from traditional recruitment and placement firms to savvy online job sites. Before the online job search boom, recruitment agencies ruled the scene. However, with changing times and innovation, job web sites mushroomed and metamorphosed. Providing more convenience and flexibility, it soon became the preferred channel for many. I still know a lot of people who prefer the traditional job search method through placement and recruitment agencies, where you submit your resume and other details, they find you jobs as per your requirements and fix up interviews for you with various companies. They usually charge a flat fee or a fixed commission once you get a job. I don't say there's anything wrong with this. After all, it’s all a personal choice. But searching your job online can be much more effective and convenient. You can manage your own portfolio, without depending on anyone else. Almost all job sites allow you to register for free.

89

With the online concept catching fast even in the recruitment scene, there are hardly any companies or organizations who do not post their requirements on these sites. So, you have direct access to jobs available across the country at your fingertips. The job sites are striving to provide innovative tools to ensure more comfort to their visitors. Tools such as flagging off, searching through categories, saving your job searches, online resume helper, email and SMS alerts etc have made managing your job hunt extremely organized. Plus, it’s online, so you can access it anytime from anywhere! There are portals which integrate the job listings from best job sites and companies directly. Hence, you get information from hundreds of sites in one website only. Whatsmore, certain sites also provide reviews from employees of the companies, hence, you get the true inside story and can compare various organizations' work culture as well as salaries.

90

Besides, you save on the money that you would otherwise pay the recruitment firms as fees or commission. Why would you unnecessarily want a middleman when you can handle everything yourself and have total control over it too? For all you know, the placement agencies are actually searching these very sites to prepare the prospective job list for you! So take control over your own job hunt, as you are the best judge for yourself. Enroll yourself with the best job search engines and free job posting sites. In fact, check out integrated job portal s which actually crawl through various other job search web sites and companies’ career pages, and provides integrated information at one place. This article is written by Prashant Parikh, Founder CEO, faayda.com, to provide valuable insight and guidance for searching jobs online. Log on to http://www.faayda.com/, India's premier integrated job search portal for free job postings from the best job sites at one place.

91

Finding a Job? Everything You Know is Wrong! Wait a minute, are you saying everything I know about finding a job is wrong! You've got to be kidding. I've got a great educational background and tons of work experience. That's not even mentioning all the people I network within my industry. I've put together a killer resume; I do tremendous interviews and you're telling me all that counts for nothing? It's not that that stuff isn't important; it's just that that is not why a decision-maker offers you a job. You see your problem is that you view the world through your eyes, which is a natural thing to do. You need, however, to see the world through the eyes of the person whom, you hope, will offer you your next job.

92

Let's talk about your resume first. It's not uncommon today for a job opening to garner hundreds of applicants. You have to ask yourself, is your resume going to stand out? (By the way, many companies today scan resumes and use software to look for key factors. A human doesn't even look at the silly things initially. Most people have no clue how to optimize their resume for electronic scanners but, that's a topic for another article.) Ever had the experience of listing a resume online and not even having the courtesy of a rejection notice? That's one of the problems with resume posting; you have no control over the flow of events. Next, let's talk about your interview skills. You've been told you're great at it, maybe so. But are you better than all the other 350 people applying for the job? Probably not! What about your educational background? Are you going to beat out the guy with the Masters from Yale? What about the person who is 10 years younger than you or the lady who is better looking? That said, none of this is the real reason why we get jobs. Let's discuss what's really important but, first a question...

93

Ever bang yourself up? Maybe you were in a car accident or you had a horrible case of stomach cramps. You load up the minivan and off you go to the emergency room. When you get to the ER do you ask to interview the attending physician? Do you want to know where he or she went to med school? Do you demand to see their resume? No, all you want is for someone to ease your pain! It's that simple, you hurt and you want it to stop. You've got a problem and you want it solved. It's the same when looking for a job! If you get nothing from this article I hope this stays with you. A decision-maker has a problem. If you can solve the problem for less than the problem costs, you will get the job, end of story. Sound like an oversimplification? Do you think companies hire people just because they want to have a lot of employees? Let me tell you, most companies would like to get along with fewer employees, not more. That's exactly what many outfits are doing during this time of economic downturn. If people aren't helping solve their problems they are letting them go. Your job is to see yourself, not as a job seeker, but rather as a problem solver. It doesn't matter who you know, how old you are, or what your gender or educational background is. If the guy interviewing you thinks you can help with his problem, you are going to get the offer.

94

Most people go about things totally backward. They select an industry, post their resume online, and think that are doing a targeted job search. They hope that their wonderful bio will allow their talents to shine forth and they will have the opportunity to demonstrate how great they can interview when the company calls. Most of the time, they don't even get a rejection notice! Everything you have done makes sense from your perspective. Let this be a wake-up call, it's not about you! In fact, the company and its decision-makers don't care one wit about you! They care about the company and their problems. Your challenge is the following: 1) Research companies you think you might like to work with. 2) Attempt to find out what some of their needs are. 3) Make an honest evaluation to determine if you are able to solve any of these issues. 4) Do your homework to identify key decision-makers in the organization. 5) Get a game plan together that puts you in contact with these individuals.

95

6) Show that you can solve their problems for less than the problems cost. The amazing thing is that your resume, work history, age or gender will, most likely, not even come into play. There is a correct, albeit counterintuitive way to go about this. When you do, you are in complete control and you determine the timeline of your hiring. I'm not kidding; this really works and it is very different from how you are probably going about things now! Let's not kid ourselves. This economy sucks and, if you want to succeed, you better do things differently than the other 300 people who are responding to that job listing! If you keep doing what everybody else is doing... well, you know where that's going!

96

Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job . In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities .

97

How to Find Great Online Bahamas Jobs First of all it would be in your best interest to find out which services or opportunity ventures have the highest demand in your country. This will help you choose only the top Bahamas jobs and opportunities. The reason for this is because you want to provide a service that's going to be around for a long time and is going to provide long-term profit for you and your business. The Islands of the Bahamas already have small populations, so online Bahamas jobs and opportunities should be as original as possible. You should narrow the field so your idea is not something that everyone is doing, For example if you look in the Freeport news, (One of the top Bahamas newspapers). There are tons of hair and nails, barbershops, car dealers, cell phone sales, stuff everyone is doing. You have to set yourself apart from the rest, so your idea is fresh, inviting, and provides value to others. Online Bahamas jobs can be the opportunity you have been looking for.

98

It is always a good idea to do a little research on high profit jobs in your area, you can do this by looking up your country in a web search, using the key words high paying Bahamas jobs or top online Bahamas jobs. This will give you a list of jobs in your area that pay the best. Here is another tip, If you know someone in the Bahamas government, That person can be very valuable in assisting you with a list of high profile online job choices. The Government will always be one of the first to know what’s working and profiting well. Now you have the edge because it takes all the guessing out of choosing a great online Bahamas job. Now that you have the idea, you need to choose the right online Bahamas job for you. You have to first know what you want in a online job, how much you want to make, and the type of personality you have. Do you like to work with people? Would you rather work alone? Maybe you would rather work with family only, the choice is yours. No matter what you decide, there is nothing wrong with getting a little help when making your decision choosing top Bahamas jobs.

99

There is a real easy way to get that kind of help. One of My favorite sayings is, " the best way to cross a mine field, is to follow someone that's crossed it already". Finding a mentor is an excellent way to find and succeed at a online Bahamas job. If you are not sure where to look for mentors or online Bahamas jobs, You can look no further than the Freeport news, Nassau guardian or Nassau tribune newspapers, just to name a few. Here are a few more things to look for when choosing a top online Bahamas job. Always make sure there is live support you can speak with concerning the opportunity. #1 You always want to have access to the company's help hot line when you need it. #2 Make sure the company has been around for a while, you always want stability and experience on your side. #3 You want to make sure the income potential is high so it’s worth you full effort and time.

100

#4 You also want the online Bahamas job you choose to be very simple so everything flows nice and smooth, with little complication to you and others working with you. For a full review for 2 of the top online Bahamas jobs, check the sites below. (positions are always limited for top jobs) so the quicker the better for the applicant. (Online travel agent) http://travelasis.com (Online cash system) http://infinite40s.com

101

Green Collar Jobs There is still much debate about global warming and its impact on the environment. At the same time, there is no denying the trend towards renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green building has created opportunities for "green collar jobs." While the future of many industries is uncertain right now, the green initiatives in President Obama's stimulus package, LEED certified construction projects, and the push for renewable energy sources will create green collar jobs. This is right on time since many Americans are out of work and need to find jobs. In short, consider looking for a job in industries that will be a part of the "green economy". Here are a few areas of opportunity:

102

1. Energy Efficient Architects and Builders who are LEED certified - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building rating system to create and build energy efficient structures. Building energy efficient structures would also include jobs for all types of construction workers, architects, builders, electricians, welders, CAD technicians, mechanical engineers, project managers, metalworkers, and all the support jobs too. Also, demand for support jobs such as accountants, marketing, and IT will rise as well. 2. Solar and Wind Energy Jobs in manufacturing, fabrication, installation, and maintenance. There are, also, opportunities for metalworkers, engineers, IT specialist, assemblers, factory workers, production managers, mechanics, highly skilled installers, and support (office) jobs too.

103

3. Green Entrepreneurs can create jobs in building materials, equipment installation & maintenance, office cleaning using green products, recycling plants, construction, transportation, or even office supplies by using renewable energy, low emission manufacturing, and sustainable materials. There are opportunities for businesses to create green collar jobs in most industries and reduce the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere. 4. Agricultural Jobs organic farmers, agricultural engineers, genetic scientist, soil scientist, plant scientist, environmental engineers, geologist, all levels of farmer workers, and biofuel jobs. 5. Urban Planning and Design to limit the amount of urban sprawl, reduce the amount of carbon release into the atmosphere, and encourage the use of mass transit. Urban planning will likely create green collar jobs for bus & train operators, mechanics, construction workers, builders, architects, urban planners, engineers, and maintenance workers.

104

As you can see, green collar jobs (green jobs) are available in many different industries and occupations. If you are looking for a job think "green collar job" and help save the planet too. Michelle Wright the author is a well-recognized leader in sales with more than 15 years experience. You can find more of the author's work at employrium.com

105

How to Manage Your Online Reputation According to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, 34% of respondents said they currently use social networking sites to recruit potential applicants. These numbers are sure to increase in coming years as HR departments look for additional free and easy ways to find and screen candidates. Below are some tips on how to check and manage your online reputation. Find out what's out there-The first thing you should do is "Google" yourself, you may be surprised on what a simple search will reveal. In addition, there are several sites dedicated to helping you find out what exists about you online including: Pipl.com, Wink.com PeekYou.com, and Spock.com. The information you find on these sites is what hiring managers could be seeing about you.

106

Try to fix any negative-This can be a difficult task because some of the information online is posted by other people and may be out of your control. The items you can control are personal profiles and information posted by friends and family. Make sure to change all of your profiles on social networking sites to reflect your professional demeanor. Take off pictures of any questionable behavior and keep the personal information to a minimum. Ask your friends and family to do the same.

Build a positive reputation -Social networking profiles are a great way to sell yourself to prospective employers. If you do have any negative info online this is even more important. You will want to create positive profiles on multiple sites, which may push the negative items down the list of search results. If you choose to include a photo of yourself, make sure you look your best and dress in business attire.

107

Networking sites & blogs-Social networking has grown exponentially in the past few years. The most popular sites right now are: MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Some additional popular sites include: Twitter, Fixster, Tagged, Classmates, MyYearbook, LiveJournal, Imeem, Reunion, and Ning. Make sure to also watch for information posted about you on people's blogs. Blog entries will appear in Google search engine results. John Leutermann Jr. is the Recruiting Marketing Specialist at QPS Companies, Inc. QPS Companies is a staffing and recruiting company, and has 21 branches throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. QPS has been placing great people at great companies since 1985. Visit the QPS website to find a branch near you. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Jobs Site QPS also offers Outplacement services to companies experiencing downsizing, mergers and acquisitions. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Outplacemement Site

108

The Shot Gun Approach To The Job Search Will Miss Every Time Every day job seekers come to my office confused as to why their strong credentials and well designed 'all purpose' resume is not working . The Internet has made it easy for job seekers to spread countless resumes far and wide. Because of this, hiring companies are now buried in a pool of generic resumes. In better times, this 'shot gun' approach would yield some results. Now hiring managers can only afford to look at the tightest fit for the few positions that are out there. Still, these job seekers keep throwing more mud against the wall hoping that some will stick. Someone once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results". As we slip further into the current recession it has been even more important that job seekers tailor their efforts for each position that they pursue. Every resume must be tailored for a specific job.

109

Research the company. Pick out particulars of the company niche and culture that make the company unique. Pull together your skills and experiences that fit those particulars. Read over the job description carefully and pull out key words and phrases. Pay especially close attention to the qualifications. Often hiring companies will use computers to scan for particular words or phrase and rank resumes based on the number of keyword or phases that match their list. If you fail to include their particular keywords, you will likely be eliminated by a computer without ever having human eyes look at your resume. Tailor your interview: It is also essential that you tailor your interview for each position you apply for. Hiring managers have a clear idea of what they are looking for. To prevail you must discover exactly what that is so that you can highlight what in your background and experiences fit their profile.

110

You likely have a number of skills and experiences that you are anxious to share with your interviewer. Remember the interview is not about you. It is about whether or not you are the best fit for a particular position. The information that you provide about yourself that does not sell the hiring manager on how you are a fit for the position only dilutes your case. I recommend a simple exercise. Draw a line down the center of a sheet of paper. On the left side, list the 5 attributes that you determined are what most important to the company for the position at hand. On the right side list your skills and experiences that match the items on the left side. During the interview try to bring your answers back to these skills and experiences. This will keep your answers aligned with the particulars for each job. Focus your job search efforts.

111

As a hiring manager, I am much more impressed with someone that I feel is consciously pursuing a particular position verses a job seeker that seems to be interviewing willy-nilly. It is very important that the job seeker really know the company, the position and why they are interested. A focused approach is also essential for your networking efforts to be effective. There is no more effective way to land an interview than to have someone at the company put in a good word or at least the name of an employee that you can drop. Focus on a few target companies and work to develop a contact in these companies. Pete Cantey is a Vice President of Staffing and Job Search Coaching Snelling Littleton. Snelling.com/littleton or 866386-6793)

112

Credit Reports Can Affect Your Job Search Think your credit history is only used to determine your creditworthiness? Think again. A poor credit report can even affect your job search. The relationship between one's credit rating and one's employability is stronger than ever. With a tight job market employers want to make sure they can trust their employees and many employers view poor credit as a sign of irresponsibility and risk. One survey by the Society for Human Resource Management shows that in 2004 roughly 35% of employers used credit checks as a potential employee screening method. This is a considerable increase from previous years and the trend does not appear it will reverse itself anytime soon. So how does one make sure their credit rating will not affect their job search? The first step is identifying what is on their credit report. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 (FACTA) makes it possible for everyone to receive a free copy of their credit report once a year. If you have not checked yours lately this would be a great place to start. Even better, sign up with a credit monitoring service for near instant notification of changes to your credit.

113

After obtaining a copy of your credit report it is important to clean up any areas that may affect your job search. While an overall score can affect your job search, Title 11 of the U.S. Code prohibits employers from discriminating against someone who has filed for bankruptcy. Also, if your employment application is rejected because of poor credit the employer is required to notify you. Knowing these rights can protect you in the future. Before beginning that job search take the time to review your credit and clear up any issues. If you do see any red flags be sure to learn your rights under Title 11 of the U.S. Code. You don't want to miss out on your dream job because of a few forgotten bills from the past. Build credit with free Credit help and raise your average credit score by 200 points quickly.

114

The Interview Upset - Bring Your "A" Game A candidate commented recently: "Don't think because they are interviewing you that they don't have someone else in mind - they are probably simply going through the motions, wasting your time, to satisfy some state requirement." Well, yeah - that's true. And the point is....? It can be as simple as this: I've got a pool of five finalists coming in. Candidate number one hits the ball out of the park. I still have four other people to talk with; I'm not going to cancel their interviews. At this point, though, barring a big surprise, I'm thinking I'm going to extend the offer to number one. If you're one of those other candidates, it's fair to say that at this moment in time, I definitely have someone else in mind for the job. And yes, sometimes various requirements play a part in dictating who or how many candidates are interviewed. As a result, it's possible the hiring manager you're about to speak with is approaching the conversation with a lackadaisical or somewhat indifferent attitude.

115

I've got news for you - you'd probably be shocked if you knew how often hiring managers are unenthused or a little apathetic about the people they're about to interview. For all sorts of reasons. Welcome to the hiring process. But I have one word for you to consider...UPSET. Just because you're the underdog, does it mean your fate is sealed? Maybe you shouldn't bother showing up for the interview at all. After all, if the hiring manager has someone else in mind, or is "going through the motions," you don't have a chance. Maybe the only time you should interview is when you're certain you're the only one being considered for the job. Right? Evidently, the US Olympic Hockey Team in 1980 didn't get the memo that it was a waste of time to show up. There was no way anybody was going to beat the Soviet machine-onice...until a bunch of American college kids did it and won the gold medal.

116

And how about the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42? The Patriots had posted a pretty impressive streak. They were unstoppable. The game was going to be a blowout for the Pats. Except it didn't turn out that way. Anything can happen. And that's why they play the game. Yes, the hiring manager may be walking into the interview with you thinking she's probably going to extend the offer to someone else. So what? Change her mind. The other guy hit a solo home run...how about you hit a grand slam? You got an invitation to interview. Do you have any idea how many people didn't make it that far? Get rid of the defeatist attitude. Bring your "A" game with you, and go in to win.

117

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition. http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

118

Government Jobs You Won't Find Anywhere Else In this recession, many are looking for an employment. Even if you are employed right now, you may still want a stable and well-paid job. Where are secure jobs with good compensations? They are in the public sector. These jobs are government jobs or jobs in universities. Many are protected by unions, with guaranteed benefits and pension plans. Where can you find these good jobs? You rarely find government jobs on Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com - Don't ask me why. I have several resources for you. GovernmentJobs.com GovernmentJobs.com is a pioneer in the online recruiting space with over 5,000 participating government agencies. The website is the only government sector job board created from the world's foremost fully integrated recruitment, selection and applicant tracking system called NEOGOV Insight, designed specifically for public sector employers. 50StateJobs.com

119

Compared to GovernmentJobs.com, 50StateJobs.com is more comprehensive; it's a list of all public job websites, from local governments to universities. However, it doesn't list individual jobs; it provides links to local human resources websites. For example, to read all public jobs in California, you have to go through all 100 websites of California's county and state agencies. You may not have patience or time to do that on a regular basis. JobOversight.com JobOversight.com lists only jobs that have salary information. Most jobs on JobOversight.com are public jobs in universities and governments, with some in the private sector. JobOversight.com links directly to job postings. It also makes your job-hunting life easier and fun; you can browse jobs by categories, or location, or agencies. You can rate a job from Poor to Excellent; you can save a job as your favorite; you can even comment a job. Get your hands dirty Now you have resources to search a job in the public sector. Good luck with job hunting!

120

10 Ways to Ensure a Teen's Successful Job Search A few years ago America experienced nearly full employment; my how things have changed. Each new day seems to bring news of more job layoffs. Teens now compete with adults who have lost their jobs for entry-level positions that were once filled only by teenagers. Don't be discouraged, you still have an excellent chance at being the one chosen for the position. Keeping these basic guidelines in mind while you are seeking employment will ensure a successful job hunt. 1. Make a resume and attach it to each job application you submit. Have a parent or teacher proofread your resume, offering any suggestions for improvement they may have. Be sure to use spell check and grammar check too. 2. Be polite and courteous when asking for an employment application as well as when you have a job interview. Dress conservatively and be well groomed. Young men should wear shirts with a collar and nice slacks. Young women should dress modestly and go easy on the makeup. Cover up tattoos and remove excessive body piercings.

121

3. Avoid perfumes and cologne since fragrance is very subjective. Also, many people are allergic to perfume. 4. Be enthusiastic and make eye contact during the job interview. 5. Have fresh breath and don't chew gum. 6. Maintain good posture; don't slouch. Poor posture gives the impression of a lazy or bored person. Good posture tells the interviewer that you are self-disciplined. Try not to fidget. 7. Plan on arriving 15 minutes early for the interview. Unforeseeable incidents may increase travel time, so be prepared. It is better that you wait than to make the interviewer wait for you. 8. Be prepared to talk positively about yourself and why you would be an asset to the company. Speak with confidence without sounding too arrogant. 9. Use proper grammar and avoid slang.

122

10. Having a parent or friend ask you questions in a mock job interview will help you feel more comfortable when it comes to the real thing. Many of these suggestions sound so obvious that I feel silly even mentioning them. However, you would be surprised how many adults are unaware of this seemingly basic information. Times are tough with many job applicants trying for the same few available positions. Stay positive and don't get discouraged if you are not selected for the first few positions that you apply for. Be persistent and ultimately you will be successful. Happy job hunting! When principal, Branden Carmondie, looks back at his days as a high school guidance counselor, he does so with fond memories. Helping students with life skills curriculum was always very rewarding. Seeing the realization in their eyes of what their futures could be made all the hours spent doing student resume for high school students well worth it.

123

Secrets to Finding Jobs Jobs and vacancies come and go. Many Londoners like to think that jobs are given to those who have more experience or to those who are simply more intelligent. Well, this may be true in some cases; however it's not necessarily always true in most scenarios. I strongly believe that to find a job in London it takes courage; you have to stand out from the rest. You have to make yourself appear unique. I'm about to reveal some insider secrets! Yes secrets, on how the professionals find jobs in London. You can use the methods I'm about to reveal for not only London but any other place in the world.

124

So you've signed up with all the job agencies in London and registered with all the job sites on the internet. Yet, you're still finding it difficult to find a job. Don't worry you’re not alone. I'm about to let you in on some hot tips and secrets to find job vacancies in London. If you follow my tips, I can assure you there is no reason why you wouldn't find a job in London. First let's get one thing clear; finding a job in London is competitive, but don't let that put you off. You're about to read some secrets, 95% of others don't know about. I have gathered a golden list of things you must follow in order to find a job in London. I need you to remember the 3D's; dedication, determination and drive throughout the whole list. Here we go: 1. When you sign up with job sites, never ever check that box which says "Allow recruiters to search my CV". If you do tick that box your CV becomes a virtual slut, every recruiter can see it and within days it becomes old news! The reason why job websites have that box is because they charge recruiters for searching CVs. It's a money making function, that's all. It doesn't benefit you at all, if anything, it decreases your chances in finding a job.

125

2. When applying for jobs online, be fussy and apply for jobs which fit your CV exactly. Don't apply for jobs in quantity because your CV becomes spam. Most recruiters will mark your CV as "irrelevant" if you apply for too many jobs. Remember quality over quantity when applying. This also makes you come across as unique. 3. If you can't find a job that fits your CV exactly, change your CV so it fits the job exactly (NOT word for word). Be smart about it! I know it can time consuming editing every CV for every position you apply for, truth is it's worth it. What would you rather do, look for jobs online for 4 months or spend a few days editing your CV for every job you apply for? 4. Come across as an expert in a particular field. Master a skill and become an expert at it. There is a high demand for skilled workers in London. When you become an expert you are valued more and are paid more attention to. This is also a way of increasing your salary. Revealed

126

5. Change your CV format once a week. Choose a different CV template or re-write your CV completely. This method works every time. Every recruiter likes to see fresh CVs, changing the way your CV looks has a huge impact! Obviously don't change your CV every day. This method is for people who don't many responses. Change your CV format and it's brand new again and you will be flooded with calls and possibly interviews too! 6. Network, network, network. In today's day and age networking with others has become very popular and there's a good reason why. Networking is basically making friends that are useful, e.g. If you're a web developer go to a web design seminar and network with other developers. This way you will be on top of your game and will also make new contacts and possibly new jobs! Create a LinkedIn profile. I know many people who have been head hunted from LinkedIn. http://www.linkedin.com

127

7. Always remember you are more important than the recruitment consultant! Many feel as if recruitment consultants look down on job seekers, in reality recruitment consultants actually feel the opposite. This mentality thinking helps, because it improves your confidence when talking about your career and what jobs you're after. This only applies to people who lack self-confidence. 8. Talking about confidence, always comes across as confident when on the phone to an employer or recruiter. It doesn't matter how many years of experience you have on your CV or how many degrees you have, confidence makes up 70% of a yes or no answer. 9. Use niche job sites, maybe they are not popular as the bigger ones but they are more resourceful. Finding a niche job site is easy, go to Google and type in "your role" job site. You will be surprised to find so many job sites that cater for your specific requirements. 10. Last and most importantly, be creative, enthusiastic and positive when searching for a job. Trust me it helps and goes a long way!

128

Well there you have it, my 10 secret methods on ways to find jobs in London. Remember you can apply these methods to wherever you are; I live in London so it would make sense for me to refer this to Londoners. Bookmark this list and go through it one by one and you won't be disappointed. Find your perfect job in London today! Robert is a HR specialist, more information can be found at London Jobs Job Vacancies in London Staff Vacancies

129

Standing Out Amidst the Job Candidate Sea of Mediocrity You're looking for work. Feeling the squeeze. You're pulling out all the stops, but the number of decent positions is dwindling - seemingly by the day. You're getting some action, but not the kind of interest you'd like. Some days your job search can seem so miserably futile. The odds are terrible; too many people are vying for that sliver of pie. But take heart. There's a sea of competition out there, yes. It's getting larger every month. But a lot of those candidates are, frankly, mediocre. (Not to mention the small, but always interesting, pool of really terrible candidates). Lest you think my assessment is cruel, I underscore that I'm talking about candidates. A person who is a mediocre candidate may be a very strong employee. Hardworking, Industrious. Dependable. Loyal. Productive.

130

The terms "good candidate" and "good employee" are not automatically synonymous - in fact, it's not unusual at all for a "good employee" (even a "terrific employee") to be a "not so good" candidate. Therein lies the rub. Far too many employees - sometimes really good, valuable employees - have no idea what they need to do to transform themselves into stellar candidates. Hiring managers are drowning in abysmally written resumes. When they invite people in, a fair number make some of the same stupid interviewing mistakes candidates have been making since the days of typewriter ribbon and mimeograph machines...along with a few entertaining newer entrants to the "stupid mistakes" category. Why am I telling you this? And why should this put a spring in your step? Because it's great news. You don't have to be one of those people. You can be a great employee and a great candidate! Maybe you already are.

131

If you know how to distinguish yourself from the masses - if you know what's unique about you and how to articulate it on paper (on your cover letter and in your resume) and verbally (while networking and interviewing) - if you know how to get inside the hiring manager's head and position yourself in such a way that you're a solution to her problem - then you're well on the way to being one of those strong candidates. Which means you will eventually cut through the noise and perform like the star that you are. It may take longer because there is unquestionably more clutter these days, but you will do it. It's only a matter of time. No doubt about it...there are a lot of people looking for work right now. But don't let that get you down. A sizable number of them are mediocre candidates. And you're going to leave most of them behind in the dust.

132

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition. http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

133

Two Critical Elements For Successful Job Search - While You Are Still Employed, Part I Concerned about being laid off? Make sure you are "Taking care of Business" In today's economy I am hearing from many who have lost their jobs, both with notice and without notice. It is never a comfortable situation to be in, for sure. We've lived it within our own family this year, and can happily report we've also come out on the other side, better for it all, believe it or not, and have seen many of our friends and clients do the same. I am seeing a common thread for those who are seeing quicker success in the job market which I wanted to share. 1. They have strong resumes which are loaded with quantifiable accomplishments which are tailored to the jobs and companies to which they are applying... And

134

2. They are extraordinarily strong networkers, using LinkedIn effectively and reaching far beyond the limits of online networking as well. The common thread of success between both of these elements starts while you are still on the job..... so if you are currently employed, this article can really benefit you! Today I'm going to talk about the resume with accomplishments and I'll follow up with a separate networking article. All of what I am going to share in these two articles is born out of my actual experience with successful job seekers during this recent recession. Resumes with Accomplishments: Resumes with quantifiable accomplishments are a strong stand out against the competition that don't have this element. Yet, surprisingly a large number of people who approach me for resumes have much difficulty listing accomplishments which actually have meaning. They can tell me they "met quality goals" or "on-time" goals, but they can't tell me specifically what those goals were, or what the metrics were behind the goals.

135

Companies care about what you can contribute to their bottom line.... So being able to articulate and highlight on your resume accomplishments which translate to the field or company you are applying for is key to success. If you are still employed it is to your benefit to know what your unit and corporate goals and metrics are. It helps to know where you've been and what you've accomplished as a team towards unit and corporate goals. It also helps to know what your individual contribution to the team was. If you don't know this information..... find it out while you are still employed.... It will be too late once you have been released from your job. Most companies have a nondisclosure policy once a person has separated from the company, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. I find that folks I work with are continually challenged when I ask them to come up with "specific accomplishments". To that end, this is a partial list I've created to generally help people start to mine through their accomplishments and "find the gold."

136

If you are still employed, this list will help you start thinking about the information you should be finding out specifics about while you are employed and have access to the information... Did you help make money? ? Add to net profit through re-engineering of operations ? Lead or par-take in a successful start up operation? ? Develop or participate in an incentive program? ? Increase sales, add customers or territories or products? ? Prepare or win proposals for funding or new business? ? Increase production or sales volume? ? Develop or participate in the development of a new product? Did you help save money? ? Develop or participate in sourcing initiatives ? Manage and shrink inventory?

137

? Reduce operating expenses without affecting production? ? Design or participate in purchasing strategies? ? Re-engineer business or production processes? ? Increase production without labor expenses? Did you help save time? ? Streamline work processes or job assignments? ? Perform work previously done by two employees? ? Introduce technology or data processes that saved time or shortened work cycles or processes? ? Redesign workspace lay out? ? Consolidate forms? Did you help make work easier? ? Merge fragmented work groups ? Eliminate unnecessary steps, or policies?

138

? Mitigate risks in the execution of a process or product development? ? Initiate an idea generation process from the work group ? Secure out sourcing or vendor assistance in a process ? Create an internship that assisted with additional workload? ? Initiate or participate in any kind of team communications? If you aren't employed, this list will help jog your memory. Keep in mind for the purposes of this article it is only a partial, generic list. I've also developed some industry specific ones, which are very attractive on a resume and help in the "key word" department. --So, after you're finished with this list, think of things specific to your field of work and list those for yourself and keep it where you can find it in the development of your resume.

139

For industry specific questions and lists or other resume writing and interview resources, visit my website at www.JobseekersGold.com Here's to your Success! Dominique Koukol And to help you get started writing a resume packed full of interview winning accomplishments, stop by and download your complete list of "Accomplishment Harvesting questions" at http://www.JobSeekersGold.com From Dominique Koukol, Author of The One-Day Resume: How to Complete A Quality Resume in a Day and get to the top of the interview list for the job you want.

140

Jobs For Teenagers - Which Are the Best Ones For You Times are tough, especially with the recent recession that we are going through so you are wondering what the best jobs are for teenagers, especially jobs that can pay a decent wage per hour. Now that you are a teenager, your parents have given you a lot more independence than you ever experienced before in your life. No more weekly allowance for you which means you need to find work in an area that you like which will still give you a chance to enjoy your summer with your friends. the jobs that you qualify for depend on your personality, area of expertise and your maturity. When I was 16 I applied for a job at a baseball card shop over the summer. I loved baseball and I had been collecting baseball cards since I was 11 so I had 5 years experience. I made some good money and had enough time to enjoy summer time with my friends. This was of course 25 years ago.

141

Easily the most popular jobs for teenagers these days, especially in the summer time is babysitting. Babysitting is great as it teaches you responsibility in caring for others at a very early age which will not only make you very mature compared to your friends, but it will also teach you how to care unselfishly for someone other than yourself. So you see, babysitting will give you a head start over other teens in helping you make that transition from a teenager to a young, responsible adult. The pay is also excellent as it starts between $8 and $13 an hour. This is the kind of job that is recession proof as parents will always need to take some time out of parenting to have the weekend to spend with each other out on the town. Another great Job for teens during the summer time would be washing cars. You can charge between $10 and $20 an hour . 10 bucks for the car wash alone and 20 bucks to include waxing. You do not need to apply for this job as all you need is a hose with running water which your neighbors can supply for you. You can make a killing with this job on your street alone. The best part of this job besides the money you can make is that it is on the most part a very safe job as it keeps you close to your own street and your staying right outside your neighbor’s house.

142

If you really want a job where you can earn pretty good money where you learn to wake up early each day and still have the whole day to yourself then getting a newspaper route is something you might want to consider. If you can wake up at 5am each day then no job is out of your reach. there is also one very important way to get jobs for teenagers and that resource is the internet. there are now many online websites that specialize in finding jobs for teens and they not only have thousands of "just for teens" job postings , but they also help by teaching you how to write a proper resume for a job and how to dress when presenting yourself to a potential employer. These teenage job listing websites not only help you zero in on the jobs that you want but they are also very reasonably priced in what they charge for their monthly fees. http://www.teenjobsection.com/ is the top online resource for Teen Jobs and Summer Jobs.

143

Finding Temporary Work Temporary Vacancies in London, UK - Finding temp work in London is easy, yes I said easy. It's best if you can focus on what you actually want to do. You probably found us because you're seeking temp work, well done in finding us because Job Vacancies in London are a number one job source for finding temp work. We believe it takes dedication and hard work in finding a full time job, the same applies when finding temp work. I'm about to let you in on a secret on finding temporary work, you need to be able to speak English in order to follow my secret. I say it's a secret but it's more of a method of finding temporary vacancies. You also need to be confident and NOT shy, trust me this works. Read the comments below if you don't believe me! First my method includes a phone line and the Yellow Pages. Trust me it works, 1000's of people have found temp work in and around London using my method. If you're not determined then stop reading and leave this site, as mentioned you need to be dedicated in order to follow my method. So here it goes.

144

Find your local directory, whether it be the Yellow Pages, Thomson or the BT directory. Next get a paper and pen and write down a list of companies that you relate to in terms of past experience, hobbies or interests. E.g. if you like gardening then you would look for garden centres or nurseries in the directory, if you have experience with computers and consider yourself a techie then you would look for IT companies. For now, make a list of these companies and write them down, also include the phone number of the businesses. You need to have a list of at least 20 or more businesses related to you in one way or the other. The reason why I chose the Yellow Pages is because it's more local and has every single business listed there, feel free to use other resources you may believe will help. This method only works for finding temporary vacancies and not for full time jobs.

145

So far you should have written down 20 or more companies that you can relate to in one way or the other. The more related the business the more chance this will work for you. You can write down more than 20 businesses to increase your chances if you want, but remember to keep the businesses relevant to you e.g. your past experiences, hobbies, interests etc. Relevancy is the key in this method. By now you should have written up a good list of 20 or more local businesses that are relevant to you in some way. Next, now this step requires dedication, confidence and most importantly patience. Think positive at all times, YOU WILL FIND A TEMP JOB! No, ring up the companies that you made a list of, one by one and simply introduce yourself. Below is an example of what you should say, remember to use your details when calling and not mine! Keep the conversation small, clear and relevant.

146

"Hi, my names Robert and I live on Claymont Terrace just behind your garden centre. I've been a gardener for quite some time and consider myself a professional gardener; I also get invited to the Chelsea Flower show every year. Over the last few years I have devoted myself to gardening and was wondering whether I could turn my passion into some temp work. Would you have any temp work available for a gardener like me?" Now, at this point the employer on the phone has a good sense of who you are, what you do and most importantly what advantages you can bring to his or her garden centre. (I am using garden centre as an example, in reality you will be calling the companies that you relate to). The person on the other side of the phone will do one or the other, say no or ask more about you. When they do ask more, you simply carry on selling yourself to them. You shall do this for the 20 companies you have written down, some will say no, but don't let rejection put you off. Try harder and get better every time you ring them. This only works for temp work because full-time jobs are more serious and the approach should be more professional.

147

TIP: Contact local businesses in where you live and remember the business must be relevant to what you like doing, build your career on your passion and success will follow. TIP: Write down your opening line and re-read it to yourself. Your opening line is your sales pitch, make it clear and simple. TIP: Avoid ringing companies on Mondays or straight after holidays as they are normally too busy. Well I hope this has been useful to you. This method is proven to work and helps if you are looking for work experience too. Best of luck and leave please leave all comments below. Find temp work vacancies today! Visit http://www.jobvacanciesinlondon.co.uk to read more interesting stuff. Temporary Vacancies

148

Tips to Managing Your Time During Your Job Search If you are one of the many people who have lost their jobs during this economic downturn, you may find yourself with more time on your hands than you're used to. It's easy to find yourself at the end of the day wondering where the day went. Here are 3 tips to managing your time during your job search: 1. Make a plan. It sounds pie in the sky, but we tend to waste time when we don't have directions, so taking the time to sit down and decide the 5 W's is crucial. Which companies are you targeting today, tomorrow, this week? Who do you need to reach out to for networking events? What do you need to do to get ready for interviews, networking, etc? When will you network, market yourself, research information? Where do you need to look for resources, websites, etc? How will you break down the items on your task list?

149

2. Make a list of your time wasters. We all have unconscious activities that we find ourselves doing when we don't know what else to do. Having more time on your hands may mean more time to waste on things like Facebook, YouTube, etc. The action of making a list will bring these items to your consciousness and make you aware of your own habits. Allow time for these things during the day, but recognize that you won't get much accomplished if you waste your day doing these activities. 3. Develop a system. The information received during the job process can be very detailed and have many threads to emails and notes from specific prospects. Taking the time to develop a system to keep this information organized is vital. How are you keeping track of notes you take during phone calls, in person meetings, emails, etc? Having a lot of loose notes in piles will only lend to your growing frustration and encourage feelings of overwhelm. Think about the job search as a part-time job and organize yourself accordingly. The key to success in this area is having one system for capturing all of your information and maintaining consistency with that system.

150

Claire Keeling is a speaker/trainer/consultant and President of Sort It Out, Inc. http://www.sortitoutconsulting.com Claire's insightful and customized approach to time and information management brings her presentations to audiences nationwide. Sort it Out helps leaders to become more efficient, organized and productive.

151

Having Trouble Landing Your Next Job? If you've been having trouble landing a job or switching careers, if you've been out there pounding the pavement for months or weeks and can't figure out why you're still unemployed, here's a check list of things you may want to improve upon. Your resume: Your resume is your most important job search tool. If you've been sending out hundreds of resumes and been getting very little response, it may be that your resume is the problem. Have someone else read over your resume to ensure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure that the tone of your resume addresses what you can do for your potential employer. Your resume should also be targeted. It's fine to want to pursue a number of different types of jobs but if this is the case, you should have a targeted resume for each or the different opportunities you're pursuing. Make sure that your resume is unique. Too often I see clients who have prepared their resume using the exact same template - do you really want to look like a clone?

152

Also, describe in your resume what value you can bring to the organization. Try to stay away from the classic descriptions such as "excellent communication skills", "ability to multi-task", "team player" - you'll sound like everyone else. If you suspect that your resume is the problem and you're not sure how you might improve upon it, contact a professional resume writer. Yes, there will be a fee but it is worth the investment. Every week that you spend unemployed or employed but underpaid from having an ineffective resume will cost you. Your interview preparation: If you've been to a number of interviews but don't seem to be making the cut, you may want to take an honest look at your interviewing skills. First and foremost, make sure that you are dressed for the part. If you are interviewing for an office position, make sure you wear business attire - even if the company employs a "casual" dress policy. Be polite, make eye contact and research the company before you go so that you can ask intelligent questions of the interviewer.

153

Think about how you answered the interviewer's questions in your previous interviews. Did you trash talk a previous boss or employer? Did you fumble around in answering the interviewer's questions? Take some time to review your performance in your interviews and think of how you might have answered the interviewer's questions better. Go prepared for the next one. Mentally prepare yourself by going over the questions you might expect to be asked and how you will answer them. Your job search strategy: If you've been focusing exclusively on answering ads on job boards, you're missing out on a number of other opportunities that are out there. Add a few other job search strategies to your overall campaign. By focusing exclusively on answering job board ads, you are playing where the competition is the toughest. When employers post job ads, they can potentially receive hundreds if not thousands of replies.

154

Your chances of landing one of those advertised jobs are pretty slim unless you have a very unique set of skills. Try approaching companies you would like to work for that are not currently advertising any positions. Often you can connect directly with the hiring manager and get to know him or her on a much more casual and much less competitive basis. Register with a couple of employment agencies. I say a couple because sometimes job seekers will register with every employment agency in town and that is not a good strategy either. Select two or three that specialize in recruiting in your area of expertise. Attend networking functions and have your own business cards made up with your name, phone number, email address and area of expertise.

155

Laura Whitelaw is the founder of Best Choice 4 Resumes and a Certified Resume Strategist who prepares professional, attention grabbing resumes that land interviews. Her background includes several years working in the employment services field as well as some time working in corporate training and development. Visit http://www.bestchoice4resumes.com for free job search and interview tips and to download a free report "Top 10 Q & A's To Help You Ace That Job Interview".

156

Job Search Tips - Two Powerful Secrets to Connecting With Your Market Are you interested in saving yourself time and energy in your job search, while still getting great results? Then you are going to want to know about these three jobsearch tips that you can implement right now and that will get you quickly pointed in the right direction! Tip #1: Job board tips Here's a tip for using online job boards..... use a meta search job engine that will pull key positions from various sources (job boards etc...) vs. going from one job board to another. This will save you a tremendous amount of time and effort. And once you have done that, Really try to limit yourself to no more than 15 or 20 minutes a day. Just implementing this one tip you will save yourself a ton of time and energy. Tip #2: Growth opportunities Next method I love is tapping into company growth opportunities.

157

A growth opportunity is a window of time when a company is moving, growing or experiencing some kind of activity. Following up (sending a letter and possibly a resume) in response to a company growth opportunity is really easy, makes you look great in the eyes of a potential employer and sets you apart from your competition. Most mid to senior level professionals are excellent at planning and strategy. It's what they know so this is a very natural play on their skills and abilities. Growth opportunities come in many forms and through many mediums including: Corporate Growth, moves and expansions Mergers and Acquisitions VC Funding New product/service introductions Awards and recognitions

158

Announcements of executive appointments Now the mediums in which these are usually published can be found in many places including: Press releases - and there are lots of news services on the internet for these press releases you can very easily Google that information. Business journals - either local or national ones Trade journals are great sources Associations - one of my favorite platforms and again you can Google association lists and you won’t believe how many you will find. Once you have identified the growth opportunities in the industries you're interested in, now it’s simply a matter of connecting with those companies using whatever information you have gathered about them as your platform for introduction. You will want to send a copy of the article you are referencing, a letter and in some cases a resume is absolutely appropriate. .

159

This is a lot easier than people may think to do and it sends a powerful message to your contact that you can take initiative, and making your contact about them is not only flattering but puts you in a great light. Would you like to learn how to quickly and easily get more interviews, shorten your job search and increase your salary? Check out my website: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com, for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "5 Simple Steps To Find, Focus On and WIN Your Dream Job - Starting Today!" Job Search Coach and nationally certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford is "The Career Artisan."

160

Why Targeting Your Job Search Gets You More Interviews and Offers Did you know that 80% of jobs are filled before they are advertised? That's why relying only on jobs you find posted on job boards is like slapping the handcuffs on your job search. Identifying your target market or industries is one of the steps you need to take if you are wanting to break free of job board reliance and start taking the initiative that is going to bring you more quality job interviews and offers! Maybe you know your market really well - in which case this could be a really fun and simple step for you as you write down all your industries, sub industries, geographic preferences and favorite "A" list companies. If you are looking to change industries, which will make this step more demanding of your time and attention. Spend some time brainstorming on sub industries and parallel industries because sometimes you can find plenty of opportunities here that strengthen your transferrable skills.

161

You may want to conduct some mentoring sessions with people in potential industries that you would like to know more about. Don't worry that you are "bothering" people. Most people are happy to help and flattered to be interviewed. As you identify and/or research industries, there are many ways out there to identify target markets including lists, associations, business and trade journals, even the phone book to find companies that fall in your ideal category. You need to ultimately begin to build your list (e.g. your top list of companies you would "consider" in your next move). Now you are empowered and choosing what companies are a potential good fit for YOU (versus waiting around for the right posted job to come around)! You will probably have this step as an ongoing step during your transition process as you continue to find companies that match your background and or interests.

162

Most employers - big or small follow the same grass-roots system (whether they realize it or not) for hiring good productive employees. They will look at resumes they currently have on file, ask around (both within and outside of their company), share the open positions with their team and offer a referral fee for those who might refer qualified candidates, post the position with related associations or on their company website or they will share the position with recruiters. Generally posting a position to a paid major job board is at the bottom of a companies' list, of methods to find top talent. You will reap many benefits from learning how to do what I call "the reverse job search". The interest you will generate from this approach far exceeds the 3 or 4 percent return on the investment of your time posting resumes on the internet.

163

Would you like to learn how to quickly and easily get more interviews, shorten your job search and increase your salary? Check out my website: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com, for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "5 Simple Steps To Find, Focus On and WIN Your Dream Job - Starting Today!" Job Search Coach and nationally certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford is "The Career Artisan."

164

Searching For Jobs Online? 7 Valuable Tips You Must Keep in Mind Have you ever faced a situation where you search for jobs online but the results are not satisfactory? I have lots of people coming in with two basic problems about online job search - 1. The search results are irrelevant, or 2. They find it difficult to get a proper response to the jobs they have applied online. This article is not just for people falling into these two categories but for anybody who is searching for jobs through online engines. Here are the basic things you need to keep in mind. 1. Know your needs clearly and prioritize them - This might sound really simple, but in reality, most people are not clear in this very first step. Be very sure about the job you want to get into, location of work, pay package, responsibilities you can handle, hours of work etc. Also, prioritize your needs. You might not get everything you want in your dream job. You might have to compromise on something. Know what you are ready to compromise on.

165

2. Use the most appropriate search terms - The terms you use to search jobs online are extremely important. Choose the most appropriate terms that encompasses your job requirements effectively. For example, if you are looking for content project online, type 'Freelance online content' or 'content writing online' rather than 'writing' or 'copy writing' or 'journalism'. This would help you narrow down your job search as per your specifications. 3. Be honest - All good job sites and job search engines always ask for basic information when you register with them. Ensure that you are totally honest while filling this in. Although this might not affect the search much, but it definitely will affect you in closing the deal or sustaining that job. 4. Be prepared with your resume and cover notes - Ensure that your resume is updated. Also, keep skeleton copies of cover notes, which you can tweak and use the moment you find a good job opportunity.

166

5. Be smart on the site you visit - Rather than visiting various job search engines, visit a site that incorporates all of them. Choose a site that crawls through various job portals and company websites and encompasses the information on their site. Simplify your job search process by visiting just one reliable portal and save precious time on searching as well as managing your job hunt. 6. Flag off - If you find anything that suits you even remotely, flag it immediately. All good sites have a provision for flagging or adding to the cart. You can later skim through and choose from the various options. 7. Importance of your contact information - Always give a contact number where you would be accessible all the time. Give your cell number instead of landline number. Provide an Email address that you would access regularly. In fact, it is wise to create one only for your job search process.

167

Follow these basic steps and see the change in the quality of your job search results. After all, the job sites are mere search engines and would provide data based on the requirement you fill in. If you fill in the correct job search terms and are absolutely clear of what you're looking for, nothing can keep you away from your dream job. This article is written by Prashant Parikh, Founder CEO, http://www.faayda.com/, an integrated job search site on India, to provide valuable insight and guidance for searching jobs online and sustaining them.

168

Find a Job - Radically Different Approach We want to begin our job search doing something tangible that redirects our thought process. For most people, putting together a personal inventory is really a glorified resume. That is, decidedly, not the approach we are going to take. From the get go, we are taking a contrarian path in the way we go about things. The mass of job seekers today tend to do things in a similar fashion. They focus on their resume, their educational background, work experience and preparing for the interview. They post their resume online and wait for something to happen! If you want to go to the head of the line, and make things happen, you need to take a new approach. Everything I am going to talk about in this process is the opposite of what is normally practiced today. Let me be very clear, this is not theory but has been developed and tested in the field as to its effectiveness.

169

The results have been outstanding. Individuals utilizing this methodology are hired in a fraction of the normal time by companies they target and are generally working for higher starting salaries. In addition, the same nine steps can be employed by those already working who want to move up in their respective companies. So let's begin. You need to maintain a different perspective regarding your role in the process. From this point on, you are no longer just a job seeker, but rather a creative problem solver. As we go through the nine steps, you will see how this radically changes our job search. We will begin our professional inventory answering six key questions. 1) What industry are you interested in? 2) What companies are you interested in? 3) What departments or divisions have you worked in? 4) What business problems have you been instrumental in solving? 5) What was the business impact of solving those problems?

170

-What revenue was generated? -What cost savings resulted? -What % efficiencies resulted? 6) Who was the highest-ranking person in the organization that cared that you solved these problems? 7) Who were the competitors of the company you work for? Answer these questions in depth and write down your responses. Go into as much detail and specifics as is possible. You will be using this personal inventory to develop a new perspective of yourself and how you have been effective in solving problems in your previous work situations. Let's be very clear about one thing. Job seekers are offered a position for one reason and one reason only.

171

A decision maker has a problem. If that person thinks that you can solve their problem for less money than the problem costs, you will get the job. This really is how the world works; everything else is extraneous. Everything you are going to do in this process is designed to help you zero in on those opportunities where you can be the answer to a decision maker’s problem. Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

172

Job Search - Get That Job Fast This article is for readers who are desperately searching for information with ready-to-implement strategies on job search. It is common knowledge that job search is getting tougher. Breakthroughs come from going "outside the box" and bringing in new proven strategies back in. An informative job search article should give the reader a complete control over the job search process regardless of the economy or any other market condition and put an end to the endless waiting for that interview call. It should replace all old-fashioned job-finding strategies and inform the reader about: - What Hiring Managers are looking for in a resume; - How they select a resume among hundreds of resumes; - What attracts them and what pushes them away from a resume; - What transferable skills to include in your resume;

173

- What to do and how to conduct yourself during interviews. And most importantly it should provide interview response tips for job seekers including the following: Practicing Active Listening Skills Interviews can make us focus too much on having to answer that we may forget that we are also supposed to be listening. Without active listening, we might make the mistake of jumping the gun, being too eager to respond to the question that we may have missed the meaning of the question altogether. Therefore once a question is posted to you, evaluate it carefully before you answer. If you are confused or you wish to be certain if you had understood the question correctly there is nothing wrong in giving your interviewer feedback with regards to how you understood him. Contrary to what most people are thinking, asking a clarificatory question does not express weakness but rather strength. It sends the message that you sincerely want to understand the question and that you are confident enough to ask for what you need.

174

For example the interviewer asked you: 'How do you feel about starting on a practicumer?' You may be confused as to what he meant by practicumer. If this is the case there is nothing wrong in asking "are you inquiring if I would be willing to get accepted as an on-the-job trainee?" You can also just ask for more data. "I don't understand what you meant by practicumer. Could you kindly elaborate on what that means?" Remember that not all that the interviewer will say is in need of a response. There are times when the interviewer takes the session as an opportunity to tell you what the company and the job is like to check with you if this is your cup of tea. If so, take the opportunity to carefully think about what they are saying and offer an appropriate response afterwards. Give effective and appropriate responses. Have the objectives of responding clearly in your mind before you answer. They are, but are not limited to, the following: a. Emphasize what you can offer.

175

b. Emphasize your edge over competition. c. Show how you really want the job. d. Address possible objections to hiring you and e. Get to know the company and job better. Aside from the tips mentioned before, the following are also some advice worth taking: Keep your sentences short, concise and to the point. There is nothing that is much more beautiful than brevity: the ability to express yourself simply but clearly. You do not need to use complicated sentences and highfalutin words to impress. In fact too much technical jargon may confuse rather than impress your interviewer. The important thing is that you get your point across. Brevity is strategic in many ways. For one you have to remember that your interviewer has limited time and might not be able to spend a lot on you.

176

With this in mind, it is best to cover as much ground as possible without sacrificing the quality of your response. Second, a far too complicated answer is difficult to process and you might lose attention that should be on you. Third, a short but impactful answer is easier to recall and leads a more lasting impression. If your interviewer is seeing more than one applicant a day, you do not want to fade in all the words you used. Lastly, the human mind can only retain a limited amount of information at a time. If you overload it with too much junk you might not be memorable. Answers positively or at least end positively. There are times when interviewers ask leading questions in order to elicit answers they normally wouldn't get. These questions, if not evaluated carefully, appear to be asking for a negative response. An example of this question is: "Give me a situation in your life when you neglected responsibility" or "What is the biggest mistake that you've done?" Do not fall into the trap of answering negatively. For example in the first question you may say that you cannot recall a time when you've neglected responsibility. If this is your honest response then you have to be authentic rather than make up a story that didn't happen.

177

It may be more effective however if you approach questions like these with a certain reasonableness. After all it is not unreasonable to think that we've neglected a bit of the responsibility on our shoulders from time to time. There may have been one or two (or more!) situations when we failed at it. Relate this story of failure then but use it to illustrate a virtue or a skill. For example you may say: "Yes, I do recall a time like that, although neglect may be a strong word. I may have had to delegate a responsibility to someone else after a more urgent priority came up. You see..... " Focus also on the lessons that you learned. For example in answering what was the biggest mistake you ever made you can expound on something where you learned a valuable lesson. Emphasize the lesson you learned and not the mistake. Illustrate your points with examples and substantiation when applicable. Remember that just because you say it, doesn't mean that you've already proven it. To add impact to your answers, it might help if you can illustrate it using concrete examples. For instance you were asked "what do you think is your greatest strength?"

178

A response of "I am a resourceful person" is clearly not enough, even if you try to quantify it like, say, you give yourself 9 out of 10. Anyone can claim they are resourceful. It would be better if you provide concrete examples of this resourcefulness. You can say: "I make it a point to explore all possible options that are available to me and I can be relied on to think outside the box. For instance, when the venue for a fundraising concert that we had organized became unusable at the last possible minute, I came up with the idea to transform an abandoned church lot in our community into a suitable venue for a gathering of 500 people. I called on my closest friends and we built a makeshift stage just in time for the event. It went on successfully."

179

Make your examples relevant to the job at hand as much as you can. In the same vein, be careful not to use too many generic and vague adjectives like friendly, kind, and industrious. Remember that these adjectives can mean differently to different people. To better hit the nail in the head, use specific terms and action words, the way you do in your resume. Thus instead of saying 'friendly' say that 'People who know me say that I am approachable and easy to work with.'

180

Focus on the observable and preferably verifiable. "My teammates have told me that I have strong leadership skills." is better than "People look to me as a leader" or "I think I have leadership qualities." In the same way, saying that "my internship supervisor gave me top marks for diligence" is better than "I believe I am responsible." Substantiation and proof need not be verbal. You can also bring documents that can help you prove your competence such as certificates and work samples, as long as these are not bulky or overly complicated. Ideally, these things should be attached with your resume. You may direct your interviewer to these documents when appropriate e.g. "Yes, I've written press releases before. Kindly see the attached document." or "Yes, I've written press releases before. I've brought a sample. Would you like to see it?" Use words that denote conviction and personal responsibility.

181

Sometimes we use terms that are intended to account for a margin of error in our promises. These words do not give the impression that you are taking full responsibility for what you utter and thus can compromise your credibility. When answering, be direct, excellence-centered and concrete. For example, if asked "can you do something like this?" the common response is "I'd try." But if you are reasonably confident that you can do the job, why not say bluntly "Yes, I can"? You may be worried that it will come across as too arrogant but remember that assertiveness is different from arrogance. Use I-sentences too to illustrate that you are a self-driven individual. Thus instead of saying that "my college professor taught me well" it is better to say "I paid a lot of attention to my excellent college professor on this subject." After all, you are building your credibility, not your professor's! Answering this way is actually empowering personally. You get to commit yourself to do the best that you can. You also get to emphasize that you are in charge of yourself.

182

If you are indeed hesitant in answering in a direct affirmative then "I would do my best" is better than "I'd try." It is more effective however to just state in your response what you need to get that job done. If you are worried because it is a task you are unfamiliar with, then state the need for guidance: "With guidance, yes, I can definitely accomplish this task." Silence is okay. Here is a weird advice: there is nothing wrong with silence in an interview. Do not rush to fill in the lull unless needed. Silence could mean that the interviewer is thinking or reflecting, processing something that you said. Silence need not be negative appraisal. If the worst occurred and you blanked out, be genuine. Obviously it is not recommended that you blank out or have a mental block. But in the occasion that you do, it is helpful to just be genuine and admit what happened. "I seem to have difficulty processing the question. Let me try again..."

183

Justice Mandhla is the author of What they did not teach you in school: Life Long Learning Tips to land a job straight out of school and he spends a great deal of his full-time writing day researching and writing about job search strategies. See more at http://www.mystudent4life.com

184

There is Life After Retrenchment WITH the current financial crisis, there are many reasons why companies are retrenching employees if they cannot be redeployed. Companies are freezing wages and hiring. Some are relocating to other countries with lower costs. Others may wind up their operations totally. What if you are caught in the crossfire and made redundant? Here are some tips to cope better if you are laid off during this financial crisis. 1. Reframe your beliefs First, accept the fact that your services are not required by your current employer. It is natural to feel shocked and angered by this, but sooner or later, you will have to move on. You are afraid to step out of your comfort zone to experience new growth. You are not alone. Many people don't bother to stretch themselves. They remain somewhat contented in this zone as they are complacent, safe and sound.

185

Your comfort zone is dictated by change. The harder you fight change and resist its force, the more difficult it is to break through and move forward. Begin with embracing small changes incrementally and adapting to the new environment. Then you can move on. A tree grows a small bit at a time, adding layers to its foundation for greater strength and stability in the future. Be like the tree and grow daily. Technology and ways of doing business are evolving every day. Sooner or later, you will be left behind if you do not act. Playing it safe is usually not an option. You must continue to learn or risk falling behind. 2. Work in a different industry If your current industry is described as being in its sunset phase, it is probably not a wise choice to stay in it. You may want to consider a career in another industry. Although your salary package might be reduced, at least you are still engaged in the workforce. Alternatively, you can take on a part-time job. This will help to easy your current cash-flow problems and give you more time to decide what you want your next job to be.

186

3. Upgrade your skills Enroll for courses to upgrade your skills. It is never too late to improve. Business writing, communication, resumé writing and presentation courses boost your soft skills and directly impact your chances of finding a job. Next, decide which technical skills you need to work on to make yourself more employable. 4. Network Don't sit in front of the computer or stay at home for too long. Participate in a variety of networking events to broaden your knowledge and build up your circle of contacts. You will be able to find people with common interests. Networking also provides fresh information about new openings and other career opportunities. 5. Work on your resumé If you have worked at the same company for a long time, your resumé will be outdated. You may want advice from a professional resumé writer or attend courses on how to create an impressive resumé.

187

6. Update your image It's not enough to be smart: You have to look smart too. Read up on how to present a professional and well-groomed image to boost your job search. You can even invest in the services of an image consultant if you think you need a dramatic overhaul. When you feel good about yourself, you will appear confident and make a good impression on your interviewers. Dennis Kwan is a trainer, speaker, author, a volunteer at Changi prison and also a Neuro-Linguistics Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner, Hypno-Therapist, Time-line Practitioner. He graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Commerce. He is also certified in PMP, ITIL and Certified ISO 9001 Auditor. For more information, please visit his website http://www.dennis-kwan.com or email him at denniskwan@dennis-kwan.

188

Adjunct Professor Jobs There is a trend for universities to use increasing numbers of adjunct professors. According to the U.S. Department of Education, over the last 25 years the use of adjuncts has jumped 9 percent, from 34 percent in the mid-1970s to 42 percent in the late 1990s. This trend continues to the present time and is not showing any signs of letting up. Thus, there are additional adjunct professor jobs available each year. This means that anyone who truly wants to be a part-time professor will have the ability to find jobs. Standing in front of a class is what immediately comes to mind when we mention the word professor. However, there are other opportunities available to adjunct professors. In addition to teaching live to a class, professors also teach online. Contact is maintained via the internet and lively discussions are possible, even if they are asynchronous (Students and the professor are not online at the same time). There are increasing numbers of adjunct professor jobs available to online educators.

189

Another route that adjunct professors can take is course development. Increasing numbers of colleges establish at least the objectives of the course to be taught. Many online universities have prepared courses for faculty to teach. This standardizes the courses. There are many people who are able to earn a healthy income via course development. In addition to course development, there are many opportunities available to develop the curriculum for new programs and majors. Then, the opportunity exists to also develop the courses to be taught in the new curriculum. Another area where there are plenty of adjunct professor jobs is in the field of publishing. Many publishing houses and colleges need editors, textbook authors, and the production of training manuals. Also, it is not difficult to earn an income preparing questions for standardized tests such as the SAT or the GRE. Professors are usually the ones who are hired to administer standardized tests when they are offered.

190

Thus, there are many avenues that an adjunct professor can take to earn a steady income. They can teach both on ground and online. In addition to teaching, professors can develop courses and curricula as well as writing books, training manuals, and exam questions for profit. The opportunity is there if you wish to pursue it. Get started earning BIG as a part-time professor at: http://www.adjunctteachingonline.com

191

Five Reasons Your Job Search Isn't Getting the Results You Want Elements beyond your control can impact your job search success: The job market, the economy, the health of your industry. Yet, there are many factors over which you have complete control. How you handle these factors can make the difference between a long, drawn out job search and one that nets quicker results. Rather than focusing on what we cannot change, let's focus on what we can. Here are five reasons that you may not be getting the results you want in your current job search: You've already convinced yourself that there aren't any jobs available. Henry Ford once said, "If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." Attitude and confidence play a large role in success - whether you are an athlete, businesswoman, or job hunter. Your belief - or disbelief - in your ability to achieve success will greatly impact how you conduct your job search and the impression you make with others.

192

Imagine an unseeded tennis player that is scheduled to go up against a top-ranking player in a match. This isn't the situation that she'd hoped for. But, now that it is here, how will she approach the opportunity she's been given? She has two options: She can step onto the court already looking defeated. Head and shoulders dropped. Slumped posture. Panged look on her face. She is, in effect, telling her opponent, "You've already won." Not surprisingly, she will be right. Her fear will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand she can consider this to be a tremendous opportunity. She knows how good her opponent is and she respects her game. But, she is confident in her own skills and ability. She sees this as the biggest opportunity of her career and she is determined to go for it. This attitude of confidence and self-belief is just as critical to her success as her talent and abilities.

193

What is your belief about your ability to succeed in your job search? It will either limit your ability to succeed or propel you forward. Limit the amount of negative information you allow in each day. Find the balance between staying informed and absorbing every negative report about the job market and the economy. Improve your job search skills and techniques. This will further boost your confidence. You're not as productive as you think you are. "I've been looking for a job for months, but I'm not getting any results." This is the most common complaint I encounter with my job-search coaching clients. My response is, "What have you been doing during those months?" Their initial response usually sounds promising. They've sent out twenty resumes or spend two hours per day combing job ads. However, when we look at the numbers more objectively we usually discover room for improvement. Sending twenty targeted resumes out in two weeks is impressive. Sending out just twenty resumes over the course of two and a half months will considerably lengthen your job search.

194

The average job search can range from three months to a year. The length of your job search is largely determined by the time, energy, and effort that you put into it. If you are a full-time job hunter, approach your job search much the same way you would approach a full-time job. Carefully assess your current job search. What kind of time and effort are you putting into your job search? Are you a full-time job hunter, a part-time job hunter, or is your job search become more of a hobby? Honestly assess your situation and make adjustments where necessary. You have no clear plan. Can you imagine a sports team entering a game without a game plan? From little league to the pros there is always a game plan is place. You study the opposition. Study the field of play. You play to your strengths while exploiting the opposer's weaknesses. As a job hunter you must take the same approach.

195

Learn about different job search strategies. Conduct careful research on your field and industry. Learn as much as you can about your targeted geographic locations. Your industry may be dying in your local region yet blossoming another. Create a plan of action based on the information that you gather and implement it consistently. Keep track of your results and make adjustments as needed. You shy away from high-risk, high-reward job search techniques. It isn't uncommon for a frustrated job hunter to reveal that they spend countless hours on their job search each day. The majority - if not all - of that time is spent in passive job search activities like surfing online job boards and combing through newspaper ads. These activities are convenient and feel safe. However, they are not the most effective strategies for landing your next job.

196

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. If you are currently involved in a job hunt, networking should be an integral part of your strategic plan. Learn how to network effectively. If you are hesitant or perhaps shy, begin slowly. Practice with friends or family to raise your confidence. Then take the plunge. Realize that the best way to get over your fear of networking is to just do it. The more you network, the better you'll become at this essential skill. Remember that networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships with others. Keep in touch with the members of your network. Don't just call upon them when you need something. Look for opportunities to support them as well. You're trying to go it alone. A job hunt can be a lonely and devastating experience. Do not isolate yourself. Communicate with friends and family. Let them know how you're feeling. Get support from others. If you can't find the support that you need within your own circle: *

Join a job hunters group locally or online.

197

*

Buddy up with another job hunter and commit to

calling each other at least once a week. *

Work with a job search or career coach.

Enlisting the support of others can provide ongoing support, encouragement, and added accountability. Many job hunters find that this greatly improves their results. Honestly assess your current situation. If your job hunt isn't getting any traction consider how leveraging support can improve your results. We are in a highly competitive job market. Yet, jobs are available. If your job search isn't getting results, rethink your current strategy. Improve your outlook; ramp up your activity; establish a clear game plan; go for high-risk, highreward strategies; and get needed support. Roxanne Ravenel is a Job Search Coach & Consultant, author of The Savvy Jobseeker's Guide & Workbook, and host of the Savvy Jobseeker Podcast. She teaches jobseekers how to prepare for interview success and implement a customized self-marketing plan. Visit http://SavvyJobseeker.com to learn more. Copyright © 2008 Roxanne Ravenel

198

Advice For Older Job Searchers - The Best is Yet to Come When Jean called, it was clear from her voice she was angry and frustrated. She had been unemployed for a year, and didn't know why she couldn't get a job. She complained about age discrimination. She had not struggled with finding a job before and knew she had great skills. With unpaid bills starting to mount, she felt stuck and close to a state of panic. Friends and colleagues offered suggestions and advice, but nothing had work so far. Jean's experience is typical of many mature workers. She had many accomplishments and experiences suggesting she would make an excellent employee. She set off on her job search not expecting any problems and when days became weeks and then months, it caught her by surprise. As she worked to keep her spirits up and stay motivated, she concluded the problem must be her age. Younger recruiters, threatened by her experience and knowledge must be afraid to hire her. But that didn't change the reality of her situation - she needed (and wanted) a job.

199

From Jean's resume, it was clear she had accomplished amazing things. She had a three-page resume listing her jobs as a cultural affairs director, non-profit fundraiser, journalist, and medical administrator. The truly great experiences were at the bottom of her resume as a volunteer. But, the resume lacked focus and cohesiveness. There were so many diverse experiences and skills, nothing specific stood out. A potential employer would have a hard time sifting through the diversity to determine whether or not she was a good match for a job. Jean made a mistake common for mature workers. Not wanting to limit her options, she included all of her experiences for the last 20 years. Her thinking was that potential employers would see the many things she had done and view them as assets, as she did. Instead, it backfired and she was viewed as talented and accomplished, but without focus and clear objectives. Potential employers asked themselves, "Is she good at any of them?"

200

In coaching, Jean began to articulate her strengths. Jean started by listing her primary life accomplishments. Jean was able to see the threads running through all of her work and volunteer activities, regardless of the job title. Jean continually demonstrated great leadership and communication skills. But her real gift was being able to enlist people in grand visions. On numerous occasions, she had been able to get people to volunteer their time on projects requiring a lot of work and energy. These projects were hugely successful, winning accolades from superiors and the public. This information resulted in a concise resume that eliminated unnecessary words and phrases, but still supported her objectives. Jean began to see how keeping her options open had actually limited her efforts and been counterproductive. She became renewed and re-energized about her job search efforts. She regained her confidence and enthusiasm.

201

As a result of coaching, Jean honed in on the objective of being a public/community relations officer for a medical facility. Her resume highlighted her skills and accomplishments supporting this objective. In addition, she had the specific information to demonstrate her abilities comfortably in an interview. She had a plan to get in front of hiring executives. But most important, she was excited about her prospects and confident she could get the professional position capitalizing on her capabilities. Cathy Severson, MS is a leading authority in retirement life planning and career change. This is not your parents' retirement. Receive your free copy of 7 Ingredients for a Satisfying Retirement at http://tinyurl.com/8moymb.

202

Be One Step Ahead Preparing For a Job Interview We all normally have to go through this process at some stage if we are in the employment market. It can be stressful unless you prepare well for it. One of the areas I have found that is very often lacking in the preparation for a job interview is looking at presenting the areas where you can solve a problem that an employer has. This will increase your chances dramatically, so how do you actually do this? Firstly, research on the internet for any press articles that have reviews of the company you are approaching for a job interview. These will give you an insight into the overall company position and very often the view of outsiders of the structure of that company.

203

Go to the company web site and find the CEO or Presidents name and research for any statements released by them relating to future direction and strategy of the operation. If you can try and get an insight into the company's last balance statement this not only helps you make sure the company is stable and will not be getting rid of you as soon as you join but will indicate areas where they maybe are weak. Now you need to drill down to the department you are looking at joining. You can very often get a feeling of what the problems are by simply asking a member of staff how they feel about working for that organisation, just say you are considering two positions and wanted to understand the positives and negatives of that particular firm. Having gathered as much information as you can, putting it to use needs skill. Do not approach and say you have a major problem that I can sort out for you; company's very often do not want to admit to weakness areas.

204

The right way is to put the information into your covering letter in that you believe you can bring value to a certain area and you would enjoy a meeting to explain more. For example: "I believe with my skill set I will be able to bring added value to the area of marketing and enhance the penetration into that sector of the market. I have some ideas to discuss with you that I think you will agree would strengthen that operation." Remember to prepare some ideas from your research into the weaknesses that you have identified but never name individuals as an area of weakness, you never know who is a friend of who. Lastly think if two people sent you a CVs and one said I have some ideas to bring value to you who would you see first Brian Stanley has recruited over the past 30 years some of the best people in the finance industry. there is a growing site of helpful advice on how to prepare for job interviews at http://www.interviewingaid.com

205

Keeping Your Job in Tough Economic Times Times are tough for both companies and individuals right now. The jobless rate is at a 14 year high. As we are on the brink of a depression, companies have had to make difficult cuts including laying people off. Companies often times select people on the layoff list based on performance, not just seniority. Below are some tips to make sure your name isn't on the next list of layoffs. *

Learn as much as you can - Continue to enhance your

knowledge and expertise. You can take a refresher class, obtain a professional certification, or learn a new skill. The more knowledge you have, the more valuable your employer will find you, giving you the best chance at keeping your job. *

Keep a positive attitude - When budgets are being cut

and people are being laid off, there will be people in the office who have a bad attitude about the situation. Steer clear of these types of conversations, and stay positive about the outlook of the company.

206

*

Volunteer to help out - If the economic downturn has

lightened your workload, don't take advantage of the situation and slack off. Volunteer to help other members of your department, and join special project committees. *

Expand your role - No matter how busy you are,

even if this means putting in extra hours, take on a new role or responsibility that would fit nicely into your area of expertise. If you are able to add more tasks to your job description, your employer will have a harder time letting go of you. John Leutermann Jr. is the Recruiting Marketing Specialist at QPS Companies, Inc. QPS Companies is a staffing and recruiting company, and has 21 branches throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. QPS has been placing great people at great companies since 1985. Visit the QPS website to find a branch near you. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Jobs Site QPS also offers Outplacement services to companies experiencing downsizing, mergers and acquisitions. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Outplacement Site

207

Job Search in a Tough Economy - How to Step it Up We continue to hear in the headlines about the slipping economy and numerous jobs being lost. Every open position draws between 100 and 1000 applicants. The facts are as a job seeker you are searching in a very competitive market. How are your differentiating yourself from your competition? Below are a few tips to get started: Network, Network, Network - Most people find a job through someone they know. You need to find out who your connections know. Tell as many people as possible what type of job you are looking for. Great sources include: family, friends, neighbors, professional associations, previous employers, and former classmates. The numbers game - When you're searching for a job keep your search broad and look at a wide range of industries and positions. If you have any interest at all, apply to the position. If you get an interview, you can find out if the position is a good fit. The more positions you apply to, the better chance you'll have.

208

You must be detail oriented - This means micro manage every aspect of the process. Make sure your resume is impeccable. Personalize each and every cover letter with position and company specific information. If you get an interview spend several hours learning about the company and preparing answers to potential questions. On interview day wear your finest clothing and arrive 20 minutes early. Treat your resume as a marketing tool - Your resume is your only opportunity to sell yourself to get an interview. Employers want to see what you've done. Try to put specific accomplishments in a way that is measurable. Cost saving, revenue increase and new clients are music to an employer's ears. Follow - up is key - Companies interview multiple candidates for each position, and by the time they meet to make a decision, they may not be able to easily distinguish one candidate from the next. Make yourself stand out. After an interview, send a personalized thank you to each person you interacted with at the company and tell them how interested you are in the position.

209

Work with a staffing company - Often times staffing companies know about positions before they are available to the general public. Many companies will only hire through a staffing company, so working with them will open the door to additional positions. John Leutermann Jr. is the Recruiting Marketing Specialist at QPS Companies, Inc. QPS Companies is a staffing and recruiting company, and has 21 branches throughout Wisconsin and Illinois. QPS has been placing great people at great companies since 1985. Visit the QPS website to find a branch near you. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Jobs Site QPS also offers Outplacement services to companies experiencing downsizing, mergers and acquisitions. QPS Wisconsin Illinois Outplacemement Site

210

Avoid the Lingering Eau D' Desperation in Your Search by Using Social Media As many people's frustration grows at not only being out of work much longer than they anticipated, but now having to compete with even MORE people in the same boat, it's easy to let that frustration come out in everything that you do. Including job interviews and following up with employers. You know what I mean. That sense of desperation is the BIGGEST thing that makes you unattractive to an employer. Did you ever date the most desperate boy/girl in your class? I'm sure they were nice, had a good personality and attractive, so why didn't you date them? What were you afraid would happen once you started to show them some attention? Did you think that they'd become even more loveable-or did you think they'd turn even crazier? Yeah...don't turn into that. So what can you do? Take this time now to improve your skills and research areas related to your industry or position that you never have the chance to do when you have a job.

211

For example: The hottest thing right now is Social Media. Twitter.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Ning, Digg... the meaningless names go on and on. Take time to research each media and form an opinion about its usefulness relative to your job or industry. If you're fighting age issues-the fastest way to demonstrate your relevance is to discuss your analysis of these emerging media. And when I say research, I mean really research it. Dig in. Find out how it works and then form an educated opinion other than "it's weird. I'm not sure how it would be useful." Why wouldn't it be useful? What are its downfalls? If you were to talk to the designers, what suggestions would you make? What does it NEED to make it better? As a jobseeker or in your old job, what program WOULD you find useful? Develop an opinion, create a point of view! I can guarantee that no matter what job you hold, there's an angle to social media that you can explore.

212

Another tact: Become a subject matter expert. Here's one way to start: Build a profile on Twitter.com, and then research to see what companies have profiles. Follow them, and chances are they'll follow you back (that's common Twitter protocol.) then make a commitment once or twice per day to post 160 characters of unique content, or retweet something that someone else has said. On your profile, you can include a link to your LinkedIn profile or some other online resume host. You can let them know that you're looking for your next great job-maybe once every two weeks. Keep it subtle (again, avoid that sense of desperation) but let them know you're on the market for consulting or permanent employment. How does this work? First, you're giving them a taste of your ideas. Are they going to be able to utilize your ideas without hiring you-possibly (hey, it happens to me all the time), but the benefits of building your profile outweigh the one or two 160 character nuggets of info you give them that they take action on.

213

The bigger benefit: As you're doing this, you're engaging your brain. You're thinking and challenging your logic and conclusion-drawing abilities. You're coming up with something interesting to discuss in an interview. You're making progress-and fighting that lingering scent of desperation around your job search campaign. Melanie Szlucha has been a hiring manager for over 15 years and a career coach for over 4 through her company Red Inc. She writes resumes, coaches clients for job interviews, and works with them to strategize networking opportunities and job search tactics. She offers a packet of FREE job search articles--worth over $100, through her website: http://www.reallygreatresume.com Following her on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/careerhelp) gives you one great job search tip per day for FREE!

214

How to Find a Job When You Already Have One You're in a stronger position to find a job if you already have one, and in today's work environment, it's better to hang on to a current job, even if you hate your boss, while you look. However, be careful when you do so to avoid others at work - and especially your boss - knowing that you are looking. Here are some tips on how to strategically look for a job while you have one without getting found out. - Do not send e-mails about other jobs from your work computer, even if you are on your own time for a lunch break or before or after work. Someone might easily see your e-mails, particularly your boss, who may periodically monitor workplace computers to see what people are doing. - Use your home computer or bring a laptop to work for sending out any e-mail queries during the day. - Don't talk about your frustrations on the job or your plans to get another to any co-workers, even if you feel they can be trusted. People can talk and the word can get around.

215

- Limit the number of friends and associates you tell about your job search and only tell those who you feel you can trust to maintain your confidence and who might be sources of referrals to job leads. When you do tell them, ask them not to mention you or your job search to anyone else. - Use another name when you make initial calls to learn about job opportunities. Then if there is a job opening, you can use your real name when you submit your application in confidence. - Avoid publicly complaining or bad-mouthing the company you currently work for. The word may get around that you are dissatisfied, raising suspicions that you are looking for a job. - Continue to do your current job, even if you don't like it, with energy and enthusiasm, so your boss and co-workers continue to see you as a hard-working employee and good team player. That way you will be more likely to keep your current job - and get a good reference when you do leave.

216

Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books and a seminar and workshop leader, specializing in work relationships and professional and personal development. Her latest books include Want It, See It, Get It and Enjoy! 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Every day, both from AMACOM. For more ideas on how to achieve what you want, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It (http://www.wantitseeitgetit.com). And to help you have fun doing this, see Enjoy: 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Every day (http://www.enjoythebook.com).

217

How to Take Control of Your Job Search In searching for your ideal position are you taking thee "I'll know it when I see it route?" Well, this kind of haphazard job search usually results in a lot of time spent searching the internet and changing your resume in an attempt to make a match with all the various positions you are going after. What's worse, you may soon find yourself wondering why your efforts aren't paying off in job interviews. When you start your job search without a clear focus, it’s difficult to leverage yourself in the market to the extent that you will need to, in order to get results. So, you may be a very talented and deserving career professional, but if you are letting your job search "control you" then you probably are not going to be happy with the results you get. The good news is getting focused is much easier than your might think.

218

It’s also the most important step you will take in finding and getting the job you really want, because it’s what drives all your other activities. Some of the benefits you will experience by developing your focus include a renewed positive energy and enthusiasm (which always happens when we have that aha moment of knowing where we are going and are excited to get there), a dramatically increased possibility of a much shorter job search, more productive interviews and an easier time networking, just to name a few. There are two sets of criteria you will benefit from focusing on. One is what I call your driving motivators, and the second is the criteria that defines your dream job. Step number one: identify your driving motivators Think of these driving motivators as the top three things you must have in order for you to feel like your next move is one that meets your needs.

219

Sometimes your driving motivators will run counter to your dream job, and that is okay. Give yourself permission to define these because they will affect your job search. Your driving motivators can include how much money you need, a city or state you need to stay in or an industry you absolutely have to "get out of." Step number two: identify your dream job Now you need to identify what you love to do most, what excites you, what you are doing when you are at your best in your career and generally all those things that make you want to jump out of bed and go to work each day. Let’s call this - your dream job. To identify your dream job start with a list of things you love to do best. Another way to look at it is to ask yourself what you are doing when you are at your best. Here's a tip to identify particular jobs and industries

220

Go to any major online job board and type in the positions and the industries you are interested in. When you find the job or jobs that really excite you, print them out, highlight the keywords and phrases that you are resonating with and add them to your "dream job list". These techniques are subtle and refreshingly easy, but don't underestimate them! You will be amazed at powerful results they will produce for you. With your driving motivators and your dream job lists side by side- you have to distinct areas of focus to build on. This is the first and most critical step to taking control of your job search, so you can land the job you really want. Would you like to learn how to quickly and easily get more interviews, shorten your job search and increase your salary? Check out my website: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com, for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "5 Simple Steps To Find, Focus On and WIN Your Dream Job - Starting Today!" Job Search Coach and nationally certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford is "The Career Artisan."

221

Marketing YOU 101 - Tips For the Job Seeker Does any product really succeed in the marketplace without a marketing plan? Is there any successful widget or gadget or service that gets by under the "if we build it, they will come" theory? No! Just look around you and observe what sells. How do you hear about it? What is the pitch? The truth is, whether it is subtle or loud, every successful product in the modern American marketplace has a marketing plan built around it. What is the one product you know better than anyone else? What product can you most persuasively describe the benefits leading to a "buy" decision? That product, of course, is YOU and the valuable service that you bring to an organization lucky enough to hire you. Think of your career search efforts not simply as "looking for a job" but rather as an integrated marketing campaign using multiple synergistic channels to get the word out about you and how you will bring value to an organization. This article will describe some practical steps you can take as a job seeker to plan and launch a marketing campaign with YOU as the product.

222

Any successful marketing campaign will have four phases which you should incorporate into your larger job search campaign: Research, strategic planning, implementation, and assessment. I will describe the crucial elements to each phase. Research. The first part of any marketing campaign is to understand the various marketing channels that are available. What is a "marketing channel"? It is simply the path you will use to communicate your message to those who should hear it. Some important channels for the job seeker are: *

Your extended network. Arguably the most impor-

tant channel because it is estimated that 60% of all positions are landed through one's network. Your task here is to discover and marshal the people network so that they can help you land a position that you want. *

Social networking. This has really come to the fore-

front in the last two years as being an effective channel to get your message out. Sites like LinkedIn and Facebook are the most well known but there are others out there as well.

223

*

Traditional internet job search sites. It is important to

have a presence on Monster and CareerBuilder and others that may tailor to your specific targeted industry(ies). *

Recruiters. There are a lot of them who would love to

place you with a happy client and collect a nice fat fee. Find out which recruiting firms may specialize in your area of expertise and then approach them first. *

Organizations, associations, and networking groups.

Are you a Rotarian or a member of another community organization? Or perhaps you get your college alumni association newsletter and indeed can claim membership? These groups will typically have some career help available. My college alumni association actually holds a career fair twice a year. Leverage these organizations to help you get the word out about what you can offer a prospective employer.

224

Strategic Planning. Now that you have identified targeted marketing channels, the next step is to develop a strategic plan that will tailor your message in an appropriate way for each marketing channel. And by the way, it is not effective to only employ one channel or one way to communicate your message. It is critical that you use every tool at your disposal while at the same time ensuring you have a consistent message. In strategic planning you should actually write down your plan so that you can refer back to it often and also note which aspect was successful and which was not (which you will be doing in the assessment phase).

225

Implementation. Often, it is not what you do but how you do it that is a key determinant in success. In this phase you need to be disciplined about carrying out the plan that you developed with enthusiasm. As you get down into the details of implementation, you may find that you need to make some adjustments to your message along the way. That is perfectly fine. That means you are observant and open to feedback. Just ensure that you have a consistent message across the different channels. For example, I have seen a case where a candidate's resume came across my desk as a Business Analyst looking for the same type of position and have also seen this same person looking for a Quality Assurance position. This may not be inconsistent if this person has the relevant experience in each field, but one needs to be careful if the various messages are not consistent because it may cause "confusion in the marketplace".

226

Assessment. In this phase you want to take some time to assess the effectiveness of your marketing efforts within each channel. One way to do this is to measure the number of inquiries that you are getting and their source. If you are getting some great inquiries through one of your channels, you may want to consider putting more of your time into working that channel since it apparently is reaching the right folks. Part of this phase is to see what works and what doesn't and to go back to your plan and make adjustments accordingly. Remember, you are your own best advocate. You, more than anyone else, knows how to articulate your own value proposition. Approach your job search like you are developing a marketing campaign using the phased approach I have outlined and you will clearly stand out from your competition.

227

John McClure is currently president of Signalman Publishing and is a former hiring manager for mid and large size companies. He is author of the book, "Get the Job You Want: Practical Strategies for Your Job Search Campaign" which is designed to take the mystery out of the job search campaign while showing practical, proven strategies on how to conduct an effective and successful job search. http://www.Get-TheJobYouWant.com

228

Are Sales Resume Distribution Services Or Resume Blast Services Worth the Money? The answer to this question is a resounding YES!! From a headhunter's perspective, we receive resumes from many great services every day. Many of the better services network candidates strictly with recruiters and avoid sending to employers directly. This enables the recruiters to do their job and match the "great" candidates with open vacancies in the market. There is a caveat though...If you are not a qualified sales person with at least 1-2 years of solid legitimate sales experience; I wouldn't recommend using these services. From a leading medical sales recruiter's perspective, I have placed dozens of candidates who have used these services so I know they work. Multiply that by thousands of sales recruiting firms and you get the point. These Services work because sales recruiters have relationships with the hiring managers and they can sell your skills. Sales Recruiters are your best chance at being introduced to the hiring sales manager or decision maker and depending on their relationship with the client, they will be able to market you differently than if you just applied to directly to the corporate Hr department.

229

Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other ways to get jobs in medical or pharmaceutical sales and I am not saying that sales resume distribution services are the panacea to getting your dream job. Other methods to consider are to network with people in the industry on sites like Linked In & Facebook. If you take this route I would advise getting networked with an employee at the company who is comfortable with you and your skill set. Most employees will recommend people only if they are qualified and they can be assured that the "referred" candidate won't jeopardize the employee's business reputation within the company. Most employees at Medical and Pharmaceutical Sales Companies are awarded a "referral bonus" for successfully referring in a qualified candidate who subsequently gets hired.

230

This can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door with a company. If you don't have sales experience but really want to get into the medical or pharmaceutical industry, the best way to do that is land a position in b2b sales with a fortune 500 company. Some companies that have great formal sales training and really prepare their reps well for a career in medical sales are: ADP, Cintas, Ikon, Xerox, Pitney Bowes, Paychex, Lanier, Enterprise, Staples, Ceridian, SBC Global, AT&T, Gallo, US Food Service, etc. There are many other companies that provide excellent formal sales training but in our experience, the reps that come from wellknown Fortune 500 companies have a higher probability of getting into the industry and a higher probability for success. In addition, college activities and athletics are a plus. Having an accredited clinical background also doesn't hurt. In the interest of staying on track, Medical Sales Resume Distribution Services or Sales Resume Distribution Services or Resume Blast Services can be another "bullet in your gun" related to networking and finding that perfect sales opportunity specifically as it relates to medical or pharmaceutical sales.

231

Some of the top services that we receive resumes from include http://www.salesresumeblaster.com or http://www.medmarketconnect.com to name a couple. Any of these services are reputable and have thousands of sales oriented customers that use them on an annual basis. Aaron Becker - President Edge Recruiting Solutions, Inc.

232

What If You Have Exhausted All Your Job Search Options and You Are Still Unemployed? Everyone has faced the frustration involved with finding a job. There’s nothing easy about the job search process. So sometimes, we all need a little pick me up; just a bit of advice or a push in the right direction. Well read on and maybe you’ll hear what you need to hear, that one word or phrase or idea that gives you the strength to go on! You should never give up! Even when you’re having trouble finding work, you should never ever give up! As my sister has always told me you may apply twenty times before you receive a single bite, but you have to keep trying. But something you should consider is how you’re approaching not only your job search but perhaps even your resume and how you view your own personal skills.

233

Firstly, your method of job searching can always be expanded. True enough there are mountains of jobs available that you don’t want. We all want that perfect job that doesn’t mean serving up burgers and fries. But what you need to think about is where else you can search. Local yellow pages etc are great ways to go. Talking to friends, calling in favors, making connections are fantastic means to an end. Have you considered internships? Not only may you be making new connections, perhaps even be paid, but you’ll be gaining valuable experience. We all become tired of the trap that is trying to find work but were turned down for not having enough experience, or not believing we have enough experience. But you need to learn how to reapply your current skills to meet your own demands.

234

And a great way to reevaluate yourself is to take a look at what your skills look like on paper. Your resume is your skill tree for what you’ve learned so far. But what you need to learn most importantly is how to rationalize those skills. Worked a lot of retail? You have actual time and practice working with people on a regular basis. You’ve also then gained a great deal of self-reliability. Depending on how the chain of command works at your old or current retail job, you could be assigned projects to move product around the store and it is up to you to complete that project while keeping up with customer service. Meaning you have gained the trust of your managers, and learned how to budget your own time and maintain a great independent work ethic. Were those skills you had on your resume before? Wording always helps. You need to learn to take your existing views and change them. Work eight hours and monitor the sales floor all by yourself? That’s extremely impressive, that’s not an ability every person has. You need an advanced awareness to commit such upkeep to regularity. So take a step back and reconsider yourself.

235

Most importantly, you must never give up. That special job you yearn for may not be around the immediate corner, but that’s not to say it isn’t around the corner down the street. You may feel it’s in another city, but so long as you keep moving you’ll reach that place. In the mean time you just might have to take that job you don’t want. But so long as it keeps money in your pocket, great. And remember, keep your chin up, things can always be worse! Lidia Nash is the founder of Host & Care - a global social community that connects students and travelers looking for free accommodations with families and seniors looking for care. Young people provide few hours of free childcare, tutoring, elderly or home care in exchange for free accommodations. Other noncash exchanges, such as house sitting, pet sitting, local service for service exchanges, helping out on organic farms and vacation home swaps are also available.

236

Find a Job - Step 7 - Crafting a Value Proposition Idea Letter, VPI By now, you should have read the first six articles on finding a job and you understand the importance of a Value Proposition Idea (VPI). You may, however, be wondering why you are going to put this in the form of a letter? It's important for you do something to get yourself on the radar screen of the decision-maker. The prior research that you preformed may have yielded some very important insight into problem areas that you can offer solutions for. It does you no good if you don't get your ideas in front of the right people.

237

Your Value Proposition Idea (VPI) letter can be submitted as an e-mail, voicemail or snail mail; they all work. A VPI letter functions as the cover letter in a traditional resume, with two marked differences. Cover letters typically don't get read, and more importantly, they are all about you. As a result, they are generally quite ineffective. You will recall we covered the importance of making this entire exercise about the decision-maker. The Value Proposition Idea (VPI) letter is designed to do that and can deliver startling results. The surprising thing is that the VPI letter consists of only three short paragraphs. A point of caution, don't make the mistake of dumping your life in the VPI letter; nothing will get you shot down faster! VPI Letter Outline Paragraph 1- Passion or Referral- here you do one or both of two things; either you explain your passion for the industry and the company or reference a referral you might have, "Mr. Jones suggested that I contact you. " Above all, be passionate, that is very important.

238

Paragraph 2- VPI Highlights-here you are going to talk a little bit about what your idea or solution embodies. As an example, "I've got this idea for a possible new product rollout that addresses the current issue in the market and the potential profits are in the $10 million range." (the more compelling the better.) Paragraph 3- Contact Information-paragraph 3 is very short. It simply states, "If you are interested in discussing this idea, I can be reached at _______" Give your phone number and email. Finally, you just sign the note. Do not include a title, letterhead or anything else, just your name. You want to convey a bit of mystery. You might want to consider sending a similar letter to the competitors of the company. Here's the crucial point. Rather than sending them an e-mail with a resume hoping to land an interview, you have done research to identify problem issues that the decision-maker is desirous of solving. You may have gathered insight consulting with your High Impact Advisory Team for potential solutions (remember, we covered the HIAT back in the Step 3 article).

239

Here's the point I want to make about the VPI Letter. This is the first time you are making contact with the decisionmaker and yet you are talking about their industry, you have identified hot-button issues he or she is interested in and are offering potential solutions. Here is a suggestion about what to put in the subject line of the e-mail. I would recommend something regarding the problem or issue your research has identified, that the decision-maker is interested in. This gets their attention and raises their curiosity. The more pain their problem is causing them, the more urgency they will feel to contact you. Most people e-mail their resumes to the universe stating that they saw there was a job opening and suggest they are the one to fill it. Do you see how this is radically different this approach is? It's not just radical, it really works. You do this process with three or four of your targeted companies and prepare to be amazed at the results. Is not uncommon for the decision-maker to contact you the same day! What do you do when they contact you indicating they want to speak to you about your e-mail? Now we are going to prepare for the VPI Briefing, but that's the subject of our next article!

240

Find A Job- Step 8, The VPI Briefing Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

241

Find a Job - Step 5 - C3 Due Diligence Welcome to the fifth of nine steps in securing your dream job. We are now going to talk about C3 Due Diligence. But what in the world is C3 Due Diligence anyway? Well, it goes to researching a company you are interested in working for but not in the manner that most folks do it. Here's the way it works normally. A job seeker manages to land an interview with a potential hiring company. Armed with the companies name in the industry it occupies, the prospect goes about frantically finding everything they can about the company and its business. After all, they want to show the interviewer they know something about the company and make a good impression. The problem is that there is really little business value to the exercise and it doesn't help you in most cases. As with everything else we have spoken about in this series of articles, we are going to do our research but, in an entirely different fashion. You see, we are going to do our research long before we have the interview and we are going to focus in on three key areas: · Company

242

· Competitors · Customer That's where we get the title C3 Due Diligence. If you do what I'm going to suggest here, you will know more than 90% of the employees working at the company that you are interested in interviewing with! You heard me correctly; I am going to show you how to acquire information that will really make a difference when you go to that interview. So how do we go about this? We will do it in much the same way as we did when putting together our High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) in Step 3. You did read Step 3, didn't you? If not, look up my article, Find A Job, Step 3, Putting Together Your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT). Anyway, we do our C3 Due Diligence by asking questions to the following groups of people. First, you want to speak to employees of the company both present and past. Ask them what it's like to work for the company, what's the corporate culture like? What things do they love about the company and what things aren't so great. Any information you can find out is helpful. Make a notebook and record all your findings.

243

Next, you want to question salespeople. Don't limit your conversation to salespeople who work for the company, but rather attempt to contact salespeople who work for vendors to the company. Try to find salespeople who work for competitors of the company. This one area will give you more information about what is really going on with the company than almost any other thing that you can do. Lastly, you want to speak with customers of the company. There's an old saying, "If I go to a good restaurant I'll tell 10 people, if I go to a bad restaurant I'll tell everyone I know!" Customers can give you a world of information about what is going on with the company you're interested in. In business it's all about the customer, although many companies seem to forget that. As we speak to employees, salespeople and customers we are going to form a picture of the company and its strengths and weaknesses. You will be amazed at how much people will tell you. Often you have to work to get them to shut up!

244

The bottom line to this is that we are looking to identify problems and issues the company is having. This will be a key to our developing the Value Proposition Idea (VPI) that we will cover in Step 6 of our nine-step process of finding our next job. Find A Job- Step 6, Developing The Value Proposition Idea (VPI) Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

245

Find a Job - Step 2 - Creating a Strategic Plan In Step 1 we looked at taking a Professional Inventory of ourselves and our business experiences. In this step we will begin the task of assembling a Strategic Plan. Now why, you may ask, do we want to do this? Several reasons, but perhaps the most basic is that it provides a roadmap as well as a timetable in our quest for that new dream position. It also has some other side benefits. We have all been told that our full-time job is looking for a full-time job. This can be hard and lonely work. For many people its sitting there by themselves on the computer and doing the things they think are effective in getting their next job. Having a Strategic Plan lets you know where you are in the process. It also lets others around you know where you are in the process, and that can be a good thing also. There are two main reasons why we do this; one is practical, the other anecdotal.

246

Practically speaking, you need a daily focus to get you on and keep you on track. Most job searches are a series of random events. People put together a resume and post it online. They go after all the companies in their industry and hope that somebody is going to notice their listing. They have no control over any of the key factors and everything is left to chance. Having a Strategic Plan allows you to be both targeted and tactical. In doing so, you can begin to control the outcome of events. It puts you in the driver's seat. Anecdotally speaking, I would ask you a simple question. Can you think of any business or enterprise that has experienced long-term success that has not employed some form of strategic planning? If you go to a bank for a loan they want to see a business plan. If you build a house, you need to put together detailed drawings and blueprints. Anything that is successful requires planning, why should looking for a job be any different?

247

So let's get to work and assemble our Strategic Plan. What will the components be? They are made up of the next seven steps in our nine-step process. I think you will find that each of these steps will take you in a very different direction from anything you may have been exposed to in the past. I'll see you in the next article, Find A Job- Step 3, Putting Together Your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

248

Find a Job - Step 3, Putting Together Your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) This is the first activity in assembling our Strategic Plan. But you may ask, don't I need to be out networking, meeting people and telling the world that I am available to be hired? No you don't actually; you need to take a step back. Getting a job is hard and lonely work. You may be working on your computer in the basement in your PJs by yourself. We are going to build an advisory team. There are many benefits, not the least of which is having human contact during your journey.

249

Allow me to use a metaphor; to paint a picture for you, if you will. Have you ever read a book or seen a movie about someone climbing Mount Everest? Does the climber to do this by themselves? Of course not, they work with a number of teams. Generally, there is a team back home, raising money and support for the expedition. There is a team that sets up a base camp. There are mid and high altitude camps with teams of climbers to assist in the final assault of the summit. It is through the efforts of all of these teams that the climber can make a successful attempt to reach the top of Mount Everest. We are not looking for the masses to be part of our support team, rather just four or five key individuals. What makes them crucial to our success is they must possess three important attributes. They must be: 1) Influential (in their field, which may not be your field). 2) Well-connected. 3) Willing to help you.

250

Where do you find people like that? Actually, it can be easier than you might think. From the people you know you will move, in three steps, to identifying the high impact people that you are looking for. Now a traditional job search typically involves going to a networking group. Everyone gets together, shares their stories and, as the theory goes, broadcast to an ever-increasing number of people that they are ready and available to be hired. Great idea, problem is, it doesn't always work that well. Most people are more interested in getting themselves a job then they are in helping you find one. Getting the word out to as many people as possible is exactly the wrong way to go. We will start with the folks you know and, in a targeted fashion then zero down smaller to find those four or five key individuals who'll be crucial in helping you in your job quest. 1st Level- you begin by asking the people in your circle of influence the following set of WHO type questions. · Who do you know that works in _______ industry? · Who do you know that knows about _______? · Who is an expert in ______?

251

May I talk with these people? This will lead us to the next level. 2nd Level- you begin by asking these people WHAT type questions. · What are the emerging trends in _____? · What is going on with ______ industry? · What is driving activity in ______? Now we are starting to gather specific information regarding the areas and industries we are interested in. Now we shift and to these same people ask, WHO type questions. · Who do you know, that works with these specifics? · Who do you know, that is currently working on that project? Realize that you will get names, because these people know about these subjects intimately.

252

3rd Level-you will go to these people and ask HOW type questions. A sample approach for you to take would be the following: "I was recently speaking with Bob Smith at XYZ Corp. and he said you are working with lasers in the ______ industry." · How does that work? · How did you figure that out? · How do you think the technology will add value? Remember, you are now talking with someone who is an expert in the field. By definition they are: -Influential -Well-Connected (and if you have done a good job of interviewing them and do not threaten to absorb too much of their time, there is a good chance that they will be willing to: -Help You

253

Using this methodology is not difficult to move from the people you know to a group of four or five people who are influential, well connected and willing to help you. These are the people who will make up your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) Let me give you a few suggestions for some of the people who will make up your team. These may be people from industries you have not thought of. · A Sales Professional-salespeople are trained to find problems and look for solutions. Isn't that what we want to do? Input from this type of person could be very helpful. · A CFO of a company-these are the people who know where and how money is spent in an organization. Again, very useful information to have · Someone who works with customer service or in a call center-these people know more than anyone where the problems are; people call them all day long and tell them.

254

When you go about a job search in this fashion you are not just doing things a little bit different than the norm, you are doing things a lot differently. BTW, in the world of job searching, being different from the herd is a very good thing! Be sure and check out step 4 of the 9-step process to finding your next job in my next article: Find A Job - Step 4, Targeting 10 Companies Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

255

Find a Job - Step 4, Targeting 10 Companies The next step in our Strategic Plan is to determine the companies we want to zero in on. We've already determined that you're not going to be like most people who post their resumes online in hopes of landing an interview with any company in their field that has a website. No, we are going to do things in a different and targeted fashion. You are going to select 10 companies that are of interest to you, and then work to quickly reduce that number to five. But that seems odd to many. People often say," Shouldn't I be going after as many companies as I possibly can for an interview? After all, isn't this a numbers game?" To look at it another way, you find the top 1000 companies in your field and you post your resume. A great many people think this is a targeted approach. In reality, all they have done is limit their search to any company online with at least one employee who can read! That is a shotgun approach but we want to use a laser. It's a bit counterintuitive, but much more effective. In addition, it's different from what the rest of the pack is doing and that's always a good thing.

256

A word about the 10 companies you choose; there are no hard and fast rules regarding the criteria used. This is a personal matter and you need to determine for yourself which organizations you desire to work for. Maybe it's an environmentally friendly organization or you want to work within 10 miles of your home. Perhaps you prefer a small organization or one that is privately held. Whatever your criteria is, you will need to apply it in determining the top 10 companies that you would consider working for. As I stated in earlier articles, we are taking a targeted approach in our activities. When we aim a shotgun at the market we are really saying we are willing to take a job with any company. Now I understand you may need a job right now but, it's important to also have a long view. Many people get jobs and find that they are not at all satisfied with their work environment. Do your homework and limit your search to those companies that offer you the highest prospect of job satisfaction. After all, life is more than just a paycheck.

257

My next article, Step 5 in the 9-step process, concerns research and is titled C3 Due Diligence. What is C3 Due Diligence? You'll just have to read the next article to find out! Find A Job- Step 5, C3 Due Diligence Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

258

Do You Hate Your Job? Here Are 10 Signs it is Time to Start Looking Elsewhere Do you hate the work you do? Do you despise some of your co-workers? Is your boss or supervisor overbearing? Maybe none of the above situations apply to you. However sometimes, even the most-contented employee has thoughts of quitting their job. Below are 10 signs that it might be time to start looking for another job. How many apply to you? 1. Your work or your work environment is making you physically sick. Does the stress from work make you feel nauseous or give you headaches? 2. Your place of work is actually unsafe. In other words, are there hazards at work that increase the risk of losing your life or limb? 3. Your company or supervisor has asked or required you to do something illegal, compromises your ethics, or may result in the loss of your professional licenses or credentials.

259

4. You have been misled about promotions or salary increases, or job duties. 5. Your work conditions have significantly changed for the worse. For example - your hours have been cut or you have been burdened with many new responsibilities. 6. Your company no longer meets your needs because you need benefits (such as employer-sponsored health care) for yourself and/or your family and your company neither provides the amount you need or doesn't provide any at all. 7. Your boss or supervisor doesn't recognize you or your abilities and you don't feel appreciated for what you do for the company. 8. Your company is laying off staff or is in trouble financially and you feel that it might be in your best interest to start looking elsewhere for employment. 9. There is a strain or break in the relationships between you and your boss or you and other co-workers that are unable to be mended.

260

10. You just don't like your job anymore. It is no longer personally satisfying and you find yourself spending more time surfing the Internet, taking longer breaks, or doing superficial work just to "look busy." So...how many of those 10 signs applied to you? If you said, "Yes" to more than three, then it may be time to start looking for a new job today. Your sanity may depend on it! Known for writing winning resumes and cover letters that have led to job interviews for over 90% of his clients, Kristopher Marek provides professional resume writing services for job seekers looking for a better paying and more personally satisfying career. Don't even think of sending out your resume until you have read an online copy of his FREE book - The Top Twenty Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them. Just go to http://www.winningresumewriter.com and get started today.

261

How to Get Tons of Job Opportunities by Your Warm Contacts When making a career change, it's not unusual to ask family and friends for advice about possible job openings and business opportunities. Your family and friends are what is known as your warm contact network. There are times when this network may not be able to give you all the help you need in finding a job. You may need to extend your warm contact network by asking each contact to put you in touch with one or two other people who may have information that you can use. You'll often find that it may be difficult to get your warm contacts to put you in touch with other contacts who don't know you well. Even if they do, it's not always easy getting useful information from these new contacts. These factors make it difficult to effectively use your contact network. Here are a few tips to help overcome these obstacles and make it easier make a career change using referrals from contacts. Career Change Tip - Nurture your contacts

262

Do everything possible to stay close to the people in your warm contact network, even before you need their help. Send notes and emails, keep in touch by phone and suggest an occasional lunch. Show that you're interested in them and offer to help with their business. Nurture your connection with them. When the time comes that you need help, your contacts will remember you and be more willing to give you help or find other contacts that can help you. Career Change Tip - Be Courteous You may not have a close relationship with all of your warm contacts. In this case, a phone call looking for help with a career change may not be appropriate. Decide if sending a note in advance or setting up a lunch meeting would be more effective. Career Change Tip - Be a Good Listener

263

Many times a contact will be more than willing to give advice, even when they have scant knowledge about the job are you seeking. Listen politely and with interest to this advice. It may turn out to be valuable in the future. Before asking for referrals, make sure your warm contact has told you everything he or she knows about the career field that you're interested in. Even if the advice they are giving doesn't seem useful, it's impolite to interrupt to ask for referrals to other contacts. Career Change Tips - Get Two Referrals Once you have listened to everything your warm contact has to say about your field of interest, ask for at least two additional referrals. Two referrals are a good number to ask for from each warm contact. If one doesn't work out, there will be another one to turn to. If may be inconvenient to your warm contact to ask for more than two referrals. Also, it may give your warm contact the impression that you're relying too much on him or her for your career change. Unless they offer to give you more than two referrals, don't ask.

264

If your warm contact is unable to give you at least one referral, try to find out the reason. In their answer, you may find some indirect information about your proposed career change. Maybe your warm contact is lacking confidence about your plans. If you feel this is the case, follow up to prove that you are serious about your career change and will not disappoint them if they give you a referral. However, it may the case that your warm contact doesn't know anyone to refer you to. If this turns out to be true, ask your contact to be on the lookout for opportunities for you. You should also give your contact copies of your resume. Career Change Tips - Contact Referrals Quickly Once you have some referrals, pay attention to advice from your warm contacts about how to conduct yourself when communicating with these referrals. Listen carefully for tips about the skills and experience that these referrals are interested in.

265

Sometimes your warm contacts will call their referrals and let them know something about you. Other time, you will be contacting the referrals directly. After you contact a referral, chances are they will call your warm contact to find out more about you and verify that you are who you say you are. This is nothing to worry about. The most important thing to remember is to contact the referrals quickly so that they will remember any details they've heard from your warm contact. Also, if your warm contact has let a referral know that you will be calling, they will be anticipating your call and may even have put together a set of questions to ask you. Don't keep them waiting by hesitating to make your contact call. If you keep these tips foremost in your mind, you will be able to benefit from useful referrals from your warm contacts.

266

Damen Choy Author and Editor http://InstantCareerAdvice.com a career advice website providing free ebooks, articles and software for career advancement, job interviews and resume writing advice. Damen has also written a book about job interview available at Amazon.com. Access the ebook version here at http://www.a-better-job-interview.com

267

The Power of Networking in Job Searches Somewhere in the job-search universe, the various numbers being thrown out there tend to agree that 70% of all jobs are found through networking and from people within your sphere of influence. Simply put, humans like to do business with who we know. And if you are unemployed right now or facing employment, it is only reasonable to assume that to advance your job search efforts, these statistics means you have to get out of the house to network... a lot! For the shrinking violets or very shy people, this can be something akin to a nightmare scenario... actually having to go out and TALK to NEW people! Yikes! The good news is that you can tackle this task with a positive attitude, and realize that you can learn something while developing your interaction skills at the same time. Sure, it is easy to sit back and ride the emotional unemployment rollercoaster passively - you get laid off, you sit at home watching CNN, launch a few job applications here and there, get an interview once in a while, and feel good temporarily... but pretty soon, you'll start to feel pretty isolated, depressed and completely unemployable. Why isn't anyone calling you? This is not a happy place to be emotionally.

268

So take charge of your destiny in the best way you can, and get yourself out there. A good way to think about it is that the ocean is full of sharks (job seekers) right now, circling their job target prey (available jobs), and your goal is to become a bigger shark. The sharks are the ones who are fully engaged in networking and leveraging the power of their Rolodexes and business network contacts to their fullest abilities. Your job is to market yourself right now... so you need to be RELENTLESS AND FEARLESS. The others are doing exactly that, so here's how you can jump into the sea and compete with the other sharks: 1) Don't be shy.

269

As much as you may hate meeting new people and don't feel that you have much to talk about when meeting others, you are going to have to push these feelings aside and stick out your hand to introduce yourself. If you can train yourself to do this, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to engage others. An old networking trick is to ask someone a question about themselves- "What do you do?" - Most people love to talk about themselves, so by asking one simple question, you've broken the ice and begun the networking process. Eventually, the conversation will turn back to you and that's your opening to introduce your background. Have faith yourself and your abilities! 2) Develop your 'elevator speech'. How are you going to communicate what it is that you do and what you are looking for? But more importantly, what value do you offer a prospective employer? Let's say that you meet the hiring manager of your dream job at a networking event. What are you going to say to them that builds a compelling case as to why they should hire you? Have a concise, clear articulation of your value proposition ready to go.

270

3) Become educated. Read business articles online, newspapers, business journals, and make yourself as educated in your field as possible. Then, when you do enter into a networking conversation, you'll have a veritable library of facts and knowledge to pull from and talk about! 4) Get networking. Here are some suggestions of where to network, gain information and knowledge and to build your contact base: a. Business groups b. Trade association meetings c. Volunteering at industry events or functions d. Classes (in your field) e. Job fairs f. Informational interviews g. Job support groups

271

h. Toastmasters i. Mentors j. Friends k. Industry colleagues l. Alma mater (alumni network) m. LinkedIn.com and other online business networking groups Your goal in becoming a 'shark' is to meet as many people, introduce yourself, find out 'nuggets' of information, acknowledge and thank those that do help you, and create your own web of contacts. That way, when something does come along, you are not only well regarded as a known quantity, but also immediately identified as an excellent candidate for that position. Remember, this is what everyone else is doing out there- so you have to make yourself as competitive a candidate as possible too! Be RELENTLESS AND FEARLESS! Dawn Rasmussen - CTP, CMP

272

President Pathfinder Writing and Career Services PO Box 20536 Portland OR 97294 503-539-3954 phone 503-408-4894 fax http://pathfindercareers.com/ Advance your career with a professionally written resume! Proud member of the National Resume Writers Association

273

Job Search Woes? Use a Lifeline Imagine being a contestant in the popular game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,' standing center stage, blinded by spotlights, being pummeled with random questions tied to obscene amounts of money, all while the timer is ticking. Sound stressful? It is - the competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and time is running out. It sounds a lot like job hunting, doesn't it? Laid off, center stage, with bills mounting, the clock ticking, and you have no idea where to turn. Like the contestants in the game show, there is only one thing to do. Ask for a lifeline. One clever job seeker did just this. Below, read the mass email that he sent out to tap into his lifeline and envision the many ways that this could work for you. Dear Friend, "Remember the 'lifelines' that Regis Philbin extended to participants of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' One of them was 'Ask the Audience,' a strategy proven to work 95% of the time. Therefore, I am turning to you as my expert audience, asking for a lifeline.

274

How you can help: *

I would like to e-mail you twice a week and share

with you what companies and positions I am currently pursuing. *

If you have any insight into that company or - more

importantly - if you know someone in that company that you would be willing to introduce me to via e-mail, you can reply. *

If you 'got nothing' on either of those, just delete my

e-mail. No reply required. That's pretty much it. I am reaching out to you so that you can help me reach out to others. And don't worry, if you would rather not be on my lifeline list for any reason, just let me know, and I will remove your name, no questions asked. Thank you in advance for your help with my search." Wow - that's the power of networking. And you too can harness that same power in your job search.

275

Gather the names of your contacts, create a lifeline list, send out regular updates, and get connected with more key decision-makers than you ever thought possible. You may not become a millionaire, but you will be rich in relationships, and that is the key to winning in the job search game. Do you need help with your job search? Use the free job search resource website at: http://www.career-buildersplus.com for the most accessible and reliable information available. Or you can learn more about Kim's career coaching practice at http://www.CareerBuildersPlus.com For more than 20 years, Kim Avery has equipped and inspired others to discover success and significance in their lives and their careers. She is a Certified Career and Life Coach, Job Search Strategist, professional speaker, corporate trainer, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and owner of Career Builders Plus.

276

Manage Your Career Or Someone Else Will! In the opening scene of "Annie Hall," an old movie by master director Woody Allen, Mr. Allen tells a joke in which one elderly lady complains to another about the poor quality of food they've been served, and the other lady agrees but adds that she thinks the portions are too small. Mr. Allen makes the point that the joke depicts his view of life - that it's filled with misery and unhappiness but it ends much too soon. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that most of us who've worked for many years feel the same way about our jobs, yet live in constant fear of losing them to a restructuring, a corporate merger, a new technology, and these days recession or even depression! Ask seasoned working people how they feel about their jobs and more than half will tell you how they hate their bosses, feel unappreciated, or are just plain bored to death or trapped in a dead end. Internet based companies and the New Economy was supposed to change all that until things fizzled earlier this decade. So now what? While you're waiting for that dream job to come along, you need to make the most of the career you have.

277

Know the difference between jobs and career opportunities. What's the difference? Probably very little when you've just left school and need to start paying off those student loans. A "job" keeps you alive; a "career" can make you feel alive. I'd be the first to admit that when you're looking for your first job and have little or no experience, just about any job in your chosen field may seem like a career opportunity. When you're starting out, it's far more important to validate yourself in the workplace than it is to worry about whether you're doing your best for mankind or pushing back intellectual frontiers. Besides, during the first several months of a new job, you're usually busy learning the ropes of business etiquette, such as how to answer a telephone properly, or how to communicate with your superiors, colleagues and others in your office. Consequently, time spent at virtually any job in your field is probably time well spent-for a while. However, if you're in the wrong position, it won't take long for the "honeymoon" to end and for you to lose your infatuation with the idea of being gainfully employed. Suddenly, getting up in morning is a little more difficult, the workday drags, you're bored, and you're downright annoyed to be asked to work weekends.

278

So now what? The good news is that whether you're working yet or not, you're still holding all the cards: you're young, educated, personable and eager to start working! Now, all you need is a strategy. Don't believe that every move you've made since elementary school makes a profound or irreversible statement about who you are and what you're all about. Careers are durable and flexible and don't need to be precisely calculated every step of the way to be successful. The marketplace is somewhat forgiving of a background that meanders a bit at inception, and sometimes sees some diversity as beneficial to a well-rounded professional in these times of smaller, leaner organizations whose members must wear many hats. However, careers need to be managed, and preferably with some strategic focus that guides you toward some long-term goal. Also, the meandering that may be favorably viewed when you're 25 can be viewed as a lack of focus or commitment by the time you reach 35. By that time, a career floating with inertia can become much more difficult to navigate, and you'll be spending a lot of time justifying your past and proving your commitment to your next job.

279

Suffice it to say that your careers are likely to be far more varied and volatile than ever before. Long gone are the days of feeling secure, confident and comfortable by honing a set of specific skills that you will use for your entire career. The career ride going forward is likely to be bumpy and risky. You'll need to run faster just to avoid falling further behind on the job! If you take the following steps to manage your career, you'll be more satisfied and may actually end up doing something you enjoy. Step 1. Know who you are. Carefully consider your personality, aptitudes, talents, skills, personal values, interests, and most importantly, your likes and dislikes. Few things in life will give you more pleasure than being paid for something you love to do, so it's worth spending time to get it right.

280

Step 2. Strategize, don't predict, your career. Set goals and objectives, identify the universe of possibilities, seriously consider your options, and go for it! Just remember to be flexible and open-minded; even allow yourself to dream. Few accurately predict where they'll end up when they begin their careers, but those who act deliberately usually get ahead. Never rule out the possibilities that an uncertain future might bring, and be ready to capitalize on opportunities that might arise by chance or just plain dumb luck. Step 3. Hunt eagerly (but efficiently) for opportunities. Take advantage of the full spectrum of publicly available sources at your disposal. Read, surf the net, network with contacts, and collect information and ideas. Temper your energy and enthusiasm with judgment and common sense and pursue only the most realistic and promising opportunities. There's no shortcut for hard work and the inefficient process of trial and error that will be discouraging at times. Remember: nothing ventured, nothing gained.

281

Step 4. Sell yourself actively (if not aggressively) to employers. Begin with the paper chase of resumes, cover letters, and follow up letters; continue with telephone cold calls, making your sales pitches and attending networking meetings, and eventually you'll get your share of interviews. Face the fact that your future employers won't know why they need you until you tell them. Step 5. Critically size up your opportunities. Consider all the basics: company growth, profitability, reputation, the job itself and how it relates to your goals and expectations, and your new boss and colleagues. Be diligent in your review. Ask hard questions and be satisfied with the answers. Take the time to determine if it's opportunity or just temptation knocking. You'll make well-informed decisions if you temper the facts with your gut instincts.

282

Step 6. Weigh all offers. Most people want employers to show them the money. Money is the easiest way to measure an opportunity's attractiveness and it's the most universally accepted method of keeping track of your career progress. You need money to survive, but money alone won't keep you alive. Early in your career, you should select opportunities that build skills and experience, which will make you more valuable and marketable in the long run. Take a longterm perspective when making decisions. Step 7. Frequently review your career options. Has your job measured up to your expectations? Is it the best use of your time at this point in your career? Is it time to move on? Is it difficult to admit you've either made a mistake or have outgrown your position? Sure, the truth sometimes hurts, but remember it's the lies that leave the scars. Like it or not, you'll repeat this cycle many times during your 40 year career, but practice makes perfect. You'll learn from your mistakes and remember the lessons you learn each time through the process. Eventually, managing your career will get easier.

283

Some things will never change. Industries, companies and technologies will come and go, but the nearly 7 billion people on the planet are still creatures of habit who won't likely abandon their ways of relating to one another. The bad news is that the unpleasantness of working for a living will continue, probably forever. The good news is that employers will continue to seek out the traits and talents in each other that have served mankind well since the dawn of time: the ability to think, apply oneself to learning, a willingness to work hard, and a cooperative attitude. If you're willing to adapt to and embrace change, the future will be a very exciting place to be, especially considering the alternative; if you're not, my advice would be to marry well, enjoy early retirement, and let the rest of us get back to work. There's no job like the right job. Some say the hardest job you'll ever have is looking for one, but eventually everyone who wants one finds one. Finding the right job may take a lifetime, but having the wrong job can feel like an eternity. For more on the topic, readers are referred to Training Wheels: A Candid Guide to a Career in Business, available through http://www.Xlibris.com

284

Jobs Part-Time There are many things you can do to help find that perfect part-time job. The following information is helpful in giving you the resources that you will need to maximize all possible avenues in finding that part-time job. What follows here should help anyone looking for a part-time job, find some direction in their quest. Job Listings A good place to start looking is on a job search engine site. Here you will find a variety of part-time jobs listed by location and type of job, as well as by type of job seeker, jobs for teens, summer jobs, and work at home jobs. Here is a list of these possible online resources: -Job Listings -OneStop Job Search Guide -eCourse: How to Find a Job -Ten Steps to Find a New Job

285

-Job Banks -Job Search Engines -Help Wanted Ads -Local Job Search -Part-Time / Hourly Jobs -Top Job Sites -Summer Jobs -Teen Jobs -Work From Home Jobs Online Job Search You can job search online for every level of position - from hourly part-time jobs to high-level management positions. Here you will learn how to job hunt online, including information on job search sites, networking sites, resume posting, privacy issues, and ways to make sure you are using all the online job search resources available.

286

Here is a list of these possible online resources: -Online Job Searching -Internet Privacy Checklist -Job Applications -Job Listings -Job Search Tools -Internet Privacy -Ensure Employers Can Find You -Career / Social Networking -Confidential Job Searching -Personal Branding Careers And Networking You may also want to keep in mind that you can use online resources to help with your job search including: career advice, job options, career change information, job descriptions, career tests, and career information.

287

Here is a list of some helpful online resources: -Career Research -Career Tests -Company Research -How to Change Careers -How to Find Your Perfect Job -Job Descriptions -Prepare to Change Jobs -Ten Steps to a Successful Career Change -Career Building Resources Job Applications Most employers require a job application at some point in the hiring process. Be prepared, in advance, with all the information you need to complete a job application, including paper employment applications, online job applications, plus review sample job application forms.

288

Here are some online job application topics to research: -How to Complete a Job Application -Apply at a Hiring Kiosk -Apply Online -Apply In-Person -Apply for a Part-Time Job -Email Applications -Job Application Guide Follow-Up How should you follow up after an interview or applying for a job? Review these advice topics on the best ways to follow up after sending a resume or having a job interview. -How to Follow Up After Sending a Resume -Job Interview Follow Up -Interview Thank You Letters

289

-Follow Up Letters In closing, if you feel as concerned as I am about the economic recession our great nation and a lot of the world now faces, you might do as I have done and start to seriously consider thinking outside the box when it comes to job security. These days especially, people everywhere in the world are looking for more recession-proof employment opportunities. Consider that it is very realistic these days to be making a five figure per month income in the homebased internet marketing industry, especially if you are serious about making significant changes in your life. There are several ways to get started and it is not necessary to just up and quit your job to do this either. There are a few REAL opportunities online today that offer a complete mentoring program that will help you succeed online and that will show you step-by-step how to get started on a part-time basis so that you have nothing to lose. This is just food for thought. I always say do your research thoroughly before taking any action and then let the facts that your duediligence uncover speak to you truthfully on which direction is right for you to go. God Bless you on your road to personal and financial success.

290

JudyAnne Pfeiffer-Parm is part of a top dynamic internet marketing team of mentors. She has a passion for helping others achieve their personal and professional goals, dreams and aspirations. To learn more about JudyAnne PfeifferParm and her dynamic team of marketing mentors go to http://www.4-3-2-1GO.com.

291

A Startling Fact About How to Obtain an Invitation For a Job Interview The Resume Cover Letter is a job search tool that highlights your accomplishments by stating your profile, working experiences and educational career in a brief, yet concise, letter. The cover letter is your first introduction to the new company. You can say, it's the first work sample and therefore of utmost importance. Your Resume Cover Letter should interest the recruiter to the degree that s/he wants to review your resume. Hi, I have a quick question for you. Do you really love the process of delivering cover letters? I don't know about you, but I used to get so frustrated at how much work it took to start writing a cover letter that actually generated a reaction.

292

Have you ever felt like that? I know I did until I stumbled upon a really elementary system which came out of the sudden in my mind after delivering a lot of workshops dealing with this issue as an outplacement consultant. The best part is, when you use this system, the Resume Cover letters emerge as easy as one and one is two! What should you avoid when writing cover letters? * Writing wrongly makes it definitely difficult to be considered as a valuable candidate by the interviewer. * The single most important thing to practice when creating your Cover Letter. Forget it and the reader will surely throw away your cover letter without even reading further ! Look, if you're brainsick and disgusted trying to figure out how to create a Resume Cover Letter while staring at a blank computer screen ... trying to figure out how to write cover letters that get results, then you have to try this Freeware application at least once.

293

Why not? Because you'll get higher invitation rates from each and every single cover letter that you have send out. Oh yeah, and let's not forget ... you'll also get more time to focus on finding relevant functions. And guess what? Once you wrote your cover letter, you can of course reuse the schedule for every new resume letter. The Cover Letter Creator application is available and costs nothing. You can use it freely. It is a very simple step-by-step guideline that you have to follow and in 10 minutes you're done. It is provided with other links in it pointing to online tools(spell checking, ...) Go ahead and check it out, right now. You really have nothing to lose. You can find it and download it - I even made a YouTube video - at http://a.gd/CoverLetter-16 He constructed this Freeware Application Cover Letter Creator for fundraising at http://users.telenet.be/centerfundraising/

294

How to Create a Job Bailout Emergency Kit If you are still working great! A lot of people have suddenly found themselves laid off, without a job and with little or no notice. If you are employed now is the time to create an Emergency Job Bailout Kit. So if you are riffed - you will be prepared. Here's some steps you need to take now! These steps will help you find a new job fast and even if you don't need a job these actions can put you in a great position in case you decide to change places of employment. 1. Update your resume! Most of my clients haven't updated their resume in years. Take the time now to add dates and job descriptions about your current job. 2. Collect any positive job reviews, awards, achievements anything that shows the value you can bring to an organization. 3. Make a list of any new training you have completed. 4. If you don't belong to any professional organizations, now is the time to join. They look good on a resume and they can be a great source of job leads. Most companies will pay all or some of the membership fee.

295

5. Ditto civic organizations. Get involved, volunteer to chair a committee. Some of my best networking was done at a local Lions Club. 6. Take a course at the local college. Most community college offer weekend classes, great places to upgrade your skills. 7. Collect names of all your business and social contacts. Send them an email just to say hi and share information. 8. Identify placement companies (headhunters) who specialize in your profession and send them a resume (confidential). Don't expect them to call you back. They are swamped right now and typically only call if they have something. 9. Make a list of companies like yours and the names of their top executive in your field, i.e.: vice president of sales, comptroller, director of human resources, etc. This can become your go to list if the worse happens. 10. Finally do everything you can to be an irreplaceable asset to your current company. More on this in another article. But you want to be the employee who your boss will say I can't loss her/him they're too valuable.

296

Good Luck! I hope these tips will help you create a job bailout kit. I certainly hope you never need it, but like fire insurance it's important to have. In today's economy you just don't know if or when you might hear these words "Sorry we are laying you off." THE BUCK STOPS HERE! You deserve your best life now! You owe it to yourself! I invite you to receive a FREE copy of "The Science of Getting Rich" sign up for a FREE Coaching Newsletter, Receive a FREE Discovery Coaching Session and more. Start living an EXTRAORDINARY LIFE! Visit http://www.icoachuwin.blogspot.com Coach Pete is a Life Success Coach and author of several eBooks including "The Bike of Life". He has been a fork truck driver, teacher, athletic coach, sales person, executive, and entrepreneur. Coach Pete draws on his sixty years of living to help his clients "ride" from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Visit http://www.onelifecoach4u.com for more info and helpful tips, plus free coach tools.

297

Careers & Employment Information There are excellent careers and employment opportunities available to recent graduates at universities across the country. These graduates will find these positions using the careers & employment information that is posted on many Internet employment websites. These graduates will begin to suspect that a great career is ahead of them, when they see the pay scales offered in some of the careers and employment information that they see. Some of these young graduates might not be totally familiar with what a yearly salary should be in their field, and will take the careers and employment information about pay and benefits when they are first offered, without giving it a second thought. There are many companies that are listed on these employment websites, and all of them are interested in hiring people with stellar qualifications, and they are clearly focused on getting them hired on with their company at the lowest salary price possible. They are not concerned with the careers and employment opportunities that these people have dreamed of for such a long time.

298

These employment office hiring specialist are interested in the employment information that is contained on their resumes though. They are looking for the best value return on their hiring dollars, and generally prefer to hire people with a lot of experience in the position that they are hiring for. Many of these career opportunities can be found using the search engines that are offered on many Internet websites. If a person is interested in working for a Government agency, then all they would need is to find the government website that lists all of the careers and employment information for the positions that they are hiring for. The career information that Government agencies list might be very brief in nature and may seem incomplete. Government hiring agencies will generally list the date that the position became opened, and will also provide the closing date that it will use to determine the last day that applicants can send in their applications.

299

A position description is normally part of the employment description that is provided on a Government job notice. Any other pertinent requirement to make a suitable application will also be listed in the careers & employment information on the Government website. Some of the information provided on Government job announcements will also provide preferences for military service too. These are definitely good paying positions of employment and the careers and employment information is always read completely before an interview. Alex Radyushin is an editor-in-chief for All Acronyms - top acronyms dictionary. Website includes medical, technology and business categories of acronyms .

300

The Importance of Internships During College! As a college student, your first experience with Corporate America should not be in your final year of school. During your college years, you have the opportunity to intern at various companies throughout this nation. But, without this valuable work experience, your future jobs choices may be limited. Take Advantage of Internships Many companies allow college students to intern during summer months. Other companies offer internships to college students throughout the year. You should apply to several internships in your first year of college. As a college student, not only will you possibly land an internship, but you also will gain interview experience. You might laugh at my previous statement; however, many thirty years olds are not prepared for entry-level jobs interviews.

301

In most cases, you will need to research companies that offer internships. While your college or university's career center may be helpful, in finding possible internships, you are usually responsible for writing your resume and for getting the interview. It is important to have both a strong knowledge of the company and of the job position. The internet and periodicals are helpful tools to learn information about many Fortune 500 companies. Otherwise, you will be sending your resume to a dozen more companies if you do not research the companies and the positions which you are applying to. Not all college students pursue internships. But hopefully, these college students plan on working for the family business upon graduation. If not, these students are taking a big risk because some companies will deny them an interview for not having prior work experience in Corporate America. The Business World is More than Facts and Figures

302

The college classroom will not prepare you for every challenge in Cooperate America. This is another reason why companies encourage college students to pursue internships. You will need to know if this sort of work is right for you! Can you meet the job deadlines? Do you like this type of work? Is this the company for you? Sometimes, an internship will allow you to discover that you need to find another career path, but you should not get discouraged! Fortunately, as a college student, you have some time to figure out what is the best career path for you. You must also view the internship as a learning experience. I advise you to keep a journal, so that you can further develop your skills after the internship ends. For example, some individuals are taught how to use Microsoft Excel during the internship. In business, you will learn that Excel is used by almost every company; therefore, you cannot afford not to know how to use this program.

303

Regardless of your career choice, you will need to be flexible in Corporate America. Every work assignment may not appear to be important, but you need to value the experience. You should never complain about making the coffee or delivering the mail. Remember, your employer will be evaluating your attitude, work ethic and job performance. In many cases, a summer internship can turn into a job offer prior to graduation, but you must do a great job. Summary If you want to be successful in the business world, you have to be assertive. As a college student, you must attempt to find a summer internship, at minimum. By getting a summer internship, you will gain valuable work experience that may allow you to be hired ahead of some people who have been in the workforce for five years. You can conquer the world of business, but you must be a student of business, first! Jason Cunningham is the founder of http://www.financialshopper-network.com Financial Shopper Network was created to provide information to consumers about insurance, annuities, or retirement plans.

304

Negotiate For Success The problem with settling or "it's good enough for now" is that you tend to become stuck. You forget about what you once wanted, and take what you now have. Now OK, it might be somewhere in the back of your head behind a bunch of other stuff, but you stop working towards it. It is common to see or hear people say never settle, that's a bit much. It's impossible to never settle, and sometimes settling is part of compromising, which can be good. You have to settle on things, but settling kill's ambition what to do? ANSWER: Negotiate. Whenever you have to make a decision to do the "good enough for now “negotiate with yourself on what you will do in return for settling.

305

A great example is someone that takes a job for the time being till they can get something better. How many people actually do anything during that period to find something better? Negotiate with yourself prior to taking the job saying, I will seek and build relationship in my desired field. This will make you become goal orientated, and keep your main desire on achieving. If you are standing still you will never be able to see all the possible opportunities passing you by. The key to negotiating is committing to it. The ones that choose to stick with it create a path for themselves. The great thing for you is that many people don't, so that leaves more room for you to succeed. Question for the day: Negotiating is an all too common practice in business, but why not with you? Are you shorting yourself by settling? What are you willing to take on or give up for settling? Jason Storey | http://www.jcstorey.com

306

Seven Secrets to Finding the Job You Want Quickly! Secret Number 1: Be Positive & Think Big! In these times of doom & gloom and much fear about the economy, it is very important to keep yourself "protected" from the bad news "virus." You would not place yourself with people who had a infectious disease would you? Of course you would not willingly do this! Well think of all the recession talk, foreclosure conversations, downsizing news as a virus that can infect you and don't go near it or take part in it! This is only one aspect of the American Economy right now. The other aspect is that there are businesses that are doing well, companies and small businesses that are expanding and people that have an abundance of finances. Concentrate on this and keep your mind healthy! Secret Number 2: Make Sure You Have Found Your Passion

307

Don't waste your time looking or seeking a job that you are not passionate about- this is a time to really step up and step out. Find the occupation or profession that you truly love. Something that you can feel happy about doing everyday! Secret Number 3: Identify Your Strengths Make sure you understand your strengths and can clearly articulate them. Think about your strengths on a larger scale, so for example your strengths include your character traits, your education, and your life experience. Many times life experience is overlooked but take a good look at this area as well because it is one of your strongest Unique Selling Points. Secret Number 4: Be Honest And Identify Your Weaknesses It is o.k. to have weaknesses- we all do. But when you clearly identify them you can truly a) work to improve them b) and overemphasis your strengths. Sometimes, also, what we perceive is our weakness others might view as a strength, so talk to someone else about your perceived weakness and get feedback. Secret Number 5: How To Search Correctly On The Internet

308

The internet is such a valuable source of information. But like everything if you do not know how to use it you can suffer from a) information overload b) get distracted! A stepby-step and focused internet search can bring tremendous results. Here Are the Steps To Take For Focusing Your Search: 1) Conduct A General Search On Your Area Of Interest- do not target jobs specifically but merely look up the area of interest to you. So, for example, if you are interested in dog training than look up dog training. Your search will come up with a) services b) articles and c) stories. Read them and copy any information of interest to you and the people that resonate with you. These will be important contacts for you. 2) Create A File On Your Computer and Download The Free Information Sites- enroll on these sites and get free updates 3) Now You Can Do A Job Search- it is important that you do this last because you may or may not come up with jobs in your field of interest BUT if you have done the previous 2 steps than you will realize that work is available in these areas!

309

Secret Number 6: Use Information Telephone Interviews These are a great way to find out about a) the industry you want to enter b) job opportunities available and c) get tips on the trade. There is a special way to conduct telephone interviews but once you understand the process it is very easy, simple AND effective. For more information you can download a free e-book from the site listed below. Secret Number 7: Keep a Log and Keep Going Most people quit or give up too soon. So like everything in life persistence and commitment pays off! Georgia Lainiotis is founder of Tremendous Possibilities where you can find the latest workshops and coaching programs that ensure you find the career path you want quickly! Get your free Tremendous Job Path Secrets E-book at http://www.tremendousjobpath.com @ 2009 All Rights Reserved

310

The Truth About What Employers Want Employers these days are a bit more picky about who they hire. The cost of a bad hire in a bad economy can ruin a company. Candidates are struggling to figure out what employers want. It really is no secret but sometimes you have to run a business to really know and appreciate what employers want. There are three functions in a company that stand above the rest in any business: *

Making Money (Sales)

*

Saving Money (Finance)

*

Implementing or Improving a Process

When you are interviewing for a job, you need to be able to articulate and address at least one of these three. Standing Out - Playing to Win!

311

When you are sending in a resume or interviewing for a position, you are attempting to stand out from the rest. You want an employer to see your wonderful qualities and immediately understand why you should get the job. The problem with this mindset is that an employer has different "wants and needs". The employer wants to know if you can make money. The employer wants to know if you can save them from a lawsuit or purchase parts a lower cost than the competition. The employer wants to know that you can improve quality or increase productivity. You have to look at the hiring decision from the point of view of the employer, get in their head and let them know you know why they hire people. What to Do

312

There are two places you can demonstrate one of these three core functions, in the resume/cover letter and in the interview. Don't overdo it but have at hand 3-5 examples from each of your past jobs where you can give concrete facts and figures on how you accomplished one of the three. Put them in your cover letter. Put them on your resume and be prepared to talk about them in your interview. Once you know what employers want and can articulate how hiring you would further one of these three objectives, you are miles ahead of your competition. For more ideas and job seeker tips, visit Synergy Solutions Job Search Resources page. Tom Tassinari, CAC, CSP Synergy Solutions Director of Technology Solutions http://www.smsicorp.com

313

The Truth About Finding 100k+ Jobs (or 6 and 7 Figure Jobs) Myth: Executive level jobs are best found through recruiters and fee-based, high-level job boards. Truth: Both recruiters and fee based executive level job boards can severely limit your job search and the responses you receive. Executive recruiters can only help you if you have the exact qualifications to help them...fill their key search assignments that is. And fee based job boards usually yield about 1% to maybe 7% response rates. You are going to have to send out a lot of resumes to get any response at all, and of course don't forget about the intense amount of executive competition you will face for the very same job.

314

Most executives are all about working smarter, not harder. Though connecting with recruiters and answering 6-figure job ads might seem like the easiest way from point A to point B, it's actually more work on your part to market yourself thoroughly enough using only these two outlets to get you the kind of results you are hoping for. It's counterintuitive to your objective. Want an easier solution? Of course it depends on the industry and position but I find that executive level jobs are best found using the following system: 1. Identification of the industry(s) of interest 2. Identification of the position(s) sought 3. Launching a campaign to penetrate those industries To be successful (and when I say successful I mean conducting a job search that results in a number of high quality interviews for opportunities you are genuinely interested in, and obtaining one or more viable job offers) you must have a clear plan, followed by a significant level of market exposure.

315

Here are several highly effective techniques and resources to get going in the right direction: 1. Identify your market What industry are you interested in and why? You must have a crystal clear direction before you can formulate any sort of plan. Is the market growing, or... are you purposely targeting growing markets? Smart move on your part. Here are a few examples of market identification: Technology companies between 20 and 50 million dollars; owners and developers of outpatient surgery centers or US based international civil contractors. 2. Identify your position In order to target and brand your resume you have to be clear on the type of position you are pursuing. Again, have you thought it through? Are there other emerging positions (e.g.: Chief Ethics Officer) or parallel positions that might offer more challenge, more security or more experience where you need it - that help to achieve your long-term career goals? It’s worth spending some time here, doing a bit of research and thinking this through.

316

3. Launching a campaign to penetrate your industry/position of choice You can do this several ways including: *

Hiring a firm to research contacts and companies that

fit your career parameters. *

Using a site like zoominfo.com to research your

preferences yourself. *

Hire a career coach (could also be called a career

marketer or someone who provides career research) to analyze, make recommendations and gather the initial information for you. *

Hire an administrative assistant on a project basis to

take care of some of your more mundane job search tasks such as mail merging documents, sending out resumes etc... (you should make phone contacts yourself though). *

Find (and follow up on) growth opportunities (com-

panies moving/growing/expanding) through setting up a simple tracking system on Google news or through regular checking of business and trade journals.

317

*

Hire a company to conduct an elite direct mail

program for you. Find executive recruiters through a highend contact that can distribute your resume exclusively to retained search firms. *

Obtain a list of VC firms or PE firms who specialize

in your industry of choice. These are just a few ways that go way beyond fee based, 6 figure job boards. These methods, once they are set up by you - are just as turnkey as responding to a job ad. Bottom line, a combination of the right executive job search techniques can improve your results by 20%, 30% and even 40%. Would you like to learn how to quickly and easily get more interviews, shorten your job search and increase your salary? Check out my website: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com, for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "5 Simple Steps To Find, Focus On and WIN Your Dream Job - Starting Today!" Job Search Coach and nationally certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford is "The Career Artisan."

318

Ten Simple Steps to a Great Job Interview Any coach will tell you that if you learn the fundamentals of the game, your talent will take care of the rest. Once you step into a job interview no one can help you with the talent part so you had better nail the fundamentals. A little common sense will also help. Today we are in a serious unemployment market and those people who are conducting job interviews are probably stressed out because of the sheer volume of job seekers. Don't make their job harder, or alter their impression of you by prolonging your time in the interview with small talk. Your small talk may not amount to much but multiplied by several hundred times a day it gets old. So forget your comments about the local sports team, the weather, the traffic or world events. Stay focused on why you are there - to get a job offer. What follows you can take as suggestions for a successful interview or, better yet, rigid rules that must be followed. If you deviate from them very much you are risking not getting an offer, in which case, you might as well have stayed home.

319

1. Shed your metal. If you have any body piercings that can be seen get rid of them. If you can't understand why you may be too dumb for any job. 2. Dress down, not up. Trendy attire often turns interviewers off so you have nothing to lose by dressing conservatively. It goes without saying that your clothes should be clean and freshly pressed. A good rule to follow is if the interviewer can remember how you were dressed you flunked the test. If you don't understand this seek out the geekiest person you know and copy their clothes. You are not going to a fashion show and women, more so than men, need to remember this.

320

3. If you bring a resume, or have been asked to send one in advance, a practice that should be avoided if you can get away with it, restrict it to one page, a page and a half at the most. If you send it in advance you always take the risk of having the resume speak for you, which makes it even more important. Just like your clothing, the resume should be plain and conservative. White paper is a must and your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address if you have one should appear at the top center. Don't, as many people do, put a paragraph at the top stating your long-term career goals. The interviewer has a position to fill and is focused on that, not your career goals. List your last three or four jobs, what they were, your title if you had one, and the address of the company you worked for, nothing else. If the interviewer wants to know your previous duties he or she will ask, otherwise they focus is on what you can do for their company not what you did for another company.

321

The most important information on your resume should be the skills you have developed and are now offering to bring to a new company. List them all. If you have computer skills list all the software you have worked with. Pick your previous job apart. If you worked in a fast food restaurant mention order taking, customer relations, sales, whatever is truthful and accurate. Do not exaggerate and absolutely do not lie - you will be caught. At the end of the resume, if you can manage it, put a couple of quotes from your previous employer. "John helped increase our sales by over 200% in three years" You would be amazed at how much of a positive impression you can make by quoting what others have to say about you. 4. Bring your resume, if appropriate, and nothing else to the interview. No cell phone or any other exotic electronic device.

322

5. When you walk into the interview, say hello, thank the person for the interview and maintain eye contact for the rest of the time you are there. If you are nervous, a perfectly understandable state, practice maintaining eye contact until you have it down cold. This is very important so don't overlook it. Also, when you shake hands, do so with a firm grip, not one that feels like a wet fish. 6. Take control of the interview for the first minute or so if you can. When you first get the invitation to interview, practice a 60-second sales pitch with you as the subject. This is your "commercial" and it needs to be good. Before you get into the interview proper, ask the person if you can say a few words before the interview starts. Most people will say yes. At that point you have 60 seconds to give the interviewer, in a reasoned manner, the reasons why you should be hired. Practice this in front of a friend until you have it down pat. If you want to get the idea right, listen to a 30 or 60-second radio or TV commercial. You can convey a lot of information in that amount of time. Imagine yourself an actor auditioning for a part, which is exactly what you are doing.

323

7. If you are plagued with our modern version of poor speech, if you throw in a "you know" or a "like" in every sentence, practice until you get rid of the habit. There are more employers and interviewers than you suspect that will disqualify you after the second "you know". 8. Do a little research on the company and ask questions about the job. "Would you go a little deeper into what you expect in this position"? or "Tell me a little more about this (fill in the blanks) aspect of the position" and one that never fails, "Can you tell me what created the job opening"? You might learn a lot from the answer to this last one. 9. If you are asked about the salary you expect deflect the question. "I'm much more interested in the long term opportunities the job offers than the starting salary" or "I'm sure you have a salary scale for that position and whatever that is will be satisfactory". 10. When leaving the interview, thank the person again, ask for his or her card, and the next day send them a thank you note plus add anything about yourself you might have forgotten.

324

Will doing all these things guarantee you a job offer? Not necessarily but it will give you the satisfaction of knowing that none of the fundamentals were overlooked, and that's an excellent start. Ed Dugan is a former CEO of a large career consulting firm that enjoyed a 99.6% success rate in placing clients. He currently is the author of an award-winning cookbook, Help-I Gotta Cook! that gives the same straightforward advice to neophyte cooks. Awarded Cookbook of the Year by Books and Authors, you can learn more about Ed on his website http://www.Ineedtocook.com or on his blog http://help-ineed2cook.com

325

Find a Job - Developing the Value Proposition Idea (VPI) Welcome to Step 6 of finding your ideal job. Here we are going to develop the VPI or Value Proposition Idea; what is it and why should you care? Before I go into definitions, let me take you back to a traditional interview. You come in; sit down, make a bit of small talk and the interviewer begins to ask you some questions. "Tell me a little bit about yourself, what was your last job like?" and so forth. Here's the point, the conversation is all about you. Why should that be bad, you ask; this is after all, an interview? Here's the point, do you think the interviewer really cares a lot about you?

326

Really now, isn't it human nature for all of us to be much more interested in ourselves and our personal problems than those of someone else? You may be the 12th person he has interviewed today and he's really just going through the motions. It's not at all uncommon for the interviewer to have not even read your resume. You may be interviewing for the position and you may think it's all about you but, in truth it isn't! There is nothing more boring to a decision-maker than to be talking about you. It's all about them, and the sooner you realize that the more effective you'll be. I'm going to suggest that you do something very different; talk about them. Now you've got their full attention! One of the most important things to a decision-maker is the problems that he or she is tasked with solving. Often, maintaining their job security rests in their ability to solve these problems. You may be a wonderful person and you may really need this job, but here's a cold reality. The interviewer cares more about what is going on in their life than what is going on in yours. If you get into their world and talk about what's of concern to them, your interview will take on an entirely different significance.

327

Now we are going to develop our Value Proposition Idea or VPI. This is what you are bringing to the company as a justification for them hiring you and, frankly, most people get this backwards. Let's go back to our C 3 Due Diligence that we covered in Step 5. In that process, you asked questions of employees and salespeople of the company. You spoke to competitors of company as well as customers of the company. If you did this correctly, you identified a great deal of useful information including problems that the company is facing. Next, we need to come up with ideas on how to solve these problems. You may be saying," I'm not an idea person, what do I do?" Here is where your High Impact Advisory Team (HIAT) comes into play. Don't know what that is? Well, you need to go back and read Step 3 of this nine part series. There are three questions you are soliciting their help in answering regarding the problems or issues this company may be experiencing. · What's the solution? · How much is the problem costing the company? · Why does the decision-maker care?

328

The more personal you can make this to the person who is interviewing you the better. Your ability to answer these three questions forms the basis of your Value Proposition Idea (VPI). You want to move yourself from the position of being a traditional resume deliverer to that of being a creative problem solver. As we see, more and more jobs are going offshore. The one constant we observe is that good ideas are always funded. If you are the purveyor of those good ideas you will be funded in the form of a job. I have explained the Value Proposition Idea (VPI) in the context of an interview. There is a better way to do this, The VPI Letter. Find A Job- Crafting A VPI Letter Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job

329

In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

330

Find a Job - The VPI Briefing Welcome to our next step in our process where we are discussing the Value Proposition Idea Briefing. We are at the point where the decision-maker has indicated he wants to speak with you. This is the VPI Briefing and its sole purpose is for you to share your ideas. Now, this is a key point; it's about you sharing your ideas. In a traditional interview the company representative is in the position to offer you a job which puts them in control. They have the power, in fact, they have all the power. In the VPI Briefing you are coming in to share an idea that can help solve a problem that they are interested in. In this environment, who has the power? It's shared; its equal power! During the time of your discussion it's your idea that forms the collateral that makes for an equal playing field. There are some rules, however, you need to know about a VPI Briefing that are totally different from a job interview.

331

In a traditional job interview you bring your resume because you suspect the decision maker probably hasn't read it. In a VPI Briefing you don't take anything! You don't take a PowerPoint presentation or a business card, you just walk in. After all, you're here to discuss an idea. You discuss it back and forth like you would with a neighbor or someone on your advisory team. You're not going to leave anything behind; you're not acting like a salesman, there's no paper trail. If there's a white board present, you might even get up and make notes to illustrate your ideas. When you're done, you erase it. You're sharing your ideas, not pitching for a job, and that is a crucial difference. There was an article written in the Harvard Business Review "How to Pitch a Brilliant Idea" by Kimberly Elsbach, Sept. 2003; Pages 117-123

332

I would encourage you to get this article and read it. She studied the film industry and how successful writers in Hollywood pitch their ideas to producers. They would know their concept for a film from A-to-Z but, in explaining it, they would go about three quarters of the way through and then, suddenly, develop amnesia. "The story could go this way or maybe that way, I'm not sure, what do you think?" they would say. The successful people engaged the decision-maker in collaborating with them on an outcome. Your job is not to present your ideas start to finish, but rather to create a conversation that the decision maker collaborates with you on. Why is that important? It goes to basic psychology. If I present an idea to you, and it may be a very good idea, you have no connection to it. After all it's my idea, not yours. If, however, I share half an idea and you collaborate with me, you now have an emotional connection and you're less likely to throw out my idea. After all, part of it was your idea!

333

In the VPI Briefing you want to share an idea and lead the decision-maker to collaborate on it with you. In doing so they won't throw the idea out because they feel connected to it and, by extension, to you. You lead them through a process that lays the groundwork for the basis of an opportunity. The meeting is now over and you leave. What follows is your preparation of the Next Step Proposal. Find A Job - The Next Step - Proposal Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

334

Find a Job - The Next Step Proposal We are now at the ninth and final step in finding a job, The Next Step Proposal. There are two reasons we are going to do this; the first is to move the decision-maker to take some form of action and the second is to demonstrate our business professionalism. Everything we have done, up to this point, is designed to lead to that conclusion. Now we are going to put the icing on the cake! The Next Step Proposal somewhat equates to sending a thank you note after a normal interview, but with some major differences. Following a traditional interview, it's customary to send a note thanking the interviewer for the pleasure of meeting with them. We tell them how much we were impressed with them and the company, yada, yada, yada and that we could start on Monday! It really is a form of begging and there is nothing professional about it at all. Our Next Step Proposal is very different. It is short and has a definite design. Next Step Proposal Outline

335

Paragraph 1-Summary Overview- This is an overview of our discussion with the decision-maker. We restate the benefits of our ideas in terms of cost savings, efficiencies etc. Paragraph 2-Position Proposal- Here we state something like the following. "I believe I can help you move the idea we discussed forward to such- and- such a point in the next 30, 60, 90 days. I would expect to see____ results in that timeframe." Paragraph 3- Responsibilities/Deliverables- "As part of this project I would be responsible for this and this. These would be the deliverables." Paragraph 4- Compensation Overview-"For the duration of the first 90 days of the project I would be paid $____At the end of that timeframe it would convert to $______ if you wanted to move forward."

336

It's important to note that we are not asking for a full-time job. We're discussing a problem and its solution and suggesting a method of bringing that about. This could go in several directions. It might go nowhere, but at least you are in the game, a position you were not in with a traditional interview. Think about where you are. You are meeting with a key decision maker in your industry. Remember the C3 Due Diligence from Step 5? This is an opportunity to gather information and get smarter about what is going on. You may learn things about the competition. If so, it prepares you to move forward the process with decision-makers in other companies that you can approach. You could name drop. "I was speaking with Mr. Jones at XYZ Company, and he mentioned there was a problem in this field..." You are bringing useful information to your next encounter, getting smarter and being professional.

337

If you are using this Nine Step process with several companies in your industry, it is not at all uncommon to have several decision-makers take interest in you. Imagine if you receive a call from someone stating their interest in speaking with you about your ideas on Tuesday. You tell them you are meeting with their competitor that day but you could meet with them on Wednesday. Do you think there is a good chance they would want you to come in to talk on Monday? Decision-makers have real problems that they are losing old sleep over. If they think you have a potential solution they will not be neutral about your meeting with their competitors! They will adjust their calendar to meet with you. Do you see how this Nine Step approach is radically different from the traditional job interview process where you have zero control and you wait for them to get back to you? You are the only one who is adjusting a calendar. Conclusion: The key to getting a job is now, and always has been about Solving Other People's Problems

338

When we apply this Nine Step approach to helping decisionmakers solve their problems, we find that there is often a paycheck attached to it. Even if we have not been offered an opportunity with a particular company, we leave being smarter and more prepared to repeat the process with the next decision-maker. Employing these strategies will separate you from the typical job searcher with a resume in hand and distinguish you as the business professional you are. I would argue that most people out there really don't know why they get hired. They think it is because they have the right background, the right job experience and are the right cultural fit. If you remember nothing else, take this to heart. They don't teach this in school but, it is the way the world works. The Only Reason Anyone Ever Gets Hired: 1. A Decision-Maker 2. Has A Problem 3. They Think You Can Solve and 4. You Cost Less Than The Problem

339

Apply these 9 Steps and you will never again look for a job. Instead, you will look for problems to find solutions to and the market pays very well for that kind of person! Best of luck! Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

340

How to Get a Job Without Experience A cab driver in Glasgow once told me that he had a degree in computer science but resorted to driving taxis as he could not find a decent job in the IT industry. Like many recent University graduates, this was not due to a lack of effort on his part but mainly because most employers only advertise for experienced workers. Unfortunately getting a degree nowadays does not guarantee finding a decent job. How then does a graduate get a job in an Industry (computing, sports, health etc.) without having any hands-on experience? The answer I think depends on ones ambition - do you want to work for yourself or for someone else? The earlier you made up your mind, the better because time is the most important resource of all and it waits for no one. Starting a business may seem more difficult than it actually is but there is no way of finding out until you start. With dedication, commitment, hard work and creativity one could truly start reaping dividends within a few years.

341

However, most of us fall under the other category as we want to work for someone else usually a big multinational corporation. Most of these organisations seek and employ fresh graduates into their trainee programmes but there is only one way to get into their graduate schemes - keep applying! Due to the large number of applications these companies usually have to consider, not every applicant would be short-listed for interviews let alone offered a position. So what do you do? Be persistent! In addition, broaden your horizon and never regard an opportunity to work as too small whether it is a temp role as an office clerk, an attendant in a football stadium or at your local café. Consider any offers you get including those with little pay as this might be the only way to gain useful experience and start building a profile for oneself. Bigger and better offers will eventually come once you have established yourself.

342

Voluntary schemes can also be very useful for gaining valuable work experience although most would either pay little or no money at all. Some voluntary organisations actually reimburse for your accommodation, travel, food etc and are quite flexible so that you still have ample time to continue searching for your ideal job. You can opt to work abroad e.g. teaching in China, India, USA, developing countries or volunteer for an organisation that is related to where you would like to be hired which would also provide you with an opportunity to network. Read more interesting articles at http://www.jaedeals.com/Weblog/

343

The Successful Job Search - Separate Yourself From the Competition Picture this: we've got a hotel ballroom full of salespeople attending some sort of regional industry event. Let's say they're all software salespeople. And because it's a regional meeting, it's safe to assume most (if not all) of these people are based in one geographic area. Now - suppose we have a job opening for a Regional Sales Manager responsible for moving B2B Procurement/Marketplace software. This might be a good place to find that candidate. In one sense, everyone in the room is essentially the same. For example, they're all selling software, they're located in the same market, and their job responsibilities are very similar. It's conceivable, therefore, that every single person here could qualify (on paper) for the job. What's going to make one of them stand out from all the rest?

344

What's going to make the difference - and win the job offer? Obviously, this is an exaggeration. Not everybody in the room is going to qualify. But I think you get my point. The person who knows how to differentiate himself or herself from the sea of candidates who, on the surface, look very similar, is the one who will have a better chance at success. It starts with your resume. When 200 people submit their resumes for that Regional Sales Manager position, on some level, they're obviously going to look very similar. So we have 200 resumes that all resemble one another, yet only a handful are going to receive an invitation to interview. What is it about those six resumes that's going to make the difference? Why these and not the others? Likewise, when those six people come in to meet with senior management, it's safe to assume there will be parallels between their employment experiences. What's going to make one stand out over the others?

345

What about you? What do you do? Business Development...Marketing...Sales...Financial Analysis...Systems Engineering...Logistics Management? Whatever it is, you've got to know how to separate yourself from the competition. You need to understand specifically what makes you unique, and how to convey that message to the hiring manger. Of course other factors have an impact once you get to the interview stage. Performance under pressure, preparation other issues are at play. But at the core, differentiation is key. Your chances of making it to the interview aren't good if you haven't done a good job conveying your uniqueness in your resume. Take the time to identify what's distinctive about you - then encapsulate it into a succinct branding statement. That's the basis for everything else you'll do to market yourself.

346

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

347

Supercharge Your Job Search - Use Jack Bauer-Like Tactics to Find Your Ideal Position If you have ever seen 24 on Fox, then you know who Jack Bauer is and what he is all about. If you have not seen this counterterrorist agent "on steroids" in action, just know that he is willing to do anything to get the bad guys. Whether you like Jack or not, or don't even know him, you may be asking, "What in the world does this have to do with my job search?" Well, read on and I will explain. There are several basic principles involved in how the character of Jack Bauer operates during any investigation. Employing these principles, in a somewhat less extreme format, in your job search can lead to astounding results. Gather Intelligence

348

The first step in the process, and the one that many skip entirely, is to conduct some research on the market you are interested in. This includes learning about the players involved, their financial status, the geographies they serve, and other information that will help you identify the organizations you can target during your search. Furthermore, try to find the names of people within those organizations that may be a decision maker or influencer to the hiring process. You can also try to obtain the names and contact information for others within the organization that may be able to refer or introduce you to the hiring manager. Leverage Your Resources Like Jack Bauer, you want to use all the resources at your disposal to help you with your search. He doesn't save the world all by himself. He gets help from lots of people along the way. Some of these folks are those you would expect him to get help from, such as other personnel from other government agencies, while others are very unlikely sources of assistance. Consider all of your resources, and don't discount people from your arsenal just because they don't fit the typical mold of those you would expect help from.

349

Go On the Offensive An all-out attack of these organizations is called for. Send them your resume by mail, post it to their website, email it to any contacts there, find recruiters that have relationships with them, and try cold calling the hiring manager directly to get an opportunity to explain what you have to offer them. Too many candidates are way too passive in this area of the search. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and go outside your comfort level. This is your career we are talking about here. Can you really be satisfied with anything but the best? Think of it as a life-and-death situation like Jack Bauer does. You must be willing to do whatever it takes to be successful in your search. The results will be most rewarding. So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable?

350

My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience. The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals In February 2009, I launched a new group job hunting networking site: NoddlePlace.com. It is absolutely FREE to join, and you have access to everything on the site. Come check it out at NoddlePlace . You can also follow me on Twitter

351

First Impressions and the Job Search We all know first impressions are important. Fairly or not, we all pretty much make up our minds about people within the first few minutes after we've met them. Very rarely, we might change our impression over time, but typically the initial evaluation stands. It's nearly impossible to change someone's mind after they've formed an opinion about you. It's no different when you're searching for work. How successful you'll be as a candidate has everything to do with first impressions. What kind of immediate impression does your resume make? You've got a matter of seconds to capture the hiring manager's attention when he's picking up your resume for the first time. Are you confident that yours is strong enough to guarantee a closer read? Likewise, how well do you handle the first few minutes of interviews?

352

The hiring manager will form an impression of you during the first few seconds of your encounter - probably before you even sit down. Even more important: the vast majority of the time, the person interviewing will make a decision regarding your candidacy within the first 10 minutes of the conversation. Of course, the conversion will continue, likely for some time, after that. If he's already made up his mind, though, what's the purpose of the rest of the conversation? He's using his time to validate that assessment. 10 minutes, and your fate is sealed. Kind of puts the whole conversation in a different light, doesn't it? Not to add to the pressure, but you absolutely have to hit a slam dunk in those first few minutes. You have a great deal of control over what kind of impression you make. Are you confident you know what to do to make it a favorable one?

353

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

354

The Top 5 Ways to Kickstart Your Stalled Career Everyone gets stuck in a rut once in a while. You feel like your life is planned out for you and you get bored with your everyday routines. If you feel like your career is stalled and you're looking for a jumpstart, then consider the following. 1. Transform Your Image Sometimes all it takes to jumpstart a stalled career is an image transformation. Analyze your professional image and pinpoint factors you can improve on, such as your presentation and verbal skills. This can boost your self confidence and help you get what you need out of your job. By changing the way you think and act, others will take notice and change their response to you. Who knows, you may just get a promotion or a new set of responsibilities that will help you restart your career. 3. Take Initiative

355

Decide what you want out of your job and go get it. Talk with your supervisor about opportunities for advancement. Ask them what they want you to accomplish in your position, and if it becomes clear to you that the job is a dead-end, it could be the push you need to start looking for a new job. 4. Change Careers Research other career paths that interest you. Find someone you can shadow for a few days to get a feel for what the job is like, then go for it. If you need to go back to school, look into online programs that will allow you to keep your job while working towards a new degree. Changing careers can be a risky move, but in the end it just may be worth it. 4. Start Networking

356

Join a social community such as LinkedIn or Facebook and meet people in similar fields. Ask people if they know of other opportunities in the field and what they have done to get ahead. You may also find someone who can mentor you and help you decide on a path to take. Networking may also bring you new clients, friends, and tools to help you on your journey. 5. See a Career Development Professional If all else fails, make an appointment with a career counselor to get some insight into what needs to be done to jumpstart your career. They can provide valuable advice that you won't get anywhere else. Be sure to check their credentials; most career counselors are members of the National Career Development Association, and the NCDA website has a tool that lets you search for a qualified counselor. References Get Career Advice from a Pro" About.com "Re-energizing a Stalled Career" Career Directions LLC "Feel Like Your Career is at a Standstill?" CanadaJobs.com

357

10 Tips to Find a Job During these tough economic times, it is incredibly stressful when unemployed. Here are 10 ten tips to find a job quickly: 1. Retool your resume. 2. Tailor each resume to each specific job. I know this is time consuming but believe me it works. If you keep sending out generic resumes then you will get generic responses. 3. Set the number of job posting you will apply to. I believe that you should commit to a number of job postings. During my job search, I would apply to 100 per week so I applied to 25 per day. Yes, 25 per day. Job success if a numbers game. The more you apply, the better your chances. 4. Pay attention. One of things I have noticed as an employer and as a employee as well is not paying attention. Sending out the wrong cover letter to prospective employers will kill your chances.

358

5. Commit to your job search like a job. Make sure that you spend a certain amount of hours each days looking for a job no matter what. I know it is hard and depressing but it is the only way to ensure you find a job. 6. Stay organized. Create a excel spreadsheet of all the jobs that you applied for so you won't apply for the same job over and over again. That will kill your chances with that employer. 7. Don't be afraid to take risks. Be willing to look in other industries that normally would not look into but you have skills that will transfer well. For example, if your career is administrative but you always work in advertising industry, be willing to look in manufacturing or government industries that are looking for administrative workers as well. 8. Know your priorities. If you have savings then you can be a little picky about your next job. If you rapidly running out of money then make sure get something in order to pay the bills.

359

9. Prepare for the interviews. Lots of people are so excited to have a response that don't prepare for the interview. And I don't mean regarding what you are going to wear but thinking your responses to interview questions. For example: why are you are good fit for this position? What are your weaknesses and strengths ? 10. Don't forget your thank you note after your interviews. When there is a surplus of qualified candidates, sometimes the little things will make the difference. A thank you note can be your deciding factor. The thank you card should be send within 24 hours of the interview. This can be send via email but a lasting impression is when it is sent through snail mail. With these tips, you should have success soon By Tiffany Brown, MPA http://www.easycareerseeker.com Easycareerseeker.com is a premier free recruitment site, designed to connect employers with qualified career seekers

360

Temporary Job Loss - 8 Tips to Respond If recently you have been laid off from your job, or you have a fear that this could happen in the near future, you need to respond with a great plan. It is really a hard truth, but how you respond may depend on your financial and emotional state. Many people may have seen this was going to happen in the future, and was prepared for it, and some people view this as a blessing. Whatever the case it forces people to make a change for some time. In times like these, it really forces people to search for employment quickly. If a person doesn't see this coming, and is not prepared, a person can have many problems. Are you financially prepared for this? Are you emotionally prepared for this? Can you look at the situation and see it as an opportunity to start something better? But many people are at a loss on what to do next. While many people panic and have a feeling of uncertainty, these feelings are normal. A person needs to remember that they need to have a strategy to show how much past experience a person has.

361

There are 8 ways to that a person can respond, and show future employers how much you have to offer to their respective employer. 1. Breathe- There is a job out there for everyone. A person can get through this. The best way for a person to take action is to do it quickly. Don't wait, immediately start looking for employment. 2. Get Out The Contact List- Get together a list of people that you have worked with. Reach out to them by using email, telephone, and visits. 3. Inventory What You Offer- A person needs to compose a list of their abilities, skills, experience, and how they could fit into a job position. Really look at your professional background, and have stories and evidence that truly give a potential employer of what you have to offer. Also, ask yourself what you are interested in doing? Depending on what situation you’re in, you can take a step back to look at what direction you want to go.

362

4. Define Your Targets- A person does not have the same value everywhere. Everyone should develop 3 groups. Group 1, should be what you really want. Group 2, you will be willing to accept this. Group 3, this will help you survive until something else comes along. Always use titles, types, and size to utilize these groups. 5. Cultivate Multiple Channels- Don't rely on only one channel to find job opportunities. Use all means including online, recruitment agencies, professional associations, and everyone you know. 6. Create Channels For People To Find You- Nothing more will give a person confidence than receiving a call about an opportunity. Make sure that your contacts put you on top of the list when something comes available. A person can use the internet to also find more sources to utilize. 7. Follow The Pareto Principle- Analyze all your contacts and information. Also who you know and the people that will be available to hire you. Always remember the more difficult the action required, usually means the more potential it has.

363

8. Get Out And Talk To People- A person should never rely just on their computer. Get a shower, clean up, and let potential employers see you, not just talk by computer or phone. Rodney Todd is part of a top internet marketing team of mentors, and has a passion for helping others achieve their goals, dreams and aspirations. To learn more about Rodney Todd go to http://www.christmentor.com

364

Dealing With Taking a Job You're Overqualified For We've all been in that position. There are times in your life when you just need a paycheck to keep food in the fridge and gas in the car. You tell yourself that you'll take any job and love it-you're just that desperate. So you apply for some jobs, and even go as far as to hide some of your experience in an effort to dumb down your resume. But is that REALLY what you want?

365

Many people take a job they're overqualified for to just pay the bills. That is perfectly acceptable, as long as you're honest with yourself about your reasons for taking that position, and don't harbor any delusions that it will turn into some grand new career launch pad. However, convincing the employer of your intentions while in the interview can be tricky. Chances are when they meet you they'll have the sense that you are more than what is on your resume. Your best defense is to try to explain your intentions. Saying that you're desperate for funds is not going to win you any points, but addressing the interviewers' concerns upfront is your best defense. You can say that it might seem odd to them that you are applying for this job, but at this time in your life this job is a good fit for you. You can say that you're looking for a job with flexible hours, a shorter commute, a chance to improve your computer skills-turn any quality of the job into the benefit that you were looking for that enticed you to apply. You can follow up by saying that this flexibility or the ability to enhance your skills allows you to work on your degree, spend more time with your kids, whatever. The formula here is simple.

366

1. Address the concerns that you're sure are going through their minds. It's OK to bring this up yourself in the interview. 2. Mention a specific benefit of the job that you are applying for. 3. Show how this benefit fits into bettering your lifestyle at the moment. The big don't with this, is to NOT promise that you'll be there forever, and don't oversell yourself that this is the complete perfect job for you. You want to avoid the scenario that three months down the road, your situation has changed and you're ready to leave, but you feel badly about the lofty promises you made to get the job. If you're taking the job to get the necessary experience for a career switch, be honest about that as well. Emphasize that you bring expertise in different areas, and that you have a genuine interest in learning about this new career. Recognize that there are some parts of this diminished position that you won't like and that you'll need to pay your dues all over again. But keep your long term goals in mind and you will get through it successfully.

367

The key is to be honest and open. Melanie Szlucha has been a hiring manager for over 15 years and a career coach for over 4 through her company Red Inc. She writes resumes, coaches clients for job interviews, and works with them to strategize networking opportunities and job search tactics She offers a packet of FREE job search articles--worth over $100, through her website: http://www.reallygreatresume.com Following her on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/careerhelp) gives you one great job search tip per day for FREE!

368

Creating the Perfect Pitch The message is usually driven by someone asking you the question Tell me about yourself or something of a similar nature. There are different approaches to developing and delivering your pitch depending on where you are and who your audience is. At a minimum there are three versions, the first is a basic 30 second pitch that is generic and focuses on your unique selling position, the second is a longer one and a half to two minute pitch that contains a more detailed history and positioning, the final pitch is one delivered at an interview where you know their requirements and you can focus your value proposition. Remember that the message is all about what you can bring to the table not about what you have done. 30 Second (Elevator)

369

There is any number of environments where this pitch comes into its own. In general you have a very short space of time to get across your value. And you need to be focused on making a great impression. Your immediate words need to give your audience a clear picture of your value and should leave them thinking either that was interesting or how can I learn more. Think about describing your skill rather than your job title, Are you a Landscape Gardener or Do you turn the world green. Are you an IRS Agent or A government fund raiser. These are two common examples that have grown into common usage. Think about the best way of describing your vales in 30 seconds or less. The Generic 2 Minute Pitch

370

A longer version of the previous pitch that contains more value statements and talks more about your history and the organizations you have worked for. Think about your resume and the words you have used to describe yourself, insure that how you describe yourself accurately reflects what your goal is. You would not for example talk about being in the Energy business when in fact you are a Controller, rather you are a Controller who happens to have extensive experience in the field of Power Generation. Use stories to demonstrate how you have delivered value to previous or your current employer. The Focused 2 Minute Pitch

371

At this stage we have a job description and we have been offered either a telephone or face to face interview. Our goal now is to analyze the requirements and pitch our skills and capabilities directly against it. If they are looking for a Controller with a minimum of 3 years experience in a publicly traded company and you can say it, your opening statement may be I am a Controller with more than 5 years experience in publicly traded companies. You will use specific examples of how you meet the bill and how you bring value to the table. Remember that just like crafting your resume to leave people begging for more so your 2 minute pitch should leave them saying wow. Barry Simpson - Your personal job-search assistant http://www.virtualjobcoach.com Follow me at http://twitter.com/DBarryS VirtualJobCoach is the premier web site dedicated to helping people find jobs faster. Combining development of resumes, cover letters, position tracking, and networking management

372

Simpson has extensive experience of working with people at all levels in Fortune 500 companies and other organizations with the goal to help them land a new and rewarding position. I am, with my colleagues translating much of that expertise and knowledge into our offering at Virtual Job Coach If you are looking for a new position or simply interested in managing your career come over, visit our site and try it out for free. Contact me if I can help bsimpson at virtualjobcoach dot com

373

Keep Your Job Search to Yourself You're probably familiar with the phrase, "Loose lips sink ships." To avoid the inadvertent disclosure of important information to the enemy during World War II, soldiers were instructed to be careful about what they included in letters home - and to be even more vigilant about their conversations when on leave. Slip-ups in letters would likely be caught by the censor; loose talk, on the other hand, had no such filter and could be disastrous. Think of your job search in the same way. Practice self-censorship. Keep your mouth shut. You may have a great relationship with the person in the cube next to you. The two of you go to lunch frequently, chat about items unrelated to work, and even socialize from time to time after hours. You consider this guy a close colleague. You trust him.

374

So now, with the economy in shambles and your company struggling, you're both worried about your jobs. After all, rumors have been flying about the possibility of layoffs for weeks now. What harm could there be in talking about your plans with him? You never know. Even a colleague you trust implicitly can let you down with an innocent slip of the tongue. Depending on the information that's leaked, and who it's leaked to, it can be extremely damaging. Worst case, it ultimately puts you in a position you're unable to recover from. Then there's a darker scenario...the intentional leak. The deeper we get into this recession and the more competitive things get, the more the vibe around the office may shift - to an "every man for himself" type of mentality. That person you thought you could count on to keep a secret may end up not being so trustworthy. Either way, it can end up costing you dearly in the end. Don't make it this easy for senior management to decide who's going to stay and who will go if a workforce reduction becomes a reality.

375

Loose lips can sink ships. They can sink you at the office, too. Never discuss your job search with anyone from work. Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

376

Part-Time Evening Jobs Times are tough, jobs are being lost and news coming in does not bud well for the future. We have to be proactive and starting sourcing for avenues to supplement our income. This is not only for those who have lost their jobs but also those who are struggling at their jobs. Evening Trading is a flexible, part-time temporary online jobs. When last did you hear a job described this way. Many people have been getting into part-time evening trading to support their current income. Others have become proficient in this and have made it a full-time job. There are lots of information about how to get into evening trading and you have to sift through all this information to get the most important points on how to work the system. This is not some get-rich quick scheme so if you are looking to make millions from this then you had better look elsewhere. However for anyone interested in this, there are some very valuable, must-have secrets to steadily boost your income.

377

Evening trading is a part time job. It involves buying and selling stock every day and using some basic tools to determine the direction of price movement. This may sound like something for the Wall street stockbroker but you would be surprised how easy this is. You need to register for the free online trading platform which does most of the work for you. It shows pricing trends and shows you charts which help you understand price fluctuations. The keys to successful trading is to stay focused and not get greedy. Most people who start trading always make the mistake to trying to go for the killer payout and lose the opportunity to take a profit. You need to set a target and stick with it. Another important point, don't invest more than you can afford to lose. This is an online part-time job so you will need a good computer with fast internet speed. Part-Time Evening Jobs shares valuable information for boosting your income. Evening Trading has been picking up as people attempt to make extra income

378

Are You Looking For a New Position? Here Are 3 Proactive Ways to Get Great Jobs in This Market In the new job market, finding a suitable opportunity is a challenge for many executives. While jobs are available, many of them are either unappealing to high-level candidates, or the competition is fierce. Fortunately, you don't have to waste time or settle for lesser positions. The following three strategies will make your job hunt more productive, saving you time and frustration: 1. Don't Follow The Crowd. Most advertised positions invite thousands of applications. An average job seeker pursuing advertised job openings online and offline will need to apply for a lot of jobs to generate any decent response. Even then, a chosen applicant competes with dozens of others during an interview stage.

379

Sending your resume cold is no answer either. While you may occasionally get response, chances are all you will only receive a handful of rejection letters. Using a 'hit and miss' approach is less competitive than applying for advertised positions, but the results are marginal at best. An unconventional but highly productive strategy is a targeted approach. It requires an open mind and a takecharge attitude. Here is a real-life example of this: Randy (a CFO in the Technology sector) contacted Presidents of small and mid-size software companies, offering to show them how to develop cost-effective outsourcing programs. His expertise in this area was enthusiastically received by nearly 20% of decision makers (compare this with less than 1% response he was getting without this approach). Randy then presented a sharp resume that clearly outlined his knowledge and potential benefits. Within 10 weeks, he received 9 interviews and 4 offers (one of which he couldn't turn down!). 2. Make It Easy For Employers To Be Interested In You.

380

A large percentage of employers now see recruitment as a big risk. Some companies in this market actually prefer not to fill a position rather than take a chance and hire an incompetent candidate. If you want to overcome employers' resistance, you need to clearly show them why hiring you makes good economic sense. One way to achieve this is to propose a performance measurement system that virtually eliminates employer's risk. Another is to make your remuneration contingency based. The third is to become a working partner and contribute your own capital. The forth is to act as an independent consultant and make your new employer your client. As you can see, you have many options. By carefully considering your goals and potential employer's risk tolerance level, you can present a feasible, well thought-out proposal that will make hiring you a no-brainer for employers. 3. Start Your Search With A First-Rate Message.

381

There is no bigger turnoff for any hiring decision maker than a mediocre executive resume. A bad advertisement can destroy a good product; a second-rate resume can disqualify even the most talented executive. Most employers have no prior history with you and trying to impress them with a typical textbook resume is a sure way to say, "reject me". The secret to resume writing is to avoid common jargon, not make it sound like "old news", and update it with a specific focus on the needs of this market. Look at your presentation this way - you are aiming to convince employers to select you over other talented applicants and pay you a high salary. If you are seeking $150,000 a year and expect to work for a new employer for 3 years, you are essentially asking them to make a $450,000 decision. Equip yourself with an outstanding document and you will gain an immediate advantage. Wayne Richardson is a co-founder of Effective Executives, the premiere resume service for management and executive level job seekers. Before you apply for any jobs, get a free resume review and price quote to make it outstanding. Visit: http://www.effectiveexecutives.com

382

Preparing For Your Job Search There are a variety of things that people need to do when they are ready to do a job search. The challenge is that most people don't prepare ahead of time and they are using the same old and tired techniques. In today's world employers are looking for people who can show how they can help the company. They want to know how your expertise and education can improve their bottom line. What many people don't realize is that you have to put time and energy into a job search. It's not something that will happen overnight but if you work at it you can find the exact job you want. Here are a few tips to help you in preparing for your job search: Do Your Research

383

If you are preparing for a new career, changing careers or looking for work for the first time it is important to do research about the types of jobs that are available. It is a good idea to go online and just look at careers. There are several career sites that explain what a career is, how it works, what people do in it and so forth. You will need to understand the jobs that are available before you find one you want. Write Down Your Skills And Abilities A very important skill is to know your strengths and abilities. You should also know your accomplishments to date. Employers are looking for employees who have accomplished something on their other jobs or in their college courses. If you can show your strengths in your job search you can have a better interview. This information translates into your competencies that the employer will be looking for when they read your resume and ask for an interview. Write a Solid Resume

384

Although most people would argue that your résumé is what gets you a job, this is not true. Your resume is only there to get you to an interview; after the interview it is a moot point. Do not listen to people who say you have to do an old fashioned resume that looks like a grocery list of places you've been and names your job. Instead, employers want to know your accomplishments. As an example, a sales job would want to know how much you've sold in the past. A detective agency would want to know how many cases you successfully solved. Your resume is your first impression. It should be clean, neat, and free of typo errors and on a crisp white or offwhite paper. Always write a cover letter You can compose cover letters ahead of time but the most important aspect of this document is to create a snapshot of your resume. Each time you do a cover letter, look at the job posting. Write your cover letter to show how you have accomplished the requirements of the job posting. This will get you into the interview fast because most people do not follow this step.

385

Sharon Alexander - Claim That Job.com For more information on how to manage your career successfully, and to get a free job hunting report, visit Claim That Job at http://www.claimthatjob.com

386

3 Easy Sites to Find Profitable New Work 1- Linkedin.com This is a professional networking website with similarities to Facebook such as the way and scale in which you can invite and connect to people across the globe. It is perfect for those people who have a specialized trade and want to increase their opportunities through recommendations and connections. My passion is Portrait Painting and you are welcome to take a look at mine: search for "artistshinozaki" in linkedin.com. 2- Temp. Staffing Agancies I have a close friend who was able to find high paying jobs through Dolphin Staffing in Minneapolis. If you have certain clerical or mechanical skills or a degree, or are open to trying jobs that may have a down side but easy to train into, this is a good way to find your new decently paying job relatively quickly, though the employment isn't usually long term.

387

A direct family member of mine has extensively used KellyServices.com, which is one of the largest and oldest temp staffing agencies of the USA. 3- My Club that "Guarantees You Make Money," risk-free for 60 days It's no secret that experts are reporting that more and more people are migrating away from commuting to work every day and are choosing to earn a living from their homes. Evidence of this is that the world's top online retailers report unprecedented, soaring sales of online goods and services! The simple fact is that our economy is at an all time low, and more and more people every day have begun to recognize the economic benefits of working and online. The income potential of our unique systems are enormous. Many people getting started are just as excited about the life-style flexibility that this top-rated, home-income program offers. Whether you just want to supplement your regular income to offset your gas to work or completely replace your regular commuting job income, there's never been a better time to get in on the new work-from-home boom than right now.

388

Sincerely wishing for all who read this to gain their Financial Freedom, Ben Shino, Minneapolis P/T Independent Associate Maverick Money Makers Did you find this article helpful? Test drive my mentor's 60 day guarantee! It took me less than 20 minutes to set up and start immediately free or little cost as I wanted! http://www.SecureFreedomHere.com

389

Places That Are Hiring - The Top 3 Ways to Find the Best Jobs That Are Hiring Right Now! There is absolutely no question that in this economy it seems to be a very difficult time for many people who are searching for reliable jobs and places that are hiring. But it certainly is not impossible! Even despite the current economy there are still some great places which are currently hiring. But where can you go to find the best jobs that are hiring right now? Here are the Top 3 places to find the Best Jobs that are Hiring Right Now: 1- Job Fairs: Local Job Fairs could be an excellent resource for finding your next job. Job Fairs will always have employers which are currently seeking out new people to hire. It will give you a great idea of what jobs are currently available in your area as well as what they are looking for in a potential employee.

390

2- Newspaper Ads and Classifieds: This one may seem obvious but new job opportunities are posted and updated in newspapers on a regular basis, so don't forget about this resource as a place to check for new places that are hiring. 3- Surf the Web: The internet is one of the best places to look for jobs that are hiring right now! You can look at job listing sites such as jobs.com, monster.com or craigslist.com. There are more and more people coming to the internet every day in search of their next job or career. But what also seems to be happening is that these job listing sites tend to become so over-crowded with people trying to apply for the same jobs that the chances of getting what you're looking for can really be a challenge! I would suggest that while you are looking online for a job that you also research the many options for online job opportunities; jobs which provide the opportunity to make money marketing online (often while working from home!). The right online opportunity will show you how to market online with strategic internet marketing techniques such as blogging, pay-per-visit, article marketing and video marketing.

391

The online marketing industry is one of the most profitable and recession-proof industries around especially considering the current economy. The Online Marketing Industry has not been hurt by the recession and is actually doing better than ever! So keep this in mind as you do your research and hunt for places that are hiring. While it can be a challenge to find worthwhile places that are hiring right now, it is still a possibility. Be sure to look to local job fairs, the newspaper and the internet for your best options that are available. And if you are looking for something with a reputation for being stable and reliable despite the current economic recession, then don't forget to research the Online Marketing Industry for opportunities that are even more likely to help you with your financial goals for the future! To learn more about what to look for to successfully choose and start your own Online Business, go to http://www.make1kaday.com

392

Shawn Stoik is an accomplished Entrepreneur, Top Internet Marketer and International Team Mentor who trains both Total Beginners and Seasoned Pros to achieve Financial Freedom by creating wealth and prosperity online! For more information on the Top Internet Marketing Tactics for building the most successful business online, please visit http://www.make1kaday.com

393

Jobs Hiring in My Area - Where to Find the Best Secure and High-Paying Jobs and Careers Many people, especially in the current economy that we are dealing with, are searching for more secure jobs to overcome their financial problems. And often when they conduct their job searches, they ask themselves questions like, "where are the jobs hiring in my area?". If you are one of these people you are also very likely looking for something that will be more stable and secure despite the economy and that will be a high-paying job so that you can take care of your bills and your family.

394

Something important to consider especially in the current recession where so many people are losing their jobs every day is the need to be really smart and open-minded about your search. The main reason most people are looking for jobs in their local area is to cut back on the expense of a daily commute. But something to think about if that is a concern for you is that many people have found secure and highpaying jobs that they are able to do while working from home. So, if you are searching for jobs that are hiring in your area, you should also be aware of which jobs you can also do while working from home. Another very interesting thing that a lot of people are noticing, especially as more jobs are being lost, is the amount of profitable job opportunities that are available online! From direct sales and network marketing to affiliate marketing and online retail stores, there are so many possible ways to make money online. You just need to find a company with great training and resources to help you market and drive qualified traffic to your websites and make sales, and with a compensation plan that will be able to help you reach your goals of financial freedom and success!

395

So before you bother turning to the classifieds to find another job, whose company may in the future join the many others who are downsizing and laying off employees, take the time to search through the more stable and recessionproof job opportunities that are available to you online! To learn more about what to look for to successfully choose and start your own Online Business, go to http://www.make1kaday.com Shawn Stoik is an accomplished Entrepreneur, Top Internet Marketer and International Team Mentor who trains others to achieve Financial Freedom by creating wealth and prosperity online. For more information on the Top Internet Marketing Tactics for building a successful business online, please visit http://www.make1kaday.com

396

The Top 10 Hottest Careers For 2009 and How to Get Them This year hasn't exactly started off on the best foot. According to CNN, over 2 million people lost their jobs in 2008, and already 200,000 jobs have been cut during the first month of 2009. If your one of the people who was laid off, it probably seems like there is no hope. Fortunately, companies are still hiring, you just have to know what jobs are in-demand. Laurence Shatkin, a career information expert, published a book called "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs" that lists the most in-demand careers during hard economic times. The top 10 careers on his list include: 1. Computer Systems Analysts 2. Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts 3. Network and Computer Systems Administrators 4. Registered Nurses 5. Teachers 6. Physical Therapists 7. Physicians and Surgeons

397

8. Dental Hygienists 9. Pharmacists 10. Medical and Health Services Managers While most of these careers require experience in science and math as well as a degree, sometimes work experience can be just as or more valuable. The top three careers all require experience working with computer technologies in lieu of a degree. Anyone who possesses technical skills and has relevant experience can find a job in these fields, regardless of the level of education they have received. Sometimes a few courses in computer science or related subjects can help in combination with work experience. Nurses, physical therapists, dental hygienists and medical services managers generally need at least an associate's degree. However, experience working in a medical office can get your foot in the door, and sometimes employers will reimburse you for pursuing formal training. Most associate's degree programs take about 2 years to complete, and in that time you could be receiving formal on-the-job training that will make you more marketable in the future.

398

Teachers usually need a bachelor's degree at the least, but anyone who has a degree or expertise in a specific field, such as art, history, or even business can find a job as a teacher. Teachers are always in demand, especially with the increasing number of older teachers retiring. To make yourself more marketable to employers, you need to get relevant experience working in a classroom. Volunteer to be a tutor or apply for a teacher's aide position and prove that you can be a successful teacher. In order to get a job as a pharmacist or a physician, you must have a Doctorate. However, there are ways to get your foot in the door. Most pharmacies employ pharmacy technicians to help the pharmacist fill prescriptions. Some pharmacies don't require any formal degree or training for this position, instead they provide on-the-job training. In fact, there are no state or federal requirements for training or certification of pharmacy techs. Once training is complete, you can take the voluntary certification exam to become certified. Some pharmacy programs also allow pharmacy techs to enter their programs in lieu of a college degree.

399

So don't be discouraged. Even if you don't have a college degree you can still get a high paying job that will provide stability in this unstable economy. References Bls.gov: computer systems analyst, teacher, registered nurse, pharmacy tech, pharmacist http://www.usnews.com/blogs/the-insidejob/2008/10/21/top-10-recessionproof-jobs.html http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/27/news/economy/state_ unemployment/index.htm

400

Job Search Time Management Want to know how to instantly get more out of the hours you devote to your job search? Spend less time visiting and more time shaking hands. If the bulk of your efforts are focused in the direction of online job boards, you're misallocating resources. You'll have much better luck if you dedicate yourself to maintaining regular connection with your network - and building your circle of contacts by meeting new people. There are a number of reasons to avoid burning a lot of time online, such as: •

The vast majority of jobs are never posted.

Statistics vary, but somewhere in the neighborhood of 70%80% of job openings never end up on the boards or in the want ads. If postings only represent a quarter of the available inventory, why spend an inordinate amount of time looking there? •

Some of the postings are outright fabrications.

401

These fictitious listings are designed to get you to give up personal information - think identity theft - or to solicit you for something if you respond. •

There is no job.

Similar to the bullet above, these are also postings that aren't what they seem. They're not designed to swipe your bank account number or sell you something - their purpose is to get your resume. These ads are designed to entice people to submit resumes in order to build databases. •

The ad is a composite.

This is another resume mining tactic. In this case, the posting you see combines a few positions that actually are available into one ad. The entity on the other end wants to get the most bang for their buck; they run a single ad to pull in the greatest number of resumes. •

Some of the postings are duplicates, though this may not be obvious to the reader.

402

For example, a single job could be posted on the hiring company's site, on a job board, and on the sites of contingent recruiting firms that might be working on it non-exclusively. It's probably a blind ad everywhere but the company site. Because it's worded differently in each case, and the employer isn't identified, you might think there are five openings when there's only one.) •

Some of the postings you'll see are outdated; the job was filled.

Worse yet, the job might have been filled months ago. A company doesn't want to have an empty "opportunities available" page, so they keep old information up. Or they've simply forgotten to update the page. You can burn a lot of time online. It may feel like you're accomplishing something, but in reality you're probably not. Especially as the market becomes more competitive, it's people who are going to make the difference in your search. Spend less time visiting and concentrate on interacting.

403

Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

404

Is it Really Worth it All, Just to Be Under Valued Again? With all the bad news about the state of the economy with people losing their very own shirt off their back makes you wander, Why keep putting yourself and your family in the same spot that you here about every night on the news? It seems people are starting to wake up and understand that the good ole job market (Corporate America) is not like it use to be, and it is never coming back! Between 8 to 11 seconds someone is starting their own home based business. But the sad part 98% will not find success in their new found business leaving back to the useless job market. I mean what is a job (Just Over Broke), and 98% will go back and make claims like, all that business was a scam, or it was just a ponzi scheme.

405

Well the real truth is that 98% of those did not have what the 2% had, that was passion, drive and the will to be coach able by some one that has gone through it all ready. This is one of the greatest lesson I have learned, was you don't have to do it alone. In fact I will advise you to do you due diligence and to find, first the right service or product to get in. You should have a passion for this business or else there will be a good chance you will be one of the 98% that fail. OK great you found something that you are all fired up about, now it is time to start to use your computer to look around at the different opportunities that is right for you! Find yourself a very proactive team if you can, and then find a mentor out of that team. Someone that is willing to at least have weekly meetings with you to help you through the learning curve. Teaching you such strategies like attraction marketing, personal branding, etc, etc.

406

Once you have things in place people will be calling you, not you calling your family and friends to make a sell off them. You see this is really not about selling people, people don't like being sold. This business is about helping others, once you start to understand and apply these strategies that you will learn from your team and mentor, it is all downhill or should I say downline! You see it is really up to you if you want it that bad you will make some changes in your life to reach your goals and aspirations! Me I have learned this and willing to coach people that do want success and are ready for change. You will learn cutting edge strategies only the successful 2% know about in marketing! The Master Builder Has Your Blueprint To Success, Robert Mergupis Global Resorts For Change

407

Find Jobs That Others Don't Everyone looks at the common job boards such as Monster, Career Builder, Hot Jobs etc. But there lies part of the problem, EVERYONE else is looking on those same boards. With unemployment at 7.6%, highest in 16 years, you need to find other ways to search besides these old-standbys. As a Human Resources Director I get the same question all the time, "How do I land a job?!" Here's what I tell them. - If you don't have a salesperson's personality or can't deal with another cold call rejection hire someone or ask a friend who is a salesperson to cold call for you. Give them a list of companies to call into, and have them set appointments for you. - Use social networking sites such as Linked-In. Put your resume on your profile. You'd be surprised of how many HR people sift through resumes this way.

408

- Use snail mail. Hiring managers can literally get hundreds of emails a day especially if they have run an ad. If you aren't applying for a specific position your email will almost certainly get lost in the shuffle. Even if you are applying for a listed job send an email AND a snail mail. There would be times, when I was HR Director, I'd get 200 emails a day but only one or two snail mails a day. It's a good way to get noticed. - Get involved with business listservs, email groups, discussion groups or forums in your field. Offer your expertise and post often. It's a good way to network. - What about your alumni network? Check out their career sites and if they have a place to post your resume do it. - Do some consulting or freelance work. It can make you a little cash if you are unemployed. If they like you, they may ask you to stay on as an employee. If not it's another way to network. - If you don't already, volunteer in something related to your field. You'll meet other like-minded people, keep your skills honed, and you will be working side by side with others in your field.

409

-Lastly look on job boards, newspapers and sites that others don't! There are job sites out there for diversity candidates, non-profits, and smaller job boards that are less expensive than the big boys to advertise. Not all companies have the advertising budgets to list on the bigger sites. Here's my BEST tip of the day for you. There's a website called www.snapjobsearch.com . It's free to use and is a mighty little site. It scours over 300 newspapers, sites and boards (Big and small ones) and within seconds gives you a list of jobs in your area, that fit your criteria. It saves time like nobody's business. It will find jobs in places that you've never heard of, which is what you want. Good luck job hunting. Remember...Look where others aren't! Dorene Jones, PHR http://www.greenbayconsulting.com

410

Classified Ads For Job Hunting - Pros and Cons The challenges of finding a job are becoming less stressful with the constant development of new ideas online. It is now possible to place a 'position wanted' ad on many classified ads websites. Other recent additions to the jobsearching world include posting your resume and applying for jobs online. However, these two ideas are a thing of the past. Advertising your skills when you are in the need of a job has its pros and cons just like anything else on the internet. Let's begin with the pros first. Not only can you browse for available jobs that are listed on classified ad sites, you can post your resume for jobs or positions that are of interest to you. Clearly, when you use both of these options, you are more likely to score a job. On the other hand, if you post a 'position wanted' ad, you have more of an advantage. Job wanted ads are placed by you so you have the control here.

411

You are entitled to the flexibility and freedom to say whatever you would like. There is typically a lot of room to say anything about yourself that you would like. In other words, you can brag about all of your accomplishments and skills as much as you would like! The downside to this is that most classified ad sites require a monthly fee for this; some of which charge anywhere from $9.95 to $29.95. Another pro to posting job wanted ads is that your security is top priority. Classified ad companies and businesses who are interested in you will keep your information private and secure. You will not receive scammers or other non-credible people responding to your ads. Simply put, only reliable and trustworthy people will respond to your ad if they are interested in what you have to offer. Classified ad companies will have all correspondences between you and the interested company channeled through them as well.

412

Make sure you use a free email account when dealing with your personal identity for extra precaution. Your ad will need to be updated every-so-often. This process is very easy and fast. When writing your job wanted ad for the first time or to just revise it, make sure you stay away from loaded words and any ambiguities in the text description. Be sure to be specific in what you want out of a job and how much you want to be paid. There are cons to job wanted ads, too. Since this is a fairly new concept, many classified ads do not have the option to post a position wanted ad. Since it is just starting out, many recruiters and hiring managers are not aware of this online feature or do not give it a lot of thought when considering candidates for hiring. Also, resumes and online job applications receive far more traffic than position wanted ads so that means that employers are most likely looking at these avenues first. It is easier for companies who are seeking employees to post what they want for the positions that they have available rather than sifting through a limited amount of personal job wanted ads.

413

Another con is that employers will search classified ads with keywords in order to find potential employees fast. They will use words that are most beneficial to their company and if your job wanted ad does not include their keyword, it will be missed. This goes for those who post just resumes, too. If their resume does not contain the keywords a business is looking for, they will not see the resume. Some recruiters may disregard job wanted advertisers as desperate or lazy people who want a job but are too busy or unwilling to make more of an initiative in finding a job. They may also view these ads as being too demanding which will shy them away from hiring. The last thing a business wants is an employee who makes impeding specifications and job wanted ads may come across that way even if you did not intend to.

414

Yet another con may include the misuse of your email by spammers and junk mailers. However, you should have used a free email account so once you have found a job, you can delete it and start new. Overall, the main point of advertising yourself is to find a good job that you feel you would enjoy. Employers who are interested in your ad will recognize that you are merely seeking employment in something you feel you would be good at and that is something they cannot argue with! So, advertising yourself, despite the cons, is not a bad idea! With the hard economic times I decided to research the best way to find a new job . I noticed the power of free classified ads and stumblehere.com classifieds. They help you search either their site or all their partner sites for a new job in any field you are looking for. Whether you are a secretary, salesperson, accountant or attorney, searching jobs has never been easier

415

From Fired to Hired - 7 Communication Strategies For Your Job Search Have you been fired? If so, you know all the negative feelings that assault you immediately. You feel: *Confused-"I thought they liked my work." *Cheated-"They should have fired George instead. His work was sloppy." *Resentful-"I'll tell everybody off if I ever get the chance." *Sad-"I feel like I'm attending my own funeral." *Frightened-"Guess I'll never get a good job again." *Bitter-"I'll never speak to those people again." *Worried-"I can't eat, sleep, or even think straight." *Alone-"Now I know what real loneliness is." *Ashamed-"Guess I let my family down big-time."

416

Yet to succeed in your search, you will need to subdue those crippling thoughts. You can do that by focusing on seven communication strategies that will help you stand out as the best applicant available. Let's consider these career-saving strategies: First Strategy: Talk Positively to Yourself You might be thinking, "That's crazy. I don't talk to myself." But you do. I'll bet you have muttered to yourself comments like these: *

"Lost my glasses again. Man, am I scatterbrained."

*

"No need for me to try out for the team. I've got no

athletic ability." *

"I'm so sloppy. That's why my office looks this

disorganized." During a job search, you need to change the tone of your self-talk considerably. In fact, you should say many affirmative things to yourself before you go to your first job interview. Try affirmations like these:

417

"My suit might not be new, but it's still in style and looks very professional." "I meet people well, so this interview will give me a chance to shine." "Other candidates for this position might have more credentials on paper, yet none of them can match my work ethic, which makes me the ideal choice." Second Strategy: Sharpen Your Speaking Skills When you interview for upper level jobs, you can expect to do more than talk with one or two individuals in an interview setting. Chances are good that you will also speak to a group, made up of the officials you would be working with very closely. Search committee heads arrange these group interviews frequently, so you will be wise to get ready for them. Let's face it-we choose presidents, corporate CEOs, coaches, and other leaders because they can stand before a group and share their ideas with poise, power, and persuasive ability.

418

To become a more compelling speaker, join Toastmasters, hire a speech coach, enroll in a public speaking class, or watch top-tier speakers in action. Third Strategy: Become a Keen Listener Assume that you are interviewing a candidate for a job. Suppose the candidate didn't get your name right, or the name of your executive assistant. Imagine that although the candidate seems intelligent and articulate, he seems to misunderstand key points you are trying to make. Occasionally he asks you to repeat a question. Once while you were talking, he was looking out the window, as though he had lost interest. He looks like he prefers not to be here. As a supervisor, would you hire this person? No, you wouldn't. You recognize that top-notch team members are keen listeners.

419

Almost everyone who meets former President Bill Clinton gives the same report. They describe Clinton as one of the finest listeners they ever met. He welcomes everything you say. He asks questions, inviting you to talk longer. He nods in agreement. He doesn't interrupt you. He seems far more interested in what you have to say than in taking over the conversation himself. Interviewers respond very positively to good listeners, sensing they will become solid team players, open to other people's ideas. So evaluate your listening habits. In talking with a business executive, what percentage of your time is devoted to listening. Do you interrupt? Do you give visible listening signals, such as eye contact and nodding in agreement? Fourth Strategy: Maintain Maximum Motivation I'll admit that's not easy for an unemployed person. Appointments get canceled, advertised jobs are filled before you apply, and you keep finishing among the top four finalists-which doesn't do you any good at the bank or grocery store.

420

Realize first that maintaining your motivation is strictly up to you. Your family, friends, and professional contacts can't do that for you. Don't wait on others to inspire you. Our first strategy explained the value of self-talk. That's a splendid starting point for staying motivated. Consider some other motivation steps. Affiliate with a positive group. Avoid hanging around with job seekers who complain constantly that "there's nothing out there for any of us." Join civic, humanitarian, or religious groups centered on hope. Study the lives of highly successful people, particularly those who faced severe hardships. Of course, the role models you select don't have to be famous. Unheralded heroes surround us, volunteering in hospitals, delivering meals to shut-ins, and tutoring underprivileged children. Memorize inspiring sayings, even short poems. Repeat them while you are exercising or as you start your day. Spend time reveling in the marvels of nature. Breathe the fresh air deeply, with appreciation for your lung capacity. Step outside at night to see the stars on a clear evening.

421

Maintain your motivation, and you'll become far more winsome than job applicants who display long faces and sagging outlooks. They look like losers, and who wants to add a loser to the payroll? Fifth Strategy: Understand How to Adapt Your Communication Style Jane goes in for an initial interview with Marvin. Jane is the effervescent type, always upbeat, bubbly, and extroverted. She intends to win Marvin over with her witty comments. Unfortunately, Marvin prefers a communication style that is much more subdued. He is detail oriented, interest in financial reports and budgets. He considers small talk a waste of time. When Jane begins the conversation by telling him what fun she and her friends had on the weekend, Marvin wonders why she didn't get to the point of the interview right away. Situations like that happen all too often. Highly qualified candidates like Jane are unaware of the barriers they create by using a style that not only won't work but backfires.

422

Is there a simple, cost-effective way to learn your preferred communication style, and then identify the style of another person quickly, so you can adjust your style to get the best results? Yes. Start asking your colleagues to direct you to qualified administrators of the DISC System of Personal Style Analysis or the Hermann Brain Dominance Instrument. Sixth Strategy: Simulate Interviews, Videotape Them, and Critique Them The camera doesn't lie. The camera tells us when we frown too much, lose eye contact, get defensive when a question makes us uncomfortable, repeat nervous mannerisms and gestures until they become distracting, use a monotone pitch, and ramble from the point under discussion. On the positive side, the camera tells us when we establish obvious rapport, demonstrate a commanding presence, look confident, talk proudly about our professional accomplishments, and smile regularly.

423

Be sure to arrange at least one simulated interview, with a person qualified to role play, and then enlist a professional communicator to help you critique your performance, offering suggestions for creating a more convincing presence. Seventh Strategy: Network Creatively and Constantly Networking could easily become your most powerful communication tool during your search. Why is networking so valuable? Because you can capitalize on the credibility others have created with decision makers. Are you reluctant to ask business leaders to refer you actively or be available to give an endorsement by phone? That's not a realistic fear, because prominent citizens feel complimented by your request. With this in mind, list the key players you know, make appointments with them, and ask for their referrals and testimonials. Quicker than you would guess, you will have advocates who are eager to help you land your next job.

424

Bill Lampton, Ph.D.--author of The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life!--helps you "Learn More. . .Earn More," through his expertise in communication, motivation, customer service, and sales. His speeches, seminars, and communication coaching have benefited top-tier clients, including the Ritz-Carlton Cancun, Gillette, Duracell, Procter & Gamble, Missouri Bar, CenturyTel, British Columbia Legal Management Association, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Visit his Web site to sign up for his complimentary monthly E-mail newsletter: http://www.ChampionshipCommunication.com Call Dr. Lampton to discuss how his services will benefit your organization: 678-316-4300. E-mail him: [email protected] >

425

Job Search During a Recession - 5 Things You Can Do Now to Get Better Results As a coach, I recommend the following strategies to my clients who are in career transition. These strategies are effective at anytime, but especially during a tough job market. Network, Network, Network! Since the majority of jobs are found as a result of networking, I cannot stress enough the importance of it. Networking can mean many things: traditional in-person professional events, more informal social gatherings, online networking, as well as volunteering. Using a combination of methods is usually ideal. Actually, networking, in one form or another should be done throughout the year, not just when looking for a job. That way, you will have an established network in place that will be available to help when it comes time for the job search.

426

Contact Family and Friends. As a variation of networking, send an email to your family and friends which simply explains that you are looking for a new position, what type of position you are looking for, and a brief summary of your experience/background. (Also, offer to forward your resume, but avoid automatically attaching it in the initial email. It can come off as presumptuous.) Even if none of your friends or family knows of any opportunities, they often will try to connect you with other people that they know who might have leads for you. Consider temping. I have a coaching client who started temping a couple of months ago, and was subsequently offered a full-time position at that company. Temping is a good idea for several reasons. For example, temps usually get preference when full time jobs become available. It is also a good way to try out a given organization to see if it is truly a place you would want to work full time.

427

Conduct informational interviews. Research an organization in an industry that you have an interest in, and request an informational interview with someone who works there. This could be the Human Resources Director, CEO, midlevel manager, etc. The idea behind informational interviewing is not to ask for a job, but just to get information about the organization and/or industry. In much the same way that temps are given preference for full-time positions, you will have an edge in this situation since now they have met you personally and are aware of your interest and initiative. Take care of yourself. This is often an overlooked step in the process, but nonetheless extremely important. If you are exercising on a regular basis, eating right, and getting enough sleep, that will go a long way in reducing stress, enhancing your physical and mental well-being, and in turn helping your outlook and attitude when looking for a new job. This will make the whole process that much easier. Joe Rosenlicht is a certified coach and founder of InMotion Career & Wellness, a coaching practice specializing in career, small business and wellness issues. Through a systematic and proven approach, he's able to help clients achieve their goals and live happier and healthier lives

428

Visit Joe at http://www.inmotioncoach.com to get his free monthly newsletter containing valuable insights, tips and resources for your career and health and to arrange a complimentary consultation Do you have career "know-how?"Take Joe's free career selfassessment at http://www.inmotioncoach.com/forms.html

429

6 Tips For a Successful Telephone Interview There are several types of interviews that are conducted to recruit and hire top talent. To start off this series on types of interviews, let's take a look at what may be considered the most over looked interview: the telephone interview. This is the process of screening out candidates who do not articulate their skills and accomplishments effectively. The Telephone Interview is usually initiated in one of three ways 1. In response to your resume submission 2. A predetermined scheduled time and date or 3. You've contacted the employer for information and an impromptu assessment of your skills and qualifications is conducted. Recruiters and hiring managers use telephone interviews to quickly clarify your skills and how they qualify you for the position you for which you have applied.

430

Follow these steps to ensure you make the most out of your telephone interview to guarantee you are selected for an in person interview. Step 1. Prepare yourself. Make sure you have all the materials you sent to the employer and research you've conducted readily available (resume, cover letter, references & the job description). When the employer calls, you'll know what they need, be able to articulate how you can help them and speak intelligently about who they are. Don't forget your pen and pad to take notes. Step 2. Control background noise. If you are driving in your car, DO NOT answer the phone. Have you tried talking to someone while the wind is blowing or their radio is blasting? If you are at home, be sure to turn down the TV, radio, etc. and let your family/friends know that you are job searching and expecting employers to call you.

431

Step 3. Answer the phone when you are ready. If you have a house full of people, you're out shopping in the grocery store, or again, driving in your car, DO NOT answer the phone. If your cell phone is your primary means of communication, you will usually have recognized contacts programmed in your phone. If you do not recognize the number, do not pick up. The last thing you want to do is participate in a telephone interview when you're not ready to take the call. Let the call go to voice mail and return it when you are prepared. (See Step 1 and Step 2) Step 4. Smile as you speak. That sounds so cliched, but it works. Try it. The next time you're on the phone, ask the person you are speaking with to smile as they speak, you can actually hear it through the phone. Your excitement and enthusiasm speaks volumes. Step 5. Record a professional message on your voice mail or answering machine. DO NOT have your favorite music artist on your voice mail or your children or grandchildren. As a recruiter, I can't tell you how frustrating and unprofessional this comes across. If you don't like to record your voice, allow the default recording to pick up. After you've secured a job, feel free to change it.

432

Step 6. Ask for the sale: What is the next step? Get the complete contact information of the person you are speaking with. This is an opportunity to build your professional network, and you want to make sure you can send this person a thank you note. In the article to follow, we will discuss the in person, on-site, face-to-face interview. Now that you've successfully mastered the telephone interview, it's important to continue your winning streak to secure an offer of employment. Winifred A. Winston is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer who operates http://www.winwinresumes.com, an on-line service business, specializing in résumé writing, interview coaching, and job acquisition strategies

433

Employment in Today's Tough Environment In our current employment market you have got to be very good at a few activities in order to be successful in your job search. These job search skills are: A. Knowing how to explore your career options B. Developing and achieving realistic employment goals C. Skill in Creating professional resumes and cover letters D. Knowing how to network and how to discover all possible job leads E. Being able to Ace interviews F. An ability to Find skills development, training and educational programs when needed. I feel these skills in particular are important as they cover the majority of the scenarios you can encounter as a job seeker.

434

If you have jobs to apply to then you definitely need "C." above. And please do not underestimate the importance a resume carries today. With the unemployment rate higher that it has been in many years your competition is stronger and higher in numbers. Your resume must be an accurate representation and sell you and your value to the employer. The typical resume that I see are weak old-fashioned and not very eye-catching. "A." above is important if the exact position you want is not currently available. You have to know how your skills and abilities relate to other positions, the positions that are available, and how you can apply your knowledge to that area. In times of recession career changes are common. Work out how you can expand your horizons, how you can spread your wings into other fields and disciplines. "D." above, "Knowing how to network" is going to be very important to you because as in any area of business, word of mouth is still the best advertising. Your friends and acquaintances are your best salesmen. There is nothing better than a personal introduction to the boss by a close friend! A job under those circumstances is as close to a cinch as you can get.

435

Do you see what I mean here? Take these points I am offering here and apply them to your situation I am sure you will find them quite useful. Employment911.com is a great resource for the job seeker. It offers Employment opportunities, Professional resume writing and Distribution services. It really is a onestop resource center for your job search needs

436

Job Seeker Secrets - 21 Tips to Give You the Edge Over Millions of Out-of-Work Competitors Experience shows that these twenty-one tips are important in your job search. Now that you've recovered from the shock of losing a job through no fault of your own, you need to get a jump on the millions of others who are in the "job market." These strategies will help you find a new job and relieve a lot of the "workplace stress" that was transferred to your private life when you got the pink slip. 1. Do something that you've had in mind over the years but didn't have the freedom to try. Give this a higher priority since you're "out of work." You might not have another chance like this. The radical change of pace will refresh you and prepare you for the grueling job search. Face it. Everyone finds a job sooner or later, and it's worth a lot to use some of this down time to achieve one of your dreams. Find a way to get the education; raise the money, and delegate responsibilities. Give it a try.

437

2. Take classes for new skills. Learn a language. Sign up even if you think you'll be too busy with your job search or in a new job. The new language skills might be just your ticket for the new job you're seeking. You can quit the class if those other plans come together. 3. Don't be too picky in accepting a job. Take what comes along, because it's easier to find a new job while employed than it is to find a job when you're out of work. While in our "temporary job," schedule time to keep the job search alive. When a "real job" comes along, the person who interviews you will understand that you've taken the interim employment to stay active in the marketplace and broaden your perspective. 4. Ask self-employed friends to let you use office space so you have a place "to go to work" on your job search. Getting dressed in business attire and spending eight hours a day will zoom your chances, and professional telephone answering will showcase your professionalism.

438

5. Get a business card that will serve you in networking and job search. You don't have to register a business to start using a logo on your card. Just name a business; get a card, and you're professional. Use your friend's office number and address on your cards. Pay for the cards. The free cards or those you print at home are terrible. 6. Update your resume. Find out the currently preferred style and content for the industries you're targeting. Purchase a good reference book at the bookstore. Get someone knowledgeable to review your draft, and be open to accepting advice. Put that Microsoft Word program to work and have different resumes for different industries -- perhaps a new resume for every job opportunity. 7. Target companies and industries that are laying off people. An organization's downsizing doesn't mean they won't hire people to fill certain jobs or to fill old jobs at lower wages. Some companies have a hiring freeze, but others will continue as usual. Stable companies have to be ready for the turn-around.

439

8. Consider moving to a new location. This is a tough decision with the big downturn in housing markets, but a good job in a new city is feasible if you're willing to do what it takes with rent, family separation, family moves, spouse job changes, etc. If an interviewer asks you if there are any restrictions on relocating, you'd better be prepared to say that you and your family are ready for the opportunity that is a fit for you and the employer. The immediate job might be local, but big companies need people who can go where the job requires. Remember that part about taking the first good job that comes along. Consider it an adventure and a resume building strategy if you really don't like the idea of a move.

440

9. Learn to interview. Your resume might get you an interview, but the interview is what lands the job. There are several standard questions asked in interviews. Prepare answers ahead of time and relieve the stress associated with such meetings. If you're not actively pursuing a company, fill your day becoming an interview expert. You'll be amazed at how strategic you can get with your responses. You'll be able to redirect and answer with ease such questions as: "Tell me one of your weaknesses." "Tell me one big mistake you've made in your previous job." And, you'd better figure out how to answer with a "weakness" or a "mistake" that puts you in a good light for the new employer. 10. Join a mastermind group of job seekers, or start your own. Find a half dozen other unemployed people; add a friendly HR person; ask a resume/interview expert to join you even if you have to pay someone, and meet weekly by bridge line. Tell each other about your goals, successes, and setbacks. Discuss how you're handling family and financial problems. Challenge each other to achieve goals each week.

441

11. Hang out with some corporate executives. Maybe a Wednesday morning 6:30 a.m. coffee meeting - just to B.S. and talk about corporate arena stuff like those guys do. If you don't know any executives, just go to Starbucks. or Panera's and see who is meeting there that time of day. See if you fit in with someone already doing this. If you don't find anyone, set your lap top on a table and put up a table tent card with an intriguing question business ... •

"Want to Hang Onto Quality Employees?"

•

"Want to Eliminate Personnel Turnover?"

•

"Want to Add a Million to Your Bottom Line?"

•

"What's Your Plan for Landing that Big Account?"

•

"Having Trouble with Absenteeism?"

Well, you get the idea. People will stop to see what's going on. Tell them to have a seat. The brainstorming is about to begin. One guy did this kind of thing at Starbucks and within a couple weeks he eleven regulars meeting with him for business coaching.

442

12. Consider becoming a business coach. Learning to coach is relatively easy for someone with your experience. You have years of experience to go with the coaching skills. This is worth a lot to people who want to make money or get promoted. Go on line and check out the coaching associations. 13. Attend the monthly meetings of organizations where you're likely to meet corporate executives. Meeting with The Society of Association Executives will give you a chance to meet association staff who know the key players in your industries 14. Donate services to a non-profit. Small nonprofits cannot afford to hire your level of experience. You'll feel like a genius with "everyday" ideas; the charity will profit along with the people they serve, and you'll add to your own experience and resume material.

443

15. Scour business journals, newspapers, and on line for companies that have a change in upper management. Anytime there is a change, there's a job opening: deaths, promotions, departures, etc. If the president, vice-president, or manger is significant enough for changes to be announced in the media, someone in house will take that job, and that leaves an opening wherever that person came from. Don't be picky about the kind of job change identified, you cannot predict what opens up when the company shifts people around after the announced change occurs. 16. Social networks like Linked In can connect you with people in industries of interest. If your new connections don't have specific job openings themselves, ask them to tell whether there have been any changes, then send a resume to the top name you can identify--not HR. 17. Check with the National Association of Personnel Services. Ask for a referral to the management recruiters for your industries. They're always looking for people with talent to fill current or future job opportunities.

444

18. Write articles for on line and in print association journals. You know a lot more than you think, so writing will be easy for you. Observe the type articles that journals like, then ask the editors for editorial calendar so you can submit articles that fill their planned needs. It's even easier to get articles published on line. Simply submit them to sites that are used by e-zines and e-newsletters as they search for articles. Before you know it your articles are everywhere, and every article has your byline at the end. 19. Write a book. It's far easier than most people think. How many published authors are among those thousands of job seekers with whom you compete? Not many. If you refer to "your book" or send a copy with the resume, you will be noticed. Guaranteed! 20. Publish a tips booklet. Within a couple of weeks you can publish a tips booklet with the "Top 21 Ways to ..." You can help thousands of others with material from your years of experience. Publishing tips booklets is inexpensive and impressive when sent as an introductory item or as part of your resume packet.

445

21. Use this unexpected time in your life to rejuvenate physically and spiritually. Hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities have kept you away for years, and you can get back on schedule during this down time. You'll feel better about yourself during the job search, and you'll be more stable in your new job. Schedule time for each technique that fits your style and implement it as soon as possible. You can get a lot done if you're job-seeking 50 hours a week, matching the number of hours you worked at your old job. Share your successes with others. Dale Collie - author and speaker - Find more articles at http://couragebuilders.com Copyright 2009 - Dale Collie - All rights reserved Permission is given to publish this article in print or on line if by line is included. You may edit for space or audience as required. Dale Collie - Author & Speaker

446

Get more articles and tips on workplace stress control at http://couragebuilders.com/blog You'll find Dale's web site, Linked In contact info, and Twitter link at the blog above. He'd like to get your feedback on this and other articles

447

Why Business and Personal Have to Mix We've all heard that saying before: keep your personal life out of the office and leave your work at work. I don't know about you, but that never really worked for me. I tried to separate the two. I really did. I just never did it that well. I know some of you out there are much better at compartmentalizing things than I am. But doesn't it take a lot of energy to keep your life so separate? When you're going to a job day in and day out that you don't love, that makes you wonder what's the point of working so hard, that is difficult to deal with, you end up using immense amounts of energy in trying to simply tolerate it. So between separating you from your work and tolerating a job you don't love think about how much this is costing you.

448

Work is meant to give you an outlet to express who you really are as a person. There is not supposed to be such a huge disconnect between your personal self and your business self. When your work is an expression of who you naturally are life becomes much easier. It doesn't mean you won't work hard or face challenges. You will! It simply means that WHO you are and WHAT you do are in harmony. And when your WHO and WHAT are in harmony, life flows. Things feel easier. You feel fulfilled. You wake up each day looking forward to what is to come. You start really living. What's it worth to you to live a life where your work and play go hand in hand? Be honest. Will you decide to do whatever it takes to have your work be an expression of who you really are as a person? Making this decision is actually the first step you must take to move ahead. What decision will you make?

449

Annemarie Segaric is a nationally recognized career change coach, motivational speaker, and the author of the book, Step into the Right Career: 107 Tips for Changing Your Career While Still Paying the Bills. Ready to switch careers and don't know where to begin? Visit http://www.thecareerchanger.com and download your own free career changer toolkit today!

450

Expanding Your Job Search to a Different Industry The deepening recession may have you thinking about the possibility of attempting a move to a complimentary field or another industry altogether - with more favorable growth potential. However, the prospect of such a transition can seem daunting. Many people shy away from serious exploration of a career shift because they think their chances of succeeding are slim to none. How can you compete against candidates who already have experience in that field? It's not easy, but neither is it impossible. Here's what you can do to improve the odds: Identify transferrable skills On the surface, it may seem like your proficiencies won't transfer to industry X. Many people mistakenly assume they don't possess enough of the requisite skills - and that they would never be considered seriously. Dig deeper, though, and you may surprise yourself.

451

First, comprehensively research the job, the company and the industry you're pursuing. Once you have a thorough understanding of what they're all about, parallels to your applicable skills will be easier to identify. Think "outside the job description" as you consider your competencies. Categorize proficiencies under headers like organizational management, planning and design, coaching and instructing, problem solving, information management, public contact, data analysis....and so on. Then take categories that are broader in scope and see if you can break them down further. For example, a category like communications could have subsets like public speaking or writing. Don't feel you must limit yourself specifically to your salaried job only. You might find that you can augment your list of functional skills with roles you've played within professional and civic organizations or volunteer work you've done. Targeted training

452

If you uncover a prerequisite for your revised "experience kit" that you lack, consider how you might pick up that competency. It doesn't necessarily require a lengthy time commitment. For example, you might be able to acquire the expertise you need via an intensive training program. Marketing yourself What about your resume? What are you going to do to keep the hiring manager from fixating on company names - and perhaps even job titles - that could sidetrack him? Focus on the two things about your submission materials that are most crucial: your cover letter, and the top half of the first page of your resume. The cover is always important, but in this situation, it's vital - because you can keep this page free of information that might muddy the waters. You have complete control. This is your opportunity to emphasize transferrable skills - your experience, your successes and how they apply - in the most effective context.

453

One other thing: as an industry outsider, you bring a fresh perspective and diverse competencies to the table. That's a distinct advantage; keep it in mind as you're thinking about your pitch and crafting this letter. As for your resume, even in this situation a functional format is not your best friend. That said, there are adjustments you can make to the standard chronological resume that will give you an assist. Pay especially close attention to the top half of the first page. Your qualifications statement, always important, is even more critical now. This is your golden opportunity to encapsulate applicable functional skills in context and on message. Make a compelling case. (You may decide to follow it with a brief keyword summary of your expertise; executed properly, it can be a constructive recap - and influence the hiring manager's mindset. It's just as easy to do this poorly, so if you're unsure, leave it out.)

454

Next, you can insert a succinct career highlights section rather than jumping right into your work history (remember, we're on the top half of the first page...at least part of this section needs to appear "above the fold"). This handful of bullet points persuasively demonstrates your successes as they apply to the industry in question and can also be an effective method to establish emphasis...setting the proper context in which to view your employment experience. Obviously, you'll highlight applicable aspects of your employment history and downplay those that aren't relevant given the circumstances. Choose your words carefully; there may be a way to restate the same point in such a way that it will resonate differently (and more suitably) to better match the context. Don't restate achievements you already noted in the career highlights section. Network

455

Personal contacts are key when attempting to shift industries. You may not be very well connected in this new sector, which means you may need to strategically build your network. Identify who you need to know, and then figure out how you can meet them. These people can help you research the industry, provide valuable information, and facilitate introductions that may lead to interviews. Success sells The more successful - and visible - you've been in your current industry, the better your chances of migrating to another. Capitalize on that recognition and your reputation. Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

456

Ten Steps For Maintaining Value in the Workplace - For the Mature, Over 40 Manager The main goal of this article is to offer a 'things to do list' for the over 40 crowd or over-educated entangled in the overunder-un- employed job market. It is a companion piece to the abstract and more philosophical advice posted earlier. To Do List 1. Be open to re-invention. According to Ret. General Colin Powell, "nowadays, every one of our jobs is becoming obsolete. The proper response is to obsolete our activities before someone else does. " 2. Look at your job in a different way. Based upon your expertise, what could be done differently to reduce costs, increase margins and/or improve process flows, product quality and increase customer satisfaction?

457

3. Can you incorporate technology into your job? Will an informative website, discussion board, webcast, social networking, database or business intelligence improve your company's reputation, ease market entry, or live 'on the ground' information to research and development? Might you use the latest financial modeling software to find pockets of excess or cash cows? 4. Is the re-tooling of your current knowledge base an option to allow you to remain employed within your current industry, or must you undergo extensive re-training for skill attainment in a totally new field? Ask these questions of yourself, you may be surprised of the results. 5. Maintain a distinct competitive edge. So you've been asked to train the 20-year old rookie? Don't show resentment. Use this as an even exchange. What can you learn from the newbie? A new management technique, mathematical model, how to build a social networking site? Yes you'll help, but you'll want to be helped to. You'll also be a little vague about the tricks you've learned over 20-40 years. So you'll smartly hold back the goodies that took you years to acquire for yourself-- it’s the old survival instinct that needs to be kicked in about now.

458

6. See your responsibilities shrinking before your eyes? Look around, find another lateral high profile task to take on. No one needs to know that you are unhappy with the changes. Go with the flow. Consider it a blessing that you are still on the payroll, your title/position is still a line item on the budget-- for now. Make sure that when the time comes, you're ready to showcase your new accomplishments and contribution to the bottom line. 7. It's Hammer time- no. It is actually time to volunteer, serve on some boards. You've done your time, you may be considered an expert in certain circles. So, get out that rusty old networking black book, call old friends and acquaintances. It's too late to network when blood is out there and the sharks are smelling easy prey. 8. Get with it. Not hip to the times yet? No one likes a 40-60 year old acting 20; but let's face it, the more you know about current events, technology, the latest fads-- the easier it is for you to condense this information, consolidate it into your daily life and shed the dinosaur image that has been falsely placed upon you.

459

9. Serve as the company's resident expert on why things will work and why they won't. If you have longevity in a business, use it to your advantage. This is the opposite approach of the newbie brown-noser. Be the critical, contrarian, the devil's advocate. Every successful, vibrant organization needs one. You've earned the time, now hopefully you've got the cojones to speak out and speak up. Think this will hurt you? no it just might save your job and/or at a minimum, restore your self-respect. Ret. General Colin Powell agrees with Xerox's Barry Rand, 'if you have a yes man working for you, one of you is redundant." 10. Be your own person. The good thing about aging is that it gives you the wisdom and where-with-all to tell people to "go to blank, I don't give a blank" when you can't take it anymore. Dr. Mead, PhD, MBA, MA http://www.ishareknowledge.com is a consultant specializing in human behavior, school and social psychology. She can be contacted at: [email protected]

460

Looking For Work? Don't Be Shy If you're seeking employment, now's not the time to be a wallflower. Especially if you tend to be a little bit reserved, do yourself a favor and try to counteract the inclination. Speak up People can't help you if they don't know about your situation. If your job has been eliminated, or you think you might be laid off, tell people. Don't be timid. And by all means, don't be embarrassed. Unfortunately, you have lots of company. People aren't going to think less of you because you lost your job. It's very likely you're going to find your next opportunity through your network. Somebody is going to know someone who can help you...someone will pass along a valuable tip...someone may know about a job that's about to open up at his company. Professional associates are great, but they're not your only potential sources.

461

What about a guy at the gym, a friend at church, the woman you volunteer with, an acquaintance you see at a party, the parent of one of your kids' friends? You never know. You don't have to spend the entire conversation talking about your employment situation. But you do need to make sure they know you're looking. Ask for help Again...don't be bashful! Ask for that introduction. Let's say you're interested in Company ABC. Your friend Larry is friends with someone who works there. Ask Larry if he'll mention your name to this guy...or maybe he'd be willing to connect the two of you via email, copying both of you with an introductory note ...or perhaps he can tee things up in another way. Ask a friend whose judgment you trust to critique your resume. Or ask a family member to help you conduct a skill assessment. Outside perspective can be invaluable. And so on.

462

Most people want to be helpful. They can't read your mind, though. Plant the seed by making them aware of your circumstances - and any specifics about your objectives that might be constructive for them to know. Then if there's something specific a person might be able to help you with, ask. (Of course, it's a lot easier to ask for help if you've been mindful of your circle of contacts all along. Surfacing out of the blue after years of radio silence tends to generate a less than enthusiastic response.) Just remember one important thing when you're requesting help: make sure you reciprocate. Find out what you can do in return. Rebecca Metschke helps professionals improve their marketability. The author of The Interview Edge (http://www.TheInterviewEdge.com), a comprehensive career guide to career management, she also writes a daily blog posting strategies, tips and advice for those whose careers are in transition http://blog.TheInterviewEdge.com

463

Thank You Note Examples For Employment Reference Letters Do you need a few well-written thank you note examples for a letter of reference? You do if someone has recently written, or will write one for you in the near future. In fact, most every person will need one--at some point in time--from a current or former mentor, instructor, employer or supervisor. These letters, if well-written, require painstaking effort. Certainly, the gracious soul who agrees to take on such a task deserves a heartfelt thank you. Below, you'll find several thank you note examples that you can use to show your appreciation for an excellent letter of reference. Thank you for writing such a glowing recommendation letter for me. I could not have asked for more favorable comments. Your letter paved the way for several interviews and a subsequent job offer three weeks later from _________________ Corporation, where I wanted most to work.

464

I appreciate the time that you invested in writing such a detailed letter. I know that it will have a significant impact on my life for years to come. Sincerely, Though I have not yet found a suitable position, I am confident that your excellent letter of reference will help me to secure it once I do. If I can ever return the favor, please do not hesitate to ask me. Best regards, I just wanted to let you know that I have recently landed a position with ___________________ Corporation. I want to tell you how grateful I am for your assistance in this process. Without your strong recommendation, it would have been much more difficult to get a foot in the door with such a great company. I hope you will join us for a little celebration dinner next Friday evening. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing you next week. Sincerely,

465

It was very thoughtful of you to write a letter of recommendation for me. I appreciate the thought and effort you put into it. Your words made a profound impact on the hiring manager, and helped to distinguish me from the other applicants. Thank you for playing such a significant role in the success of my job search. If I can be of any assistance to you in the near future, please let me know. Regards, Visit Julie's business thank you notes page for more notes you can use in the workplace Find out how the power of gratitude to can revolutionize your professional relationships at thank you note examples and tips today

466

Find Travel Jobs by Heading in the Right Direction There are many job options within the travel industry. You could work for a cruise line, become a travel agent, start your own online travel agency, or begin a specialty agency such as an adventure travel agency. The opportunities are endless. But, you must know where to find them. Searching the internet takes skill. If you type "travel jobs" into Google, you'll receive thousands of job listings. The key to looking for travel jobs is to be specific. What job are you looking for? If you want to work on a cruise ship then search for "cruise ship jobs, jobs on cruise ships, or cruise line jobs." To get more specific, type in the cruise line you would like to work for such as Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, or Disney. The most popular of all travel jobs, besides travel writing, is travel consulting. Share your passion for travel with others. No one will be able to resist your enthusiasm for Caribbean travel. Remember, people often buy on emotion. If you're love of beaches and hot weather comes through, you can score major sales.

467

Freelancing Websites Check out the following websites for travel writing jobs. If you have other skills such as graphic design or photography, make sure you mention them. 1. Freelance Job Openings. Offers a listing of writing, graphic design, and other freelance jobs. 2. Craigslist. There are many ways to search on Craigslist. Search your desired location or post a resume and ad within your chosen location. If you love working from home, peruse other markets. You never know what opportunities are available in other parts of the world. Set yourself a part from others who are applying for travel jobs. Show what you can do for an organization. If you would like to be a tour guide -- ask yourself some questions: do you have people skills? are you organized? do you handle conflict well? Ask these questions before applying for a job as a tour guide. You may enjoy London, but taking people on a tour of the city is another thing.

468

If you really want to stand out from the crowd, create a video resume. Some travel jobs still require a formal resume, but you can provide a link to your video resume. Check out YouTube for some ideas. If you are not comfortable shooting your own video, find a professional to shoot your resume or ask your "techie" friend to help you out. It's a win-win situation; you get a video resume and your friend gets a portfolio piece. Travel writers can learn a lot about the travel industry by working in it. There are many travel jobs available. You will learn "industry secrets" that other writers will not know. Also, you can network with many people. The more people that know your name, the better your chances improve for finding travel writing jobs. Start your job search today tomorrow show people around Lisbon. Our website is dedicated to aspiring and experienced travel writers. You'll find inspiration, encouragement, and education on everything travel writing

469

Sign up for our weekly blog recap. If you're about to travel this is a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest in travel writing. Also, check out our forum. If you have a question, login, and with a visit of a button you'll have the answer to your question URL: http://www.Travel-Writers-Exchange.com

470

Job Finding Tips For 2009 While the current economic conditions may be dire, finding a job in Hampton Roads is not an impossible mission. Due to the high number of recent layoffs, there are plenty of good candidates in the applicant pool, all of whom are competing with you for the jobs available. By following the six tips below, you can polish your job searching strategies and gain an edge on the competition. *

Focus on specific industries. With the election of a

new president, employment opportunities in Hampton Roads will open up in green energy, healthcare, state & local government, and education. Check out the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance at hreda.com for some facts about suspected areas of growth. Then highlight experience and skills related to these industries and pursue them aggressively. *

Rework your resume. Make sure you highlight key

qualifications and achievements pertaining to the specific job you are applying for. Describe the benefits your past employers gained and how you contributed to the bottom line.

471

*

Seek services of recruiters. Job recruiters in Hampton

Roads, like Don Richard Associates, can be your direct link to the trends in the job market and provide helpful guidance on your resume and interview skills. *

Increase your online networking efforts. Use online

social resources that cater to Hampton Roads job seekers such as PilotOnline.com to build a profile and make yourself known to local employers. *

Be flexible. Keep yourself open to any opportunities

that my come your way. Bear in mind that part-time, contract, or temp-to-hire employment can often turn into a fulltime position. *

Be optimistic and realistic. Even though the situation

seems dire, stay positive to have maximum impact on those you meet. No one wants to hire a pessimist. At the same time, don't relax on your laurels and think a job will come in time. Finding a job is a full-time job in itself, so make good use of your time.

472

If you are searching for jobs in Hampton Roads, Virginia, or you want helpful career advice, visit http://www.donrichard.com, and let their professional recruiters help you on your career search. Rob Foglia writes for Ciniva Systems, http://www.ciniva.com, an award winning Virginia web design company and internet marketing agency. Rob Foglia is an SEO Manager with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for Don Richard Associates, a top Hampton Roads staffing firm

473

Job Search Networking Tactics - 4 Tips For Leveraging Conferences to Build Industry Contacts Quickly You've probably heard how easy it is to connect to people all over the world so quickly on social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. But meeting people in person can help you develop productive business relationships more quickly when you need to get a job fast. Why is face-to-face contact so important? Communications experts say that 55% of our message comes through in our body language, 38% in our tone and 7% in our words. When meeting in person, we can get to as close to 100% as possible. Connecting to people online for the first time, when they can't see our body language or hear our tone, puts us at a disadvantage. It will take longer to develop the relationship. To build a targeted contact list quickly, not going just for quantity but also aiming for quality, I'm a big fan of conferences. In just one day, you can meet many people in your target industry. Here are 4 tips for leveraging conferences to build your job search network quickly:

474

1) Take the initiative. Organizers say that the number one reason people go to conferences is to network, so people will want to network with you, even if they're not quite sure how to do it. Introduce yourself to the people sitting next to you in the sessions or during the meals. It's much better than sitting in uncomfortable silence as you each wait for the other to make the first move. 2) Introduce yourself to speakers. They expect to be approached and often willing to take a minute or two to answer a specific question. They're also more willing to give you their business card at a public event like a conference, which may come in handy at some point in your job search. 3) Meet exhibitors face to face. They're dying to share information with you. While they probably won't know about job openings, they will usually know a lot about the products and the company itself. Use this opportunity for industry research and intelligence that could be helpful for your interviews.

475

4) Don't bring your resume. Focus on having conversations with people first. Material is best used for follow up rather than as a leave behind. People remember you by what you say, not what you leave behind. If you don't make a favorable impression when you talk to them, they won't look twice at your resume. While it's easy to invite hundreds of people into your online networks, don't underestimate the power of getting out there face-to-face and meeting people in person, particularly at industry conferences. Meeting large numbers of people in one day and having many conversations can help you grow your connections quickly and speed up the process for getting the help you need to land your next job fast.

476

Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com. To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

477

Job Search Networking Tactics - Time to Reshape Your Career? 4 Ways Your Network Can Help In a weak economy and uncertain job market, your job search can seem like it's dragging on forever, but the last thing you want to do is hide until you feel better. Reaching out to your network can often help you fight isolation and any anxiety that may crop up as you're pushing ahead to find your next job. More importantly, enlisting help from your network can help you reach your goal faster. Here are 4 forms of invaluable help your network can give you if you just get out there and ask for it: 1) Feedback and advice on the direction you want to go. Talk to them about your goals and plans. They may be able to give you advice on how to position yourself, what to emphasize in your resume, and perhaps which companies or opportunities to prioritize.

478

2) Insight and referrals into target companies. Your contacts may be able to put in a good word for you, or perhaps get you an informational interview and give you some insight into specific people you may come across. 3) Visibility in the industry. Some of your contacts may be part of industry associations that you should join as well. They can bring you to an event and introduce you around. Or maybe they're involved in an industry initiative that needs more volunteers. Joining the cause can give you great exposure and experience, and get you on the radar screens of key people in the field. 4) Moral support. If you've had a rough week and you don't feel like letting off some steam at the gym, you may want to sit down for a drink or coffee with a good friend or close colleague instead. You may find it helpful to talk through a few of your challenges and get some input on what you might have done differently as well as some encouraging words to help you keep going.

479

Don't look to your network just for job leads as few people really have a pulse of the job market or job postings in their company. Your contacts can still play a vital role in helping you in different areas of your job search process, and the more ways you can tap into them, the faster you'll eventually reach your goal. Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com. To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

480

Waiting For Job Opportunities - How to Keep Yourself Occupied With over 500,000 people losing their jobs in the month of November 2008, and over 10 million unemployed in the United States to date, the thought of acquiring a job can almost seem hopeless. But it's not. Companies are still hiring, jobs are still available, and you can have one - as long as you don't give up. But what do you do in the meantime to keep yourself occupied? If you're not busy while waiting to hear back from prospective employers, you can easily fall into a state of hopelessness - not good. So if you feel yourself getting down about your job search, here are a few strategies to keep you moving ... Don't Stop Searching

481

This may sound obvious, but while you're waiting to hear back from a prospective employer, don't stop searching for work. This means treating your job search like a full-time job. It may be tempting to say to yourself, "I've already submitted my resume to 12 companies. I've done enough." But unless those 12 companies are currently calling you for an interview, you have more work to do. Luckily, job searches are easier than ever with search tools all over the Internet that provide customizable job-seeking functions. So if you have the Internet at home, your job for now will be to prop yourself in front of the computer and search all day. The more seeking you do, the more opportunities will open up to you. Market Yourself Marketing is a strategy that many job seekers don't consider as a part of their job search strategy - but it works. You may be accustomed to posting your resume on websites like Monster and CareerBuilder, which are both great for marketing. But unless you know certain keywords to strategically place throughout your document, it may be difficult for prospective employers to find you.

482

This is why it's good to not only learn proper resumeposting procedures, but also try marketing yourself through websites like Craigslist, as well as signing up for accounts with sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. On Craigslist, you can post a free ad in your city's "services" section to market the same skills you post on your resume (look at other ads in this section for structuring ideas). And on LinkedIn and Facebook, you can create profiles to list your skills and link up with prospective employers. All of these options can work well to get your name and skills out there. They can not only help you score a temporary or part-time gig to keep money flowing until you get the full-time job offer, they might lead you to the full-time opportunity you're looking for. Maintain the Right Attitude If you become discouraged due to a lack of responses, or begin to feel down that you're unemployed, it can negatively affect your job search. Just remember, anything can change at a moment's notice, so stay positive and keep searching. And whatever you do, don't mentally absorb all of the bad news you hear about the job market. Remember, it does not have to apply to you.

483

Keeping yourself busy while looking for a job can definitely be a job within itself. But by searching daily, marketing yourself and keeping the right attitude, you will get that anticipated callback in no time. Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer who is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Need a resume writing service ? Check out reviews of the top ones in the industry at http://www.resumelines.com

484

How to Increase Your Chances of Being Interviewed To increase the chances of you landing yourself into an interview, your resume is the critical element. Your resume will be the first thing that an interviewer used to judge you. So here's a few powerful tips to help you to write a resume that lands your into interviews: 1. What type of job are you seeking Write down a list of job that you're seeking first. Different jobs have different job requirements and skill sets. So the first and foremost task is to list down 2-5 different jobs before you write your resume. 2. Understand the job requirement List down the type of job requirements and skill sets. This will set the tone and overall content when you're writing your resumes. The requirements should be both technical or specialized skills, and the soft skills that is require to translate your technical knowledge into practical actions.

485

Technical requirement are like software requirements (MS Office, AutoCad, SAP, etc.), specific engineering processes, SAP payroll, HR compensation and benefits, programming language (C#, C++, Java) etc. These requirements are essential for a staff to perform his/her role that is assigned to him/her. Softskills are like project management, leadership, Research & Development, etc. These skills are the main skills that translate your technical skills into actions and results. 3. Writing your resume according to the specific job requirements When writing your resume, stay focus on the job requirements and phrase your sentences based on the keywords that have been generated earlier (see item 2). For instance, if you're writing a resume for the position of Software Developer, the job requirement should be on the types of programming language you're familiar with, and the past programs that you've written. This position are more technical and you should therefore put in more technical jargons.

486

But if you're seeking a Software Project Manager role, then you should emphasize more on project management skills, with just the essential technical jargons in place. 4. Rephrasing your working experiences As per item 3, rephrase your working experience to show more of the required skill sets, both technical and softskills. If you think a particular experiences may not be that relevant, but you still want to put it, make sure it is acting as a supporting role, so summarizing it will be fine. Always list it according to chronological orders with the latest experiences at the top. Usually recruiters only look at your last 5 years of working experiences, so make sure it's written with a lot of relevant keywords to capture their attention. 5. Writing your summary The summary inside a resume should be placed at the start of the document, but it's best that you write it last after you've written all the above mentioned items.

487

The Summary is like a teaser, to attract the recruiter to continue to read on. It shouldn't be more than half a page. Inside the summary, fill it up with as many keywords as you can. This encourages them to read on to find out more. http://succeedwithinterviews.blogspot.com/ Allan by profession is a recruiter. With his strong desire to put the right people on the right job, he has helped many to create a win-win relationship between the employer and job seeker

488

Job Hunting - 9 Things You Need to Know In this recession, managing your career throws up some challenges, so what you'll need is a determined and focused attitude with a lot of net research thrown in for good measure. Look at the bigger picture, research your industry and use the search engines to help you look at articles about your sector and check out what the most recession-proof jobs are, so that you can target them. Change the way you think It's a different type of market now. You may be brilliant, with an exceptional academic record and bags of experience, but in this climate you also need to remember that there are lots of other people out there with equally good or more diverse skills, so you need to stand out. Start thinking from the employer's perspective and what will be in it for them if they employ you. Of course you need to confident, but not to the extent that you think they can't do without you. The fact that you've been in your last job for years and know everything about your role inside out, will not guarantee you the next job. It's up to you to demonstrate how you can be an asset to them, not the other way round.

489

Show your achievements Your CV is a sales tool so make sure it is up to date, with good detail on your previous posts - employers cannot guess what you have done or your skills set! Without a good CV, there will be no interview (more CV advice later in the series). Write a concise and warm covering letter which introduces you, has a paragraph summarising your experience and the last paragraph should thank the reader for the time they have spent considering your application. By all means use CV / Covering letter templates that you find on the web as a guide, but don't copy them verbatim, as you should always personalise your communications. Demonstrate your abilities When you go to an interview, the company will look not only at your previous experience but on what you can bring to them. Will you help their organization save money because of the skills you have and your ability to decrease wastage or maximize staff performance? Or does your experience mean you will make them money due to your up-selling skills? Whatever your strengths, make sure it is on your CV and in your conversations with the company.

490

To get the point across, you need to think about what you have been able to achieve in your previous jobs i.e. where you improved departmental performance, how you saved the company money and why you can motivate others to be more effective. Show your prospective employer what a benefit you will be to their team by stating the percentage by which you increased productivity or sales. It's far more impressive to say "decreased wastage by 18% in the first quarter" than "also decreased wastage". Or, "sales increased by 15% in the first quarter, through e-targeting existing clientele" which is far better than "increased sales for the company", Talk to yourself Once you've got your job functions clear in your own head and you have written it into your CV, you need to do some role plays i.e. mock interviews. Yes, I do mean either getting a friend to play the role of employer firing questions that you must answer with clarity or, just use a mirror and play both the roles of employer and yourself. You may laugh, but this practice will be invaluable to you and when you get into a real time situation, you'll handle it with ease. Practice really does make perfect.

491

Network Speak to people in your sector, use social networking sites and get yourself out there. If you know someone who works for a successful company, why not offer to help out for a week or two at no cost to the company? This is a foot in the door and will also give you the benefit of additional experience. By making sure your contribution shines, you could be noticed by the employer. Remember, an employer is far more likely to take someone known to them for a permanent role when they arise, because they have been able to measure your skills and you have been brought in by someone they trust. Freelance Contact companies (by email with that all important CV and covering letter attached) that you'd like to work for, letting them know of your skills and experience, and say that you are available for short term contracts. In this market, you may be just what they need as they may not have the budget as yet for a full time permanent role yet could have an opportunity that needs to be filled by you. The Search

492

Look for jobs online, through trade publications, in newspapers and on the websites of your industry trade associations. Be organised and do a spreadsheet or list of all the jobs you have applied for, the contact details and the date you sent your application. Do another list of all the websites you've visited that you like and want to return to. It may take a few days for your application to get a response but after about a week, follow up your application with a polite email or phone call. It may be that the company had a glitch in their system and didn't receive your details, so don't just write them off until you have checked the status. Prepare Once you have secured a meeting with a potential employer, you must research the company so that you can show your understanding of what their business is all about and why you would like to be a part of it. This research will also give you the tools to make a list of questions you would like to ask of them on interview and will also give you something to talk about. Most importantly

493

Start doing the above and you have a better chance of being hired. As Winston Churchill once said "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference". © copyright - Linda Meehan, CEO & Recruitment Advisor http://www.hotjobsinhospitality.com

494

Find a Job - 9 Steps to a Radically Different Approach We want to begin our job search doing something tangible that redirects our thought process. For most people, putting together a personal inventory is really a glorified resume. That is, decidedly, not the approach we are going to take. From the get go, we are taking a contrarian path in the way we go about things. The mass of job seekers today tend to do things in a similar fashion. They focus on their resume, their educational background, work experience and preparing for the interview. They post their resume online and wait for something to happen! If you want to go to the head of the line, and make things happen, you need to take a new approach. Everything I am going to talk about in this process is the opposite of what is normally practiced today. Let me be very clear, this is not theory but has been developed and tested in the field as to its effectiveness.

495

The results have been outstanding. Individuals utilizing this methodology are hired in a fraction of the normal time by companies they target and are generally working for higher starting salaries. In addition, the same nine steps can be employed by those already working who want to move up in their respective companies. So let's begin. You need to maintain a different perspective regarding your role in the process. From this point on, you are no longer just a job seeker, but rather a creative problem solver. As we go through the nine steps, you will see how this radically changes our job search. We will begin our professional inventory answering six key questions. 1) What industry are you interested in? 2) What companies are you interested in? 3) What departments or divisions have you worked in? 4) What business problems have you been instrumental in solving? 5) What was the business impact of solving those problems?

496

-What revenue was generated? -What cost savings resulted? -What % efficiencies resulted? 6) Who was the highest ranking person in the organization that cared that you solved these problems? 7) Who were the competitors of the company you work for? Answer these questions in depth and write down your responses. Go into as much detail and specifics as is possible. You will be using this personal inventory to develop a new perspective of yourself and how you have been effective in solving problems in your previous work situations. Let's be very clear about one thing. Job seekers are offered a position for one reason and one reason only.

497

A decision maker has a problem. If that person thinks that you can solve their problem for less money than the problem costs, you will get the job. This really is how the world works; everything else is extraneous. Everything you are going to do in this process is designed to help you zero in on those opportunities where you can be the answer to a decision makers problem. Dennis Whitlock has been a business owner for nearly 20 years. In the process of offering employment to literally hundreds of individuals, he has witnessed, firsthand, the key elements of successful job searches. If the economy has you uncertain as to your career future, you may wish to consider a radically new and proven approach to finding a job In addition, post your ideas and questions about what works and what doesn't in your search for career opportunities

498

What You Don't Know About LinkedIn That Can Hurt Your Job Search Many executive job hunters sign onto LinkedIn, look around, find others they know, add a few connections, and then... nothing. When questioned later, they'll admit that they were confused about the site's value, and therefore neglected to build connections or accept invitations. When my executive clients have went through this routine, I find that they usually didn't realize that LinkedIn is a hot tool for job search, with a significant effect on their success. LinkedIn, just by the measure of its internal tools and resources, is a great place to conduct an executive job hunt. The site contains methods that you can use to find company insiders, tap into a new group of professionals and recruiters, stake a presence on the LinkedIn forums, and use internal industry memberships--all to your advantage.

499

However, the best reason get familiar with LinkedIn and maintain your profile REGULARLY is that it replaces older information about you on the Web--and makes it easy for others to see your executive qualifications during your search. You can set yourself up for increased success, just by making the connection between personal Internet promotion and your job search. Here are 3 crucial concepts and must-know tips: 1) Keep Your Online Information Relevant to Your Goals. Suppose you've been at a disadvantage in the job hunt for some time, and you finally realize why. After performing an online search on your name, you find out that an old lawsuit against your homeowner's association is coming up online. Now, your name is connected to negative information. Taking this a step further, most executive recruiters WILL look for you online before they ever contact you for an interview.

500

What will they see first? That's right, and what they find may NOT be supporting your leadership goals. When "digital dirt" catches up with you, it can bring your executive job hunt to a standstill. Irrelevant information-with your valuable name on it--can float around the Internet for years. However, there are ways to address this issue head-on. 2) Fight Negative Information In Any Way Possible. Once you find something like this with your name on it, it's tough to eradicate, especially if it's contained in a news release. Defending yourself can require substantial investments of both your time and financial resources. However, you CAN focus attention on other aspects of your professional life. The BEST way to do this is to grab every chance you can to publish positive, professional information about your executive career, starting with LinkedIn.

501

Search engines love fresh data, and will quickly pick up anything that is continually updated. So, the key is to update your LinkedIn information, making it much more relevant to searches on your name. Essentially, you are giving Google, Yahoo, and others more interesting information that pushes down older data about you, and makes your LinkedIn profile front-page news. Another technique for anyone facing negative online information is to claim each business information profile that has picked up your name as a keyword. You can find these engines, including Zoominfo, Spoke, and Jigsaw, by performing a search for your name. Look further down in the online results, as these profiles often show up as older, more outdated entries. 3) Continually Add Activity to Counteract Stagnant Information. Keeping in mind the habits of search engines, any activity is golden. This means that even if you just add LinkedIn connections on a regular basis, the profile relevance will rise considerably.

502

The best part? By not only writing the information yourself, but keeping it on top, you are nearly guaranteeing that anyone who searches for your name will find the data that YOU wrote and disseminated--making it a PR message of sorts about your qualifications. And who doesn't need a little more promotion during a job hunt right about now? The takeaway here is that LinkedIn, and other social/business networking sites, really are a source of references for anyone who is interested in hiring you. Your best bet is to take a proactive approach, and regularly publish information to the Internet that can get others to see the value in your executive background. This will make it easier for others to not just find you, but to tap into the BEST source of information on your leadership competencies, strengths, skills, and career history--all factors that can support your chances of landing that perfect job.

503

Laura Smith-Proulx is a credentialed, certified Executive Resume Writer and former recruiter that opens doors to prestigious jobs through the use of personal branding techniques. The Executive Director of An Expert Resume her work has received international recognition as a global award nominee and contributor to career bestsellers.

504

Managing Your Online Reputation - 6 MustDos For Springing Hidden Traps That Can Derail a Job Search More and more when a recruiter or hiring manager receives your resume, one of the first things he or she may do is turn to the web to do more research about you. The ease with which anyone can post anything online--on a social media site, forum or blog--can leave job candidates vulnerable to negative information about them that they didn't even know was posted, but that could derail their chances for winning the position. Effectively managing your online reputation requires you to do two things: be aware of what others are saying about you online, and be proactive in building your own mountain of evidence in your favor about who you really are and what you really know. Here are 6 critical tasks all job candidates must do to manage and enhance their online reputations:

505

1) Do a Google search on your name to find out what is already out there on the web about you. You may be surprised to see yourself already mentioned on forums and/or social media sites. If you find anything objectionable that was posted by a friend, ask them nicely to remove it. For negative postings by others, it's often better to ignore it. You'll draw more attention to the issue and give your critic credibility by responding directly to the comments, even to correct the facts. 2) Sign up for a Google Alert with your name as the search term. You'll get an email whenever your name comes up in news, websites, blogs, etc. indexed by Google. It's easy to set up at Google.com/alerts. 3) Clean up your own online profiles. Take an objective look at all the photos, videos and text postings you've made on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, etc., and remove anything that could be embarrassing to you if taken out of context. In addition to incriminating pictures, any curse words, poor grammar and heavy slang should also be removed.

506

4) Start a blog in your area of expertise. Don't treat this as a vanity vehicle to talk about your accomplishments, but rather think of it as your own online column where you can comment about items in the news and within your industry. Search engines love blogs and so do other bloggers, who might choose to link to your posts. Any Google searches on your name will be stacked in your favor with valuable content spread throughout the worldwide web, subordinating any negative material posted about you. 5) Visit popular blogs in your industry or specialty and leave insightful comments. Again, because search engines love blogs, you can add more positive fuel to the fire with your own content. 6) Don't engage in trash talk. Any short-term satisfaction you may get from speaking your mind to criticize someone online and even "winning" an online argument will be greatly offset by the havoc the other party could wreak on your online reputation going forward. It's always best to take the high road.

507

By taking responsibility early and being proactive with managing your online reputation, you can ensure that when recruiters go searching online for information about you, whatever they find will ultimately help your candidacy, not sabotage it. Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

508

Career Fair Misery - Which of These 3 Deadly Mistakes Are You Making at Career & Job Fairs? I am not saying you should not go to Job and Career Fairs. I am saying you should be well prepared so that you don't come away from the experience with your heart in your throat, a feeling not uncommon for those you don't plan ahead. Which of these 3 Job and Career Fair Mistakes are You Making? Mistake #1 - Thinking It's A "Walk In The Park" - How about a "cattle call?" Because it is. You are more in competition to be remembered than you are in competition with other applicants. Playing it "cool" won't work. Polite and firm are the names for this "game." What To Do Instead - A) Better to be overdressed than casually dressed. Cut by 80% cologne and perfume fumes. B) Better to be early, really early, so you can plan your "attack." Get a floor plan. Target employers that match you. Make repeat booth visits until you get quality "face time." C) Smile like you mean it or go home. Read this entire article; get more.

509

Mistake #2 - Resume Madness - Not Ready For 5 Second "Drill?" - Booth minders worth their salt scan your resume in less than 5 seconds to say, "Yes" or "No!" Unlike all other ways your resume is "distributed," if you are not ready for the fray, you won't score an interview. What To Do Instead - Take two sets of resumes. First set is for you to display, held up high; higher if there are people in front of you. Second set; ones you give to organizations and other candidates interested in you: 1) Enlarge page one of your resume on a bright piece of legal size paper (8.5 x 14). Bigger the better. Black ink on rich yellow paper work best. 2) Multiple 8.5 x 11 copies printed on 24lb ivory (off-white) classic-laid paper stock with 20 to 25% rag content. Ninety percent of all resumes are printed on white paper. Don't. Mistake #3 - Ignoring Fellow Job Hunters - You flunk job fairs if you fail to get acquainted with everyone possible including other job hunters. You and they can help each other. Don't mistake all of them as being there for the one job you want.

510

What To Do Instead - You want to "make friends" with everyone who is willing to be your friend and be especially friendly with other job applicants. Collect names and eaddresses. Network. Connect. Clarify. Collaborate. Cheerlead. Commit to communicate. And now I'd like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to teleseminar Sunday at 9PM US EST and get more top tips on job and career fairs when you visit http://www.resumesteve.com You'll receive as much time as you need to get your job search, resume, and cover letter questions answered. From Stephen Q Shannon - The Free Teleseminar Resume Guy

511

Networking - An Essential Part of Job Searching If you are preparing to begin job searching, the better prepared you are, the more likely it will be for you to land the job that you want. One of the most essential parts of job searching is to get off to a good start with networking. You might like to know what kinds of benefits you can expect from networking. First, it is the most valuable resource available for getting access to the hidden job market. The people with whom you network can lead you to jobs that you did not even realize existed-- and one may be the job you have been hoping to acquire. When you network with individuals who are already working in the field of your interest, you will find employment opportunities on many different levels, with the accompanying differences in salaries and potential for advancement.

512

Networking is also a much better start to job searching than any other approach you may have tried or considered, because it increases your chance of being hired. In many cases, networking with people who work for a particular company or business can give you a very positive edge over attempting to gain employment on your own. When you have decided that networking is for you, it is time for you to assess the resources that are available. While the more people you know the better it is, is a good generalization, it is also helpful for you to consider the type of work you are seeking. Even though you want to get the word out that you are job searching, and have many opportunities to meet new people as well as those whom you already know, networking does not need to be solely on an individual basis. Depending upon the type of job you are looking for, you can also gain valuable networking experiences and potential job leads through various community organizations and professional organizations in your town or city, by becoming involved with these resources.

513

Interacting with individuals and groups can help to point you in the direction of the job you want. It can even help you to find jobs that you didn't know existed. It is also possible that networking can be a valuable tool in getting hired for the job after you have found it. When you think about all of these benefits of networking, and how it can make job searching much easier and more productive, you will know that you have made a great start in your search for a new job. As one of the leading authorities on resume writing, cover letter writing, and job searching , Michelle Dumas is the founder of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Since 1996, Michelle and her team have empowered thousands of professionals worldwide with results-generating resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com to get your free "Revive Your Resume" audio mini-seminar.

514

Job Searching For a Recession-Proof Career Considering the current state of the economy, many people are worried about their jobs. Not only are companies laying off employees in large numbers, it seems like the job market itself is not as promising as it was in recent years. When you are looking for a new job, the priorities go beyond simply getting hired. You want to be sure as you can be that you will keep the job after you get it. Job security is more important today than ever before. One of the best ways to begin job searching for a recessionproof career is to take a thorough assessment of your qualifications. You will need to know that you have the skills, experience, and education required for the level of job you are seeking. After you have all of this information in hand, you will be prepared for assessing the job market.

515

Your qualifications and career interests are your main foundation for finding the job you want. When you have taken stock of what you have to offer, looking for a career with job security should be your priority. A good first step is to check into the field in which you plan to work. As there are plenty of career fields which continue to thrive despite economic difficulties, narrowing your career choice down to one of these fields is the best way of ensuring that the needs for qualified employees will continue to be in demand. Your next step should be to check into specific companies. Even if a particular field appears to be recession-proof, some companies are simply stronger and healthier than others. If you have selected a career field, gaining as much information as possible about all of the companies you are interested in working for can help you in locating the companies which offer the best prospect for secure, long-term employment. You need to know facts about how well their business is doing, and that they have not been laying off their employees. Both of these points are relevant to your chances of getting hired and keeping the job if you acquire it.

516

Job searching for a recession-proof career may mean that you must make allowances for today's economic crisis. If you want job security, you may benefit from gaining further education, or by considering an entirely different field than you had originally planned. When you are fully prepared for the career of your choice, and carefully assess its prospects for your future, you can have the job you love and the security you need at the same time. As one of the leading authorities on resume writing, cover letter writing, and job searching , Michelle Dumas is the founder of Distinctive Career Services LLC. Since 1996, Michelle and her team have empowered thousands of professionals worldwide with results-generating resumes, cover letters, and job search strategies. Visit http://www.distinctiveweb.com to get your free "Revive Your Resume" audio mini-seminar.

517

Looking For Jobs Hiring in My Area? Read to Find Out How Are you thinking "How do I find Jobs Hiring in My Area?" If so, then you are like a lot of folks in this day and age. We are seeing more and more people flocking to the internet to find their next career. This is producing a crowding on the normal job search sites such as CareerBuilder, Monster and Craigslist. The simple fact of the matter is these sites are so overwhelmed with applicants, that it is not uncommon to have several thousand applicants to a single job within hours of posting. What I am suggesting is simply this. Everyone stop looking to find another job while online and just take a look at the jobs that are online! There are countless ways to make money on the internet these days. Everything from affiliate marketing to direct sales to network marketing.

518

In fact, one of the potential niches that is likely to even see a boost in this economy is the working at home niche. It would stand to reason that anyone who is in a position to offer that opportunity to people would do very well. You can do this by partnering with a company that allows you to grow your business by marketing an opportunity to others. There are countless opportunities such as this available today, you just need to do your research and find the one that is right for you. So before you waste countless hours searching online for your next career, take a moment and look at the opportunities right in front of you, literally! Good Luck out there! Godspeed, Mathew S. Robar Mathew S. Robar is a Top Internet Marketer and Mentor. Learn His Secrets to Earning Massive Profits Online in This Free Marketing Bootcamp .

519

The Endless Wealth Solutions Marketing Bootcamp Will Pull Back the Curtains and Show Step by Step the Processes We Use to Generate Thousands and Thousands of Dollars Every Week! Designed For Both the Total Beginner and the Seasoned Pro, This Training Tool Will Make You More Money. Plus Its Free, So What Do You Have to Lose? It is my gift to you, enjoy.

520

10 Tips For Job Hunting in Today's Market Job hunting can seem like the most tedious and disheartening task you set out for yourself, especially in this market. It can get to the point where you get so frustrated that you want to give up or you figure, "What's the point?" The trick to job hunting in today's market is to be versatile. Don't follow the same stale standards that everyone's been doing for centuries. Odds are the people who preach these concepts are the one that got us in this situation in the first place! Branch out and try new tactics that have proven extremely useful for numerous candidates, and learn how to utilize all of your time looking for a job rather than sending out resumes for an hour and moving on to other things. Check out these 10 Hot Tips for Job Hunting in Today's Market: 1) Read trade magazines - Reading trade magazines will keep you up-to-date on the latest information and trends in your industry. Many of these trade magazines even post current job openings. Keep yourself in the game by being knowledgeable and also find out who's currently hiring.

521

2) Take a class - It may sounds strange, but taking a class, even if it's not related to your job, can help you job hunt. If you're taking a class that deals with your typical field, you'll be just as up-to-date, if not more, than everyone else in the field, and you can beef up your resume. If you take a class that's not related, it's perfect to use as a jumping off point for networking or it might open your eyes up to another field you've been wanting to explore. 3) Get online - While you're spending all that time sending out your resumes and searching job posting boards, why finish there? Don't turn the computer off yet, when you haven't even begun to start. Have somewhere to point people to if they read your resume or just get out and network. Sign up for LinkedIn, Naymz, and Facebook...but beware! Don't put up content that you don't want to be seen. 4) Get a hobby - Hobbies are great for exploring other areas of interest. Maybe you'll find that you like working on cars, and you decide to become a mechanic. It's also a great stress reliever. 5) Volunteer - Volunteering not only helps with networking, but it also helps you feel productive and useful.

522

6) Build A List Of Companies - Instead of seeing what's out there and what's open, start building a wish list of companies you'd like to work for. Check to see if you have any contacts for these companies, and ask them what it's like to work there. 7) Go To Group Meetings - Not only can being around those who are in your industry be uplifting mentally, but you can also meet new people who are currently working in your industry and promote networking. 8) Networking, Networking, Networking Did we say networking? The most effective tool for job hunting is networking. Keep up with all of your contacts, and don't just harass them about job openings. Ask them how they're doing or have a barbecue. No one likes a pest that's looking just to take, take, take. 9) Contact recruiters - Don't just wait for someone to contact you. Call up recruiters and start building relationships. Make sure they know your name and what you're capable of. Put yourself in front of them, and find out what they have going on.

523

10) Take a break and do something different - Even though you may feel like you're slacking, sometimes it's good for the mind to take a little break...BUT...that doesn't mean that we aren't thinking about job hunts the whole time! How is that? While you're doing the most random things, you may find that something you never thought of before motivates you and moves you. That "something" may be you next profession. To get the real tips, strategies, and time saving lessons on how to land your dream job, or for more free advice, visit: http://www.carvechi.com

524

Retired Before Your Time? - Three Hot Job Search Tips in a Down Economy You've been told you're "retiring", and while you certainly don't want to stop working, with the state of the economy, you now have to work. Your confidence is badly shaken, the job market is shrinking, and you're at an age where conventional wisdom says you're unemployable. Make you want to give up? Don't! While you can't do anything about the diminishing number of jobs out there, you can confidently fly in the face of conventional wisdom. Throw out all those boring, conventional ways to go about getting a job. The expression "If you never stick your neck out, they'll never see you above the crowd" was never truer. So, get your creative juices going and have some fun with these recession-busting job hunting tips: 1. Be Ageless. If you think your age is going to be a problem, I guarantee you it will be. If you can focus on all that you have to offer and be confident in that, you'll be golden.

525

When I first moved to Boston, I decided an internship was my best entre into local TV. I was in my early forties, and yes, anyone I would be interning with would be at least half my age, but it never occurred to me that my age would be a road block. Being interviewed by a cocky 20-something male at the new Fox station, I was floored when he asked me if I wasn't "a little long in the tooth" to be going for an internship. I calmly told him that I had sat on his side of the desk, and if I had my choice between a 20-something whose primary concern was who she was going out with on Saturday night, or someone like me who had 20 years of solid business experience to bring to the table, I'd hire me in a heartbeat. On my way out, he told me he'd like me to meet his boss, because I was so "fantastic". I told him, I was going to Channel 5 where they appreciated "age"! 2. Get Rid of the Box. In my 30s, I was living in New York City, running my own marketing and public relations firm, and getting a little bored.

526

My life-long dream of acting was bubbling to the surface again, so I signed up for some classes, and plunked down $300 for an AFTRA card (in those days, the only requirement for eligibility.) To be eligible for my SAG and Equity cards, I needed three days of extra work or one principle role in an AFTRA production. I figured getting a principle role was a long shot, so I decided to go for extra work on one of the 9 soap operas being produced in the city. Now, "the" way of doing that was to send your headshot and resume to the casting directors, and then follow that up with a weekly postcard with your head shot for the rest of your life, or a hundred and twelve years, whichever came last. I figured I had nothing to lose by being totally outrageous. I had custom fortune cookies made that said "For extra work, call Lin at 555-1212." I filled Chinese food cartons with the fortune cookies, placed each box in a brown paper bag, and stapled each bag with a sheet from my local Chinese delivery place, and spent two days hand-delivering them around town.

527

At the end of the first day, I arrived home to this message from the casting director of All My Children: "Lin, you are totally insane, and I just have to meet you. Call me ASAP." Within two months, I had my SAG and Equity cards. 3. Be Bold. My TV internship led to work at the local ABC affiliate. I really wanted to work at the PBS station, and everyone "knew" that it was impossible to break in. Once a week, I'd go through their job book. I applied for some Production Assistant jobs, and was convinced after my first interview that it would take years to work my way up to Producer there. I turned down the offer. Then, one week, there it was -- a producer slot on a national quiz show that had never been done there before. I, however, had done the EXACT job at Channel 5. I interviewed. I interviewed a second time. After a week when I hadn't heard back, I called to find out that I was still in the running. Instead of sitting back and nervously waiting, I got pro-active.

528

I bought a mannequin leg and outfitted it with a black and white striped thigh-high sock, tied with a big red bow at the top. I added a card that said: "Let me get my foot in the door. You won't be sorry" and hand-delivered it to the station. The next day, I got the job! Later, my boss told me she really wanted a producer from New York or Los Angeles. When she received my package, she realized she had someone who could do the job and wanted to be in Boston, and she'd be crazy not to hire me. Remember, this is the perfect time to create work that you love, work that is aligned with your values, working with people you enjoy. It's possible. You just have to keep your eye on the prize, and step out of your comfort zone! Copyright (c) 2009 Lin Schreiber Certified Retirement Coach Lin Schreiber, author of the popular ABC's of Revolutionizing Retirement, helps selfreliant women reinvent themselves in the next stage of life, formerly known as "retirement." To claim your free Revolutionize Retirement Starter Kit, visit her site at RevolutionizeRetirement.com

529

All Jobs Are Not on the Internet! Layoffs, Firings, Downsizing, these words are what we hate to hear in our corporate or work settings. It's very fearful to know that in a week, months, or even days, that a layoff or downsizing is going to occur. Careerbuilder.com, Monster.com, and even Craigslist.com are becoming short with legitimate job opportunities and overwhelmed with scams and bothersome business opportunities. So what to do? You can start with the internet job searches to some of the major job boards, however, that can only last so long when your mortgage is due. The key to a job is "wordof-mouth". Family, friends, and yes, even old co-workers can tune you in to other companies that may be looking for parttime work or new positions.

530

Attend networking meetings, if you are a part of a professional organization, tell some of your closest colleagues that you are on the job hunt. Free-lance or do some virtual assisting work if you are in the administrative field, if you are in healthcare, search for a healthcare staffing agency to get you into work quickly. Graphic designer, manager, or call-center representative? Walk into a staffing agency that specializes in those areas. Do you model, into fitness, or are a talented beauty specialist? Consider doing some commercial work in health-spas, commercial advertising, promotional events, or develop a beauty consulting business. Jobs are really scarce for most and scheduled to get even tighter as months go by. But this does not mean that the end is nigh. Take control and get out there. Re-write your resume, add a cover letter, and sell your experience. You cannot go wrong. Social networking is your best bet to a career and a good job position. P&P Consulting is your resource to educational/career development consulting and confidence coaching. Your happiness depends on your motivation!

531

New Job Search? Get Noticed in Seconds by Offering a Bonus Starting a new job search is tough. You may not have even known it was coming. A lot of times, I submitted my resume to plenty of job sites and waited for results. It feels a little awkward. You submit, then wait. Within hours, you may get a lead, but as it turns out, it may be a work from home scam, or a job you would not even want. So, how do you separate yourself? What makes you different, besides you're the best? Well, how about offering the recruiter a bonus? What do you think about offering someone a free dinner? or maybe a free gift certificate? Recently, there have been articles in several of the news sites talking about people willing to give a bonus or offer to someone that helps them find a job. Why not? Times are tough, we'll do what it takes to get noticed.

532

Would the recruiter pay attention to a bonus? Well, we'll never know. Put yourself in the hiring manager's shoes for a second. I'm looking to hire someone. There are a lot of resumes, I'm tired and I have a lot of work to do. Your resume says "Hiring Bonus". Well, I'd like a bonus. Let's take a look at that to see what it is. Immediately, you have grabbed their attention for a couple of seconds longer. Maybe that's all it takes. Maybe deep down inside we wouldn't want to think it would affect someone's thoughts of you, but, in reality, a nice dinner or gift certificate would be nice. So, the idea is to separate yourself from the rest even though you look like the rest. Maybe you could put the hiring bonus on your resume? Well, that may be a little uncomfortable. But, there are sites, for free, where you could post your resume and show that you are offering an incentive to hire you. This way, you are indirectly letting them know you give a bonus. Sure, it may cost you a dinner, but now that you have a job, a dinner is a lot more affordable.

533

So, if you are submitting your resume, don't forget to put in links to sites that tell about you. Maybe it's Linked In, PayForJobs, or others. As always, make sure everything about you on the site is good! As always, best of luck when searching for that new job! To see examples of people offering bonuses for a job, visit here . Joe Bailey is a web consultant. The guy always looking for a job.

534

Job Search Tips - Group Job Hunting What is Group Job Hunting? Many of you may be asking, "What is group job hunting anyway?" No, it is not like group therapy where you want to share as little as possible with a bunch of people you don't really know. It is also not anything like group interviewing, where a prospective employer grills a whole group of job candidates at the same time so that they can compete with one another head to head. Group job hunting is an alternative channel for conducting a job search that connect job seekers with one another and allow them to share contacts, resources, leads, and other advice. Does Group Job Hunting Work?

535

OK. Connecting with other job seekers sounds nice, but does it really help? Simply put, yes! Group job hunting has demonstrated a success rate of 84%. Compare those types of results with the success rates of candidates using job posting sites. That avenue is successful only about 4% of the time. Consider the millions who post their resume to the various sites available today. If this describes you, now you know why you probably have not gotten a response to your resume post. The old tried-and-true method of sending a hard copy of your resume in response to an advertisement in the classifieds of your local newspaper has a better chance of getting you in the door than posting to a job site. Why Does it Work? Group job hunting is successful because it combines elements of networking with target marketing and strategy development. Think about it. You know people, even if they are not able to help you in your job search. Many other job seekers our there are in the same predicament. By connecting with them, you are essentially tapping into their contact base. And oftentimes, it comes down to you interacting with the brother of a friend of a co-worker of a neighbour of someone you used to go to school (you get the picture).

536

Like many things in life, it's who you know, not what you know. So what are you waiting for? Start building your network of job seekers today. Happy hunting! So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience. The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals.

537

In February 2009, I launched a new group job hunting networking site: NoddlePlace.com. It is absolutely FREE to join, and you have access to everything on the site. Come check it out at NoddlePlace . You can also follow me on Twitter .

538

Job Search Tips - Optimizing Your Job Search Network For those job seekers that don't already know, developing and leveraging a network of friends and professionals is one of the most effective methods--aside from group job hunting--for finding and obtaining the job that is just right. However, there are ways to approach your network to make it work for you. So let's review three critical steps Step #1: Start Now--Even if You Aren't Actively Searching This is an absolute necessity! It is also the area in which most job seekers fail miserably. Think about it. To use a network, you need to have a network in place. This takes time, and lots of it. If you are out of a job today, it can take months to cultivate a network that can start to work for you. For most people, several months is much too long to wait to secure a new position. So, instead, you find most job seekers out there stuck with posting their resume online because they quickly realize that they do not have a network in place at all.

539

For those of you reading this that are employed today, start now. There are a lot of resources available to you to help manage your contacts: LinkedIn, FaceBook, Twitter, MySpace, NoddlePlace, and a whole host of social networking sites. Or you can simply have a list of names and numbers in your PDA or in your daytimer. However you manage it, start collecting names, numbers, and email addresses of friends, colleagues, clients, vendors, and co-workers. Then start a routine in which you touch base with them every so often: often enough to stay connected but not so often that you are burdensome. The more social your interaction in nature while you are employed, the easier it will be to discuss professional opportunities when the time comes. Step #2: What Not to Do When the Time Comes The biggest mistake the job seekers make when it does come time to tap into their network is to ask for a job. That is the one thing that will absolutely turn off even those ready and willing to help you. There is something about desperation that makes people want to slink away or, at best, say that they will let you know if they hear anything. Step #3: How to Work Your Network

540

There are ways of interacting with others encourages them to help you. Of course, not popping up out of the blue and asking for a job is a good start. You can simply tell your network what it is your pursuing and ask whether they know anyone that you should contact. This engages them in a professional manner and makes them want to gather and impart information to help you in your search. So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience.

541

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals. In February 2009, I launched a new group job hunting networking site: NoddlePlace.com. It is absolutely FREE to join, and you have access to everything on the site. Come check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com

542

10 Important Things to Do When You Lose Your Job to the Recession 1. Get your feelings out - go ahead. Go home and cry, feel sorry for yourself, throw your basketball against a brick wall. Go ahead and get the feelings out -but don't wallow in them. Allow yourself the time and space to feel your feelings, but do it once, do it completely, and move on. 2. Let others know what's going on. Don't be afraid to share your dilemma and use your family and friends as a support network - make a few dinner dates at other's homes, and give and get as many hugs as you need. This is not a time to try and tough things out alone - and you may get some valuable advice where you least expect it. 3. Shape up your budget. Start to live more frugally - but don't panic and stockpile food or attempt to pay off all your debt at once. Just be cautious and start to pay attention to what you spend. 4. Apply for unemployment benefits online and work hard on sticking to a budget; your state jobless benefits will be less than your take-home paycheck has been.

543

5. Find a list of job hunting support groups in your area. You'll learn a lot about the local job market, find out about free places to upgrade your skills and resume, and get jobhunting tips from your peers. 6. Start looking for a new job as quickly as possible - it will keep you busy and give you the most options in the long run. You'll also get much-needed interview practice that will help put you in the pipeline. 7. Network where ever you can - church, clubs, family gatherings, job fairs - don't be so desperate that people shy away from you, but do mention what kind of job you are interested and your skills and interests. You never know where a lead will come from. 8. Keep a routine by getting up every day at the same time, getting dressed, and scouring your usual sources for job leads. Keep your job hunt focused and target your applications carefully. Remember: job hunting IS a job when you're serious about your career, and the next door you open will be worth it.

544

9. Volunteer your time to keep your skills fresh. There are so many charities in need of donated skills - if you're feeling down, get out there and help. It's also something you can add to your resume and may be another source for networking and developing job leads. 10. If boredom or money worries distract or depress you, take a ''therapeutic'' job. If you gotta work, you gotta work remember that any position can lead to something better, and you can always take some temp work while you're looking for something permanent. Melissa Brewer is a freelance writer and author of The Little White Ebook of Virtual Assistant Jobs, the complete guide to administrative work available online, available at LittleWhiteEbook.com. She has been a small business owner for ten years and currently lives in Washington, DC, about 3 miles from the Obama White House.

545

Constructing a 30-60-90 Day Business Plan As part of the interview process, many medical device companies will ask the candidate to construct a 30-60-90 day plan. Even if it is not required, doing so will demonstrate to the hiring authority the candidates' serious intentions towards the particular position they are interviewing for. A well thought out plan will include a preliminary preparation plan in addition to a concise and detailed business plan that includes both tactical and strategic initiatives. I cannot emphasize how important it is to lay out a detailed and well thought out plan. An investment of maybe 3-4 hours will be more than worth the time and effort when the job offer is extended. -Preliminary preparation-

546

Preliminary preparation includes initial company research and is more strategic than tactical. If the company is publicly traded, one would want to obtain the annual reports that are available for investors and potential investors and study them. Often, company information on private companies can be purchased through sources such as Hoovers, Zoom Info, or Dunn & Bradstreet. A candidate will also want to meet with the district manager to discuss market analysis and target market, territory, and features/benefits of the products and services offered by the company. For the business to business salesperson, it will be essential to familiarize oneself with the language and buzzwords of the medical and pharmaceutical field. For the medical sales rep, this would be the time to conduct further research on the products and services being offered by the company as well as construction of competitive analysis. -30 days-

547

The first 30 days should not only include a thorough understanding of the internal workings of the company, but also include a plan to introduce oneself to all customer contacts. Learning the email system, customer retention management system (CRM), reading and understanding company policy and procedure, attending training programs, mastering product knowledge are all tactical initiatives. Most quality companies do train their sales staff extensively (whether for pharmaceutical sales positions, biotech sales jobs, clinical and research laboratory sales opportunities, or medical device sales). Strategic initiatives include broadening knowledge in the field of medicine, identifying trade groups, and thoroughly understanding the target market. -60 daysThe next thirty days includes more field time, less training, and more customer interaction. Tactical initiatives would include fine tuning the driving route through the territory, detailed call plan, and fine tuning presentation style. Strategic plans would include studying additional material regarding sales style, meeting with the district manager to discuss progress, and joining industry specific professional groups.

548

-90 daysThe tactical part of the plan should contain development and implementation of a specific "game plan" which includes setting higher goals for six months and one year, developing target lists of accounts based on needs analysis, and creating and implementing a measurable results call plan. Strategic initiatives would include attending professional networking events, meeting with sales team to assess strengths and weaknesses of the territory, continual research in the medical industry as well as improving sales presentation skills. There is a sample of a 30-60-90 day plan on my web site, http://www.hiresearch.biz on the candidate interview tips page. Good luck with that job interview! Kat Stremmel, Hire Search, LLC http://www.hiresearch.biz [email protected] < [email protected]>

549

Job Search Networking - Hone Your Skills and New Fair Pay Make Networking the Core of Your Job Search The ranks of unemployed workers are growing daily, making the competition for available permanent and temporary staffing jobs all the more fierce. If you're in the job market you need to stay aggressive. While applying for openings on job boards and company web sites is important, that's just part of a broader job search strategy. Networking with personal and professional contacts needs to be at the core of your hunt. It has proven to be an extremely effective approach time and again. But it takes effort, along with some forethought. Who should know that you're looking for a job? Call them? What events are happening where you can make some new contacts? Go there. Keep these tips in mind as you network your way back to employment.

550

Go back to the future. Reconnect with your high school and college friends. They probably have fond memories of times you spent together and would be happy to help. Check the websites of your old college or high school. Do you have a reunion coming up? Any alumni events? If you don't live near your college, is there a local alumni chapter that you might join? Meet a stranger. Many of us belong to professional organizations through which we meet people who have similar skills and experiences. Those are valuable connections. But what about organizations of people who could use your services? Many of them allow associate members - those whose work complements the services of full members. Someone in printing might join an organization of advertising professionals, for example. Find the people who need what you do.

551

Connect through your passions. You might want a job right now, but networking is about creating relationships. A great way for people to learn about you is by volunteering with a non-profit organization. Coach youth sports, be involved in local government or help out social service groups. Use your passions to build relationships and a job opportunity may follow. Find someone else a job. Would you like people to help you get a job? Then you should help them. Be alert to openings that might be suitable for friends or former colleagues who are in the job market. The assistance you provide will inspire them to keep you in mind when they hear of opportunities. Take the first step. The Importance of Soft Skills for Today's Employees

552

Employers are placing more value on soft skills on the job those competencies that include communication, personal, social and self-management behaviors. They include your attitude, confidence, critical thinking, likeability, and more. The Stanford Research Institute International and the Carnegie Mellon Foundation found that 75 percent of long-term job success depends on people skills, while only 25 percent on technical knowledge. But the training in these areas lags behind what companies offer their employees in technical skills, often because they're viewed as more practical and more useful. That means as an employee, you're often on your own when it comes to developing your "people" skills. Though companies are spending about $50 billion today on people skills training, it's often offered exclusively to 'highpotential' employees or senior executives, according to Peggy Klaus, a career coach to many Fortune 500 companies and author of The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They'd Learned Sooner. Many firms fail to offer soft skills training at all, she adds.

553

Klaus has some advice as you hone your soft skills on your own. ? Make your boss look good. He or she doesn't have all the answers and would love it if you came up with a few. Your success suggests he or she has trained you well and reflects on that person's management abilities. ? Tune in to WIFT-FM (What's In It For Them?) - Listening isn't something you do while waiting for your turn to speak. It's critical to understanding the needs or concerns of your co-workers. Keep an open mind when in discussions. Make your first comment a question when the other person finishes. Don't make assumptions and don't interrupt. ? It's possible to be too nice. Being too nice "breeds mistrust with others and makes you suspect," says Klaus. Likeability matters in business, but being overly nice can be a problem when you're in a leadership position - whether it's an entire company or just a project team. Make decisions on principle, even if they cause some colleagues to bristle, and you'll be respected for your judgment. Employers, Review Your Compensation Practices

554

Employers should note that President Obama has signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, legislation that extends the "statute of limitations" on compensation discrimination claims made by employees. Under the new law an unlawful employment practice occurs "when a discriminatory compensation decision or practice is adopted; when an individual becomes subject to a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice; or when an individual is affected by application of a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice - including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid." The legislation overrules a 2007 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Ledbetter vs. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Ledbetter is a former Goodyear employee from Alabama. She claimed that for 20 years she was paid less than her male colleagues though they did the same work. Over the course of her career, she claimed she lost more than $200,000 in salary and more in pension and Social Security benefits.

555

Congress concluded that the Supreme Court's ruling "unduly" restricted the time period in which victims of discrimination can challenge and recover for discriminatory compensation decisions or other practices. The new law states that an employee can recover back pay for up to two years preceding the filing of the charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Additionally, the law is retroactive to May 28, 2007. It applies to all claims of compensation discrimination that are pending on or after that date. Bill Kelly http://www.mtsg.com

556

How to Answer Interview Questions It is always hard to know how to answer interview questions and if you are not very experienced at interviews, then the whole process can seem daunting. So just how are you supposed to answer their questions? Well the basic principle to bear in mind, whatever the interview, whether on a one to one, at a recruitment agency or for a permanent contract, is that you need to sell yourself in a way that is confident and assured, but without sounding too big headed or arrogant. Always try to ensure that you establish eye contact with the interviewers. Try to sound confident when you answer and if you think you are about to freeze, or dry up, then just take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is not life or death, it is only an interview and then continue.

557

Answer questions as fully as possible, so if you are asked 'Why should we hire you' then don't just say 'Because I have all the skills and attributes required for this position' but tell them exactly what experience you have and what your skills are. If you keep your answers too brief then you will potentially come across as disinterested and perhaps even a little vague, so expand, expand, expand. When answering questions at interview it is always tempting to make yourself seem much more competent or experienced than you really are. But herein lies a danger, because if you lie at interview or mislead the panel, then this could well come back to haunt you. So be confident, but not overly so! Finally always think of some good questions to ask the interview panel. These may include questions about career progression, how the company operates, what kind of tasks you will be expected to undertake or even about management style. The more original and complex your questions are, the more impressed the interviewing panel are likely to be!

558

Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent Office Jobs in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the UK from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

559

The Hidden Job Market 80% of jobs are filled by companies who never advertised the position. Instead these positions are filled by referral, the "who do you know" method of recruitment. My job search has mostly been in the internet. I would just go to job search websites to see what jobs were posted and apply for them. I realized I was shooting for the stars because I got no response. Then recently I heard about the hidden job market where great job opportunities are. I realized that I was searching for jobs to all the wrong places. I had a lot of competition around me and that made it harder to find a job. It takes strong candidates with impressive college degree and related long years of experience to land advertised jobs. College students and recent grads are among the least likely candidates to get advertised jobs. How can you unlock the hidden job market?

560

One of the best ways is through networking. This is the real secret to a job search. Ask your family, friends, faculty, and alumni. Basically ask everyone to help you. Network everywhere you go, even in your social life. You never know who will introduce you to a company that can hire you. "If you rely solely on networking to land your next job, you'll have a 33 percent success rate, said Richard Bolles in "What Color is Your Parachute?: A practical Manual for JobHunters and Career Changes Another way is to go out there and apply for jobs before they are advertised. This can be through cold calling; direct mail campaign and hand deliver your resume to a potential employer. Once you make a contact with a potential employer, express your interest in the future position and describe your skills and what you can do for them. There is an interesting site that exposes the hidden job market; you may want to check out http://www.linkup.com LinkUp monitors the nation to find real jobs from real companies by monitoring thousands of small, mid-sized, and large business career sections. By Naike Moshi | http://www.naike-careercoachville.com

561

Using Your Relationships to Help You Find Work Over 75% of jobs are found through some type of networking. Hearing word that there are openings at Company X. Someone chatting with another person, even perhaps someone they just met and says, "Our company is looking for someone like you" (OK, really, really rare, but it does happen!) or "I know someone who is looking for you" and so on. But we are each responsible for creating our own "buzz", developing that understanding, interest and support that could lead to a new career. Yet looking for work is still an uncomfortable position for most people for a variety of reasons. Because of that people are quite reluctant and even more uncomfortable with (or not sure how of) tapping the strongest resource that they have - their network, be they family, friends, acquaintances, former business colleagues, other people that you have met.

562

There is of course, the opposite extreme. Those people that have no reluctance whatsoever. They will email out their resume, call you up and ask you if you are hiring at your company or bump into you at a meeting, networking or association event and make sure you don't leave until you have one of their resumes in your hand handily pulled from their purse/backpack/briefcase. The good news is the job seeker is quite comfortable with pursuing any avenue for work; the bad news is that they tend to put their network in an uncomfortable position. One of the first things we need to understand is that there are different levels of involvement that we can ask of our network/relationships. The vast majority of people are willing to help those they know....to a degree. And that degree is usually based on how well they know and trust you. Consider the perfect stranger or someone you barely know, walking up to you shoving a resume in your hand, fully expecting you to read it and pass it around to your friends/network.

563

Yeah, right! The only question will be whether I obviously leave/trash the resume in front of you or wait until a more discrete moment to dispose of this unwanted and unasked for favor. However, let's assume you're not that hard-charging, resume at the ready job seeker. Let's look at the fact, that there are basically 3 Levels of Involvement of how we can utilize our network of relationships to help us. However let's start with a fourth level - Level 0. It could be that we are no longer employed (in transition, in nice-speak) or we are working and for looking for new work. Level 0 is where our network (friends, family, acquaintances, people we've met) have little to no idea of your job status, or may know that you are "in transition", but that's it. Most people in your network, even people that are relatively close to you, won't have a clear idea of what you did or know what you would be looking for. They are unlikely to have any accurate idea of your skills and experience, as well as where you want to go or do. If that's true, how could they possibly help you?

564

Level 0They may be willing to help, but if they don't know where to look, they can't. And frankly, it's not their responsibility to get the details. You want the job; you need to let them know. When they don't, your support from your network is going to be a big fat zero. I have a recent example of that. As a business coach always looking to add clients, you could say I am always in transition! At an association meeting where I am on the board of directors, a colleague asked me what I specialized in. I gave my two minute spiel, of which one segment of what I do is Customer Service workshops/seminars. Another board member standing nearby started up with "Oh man, I wish I knew that, we were looking for someone with that experience last month for a consulting job!" Missed opportunity. All due to the fact that someone in my network of relationships wasn't aware of the skills/experience that I offered.

565

So how do you get help, let people know? First of all, any help in relationship should be approached with a level of respect for their time and possible efforts. It is up to the other person on how much they wish to help. But if you approach your network with the right level of respect, attitude and care, it doesn't hurt to inform and ask! Level 1This is where you let your network of friends; family, etc. know that you are "in the market". Email blasts, sending out cards can be tacky, but they can also be a start if done with respect. The purpose of Level 1 is to let your network know that you are looking with an idea of what you are looking for and to contact you if they have any ideas or know of anything. Things that don't work - A broadcast email saying I am looking for a XX job with attached resume. Honestly, the chance of them opening your professional life story up is pretty slim.

566

Things that might work - An email letting people know your status (transition, looking), giving a quick, short outline of what you are looking for with a respectful - "And if you happen to be aware of anyone that could use my skills, I'd really appreciate if you could drop me a line". Short, to the point, asking for them to keep an eye out for possibilities. The purpose is to let your network know that you are in the market giving them an idea of what you are looking for. Even better, get together face to face. Don't start the conversation with - I NEED A JOB! Talk about a conversation killer! However it's a safe bet that the conversation will flow around to what you are doing. Let them know, but keep it conversational..."I've been doing XXX and I'm looking to get into a blah-blah position". Don't verbally vomit your resume! Let them control the flow of exactly how much they feel they need to know. The best result is that they get excited, because the just HAPPEN TO KNOW of someone that is looking for someone with your qualifications. WooHoo!

567

Ok. Maybe not. But a desired result, once again, would be that your network knows that you are looking and about what you are looking for. Level 2Asking for help. There is a wide range of help your network can provide other than telling you where there is an opening. Have people look over your resume/cover letters. Do you know someone in an industry/position/experience that might be able to assist, give you some ideas? Do they know where a good place to post the resume, search for job openings might be? Do mock interviews. Any additional ideas? The vast majority of time, if you ask people for (clearly defined) help, they are more than happy to give you some time. However, go into it honestly. Don't set up a meeting for help for your resume and then start hitting them up for a job at their company. It will create an uncomfortable position and not help your chances at all.

568

It IS possible, that as your mentor is digesting your experiences, skills and what you are looking for, THEY may see an opportunity either within their organization or somewhere else. You might be able to say after you have buffed up the paper, "So Kathy, now that you know what I'm looking for, do you know any place where I might fit?" Another way to gain support is to team up with other people in transition in your network/neighborhood. Create your own support group. Meet once a week to share ideas, keep each other motivated, and set some goals like how many resumes sent out or networking events attended. Your support group can be extra eyes in looking for job possibilities for each other. Maybe if one of the support group has a connection, bring in an "expert" (resumes, interviewing, writing cover letters...) who can come in and will talk to you pro bono.

569

Let's be honest. Even though looking for work is more and more common in each person's lives, it still can suck, physically, financially and especially emotionally. Having a support group, where you can help, motivate and challenge each other will help to keep you on track to getting the job/career that you want. And who knows, maybe one of you can give another a connection that can help. Lastly, is Level 3, where you are actually using your relationships to get you the job or at least connection for an interview. Unfortunately, this is where people usually try to use (and abuse) our network for. Instead, look at the connections as gateways, similar to Linked In. Does someone you know, know anybody at Company X which has job openings? Don't ask them for the job, but how about a referral? If Company X is interviewing you and sees someone they know as a referral, it ups you on the desirable meter. Can your referral give a call and let them know that Applicant U is someone they know and a standup person? Can you connect with someone within the company? Many companies have referral awards. Your connection wins out and you are more apt to get the interview.

570

Telling people "I am looking for a job and can you help me?", while understandable is too vague or too big (am I responsible for searching for a job for you?). Focus in on who you know, how well and what they might be able to do and categorize them as Level 1 - they can keep an eye out for you (more eyes, more chances of catching sight of the prize!) Level 2 - Resources, Mentors and Support people. Not to whine about how tough it is, but give real solid support and help you move forward in getting your job. Level 3- That solid connection to an open job. Do YOU have the relationship built up that they would be willing to refer you? Using those that know you and ARE willing to help support you in your time of need. And never, ever forget to be there for them. Because that's what relationships are all about!

571

Terry Bass, of CHADONS Resources is a business coach supporting businesses that wish to reach a higher level of success. Terry coaches, provides thought provoking speaking engagements and facilitates learning processes that focuses on helping people succeed. Terry is the founder of the DOCS 4 Program, which stands for Developing Outstanding Customer Service for... which brings real world customer service solutions to anyone's business thru http://www.docs4.com He is also a prolific writer, author of the popular E-Book, Networking 2.0, a guide on what the individual should do when they network. You can begin the discussion by contacting Terry at (773) 769-1992. You can also visit http://www.chadons.com to learn more.

572

Job Fair Fears - 7 Top Tips to Crush Job & Career Fair Fears If you plant to attend, participate in, and fear a job or career fair and then you don't attend you will miss low-risk job search practice and networking opportunities. With this in mind, here are top 7 ways to crush your fear of Job or Career Fairs and meet helpful people including willing strangers. 1.

Packaging - How you dress, How you hair looks.

How you accessorize. How you smell. And how clean and polished your shoes are, especially your heels, make a difference, first to you and how you feel, and to the people you meet. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Corny, but so true. (Read entire article and learn what is best color to wear to job or career fairs and to any interview). 2.

Attitude - No one on the planet looks forward to a

Job or Career Fair except for sponsors and few, very few of those "working the booths." Yup! If your attitude is upbeat, edgy, filled with energy, and "positive," you will benefit.

573

3.

Get Remembered - Your mission is To Be Remem-

bered. A) Have a two-sided business card. B) Hand out individually wrapped breath mints before you move to the next booth or person. C) Wear a fresh flower and give some away. D) Bring day-glow imprinted micro-sized heliumfilled balloons and give some away. You'll be remembered. 4.

Huge Legal-Sized Resume - At job fairs, first time

through, resume "viewing" time is 5 seconds (not minutes). Enlarge first page of your resume on legal-size (8.5 x 14) piece of paper. Hold it up (higher when applicants are in front of you) so recruiters can say "yes" or "no" to on-thespot interviewing. Hand out regular-size resumes printed on off-white paper only. 5.

Five (5) Applicants Interviewed At The Same Time -

Ugh! That's what to expect at busy career fairs. Your job: Speak up. With energy and just loud enough to be heard, answer in short statements: "I can do that." Or "I have done that for 5 years." Or "That's what I do best." (Read entire article to get more tips).

574

6.

Follow-Up - Get Business Cards. Circle on each lead

person' name. Get primary or best e-mail address. Get direct line number. Mail three days later (not e-mail) thank-you note that starts with the words "you" or "your," not "Thank you!" Remind them WHO you are by what you were wearing that day. Beat competing applicants. 7.

Expectations - Make a written list of what you must

do at job or career fairs. Add that you need to make friends with other professionals. Get acquainted. You give them leads about jobs that match them not you and they will do the same. And learn more about why blue is the best color and what the second best color is to wear to all job and career fairs and what questions will be fired at you and 4 other applicants seated next to you. You are invited to claim your free access to a live, interactive and guaranteed helpful job or career fair teleseminar Sundays at 9:00PM US Eastern when you visit user-friendly http://www.resumesteve.com/ (on the phone or on the web, your choice, no charge). Don't believe what I am saying! Just hear what I have to say and then decide. No strings. (From Stephen Q Shannon - The Free Teleseminar Resume Guy.)

575

How to Shorten the Odds For Job Search Success Your job search can feel like a numbers game with the odds stacked against you. You know what I mean? You send out 300 job application letters and get maybe six invitations to interview. If you're lucky, you might be rewarded with one job offer. And you are grateful, after all it's a job. But if you don't get that offer, you start your job search again... You send out three hundred job application cover letters with your resume etc. etc. What you need is to find a way to shorten the odds and that can be easier than you think. Most people still work the numbers and with the unemployment rate increasing across all economies, the competition is just getting bigger. It means more people are sending out those application letters as their main job search activity and any organization that IS hiring is becoming more overwhelmed with job seekers who are desperate.

576

This is where you have the opportunity to shorten the odds. Even a small improvement in your job search skills will put you way in front of most other people in the market; if you can make small improvements in each of the key areas that really matter, you can give yourself a MASSIVE ADVANTAGE and win more job offers. What Skills Really Matter? 1.

Understand Your Own Job Skills Transferable skills,

those skills that can be utilized in numerous fields, are the key to a successful career change. 2.

Know Where You're Going Career Planning is an

important part of your career management process as it involves being totally honest with yourself about where your career is going. 3.

Practice Talking About Yourself The preparation of

some self-marketing, personal "Presentation" statements can give you a real edge when it comes to your turn to talk about yourself.

577

4.

Write A Resume That Works To write a resume from

scratch when facing a blank page can be very scary, but please don't let that put you off. Basic resume writing is quite easy if you approach it methodically and use information freely available to you. 5.

Learn Cover Letter Writing Skills Including a cover

letter with your resume is not a plus anymore, it's a must. 6.

Prepare Answers To Top Interview Questions Al-

though interview preparation is everything, as many as half of all interviewers you're going to meet will be unprepared or incompetent. You can take charge if you prepare well. 7.

Learn How To Find Unadvertised Jobs FAST Lots of

people will tell you not to waste your time trying for a new job if there are no advertised jobs; yet I say the opposite. The truth of the matter is that thousands of jobs are being filled every day, people are being hired, all the time without any job being ever advertised!

578

8.

Do Things Differently If you are finding things

difficult at present, then YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY! As the saying goes: "if you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got. Or perhaps even more pointedly: "IF YOU ALWAYS DO WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES, YOU'LL PROBABLY END UP BEING DISAPPOINTED". The differences that you create, however small, in lots of important areas will mean a major and distinct advantage to your success rate and your job search success will respond to shorter odds! You can learn everything you need to shorten the odds at http://www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can study the job search skills and shorten the odds against your personal job search success.

579

Why Businesses Use Temp Agencies A temp agency is a company that keeps a stable of potential workers to send to a business when they need someone to work for them for a short period of time. On occasion, temp workers end up becoming permanent workers, but the main idea is to have someone to fill in for a missing employee. Businesses use temp agencies for a wide variety of reasons. Why Temporary Every business that has employees will find itself in need of a little extra help sometimes. You might expect the need, such as when a female employee has to take time off for maternity leave or when you need extra hands for holidays. Or, you might be completely blindsided by the entire things, such as when an employee is injured and needs time off or walks off the job.

580

In many cases, the employee in question is coming back. You can`t just replace them, since it is still their job! That`s where temporary employees come in. They can work for a couple of days, a few weeks or even months, depending on the situation. Hiring someone for a short period of time makes everything less complicated and keeps things running smoothly while your regular employee is out of commission. For those companies left in the lurch by an employee who has simply quit their job, it might seem like a better idea to simply hire someone permanent. However, it can take time to find someone to fill the position adequately and so, while searching, it can be helpful to hire a temp as a sort of placeholder . . . getting the job done while you look for someone who will improve the position. Why an Agency

581

You could probably find a temporary employee on your own, so why use a temp agency? The reason is simple . . . efficiency. Businesses don`t have time to spare to start looking for someone to fill in a temporary position. In very large companies, it`s quite possible to have several people out on maternity leave or injured all at the same time and you can pretty much guarantee, if you have more than 100 employees, that you`ll be in need of a temp fairly often. An agency keeps a full stable of potential temporary employees. All you need to do is specify the skills needed and you could have a temp in your office by the following morning. This is nice and fast, which is ideal for anyone who has lost an employee abruptly and it ensures minimal interruption in the flow of the work.

582

The other advantage is that you are not responsible for screening these employees. Instead, you just need to list off the skills required and the agency will do the sorting and checking for you, coming up with the perfect person to fit your needs. This saves an amazing amount of time and energy and even money, in the long run. And who knows, you may even encounter an employee meant to stay for a couple of weeks who turns out to be so great that you end up hiring him or her permanently. More and more businesses are turning to temp agencies for their hiring needs when they lose an employee for one reason or another. It speeds the entire process up and once you have a trusted temp agency on your list, you can call them up whenever you need a short-term hire and leave it up to them to choose the right candidate for the position. It saves time and money for your business. Quality staffing solutions provided by HR consulting company can help fill temporary or full time positions within your organization. Temp agency offers top performing profiles to make sure you get the best candidate for the job. Visit us at: http://www.drakeintl.com/ca/

583

Social Networking-Media and the Job Search Suddenly, or maybe not so suddenly, social networking is everywhere. Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter...and more like them are popping up daily. It seems that we are craving the need to speak to one another virtually. Never mind that we have cell phones, e-mail, IM, and text messaging, we seem to need these sites too. I recently joined the Twitter craze and the Facebook craze. When I became Facebook "friends" with my neighbor down the street, he remarked (on my wall, of course), "Oh good...now we can keep in touch." Now we can? The fact that we pass each other every day walking our dogs and driving our kids to soccer practice apparently now pales in comparison to being friends on Facebook. I have to admit...it is a head-scratcher for me as to why this is such a craze, but craze it is, and now it is taking over the job search realm as well.

584

On the one hand, I'm relieved. Maybe now we can certainly prune off those ineffective job search boards and whittle it down to just the ones that actually post real jobs with real people at the other end of the Submit button. And God knows that for years us career pros have been shouting "networking" at the top of our lungs to job seekers. Furthermore, who can argue against the logic in building up a network of professional contacts in LinkedIn? Certainly everyone seems excited by the possibility...dare I say "hope"...that these sites seem to bring to the job seeker. Now that I am on Twitter, I certainly see enough "tweets" going on about it. So why am I a bit skeptical? Why do I get that uneasy feeling?

585

1. There are two key rules to conducting effective networking: tact and timing. If you go on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and spend all your time (and it definitely takes time) building up your friends, contacts, fellow tweets, whatever, only to beg them to help you find a job, you probably aren't going to get far. On Facebook, your highschool and college friends want to talk about what silly things their kids are doing and post old, embarrassing photos of you. On Twitter, you need to be just the right balance of sociable and aggressive to get people to even follow you or respond to you. (You need to find as many witty things as you can to say in 140 characters about what you are doing right now.) On LinkedIn, it is certainly OK to be more open about things, but generally you need to stay professional and make yourself sound as employed as possible (even though you are looking for a job).

586

2. I touched on this in #1, but it bears more discussion here. These sites are extreme time-suckers...an hour is like a minute and two hours is like a minute and a half. Don't get me wrong. They can be entertaining and certainly enjoyable, but you need to be careful that all your time isn't sucked up by them. Resumes still need to get out the door. Phone calls still need to be made. If you don't watch out, they can give you the illusion that you are doing something toward your job search, when in fact little progress is really being made. So does that mean I am against them? No, it just means that you need to be careful with them. A little too social, and you will walk away with lots of great tidbits about your friends, but you will have very little to show for it on the job search front. A little too aggressive on the job search side, and you will walk away without any friends. Of course, all of that has been true for face-to-face networking as well. The difference here is that this type of networking is 24/7 and everywhere, so it makes those issues even more exaggerated in this arena. As a small business owner offering services in this same scene, I am well aware of the causalities in not getting the balance right.

587

That is why I am so much in favor of group job hunting, both in person (be it local groups, etc.) and online. In these settings, everyone is there for the same person, and the discussion is to the point. Job seekers can put their noodles together, swap leads and resumes, share advice, and so on. And no one is irritated that you are looking for a job. I am a big believer that job seekers should try all kinds of ways to look for a job and should be aware of and focus the majority of their precious time and resources on those tactics that are the most effective. With that said, give Facebook and Twitter your all, but remember that there are other avenues as well, like group job hunting, that offer you more productive discussions and contacts. So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience.

588

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals. In February 2009, I launched a new group job hunting networking site: NoddlePlace.com. It is absolutely FREE to join, and you have access to everything on the site. Come check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com

589

The Best Work at Home Computer Jobs There has been a lot of supposition regarding what the best work at home computer jobs are. Some people say that there aren't any good work at home jobs that you can do on the computer and that they are all bologna. Others will sit down and debate you left and right that they have the perfect work at home job. I've heard quite a few people say that online surveys are the best work at home computer jobs out there. But when I went and did it for about six months, I came away with no more than $20. Perhaps I signed up with the wrong survey sites, but I don't think so. They all offered me the chance to make at least a couple hundred dollars a month doing these surveys. That didn't happen, but maybe it's just me.

590

Then there was the rebate form sign up thingy. Now that one almost caught me, until I went on line to see if I could find a more competitive company and came across a website specifically dedicated to this job. They were pretty persuasive in getting me not to sign up with them. The first paragraph stated how all of these sites are scams to get your money. Because sure enough, when I went back to the site they offered me the opportunity to "sign up" on to get rebate processing information, they asked me for a small fee to "download" the software. After reading the many horror stories from various unhappy people I decided against it.

591

I think probably the one set of work at home computer jobs that I can't find a negative thing on would be transcriptionist and coders. These particular work at home jobs, seem to be where to go if you have any training in medical transcription or coding. These are good paying work at home computer jobs. Really good paying, however the one difference with these jobs vs. all the other ones I've listed is that you must be certified. With the other jobs they really didn't require any training at all. You simply need to have the desire to do something different and you were up and running. Not so with medical transcriptionist and coders. Because you are dealing with medical terminology, you have to be certified in knowing these things. When it comes to the various work at home computer jobs out there, be smart about the one you choose to do at home. By make sure that you aren't going to lose money when you should be making money, you can watch your income grow.

592

About the author: For the past 20 years Rick Daley has been teaching individuals the best possible ways to being successful in the home based business industry and offers free marketing tools, free training, free systems and free leads to all members. For more information go to: http://www.ultrainternationalreview.com/

593

Job Hunting Tips For Temps If you fancy doing some work as a temp, but are not sure where to start, then the best thing to do is to find a good recruitment agency, who will be able to match up the skills that you have, with the jobs that they have on offer. The recruitment agency should help you to choose an area that you want to work in and help you to overcome any nerves or uncertainties about temping. Remember that the agency needs temps or else it would go out of business, so they do want to keep you. There are lots of different types of agency available. Some are located on high streets, others are internet based. Some specialise in say, catering temps, others are office or admin type specific, but some have a wide variety of roles available.

594

Before you approach a recruitment agency though, you really should have an up to date curriculum vitae prepared, so that the whole process of signing up with them can be as easy as possible. It is also a sign to the recruitment agency that you really are professional, literate and well organised, so make sure that you update your curriculum vitae before you start interaction with the agency. The qualifications required for temping jobs vary. For example, a construction specialist, such as an architectural technologist, will require many more qualifications than if the role were for an office junior, where the main emphasis may be on willingness to work and a keen attitude. But no matter what qualifications you have, you will be able to find a temping job, so long as you display enthusiasm, a keen and flexible approach and are genuinely keen to work. So don't be shy of approaching a recruitment agency, they may be able to transform your working life!

595

Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent Office Jobs in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the UK from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

596

How to Be Successful With Online Job Searches If you have ever done an online job search, then you will know that there are literally thousands of opportunities out there, but the problem is that you get so many jobs to look at that you can end up spending so much time, just ploughing through them that it can feel like a mammoth struggle. But whether or not you are looking for jobs with a recruitment agency or directly with an employer, there are ways that you can sort out the results, so that it narrows down the number of jobs you need to look at! First of all try to be very explicit in what you search for and the location. So if you want to work in a particular area, then type in the location. Also if you want to work in a particular role, then put that into the search engine. If you are vague about what you are looking for, then you will still get thousands of results so you can narrow down options by searching for those positions that have been posted in the last week or in the last 24 hours.

597

It is possible to get notification of jobs posted, via some websites, so this can give you a head start, but again, you may find that you get slightly overwhelmed by the number of mails you get telling you about jobs that are irrelevant to your requirements. Bookmark sites that you have found particularly useful, so that you don't have to keep re-searching to find the website. It is easy to think that you will remember the site, but in reality, it is easy to forget. Finding a job online is quite easy, but you need to be exact in your specification, need to keep searching daily and treat it like a game plan and work your way methodically through the results! Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping in London, contract and permanent office jobs we specialise in placement and recruitment in London and the UK from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

598

Why Do Companies Insist on Having a Potential New Hire's Salary History? How do hiring companies justify needing a candidate's salary history? Especially in light of the fact that positions with similar titles at different companies often have substantially different performance objectives. How could your salary history be considered relevant to the market value of your ability to do the job for which you're applying? Or for that matter how could it be relevant to the worth a hiring company places on having the job performed well? I know Human Resource professionals who speak of requiring salary information as if it is their given right as a potential employer to have it. I beg to differ. How much money you make is private. It's none of their HR business! The only pay rates a company has a natural right to know are those which it pays.

599

A recent search for companies requiring salary history on Monster.com returned 2,579 active U.S. job listings system wide out of presumably tens of thousands of postings. A similar search at Careerbuilder.com returned 1,832 listings. (Some of these postings gave an option of sending salary requirements instead.) While this may seem to be a small percentage of jobs overall it doesn't cover the number of companies that don't ask up front but require proof of current (or last) pay rate in the form of a check stub before they will make an offer. Suffice it to say that enough companies require current or most recent salary information that the query of how to handle it comes up regularly. Every time it does I ponder the question of why these companies do it. Human Resources professionals will justify the practice of requiring salary histories by mentioning benchmarking, wanting to see a history of progression, the need to stay within defined salary ranges and/or as an effort to save time. Some will go so far as to admit that it is how they know how to structure an offer of employment.

600

Let's look at these reasons one at a time. In my mind benchmarking to a position's median market range is a good way to hire average workers. That may be fine for some positions at certain companies, but personally I don't want to work for a company that aims for average. And if the goal of benchmarking is to keep pay equitable from person to person within that company role, define a hiring range based on the level of skills and experience required using the benchmarks as guidelines. A candidate's compensation at another company has no relevance to this internal goal. Salary history is not the only way to see a history of progression in a candidate's career. Properly constructed resumes show this history very well and properly structured applications can too. As for the need to save time while staying within defined salary ranges; why don't these companies just divulge the hiring range and let the candidate tell them whether or not her expectations fall within this range? That would accomplish the same objective. Surely this course of action is a better choice than violating a person's privacy.

601

If flexibility is a concern, state a hiring range instead of the position's full salary range. That will preserve flexibility. (But then companies that require salary histories aren't known for flexibility.) Some companies balk at divulging hiring ranges noting the need to manage expectations. On the surface this argument appears to have merit. Human nature being what it is, when a hiring pay range is quoted; candidates seem to hear only the top figure. Conversely, when a required salary range is quoted, hiring managers seem to hear the low figure. Even so, companies can easily manage expectations by making it clear that where a specific offer falls within a hiring range depends upon to what degree a candidate's qualifications meet the position requirements. So why do companies really require salary histories? One of the justifications noted above holds the seeds of truth: salary histories are used to structure offers of employment. Or to rephrase that from the job seeker's perspective, current or most recent salary information is used... to restrict the leverage you, the candidate, may have to negotiate salary.

602

Right out of the gate these companies require the potential employee to act against his or her own best interests. Mr. Company is saying, "I've got the power and if you want to be considered for this position, you must give up a big chunk of yours." Do you want to work for a company that does that? It seems to me this attitude has the potential to foster a "Father Knows Best" atmosphere at best and an "Us Against Them" atmosphere at worst. No thank you! In today's economy there are more people than jobs. If you're out of work, of course you're going to submit your candidacy to every position for which you might be qualified. But if you have a choice between working for a company that requires your salary history as a condition of employment and working for one that does not, I advise you to think long and hard before working for a company that does. After all, if a company justifies violating your privacy to save time and money (at your expense), what else will be sacrificed for the same reason?

603

What do you suppose would happen to these companies if enough 'A' players refused to consider them as potential employers? They would cease to be competitive and either change their archaic policies or suffer the consequences. For my money, show me a company that is above board in its relationships with all stakeholders. One that pays a competitive wage for quality work; fosters a commitment to excellence and understands that happy employees improve profits. Then you've shown me a company that will ultimately have a competitive advantage. And one that will be worth working for. Where do you stand on this issue? Would you, could you, have you or do you work for a company that demanded access to your salary history? How did that turn out? Are you glad or sorry you did or didn't go down that road? Share your thoughts

604

Want to negotiate salary successfully? Learn how to handle questions about your salary history and pay requirements at each point in the job getting / employee hiring process. Shirley Ray has interviewed thousands of job hopefuls over the course of her 17 years as a hiring professional. Starting as a corporate recruiter, then moving into professional recruiting and finally staffing agency ownership she has successfully placed hundreds of deserving candidates with top companies.

605

Job Search For the Older Worker If you find yourself in a long unemployment line, staring at the back of the head of the person in front of you and wondering how things have come to this pass. Take heart, there is a job out there for you. Even in this economy. The June of 2008 US News and World report listed the jobs that older Americans are most likely to find available. I will use this article as a jumping off point in the search for jobs for mature Americans. We will not visit all of the jobs and professions in the article because in our current economic straits, some of the jobs would be untenable. For instance, real estate broker does not seem like a particularly good job to have right now even if it was available. The jobs we will look at are: 1. Retail Sales/ Sales worker 2. Driver 3. Secretaries/Administrative assistant 4. Tax preparer

606

Let's make a few simplifying assumptions. First, let us stipulate that the elderly worker is willing to move to get a new job and that he is willing to train for a new job if necessary. These assumptions may not be as arbitrary as they seem. If you and a large number of coworkers were laid off, it is less likely that the particular skill that you have is not in demand in the place where you live. A willingness to retrain and a willingness to move virtually doubles your chances of getting a new job. Given that we are talking about an older worker, a long apprenticeship is out of question. Jobs like engineer, doctor, lawyer, and machinist are out unless you already possess those skills. Of the four areas we have decided to look at let's see which one would be the most fruitful. We are going to use one of the large popular job search sites to do our looking. Namely Yahoo's hotjobs. We are going to simplify our search criteria to make it easier to search and find the most jobs.

607

Let's search on the word "retail" by typing that word in the keyword box and clearing out anything that might be in the City or Category boxes. Then push the search button. I get the following: 1. Retail: 21,944 jobs A very good supply. Let's try some similar search terms: A. Sales: 36,938 jobs B. Worker: 8,513 jobs 2. Driver: 15,167 jobs A. Truck: 8,372 jobs 3. Admin 16,455 jobs A. Administrative 16,455 jobs B. Secretary 7,511 jobs 4. Tax 3,451 jobs A. Tax Preparer 65 jobs

608

If you are doing a thorough job search you might want to compare these results with those from the job search sites like Monster and HeadHunter. If you really want to wade through all the jobs in the working universe--and if your skills are not much in use you may have to--I recommend one of the meta search engines such as Indeed, JuJu, or SimplyHired. The meta job search engines allow you to search all the little job search sites in one fell swoop. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, what can we learn from our Yahoo hotjobs search? If you want to increase your odds of getting a job nationwide, don't become a tax preparer. Such advice must be taken with a grain of salt. Obviously as we get nearer to April 15th the demand for tax preparers should increase and the results of the search will change. But if you want a job right now, doing someone's taxes does not look like the way to go. Advertising yourself as a worker or a guy who knows trucks does not look like the best way to get a job. If you have a resume that says you are a secretary, it seems like you might do better by creating a new resume that talks up your strengths as an administrative assistant.

609

Despite the weak economy, someone somewhere is still hiring retail sales folks. An administrative assistant with retail sales experience should be able to find a job pretty easily. For grins let's add a few more jobs that we think might be in demand. 1. Manager 36,652 jobs 2. Trainee 1,560 jobs 3. Entry level 14,734 jobs Even if you are trying to enter a new field, do not look for a job as a trainee. Rather you should look for the entry level jobs. As long as there are employees there must be managers so if you have a management skill that looks to be a good bet for you.

610

Different jobs sites go through different procedures when you actually look for the details on a job and try to apply. On Yahoo, you will sometimes need to visit through to the website of an individual company and apply for work there. On the other hand, if you have saved your resume on Yahoo hotjobs, there will likely be some jobs you can apply for while never leaving the Yahoo website. I would advise against the work at home jobs that you find on job search sites. Yes, such jobs exist. I have had two different ones. The problem is that most of the work at home jobs you will see are a scam intended to do one of two things. Either separate you from your money or to infect your computer with viruses or adware. Some of the jobs you want to apply for may require office skills or software experience that you don't have. Often there are community colleges or two year institutions near you that can quickly and cheaply teach you all you need to know. Some well equipped libraries have Microsoft Office software that you may practice on for free.

611

You should go to a vocational school only as a last resort. They can be expensive. If you do wind up at a vocational school, make sure that it has been in business for a few years. Make sure that it is accredited and licensed to operate in your state. Check for complaints against the institution on the better business bureau web site. See if the vocational school has any job search assistance and talk to former students to see if the assistance was timely and if employers welcomed the certificate that the vocational school offers. Michael A. Skinner http://www.squidoo.com/jobsearching

612

Veteran Job Search - How Veterans Can Find Jobs They Really Want During Good Or Recession Times As unemployment rates go up across the country, veterans transitioning into a civilian workforce are facing a tougher time finding work after leaving the military. A recent survey by CareerBuilder.com showed that 1 in 5 veterans looking for a job said it took more than six months to secure one after leaving active duty. At times veterans feel that they are dealing with a whole new set of rules and skills that they are not accustomed to. Among one of the most frustrating obstacles is an employer's inability to understand how military skills can fulfill qualifications for civilian positions. Many veterans are finding that job posting boards are not much help. They spend the time submitting their resumes on these sites and never hear back from anyone.

613

This coupled with the inexperience in interviewing for civilian jobs or having viable job finding skills is directly affecting the ability of these veterans to find work. Then when they do find work it is often at a rate of pay that is far below their skill level. And, they find many unwanted surprised along the way. If you are a veteran looking for a job you will improve the quality of the job you are getting, and avoid unexpected surprises by doing a little more research. How Veterans Can Find the Job They Want One thing to consider is who the employer is? There is nothing worse than finding a job and then discovering that the employer is going out of business. This is especially important if you are considering moving to a new area for that job. Then there is the surprise of finding a job that is just awful. The only reason that the job is available is that nobody wants to work there. Here are a few simple things that you can do in order to give yourself the best possible chance of matching with a good employer:

614

1. Pull up the website for the companies you wish to work for You can learn a lot about a company by what is on their website. Often companies will put news articles about the company on the site. These articles can tell you what is important to the company and a little bit about their culture. You can also learn about the history of the company and their values. This information is good to incorporate into your interview as it shows that you did your research. On some sites the bios of key employees are located and you can learn a lot about who makes up this company and where they came from. All this will give you a good gut feeling about who they are. 2. Use search engines One of the best ways to perform a search for companies is to use Dogpile.com. This site will compile information from all the other search engines. So instead of looking through each search engine this one will take out the duplicates and give you the most relevant information.

615

Another good source is the Better Business Bureau in the city where the company is located. When you call ask them for a reference and see what type of reputation the company has established with them. The service is free to the public and they will tell you if there have been any complaints and what they were about. 3. Search the local newspaper Another easy thing to do is go on-line to the local newspaper and search past articles using the company's name. Also, complete a search by using the name of the company's president. When you find an article read it to see what they are known for. In some cases you might discover that the company has a charity that they regularly sponsor. You might even find that the company was involved in some type of problem. Basically, you are looking for both good news and bad to help you make a good decision and avoid the surprises. 4. Talk to Employees.

616

The best sources for information on the companies you want to work for are current and past employees. Who better to tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly of the company? But what if you don't know anyone at the company? Then talk to the receptionist. These folks usually know more about what is going on about everything and are willing to share if you treat them nicely. One way to score points with a receptionist is to talk to them when they hit the slow point in their day. In most cases this will be between 10:45am and 11:30am in the morning. By that time most of the morning urgent calls have already come in. When you talk to them tell them that you are considering getting a job there working and would appreciate knowing more about the company. Let them know that you value their comments and will keep it confidential. Many times the information you get from this source will be more valuable and complete than anything else you do. Follow this advice and you won't get stuck with a job that no one wants just because you are a veteran. You can find your dream job and get hired fast even during a recession if you just follow the advice above.

617

Kelly Roberstein is a veterans affairs writer who specializes in helping veterans transition from the military to the civilian workforce. If you are a veteran, who wants to get a job you really want without settling, then Kelly suggests checking out http://www.veteranstransitionalservices.com for more free articles, discussion forums and tip of the week.

618

How to Find Or Create More Work in Today's Tough Times Even with the new hope inspired by Obama's election, pragmatic reality is setting in as more and more banks and stores are affected by the recession, and the unemployment rate rises. Most recently, it was up to over 9% in California, about 7% throughout the country. However, deep recessions can prove to be a land of opportunity, since many people who can't find work are looking for other ways to make money. Thus, this can be a better time than ever to think about your skills and what people need today, and find a fit between what you offer and these needs. For example, hundreds of new entrepreneurs went to Obama's inaugural with products with slogans and images of Obama and racked up big sales. And so far the marketing of the Obama brand, as marketers refer to this phenomenon, is continuing.

619

So what might you do to appeal to today's market? Think of start-up possibilities you might launch yourself -- or look into direct sales programs you might represent with products or services people might need and want. Though be cautious of scammers promising riches through pyramid schemes. Look for companies with solid products or services that people really do want to buy, aside from any money making opportunities. Since so many people are out of work now, this is an especially good time for starting a new business with talented people you can employ at lower than usual starting wages. In short, if you can't find work for yourself right now, consider creating your own company and provide a work opportunity for others. As Charles Dickens once said -- "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair." Well, this is all of these things right now. But if you choose, you can make it the best of times, the season of Light, and the spring of hope."

620

So take some time to ask yourself some questions to decide what you want to do to choose the best, the light, and the hope: - What kind of skills and talents do I have? List your strongest ones and prioritize by ranking them from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest) to indicate which you would most like to use now. - What do people especially need now that they aren't getting from other companies or individuals? - How can I apply my skills and talents to providing products or services to help others fulfill their needs and wants? Ask this question for each of your top skills and talents first; then go on to the next highly ranked group for still more ideas. - What steps can I take to develop, promote, and provide these products and services? Create a list of steps to take. - What do I need to put these steps into action, such as employees, materials, and contacts with other companies or individuals?

621

- Finally, put these steps into action. Start now by taking the first step. Gini Graham Scott, Ph.D. is the author of over 50 books and a seminar and workshop leader, specializing in work relationships and professional and personal development. Her latest books include Want It, See It, Get It and Enjoy! 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Every Day, both from AMACOM. For more ideas on how to achieve what you want, you can see some chapters from my books Want It, See It, Get It (http://www.wantitseeitgetit.com). And to help you have fun doing this, see Enjoy: 101 Little Ways to Add Fun to Your Work Every Day (http://www.enjoythebook.com). Or you can order the book here.

622

Job Seekers Top 10 Tips Experience shows that these twenty-one tips are important in your job search. Now that you've recovered from the shock of losing a job through no fault of your own, you need to get a jump on the millions of others who are in the "job market." These strategies will help you find a new job and relieve a lot of the "workplace stress" that was transferred to your private life when you got the pink slip. 1. Do something that you've had in mind over the years but didn't have the freedom to try. Give this a higher priority since you're "out of work." You might not have another chance like this. The radical change of pace will refresh you and prepare you for the grueling job search. Face it. Everyone finds a job sooner or later, and it's worth a lot to use some of this down time to achieve one of your dreams. Find a way to get the education; raise the money, and delegate responsibilities. Give it a try.

623

2. Take classes for new skills. Learn a language. Sign up even if you think you'll be too busy with your job search or in a new job. The new language skills might be just your ticket for the new job you're seeking. You can quit the class if those other plans come together. 3. Don't be too picky in accepting a job. Take what comes along, because it's easier to find a new job while employed than it is to find a job when you're out of work. While in our "temporary job," schedule time to keep the job search alive. When a "real job" comes along, the person who interviews you will understand that you've taken the interim employment to stay active in the marketplace and broaden your perspective. 4. Ask self-employed friends to let you use office space so you have a place "to go to work" on your job search. Getting dressed in business attire and spending eight hours a day will zoom your chances, and professional telephone answering will showcase your professionalism.

624

5. Get a business card that will serve you in networking and job search. You don't have to register a business to start using a logo on your card. Just name a business; get a card, and you're professional. Use your friend's office number and address on your cards. Pay for the cards. The free cards or those you print at home are terrible. 6. Update your resume. Find out the currently preferred style and content for the industries you're targeting. Purchase a good reference book at the bookstore. Get someone knowledgeable to review your draft, and be open to accepting advice. Put that Microsoft Word program to work and have different resumes for different industries -- perhaps a new resume for every job opportunity. 7. Target companies and industries that are laying off people. An organization's downsizing doesn't mean they won't hire people to fill certain jobs or to fill old jobs at lower wages. Some companies have a hiring freeze, but others will continue as usual. Stable companies have to be ready for the turn-around.

625

8. Consider moving to a new location. This is a tough decision with the big downturn in housing markets, but a good job in a new city is feasible if you're willing to do what it takes with rent, family separation, family moves, spouse job changes, etc. If an interviewer asks you if there are any restrictions on relocating, you'd better be prepared to say that you and your family are ready for the opportunity that is a fit for you and the employer. The immediate job might be local, but big companies need people who can go where the job requires. Remember that part about taking the first good job that comes along. Consider it an adventure and a resume building strategy if you really don't like the idea of a move.

626

9. Learn to interview. Your resume might get you an interview, but the interview is what lands the job. There are several standard questions asked in interviews. Prepare answers ahead of time and relieve the stress associated with such meetings. If you're not actively pursuing a company, fill your day becoming an interview expert. You'll be amazed at how strategic you can get with your responses. You'll be able to redirect and answer with ease such questions as: "Tell me one of your weaknesses." "Tell me one big mistake you've made in your previous job." And, you'd better figure out how to answer with a "weakness" or a "mistake" that puts you in a good light for the new employer. 10. Join a mastermind group of job seekers, or start your own. Find a half dozen other unemployed people; add a friendly HR person; ask a resume/interview expert to join you even if you have to pay someone, and meet weekly by bridge line. Tell each other about your goals, successes, and setbacks. Discuss how you're handling family and financial problems. Challenge each other to achieve goals each week.

627

11. Hang out with some corporate executives. Maybe a Wednesday morning 6:30 a.m. coffee meeting - just to B.S. and talk about corporate arena stuff like those guys do. If you don't know any executives, just go to Starbucks. or Panera's and see who is meeting there that time of day. See if you fit in with someone already doing this. If you don't find anyone, set your lap top on a table and put up a table tent card with an intriguing question business ... ? "Want to Hang Onto Quality Employees?" ? "Want to Eliminate Personnel Turnover?" ? "Want to Add a Million to Your Bottom Line?" ? "What's Your Plan for Landing that Big Account?" ? "Having Trouble with Absenteeism?" Well, you get the idea. People will stop to see what's going on. Tell them to have a seat. The brainstorming is about to begin. One guy did this kind of thing at Starbucks and within a couple weeks he eleven regulars meeting with him for business coaching.

628

12. Consider becoming a business coach. Learning to coach is relatively easy for someone with your experience. You have years of experience to go with the coaching skills. This is worth a lot to people who want to make money or get promoted. Go on line and check out the coaching associations. 13. Attend the monthly meetings of organizations where you're likely to meet corporate executives. Meeting with The Society of Association Executives will give you a chance to meet association staff who know the key players in your industries 14. Donate services to a non-profit. Small nonprofits cannot afford to hire your level of experience. You'll feel like a genius with "everyday" ideas; the charity will profit along with the people they serve, and you'll add to your own experience and resume material.

629

15. Scour business journals, newspapers, and on line for companies that have a change in upper management. Anytime there is a change, there's a job opening: deaths, promotions, departures, etc. If the president, vice-president, or manger is significant enough for changes to be announced in the media, someone in house will take that job, and that leaves an opening wherever that person came from. Don't be picky about the kind of job change identified, you cannot predict what opens up when the company shifts people around after the announced change occurs. 16. Social networks like Linked In can connect you with people in industries of interest. If your new connections don't have specific job openings themselves, ask them to tell whether there have been any changes, then send a resume to the top name you can identify--not HR. 17. Check with the National Association of Personnel Services. Ask for a referral to the management recruiters for your industries. They're always looking for people with talent to fill current or future job opportunities.

630

18. Write articles for on line and in print association journals. You know a lot more than you think, so writing will be easy for you. Observe the type articles that journals like, then ask the editors for editorial calendar so you can submit articles that fill their planned needs. It's even easier to get articles published on line. Simply submit them to sites that are used by e-zines and e-newsletters as they search for articles. Before you know it your articles are everywhere, and every article has your byline at the end. 19. Write a book. It's far easier than most people think. How many published authors are among those thousands of job seekers with whom you compete? Not many. If you refer to "your book" or send a copy with the resume, you will be noticed. Guaranteed! 20. Publish a tips booklet. Within a couple of weeks you can publish a tips booklet with the "Top 21 Ways to ..." You can help thousands of others with material from your years of experience. Publishing tips booklets is inexpensive and impressive when sent as an introductory item or as part of your resume packet.

631

21. Use this unexpected time in your life to rejuvenate physically and spiritually. Hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities have kept you away for years, and you can get back on schedule during this down time. You'll feel better about yourself during the job search, and you'll be more stable in your new job. Schedule time for each technique that fits your style and implement it as soon as possible. You can get a lot done if you're job-seeking 50 hours a week, matching the number of hours you worked at your old job. Share your successes with others. Dale Collie - author and speaker - Find more articles at http://couragebuilders.com Copyright 2009 - Dale Collie - All rights reserved Permission is given to publish this article in print or on line if by line is included. You may edit for space or audience as required. Dale Collie - Author & Speaker

632

Get more articles and tips on workplace stress control at http://couragebuilders.com/blog You'll find Dale's web site, Linked In contact info, and Twitter link at the blog above. He'd like to get your feedback on this and other articles.

633

Job Search Strategies - How Long Can I Afford to Search? If you have experienced job loss, the one question that will be driving you crazy is "How long can I afford to search for another job before I just take anything I can get?" This is a legitimate question, and a pressing problem when you have a family that is relying on you for support. Let's talk about income sources and expenses, and what you can do to determine the time frame for your job search. Your potential sources of funds: *

Severance - If you are lucky enough to work with a

company that genuinely cares about their employees, you will generally find that you receive 60 days plus two weeks for every year you have been with the company. This can work to your benefit if you have some longevity with the company. *

Liquid Assets in Savings and Checking accounts -

Many of you have paid attention to the recommendation to have six months of living expenses in savings. Good for you!

634

*

Discretionary Expenses - These are expenses that can

be curtailed. For example, movies, golfing, pedicures, manicures, cablevision, eating out, etc. *

Loans - This would include equity loans, insurance

policies, and lines of credit. Loans may be more difficult to get now with the banks tightening up the requirements. However, insurance policies do not require a credit report for you to borrow against the cash value. *

Selling possessions such as a car, boat or jewelry.

These are usually relatively liquid, and not difficult to sell. *

Investments - This would include taxable and non-

taxable investments such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and retirement funds. Please pay attention to possible penalties for early access to retirement funds. Now you are ready to do the calculations! Let's start with six months. Create a chart of your expenses by month for the next six months, and divide your income over the time span one month at a time. You can expand month by month once you have reached the end of six months. Now, you know the amount of time you can afford to search for a job. Good Luck!

635

Georgia Feiste, owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE, is a business, career and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator creating a safe space for people seeking significant life change. She has more than thirty years experience as a corporate executive with skills in strategic planning, process redesign, project management, organizational effectiveness, and change management, and has developed a true understanding of the need for people to manage their careers. Her website is http://www.collaborativetransitions.com

636

First Five Things to Do When Considering Your Job Search Looking for a job? Five things you need to do first. 1. What is your niche in the marketplace? Job seekers are taking whatever they can get. Although this can be effective; more than likely, this method will prove time consuming and frustrating. Look at your skills and brainstorm what is you are qualified for and passionate about. If you were thinking about making a career change and getting a fresh start, now is the time. 2. Based on what your answer to number 1, create your sales tools to reflect this. Your sales tools include resume, cover letter AND your dialogue when interfacing with a potential employer, business contact, etc. 3. Develop your personal sales force. Carefully examine your sphere of influence. Who in your sphere is positioned to help you? Although this is a version of networking, this will prove highly effective in a short period of time.

637

4. Be proactive. A large percentage of the unemployed are passive in their approach. They submit dozens of online applications and wait for the phone to right. Do not get caught in this trap. Differentiate yourself by being proactive. 5. Maintain a positive mental attitude. There is little solace to know that hundreds of thousands of people are feeling the same way you are. There are jobs available. Put yourself in the perspective of the employer. With the cost of labor going down and the talent pool deepening, the employer is going to hire someone they like. Maintain your energy level and a positive outlook. These five activities will help you get on track for a worthwhile and effective job search. For more information, review www.yourjobtoolbox.com.

638

Job Search Strategies - Taking Stock of Your Skills and Knowledge You know you have developed strong skills and increased your knowledge throughout your career, and you want to make sure you stress these when building your resume and cover letter. In addition, you will want to make sure you categorize those skills and knowledge appropriately so you can customize your resume and cover letters to the specific position(s) you are applying for. There are seven general skill categories most jobs fall into, and a variety of specific skills and knowledge associated with each of them. 1.

General Management and Administration - These

skills are fairly broad based for all managers and administrators, and can be applied to most industries . They include communication, contract negotiations, directing others, organizational planning, project management, regulatory reporting, etc.

639

2.

Sales/Marketing/Customer Service - Skills and

knowledge developed in this category will go from generalized to specific, depending upon the employer. Generalized skills are wrapped around customer service and strategic planning. Skills specific to Sales/Marketing/Customer Service are as general as advertising, promotional writing, selling/influencing, moving into the specific such as foreign market analysis, pricing strategy and fund raising. 3.

Research & Engineering - These skills and knowledge

are much more specific. They will encompass diagnostics, patent strategy, process engineering, plant design and construction, and many more. 4.

Human Resources - Many managers will list specific

skills and knowledge from this category as part of the specific knowledge required for managers. Other skills and knowledge are specific to an HR professional. Managerial skills and knowledge are generally affirmative action, performance evaluation and compensation/employee planning. Skills and knowledge for the HR professional will include benefits planning and administration, career counseling, community relations, labor relations, measurement, and training and development.

640

5.

Operations - General operational skills and know-

ledge include administration, budget planning, customer service, and expense control. Specialized skills and knowledge would be inclusive of production/industry specific processes, rules and regulations. 6.

Information Systems - This category is quite specific

in skills and knowledge, but can be applied in fairly general terms across industries. You will want to be detailed in your skills and knowledge areas within this category, for example, hardware/software technology, performance monitoring, system design and programming (languages), etc. 7.

Finance and Accounting - This final category is also

quite specific. Finance and Accounting skills are wrapped around analysis, budgeting, internal controls, audit, cash management, and treasury functions.

641

As you review the skills and knowledge exercised in current and previous jobs, document those you continuously performed, and those you performed occasionally. Because you need to keep your cover letters and resume fairly succinct, you will want to highlight those that you have performed continuously in addition to those you would like to pursue in the future. Georgia Feiste, owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE, is a business, career and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator creating a safe space for people seeking significant life change. She has more than thirty years experience as a corporate executive with skills in strategic planning, process redesign, project management, organizational effectiveness, and change management, and has developed a true understanding of the need for people to manage their careers. Her website is http://www.collaborativetransitions.com

642

Job Search Strategies - Identify Your Accomplishments You are ready to search for your next career move. Congratulations! Unfortunately, now comes the moment in time where you say "I don't even know where to begin!" You begin with answers to six critical questions necessary to developing a powerful resume. *

What problems, projects or performance objective did

you take on? This information can be gathered from previous performance reviews, co-workers and team members. It should include special projects and ongoing responsibilities. For example, did you have specific tasks that needed to be accomplished in a certain period of time? *

What action did you or your direct reports take?

Project plans or documentation created throughout the duration of the project can provide you with specific actions. You can also interview co-workers and team members for more specific information. How did you approach the problem/project or performance objective?

643

*

What were the results in quantified terms? Did you

generate revenue or expense savings? How much? Over what period of time? Were management reports generated to measure the success of the project ? In the example of specific tasks, did you accomplish the tasks on time 95% of the time or higher? *

What knowledge did you draw upon to accomplish

the results? This should include technical knowledge for a specific industry, or process, and generalized knowledge that can be easily transferred from industry to industry. *

What skills did you use in the process of completing

this accomplishment successfully? This could be project management skills, typing, analysis, etc. Were those skills used all of the time, or occasionally? Were you required to learn new skills? *

What character traits did you display as you accom-

plished your objective? This requires a bit more introspection. Character traits include teamwork, collaboration, risktaking, ethics, etc.

644

Why is it important to identify what you have accomplished in your career? Employers are looking for employees who provide value and what better way to make sure they know you can do that than to give them specific examples. They want to know if your knowledge, skills and character traits are what they need in the job they have open. Answer each of these questions for the accomplishments you are most proud of in the last ten years of your career, and you will be well on your way to developing a powerful resume. Georgia Feiste, owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE, is a business, career and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator creating a safe space for people seeking significant life change. She has more than thirty years experience as a corporate executive with skills in strategic planning, process redesign, project management, organizational effectiveness, and change management, and has developed a true understanding of the need for people to manage their careers. Her website is http://www.collaborativetransitions.com

645

7 Tips & Trends For Job Seekers in 2009 The number one rule for 2009: Play to your strengths! Due to budget constraints and today's evolving economy, the growing concern for companies large and small is making quality hiring decisions. You can bet HR hiring managers and recruiters alike will be making hiring decisions based on calculating the performance differential between average and quality hires. More importantly, hiring staff will look closely at sources producing top notch candidates. So how will you know if you qualify or fall into a category of approval? Are you looking for employment in 2009? Here are a few tips to keep in mind: #1) Social networking takes precedence over all other job seeking sources.

646

#2) Are you a visible on-line job seeker? If not, now is the best time to become familiar with the new trends and host of social networking sites. Simply put, companies want to see how technically savvy you are - especially given the fact we have become a nation of knowledge based workers. Make social networking your number one priority when looking for a job this year. #3) Here is a list of the most popular social networking sites today, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Linkedin. The most popular medium of communication today is YouTube and Video sharing. #4) Text messaging for job seekers and mobile video is especially popular on corporate career sites today. Ensure you leverage this to the fullest. #5) Everyday more and more employers are using employee blogs to recruit and answer your questions. It makes the corporations seem more real, approachable and trendy.

647

The new job search strategy for 2009 no longer relies solely on a paper based medium - digital is key. Instead, make every effort to promote and market yourself with technology this year. #6) Corporate blogs, podcasts, flash video integration and virtual Q&A are the new normal in applicant profiling and relationship recruitment. #7) Remember although technology has changed the face of hiring practices forever, never forget that people hire people and people make the final call on whether you get hired or not. Systems help manage the workload, but personal networking will always trump technology.

648

ABOUT: Francesca Durham is a certified Color Life Coach, Aura-Soma and NLP Practitioner. She offers various programs and services including Life Coaching through Colour empowering women to achieve balance and harmony in both their personal and professional lives. Francesca's main website is http://FrancescaDurham.com and the newest addition to her Rainbow Program is the 103 page ebook titled "Colorful Self-Improvement: 7 Keys to a Happier, Healthier, Wealthier You!" and is available at http://LifeCoachingThroughColor.com

649

The Easiest Way to Finding Your Dream Job In this 21st century, more children are being born, civilisations increasing daily, people are filling the cities thereby increasing population and more jobs are being south after. The crave of mankind to provide for his daily needs and that of his family cannot be overemphasized. Also bills and taxes and the ego of being an independent man had made the search for job increased tremendously. In some African countries, government encourage people to go back to agriculture. For example in Nigeria, some state government have programmes called |'youth in agriculture' instead of them looking for 'white collar jobs'. In spite of this and other trends that has befalling the world today, you can still look for and find your desired job. Some of the ways this can be done are highlighted bellow; The first step in finding your dream job is getting the necessary education that is required for the position you are aiming at. Some kinds of jobs require nothing but professionals. For example, before you can be gainfully employed in jobs such as engineering, medicine, law etc the right qualification is required.

650

The second step is to write a good resume or cv. When you are looking for job, the way you write your resume will surely put you in the right or wrong perspective before your prospective employer. Also, you shouldn't be told that you need not apply for a job but jobs. This include submitting you CV to more than two and if possible five to ten places. Furthermore, you need to have a positive mental attitude that you'll reach your goal of getting your dream job. A man once said that as a man think in his heart so is he, and as he continues to think, so he remains. I agree with him. However, do not forget that to reach the pinnacle of your working career you need to start small. All great men in the business cum political world started small. Even Barrack Obama started as a local organiser before reaching his goal of becoming the United States president. Do not also forget that starting small does not debar you from putting in your best. You must aim high, spread your wings and expand your tentacles. Do not limit your potentials

651

Lastly, to get a job you must do a firsthand research on the organisation you're applying to. One of the greatest secrets of getting that job is reading books that teach about jobs and job interviews; most especially how to scale through the interview process. It has been revealed that there are ways to dress, behave, and answer job interview questions. Many have all the above qualifications but failed on the interview day. Why? They lack the required information. In case you don't know; information is the transportation to your destination. Owaduge Olumide is a writer. He writes on health and other important issues. A job interview expert... You can get more of his views here: http://www.mydreamjob.tk

652

Fake Employment Ads & How to Best Avoid Them The increasing pervasiveness of fake help wanted and employment ads is very alarming. They target the most vulnerable people at their most vulnerable time. Why? For the purpose of data mining, identity theft and to market other companies by email spam campaigns. I urge you always to fight this practice whenever you can. Email the webmaster or management of the website that posts them so they can delete that account. Craig's List now is requiring a phone number to be linked to the poster of most help wanted ads. Also they have started to charge a fee for them in larger cities as well. Once you are sure a help wanted ad on Craig's List is fake flag it, as prohibited. Then email the ad or the return email address to: abuse at Craig's List dot org, this will get the ad deleted. Free classified ads are wonderful for all but as a community we must police them when appropriate. Here is how to spot a fake employment ad so you can make your job hunt as productive as possible:

653

*

First if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Fake ads list high salaries or hourly rates. *

When possible avoid free employment ads and help

wanted ads. Paid posting is more reliable. *

Is the name of the business or local recruiting firm

disclosed? If not be suspicious. *

Verify the employer/recruiter is genuine by search-

ing the Yellow Pages, White Pages or Super Pages. *

If further verification is needed search your local

government site for business licenses or the Better Business Bureau. *

Avoid if the type or nature of the business is not

disclosed. Why would it not be if it was legit? *

If you sent your resume to a recruiter's office they

will contact you by phone to set up an interview appointment. They will not send you to their website and have you answer questions. They are either interested or not. (Never give out your date of birth or Social Security number online.)

654

*

Are you being asked online: Do you wish to further

your education? They will often recommend you answer yes as this employer prefers people interested in continuing their education. That is a scam. *

Is there an email address that is professional and

includes a name and company's name? Or is the email from a free provider like Yahoo, Gmail or Live? (formerly Hotmail) Free often means scam. *

If they asking you to pay a fee to become an em-

ployee, it is a scam. Self employment fees are okay. © 2009 Darrell Z. DiZoglio of http://RighteousResumes.com The website for free job hunting assistance and strategies. Publishers may reprint this article if my links are included & article is unchanged. "PAY IT FORWARD." Use my free resume critique service, free resume samples, Cover letter samples, expert advice & free info articles. For recession busting specials on all the professional services you need go here: http://www.RighteousResumes.com/services.html Would you like to find out why the competition got the job you wanted? (Visit on the above link.)

655

You do know your resume is the sink or swim, mission critical part of your job hunt right?

656

It Just Might Be Your Resume Wonder why you haven't heard from any of those job openings you applied to? You're not alone. With unemployment rising faster than the biggest loser weight loss, thousands of hopefuls are contemplating the exact same scenario. Does this sound like your situation? After the shock of being "downsized" aka, fired, you dust off your resume and start sending it to every person in your address book. No response. You spend the majority of your computer time on job search websites, attaching your résumé to anything that sounds sort of good to you. And again, no response. As a certified resume writer and certified interview consultant, I communicate with hiring managers, recruiters and human resource professionals to assist clients in avoiding resume pitfalls. They often receive 1000 responses within the first 14 days of posting a potential job opening. Below is condensed list of pet peeves. · Resume does not match job description

657

· Too many pages, too long, too wordy · 2 or more decades of work experience · Font too small to read-12pt is the minimum · Accomplishments too grandiose · Resume hard to follow, can't find a good reason to contact · Cover letter too long, in attachment document, not focused · Over qualified as in business owner applying for a sales associate, can they take orders? · Incompatible document formatting, everything gets jumbled · Can't find contact information anywhere on resume The takeaway you should immediately realize is being focused, knowing which best foot to put forward in a clear simple format is step one in getting your resume seen and ultimately getting a response to your hard work.

658

Sari Neudorf of SDN Consulting is certified as a Professional Resume Writer, Professional Employment Interview Consultant and Professional Behavioral Analysis. http://www.sdnconsulting.biz

659

Dental Assistant Jobs - How to Find a Job Online Dental assistant jobs can be hard to find online. This article provides some strategies for finding the best possible job, and shows you where to look. Dental Assistant Jobs Online: Because these jobs are usually in demand, taking the right steps during your job search can make a big difference. Everyone wants to get into the best possible work environment, so here are some things you can do to give yourself an edge. Research Potential Employers In Your Area: Before you apply for any jobs with dental offices, make sure you research all of the potential employers in your area. Looking online and asking around can reveal a lot about at dental office. If you can find any former employees, contact them and ask them about their experience. If you can, find some of the patients and ask them how they feel about the office. Were the Dentist and other co-workers pleasant to be around? Get a little background first, then make a list of potential employers in order of preference.

660

Finding Jobs Using Online Search: Because dental assistant jobs can come and go so fast, It's important that you actually register and submit your resume to the job search engines online. Many people simply browse the job sites, and when they don't find something they move on to the next. This is not a good approach because you may miss the employers posting by a day or two. Also, many people don't realize that employers are often actively searching for you on the job sites. Make yourself more visible by creating a profile on the job site and submitting your resume. A very large percentage of people looking for jobs never posts a resume. This is a big mistake! Give yourself an edge over these people by posting your resume so you can get discovered. Here's a good strategy: *

register and post your resume on the job sites

*

sign up for email notifications from the job sites

*

do some dental office employer research

*

make a list of employers you'd like to work for

661

*

watch for new dental assistant jobs posted on the job

sites The reason many people don't succeed is that they don't have a good plan, and they procrastinate. There is more to finding a great job than just looking around job sites online. Having a strategy and doing a little research can make a huge difference in your job satisfaction after your job search. Are you ready to get started finding a great job? Find local Dental Assistant Jobs with our free recommended job search engines. http://www.Online-Jobs-Review.com

662

How to Uncover Job Openings in My Area When searching for job openings in my area most people have difficulty. The truth is that most job openings are not widely advertised. This is particularly true or most job openings in my area. Many people believe that many job openings in my area are hidden. It is not that they are hidden, it is that they are difficult to find through traditional job search methods. The two most common places that people initially search for jobs include on-line sites and their local paper. But, employers will tell you that they do not list most of their openings for jobs in those sources.

663

The best way to be successful with job openings in my area is to follow business activity of companies in growth industries. Without question, two of the best growth industries currently are technology and healthcare. And the particular case of Health Care jobs are plentiful and virtually recession proof. Do not be discouraged if you think you can't stand the sight of blood. Most of the new, in demand, jobs in Health Care are non clinical. This is to say that they do not require any physical contact with patients. In fact, many of the high demand jobs in Health Care involve an administrative and technology support. In this way, many of the high demand jobs in Health Care combined the best of both industries. So, if your area contains Doctors offices, medical facilities, or homes with people in need, you can bet that that is the same as job openings in my area. As a clinical practitioner and expert in the healthcare field, I can tell you that these into tees are always looking for people. Because of the demand, they cannot find the number of good people that they need. Best of all, many of these jobs can be done from home.

664

Health Care is in the midst of change. President Obama has made it one of his top priorities. Initiatives are already underway for Electronic Medical records. This means that everything that you think you know about Health Care is going electronic. This will prove to be a massive undertaking. Health Care needs a lot of administrative and technology support to meet this transition. Currently there are not enough people to assist. If you are willing to think about filling an opening for a job in a different way you can take advantage of this opportunity. One of the new positions opening now is that of health concierge. This position of Health Concierge will place you right in the middle of the changes in Health Care. Most advantageous for you, these will always represent job openings in your area because these are jobs you can do from home in most cases. Dr. Lindsay is a consultant and health technology expert with connections to the President Obama Administration. Get Free Insider information on jobs as a Health Concierge now here.

665

Health Concierge Jobs in My Area

666

Job Search Engines - 3 Tips on Getting the Most From Job Sites Job search engines have become one of the most popular ways to find a job. Being able to type in your search by location, category and profession can really speed things up on your job search. This article talks about three ways to get the best results with the major job sites. Job Search Engines Allow You To Be Found By Employers When looking for jobs on one of the major job sites, don't assume that because you don't see the perfect job immediately in the listings, that you won't find one there at all. Make sure to register and create a profile. Did you know that employers regularly look through profiles people post on these sites? Job sites may be free for you and I, but employers often pay big bucks to appear in the listings. They take this form of advertising very seriously and often search through peoples profiles. Job Sites Let You Post Your Resume

667

By taking the time to register with the job search engine and create a profile, you have dramatically increased your chances of finding a job. You should also make sure that you post your resume on the job website. Did you know that a large percentage of people register but never post their resume? Give yourself an advantage over these people by not making this mistake. Don't have a resume ready to post? Many job sites can help you create a resume online in a matter of minutes. Your resume and your profile together will give you the best exposure and help you find a job faster. Take Advantage Of Other Job Tools They Offer Many of the bigger job search engines have extensive article libraries and job related advice that can be a major boost to your search. You can use these tools when you're considering a career change, or if you're employed but thinking about changing jobs. When you register with one of the bigger job sites, be sure and browse through the navigation menus and see what they have to offer. Are you ready to make the most out of your job search?

668

Visit our website now and discover the top Job Search Engines online. http://www.online-jobs-review.com

669

Find a Specialist Recruitment Agency Keywords Are So Important! If you are a skilled professional or if you have experience in a particular field, then you don't want to register with any old recruitment agency, you want to find one that will come up with the kind of positions that you would be interested in, or else the only jobs you may be offered may simply be inappropriate for your skills and experience. There are hundreds of specialist agencies out there, most of which are available on the internet. So if you are a marketing guru, someone who is skilled in one of the many facets of construction, or you are a chef etc then don't go for a recruitment agency that does 'everything' you need one that specialises in your field. Basically homing in your search when on the internet, should help you to locate the right kind of agency. If you just type in recruitment agency, you will have literally thousands of options to search through, but if you type in 'Construction Recruitment Agency' then this will start to narrow the options down.

670

Basically though, some of the search engine results will have 'keywords' attached to them, which means that if the Webmaster for a site tags the site to be flagged up if 'construction' is typed in, then regardless of whether or not any construction jobs are on the site, the website will be high up in the search engine results, so the more specific you can be when searching, then the better it is, so if you want a construction agency that could offer you a job as a Quantity Surveyor or someone who draws plans using CAD, then type in Quantity Surveyor or CAD designer as well recruitment agency and this will soon start to narrow down the search engine results. So the more specific you can be, the better! Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the UK from PA Jobs Receptionist Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs

671

Job Hunting Tips For Secretaries - Get Your Curriculum Vitae Right Since the economic downturn started to affect middle management, some of whom, particularly in the financial sector, were made redundant, more and more secretaries are finding that it is just that little bit harder to find a job. Previously secretaries were much sought after, now they are chasing jobs, with often hundreds of applicants for just one position. So what is the best way of securing a good job as a secretary in these difficult times? Well, perhaps the best way is to think about how you can make your curriculum vitae shine out, so that you are more or less guaranteed an interview. Try to let a little of your personality shine through your curriculum vitae. How does it read? Does it read is if it has been written by someone who is very professional, very warm, competent and very organised? If not, then it is time to re-write it so that it does read this way. If you are unsure about whether it does read like this, then you should have a good friend read it, who will give you an honest opinion as to whether or not your curriculum vitae reads this way.

672

It may also be worth talking to a recruitment agency about whether or not you could go on their books as a temp, from a temping position, you may have access to jobs that are only advertised internally, so you will already have a good head start. Be realistic about the kinds of jobs you are going for. Even if you have to start off with a relatively junior position, it is better than no position and when you are actually employed, it is always easier to move into another better paid position. Above all, keep faith in yourself and your abilities. Once you have amended your curriculum vitae and made it shine out from all the rest, then you are well on the way to bagging the job of your dreams and all you have to think about then is preparing for the interviews that are bound to come your way.

673

Recruitment agency solutions spanning temping, temps, contract and permanent Office Jobs in London we specialise in placement and recruitment in the UK from PA Jobs, Secretarial Jobs, Receptionist Jobs Admin Jobs, Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs.

674

Find a Job Online Without Using Job Search Sites Did you know that you can find a job online without using job search sites? That's right. You don't necessarily have to use job search sites and you don't have to leave your home to go to this job. As a matter of fact, you can work for a company just like you would without leaving your home. There are jobs such as customer service jobs that you can try. You can even give technical support jobs a chance. How this works is you get the equipment delivered to you. You do get training for the job that you are taking on, which is great because you need as much as you can get since you won't be working with others around you. If you do have a question, there is always someone you can contact to ask a question to. There are also companies with other things that they need done. For example, a company may need someone to enter data into spreadsheets or databases for them. They may need someone to do some telemarketing for them as well.

675

There are so many things that you can do online. It isn't just a matter of finding a job, but it is a matter of having a job that you can do at home. This means you can keep the kids in sight, have that schedule flexibility you've always wanted, and you can go to those baseball games and other events that you want to go to so much. You would be quite surprised at how much freedom you get working at home even if you are working for another company. If you need money now, like I mean in the next hour, try what I did. I am making more money now than in my old business and you can too, read the amazing, true story, in the link below. When I joined I was skeptical for just ten seconds before I realized what this was. I was smiling from ear to ear and you will too. Imagine doubling your money every week with no or little risk! To discover a verified list of Million Dollar Corporations offering you their products at 75% commission to you. Visit the link below to learn HOW you will begin compounding your capital towards your first Million Dollars at the easy corporate money program.

676

Quickest-way-to-make-money-on-earth.com

677

How To Compete in a Tough Job Market With the unemployment rate at its highest level in over 40 years and companies shedding jobs by the hundreds of thousands on a monthly basis, the job market is becoming more competitive than ever. Just yesterday alone, almost 75,000 jobs were cut. As a result, more and more people are competing for the few jobs that exist. Because the job market is so saturated, each available position has even more qualified candidates applying. If you find yourself in the position of looking for a new job in this tough job market, it is important that you distinguish yourself from the competition. How do you do this you ask? Here, I'll share with you several tips and strategies that will help you stand out from the crowd, get the interview and get the job.

678

Network, Network, Network: The first and most important thing is to get the interview. More important than having a solid resume, is having an extensive network of colleagues in your field. Many times it not what you know but who you know that helps you get your foot in the door. If you don't have a large network of colleagues, consider joining a networking site. If networking is not an option, the next thing to focus on is making sure that you have a great resume and cover letter. There are several examples of resumes for different positions available on the internet. If writing is not one of your strong suits, then you might consider hiring a professional resume writing service. Create a great resume: One of the key things to remember about a resume and cover letter is that they give potential employers an introductory glance at who you are, your professional and educational background, and detail how your experience and skills match what they are looking for in an employee. Therefore, it is extremely important that your resume be complete, free of errors, and professional. It is also a good idea to tailor your resume to the position you are applying for. Because this is often the first impression an employer has of a candidate, it is important to put your best foot forward.

679

Research the company: Once you've gotten the interview, you should prepare by researching the company you will be interviewing with. Most companies have an About Us or Careers link on their website that will give insight into the company's mission and values. It is also a good idea to search for commonly asked interview questions, prepare and practice your own answers to them, and compile a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Interviewers like candidates who have done their research. Lasting first impressions: Remember, you never get a second chance to make a first impression and while the resume represents the first impression on paper, the interview is the first time you will get to formally introduce yourself to the employer. Many companies are now doing a preliminary phone screen in order to narrow down the number of prospects for an in person interview. It is important that you treat this initial screening as if it were an in person interview.

680

Be available at the time you scheduled to speak with them. If speaking on a cell phone, ensure that you are in a quiet area with a good signal and that your battery is fully charged so that you don't have any interruptions during the interview. There may be multiple phone screens before you are invited to come in for an in person interview. However, if you get that invitation, it is a good sign that the employer is interested in learning even more about you. Dress for Success: When you prepare for the interview, it is important to make sure that your clothes are clean and neat. A suit is preferable but if you don't have one available, you should at least wear a shirt and tie if you are man and a blouse or dress if you are a woman. If you are a woman and choose to wear a skirt, pantyhose should be worn. Finally, shoe selection is also important. Shoes should be professional. Leather is always a good choice. Stay away from anything flashy when it comes to how you dress, your jewelry selection and how you wear your hair. If you have extra piercings beyond the single one in each ear, remove all jewelry as it can pose a distraction.

681

Follow up: Within 24 hours of the interview, it is a good idea to send the interviewer a thank you note. Hopefully, you were given one of the interviewer's business cards during the interview. Use the contact information from their card to send an email or handwritten note. Email is immediate but there is something to be said for a handwritten note. Many employers say that a follow up note leaves a lasting impression and that it makes the candidate stand out but still don't receive them from almost half of the candidates they interview. If you find yourself out in the crowd of the many job seekers, follow these tips to improve your chances of getting the interview and getting the job. Jobs Available In My Area is a job search engine that provides hundreds of job postings from companies across the nation. No matter whether you're looking for part-time work or a full-time career, Jobs Available In My Area can help you locate a job/career just right for you. Visit http://www.jobsavailableinmyarea.net/.

682

Recruiters Are Not "Employment Superheroes" Sadly, this basic concept seems to have eluded many job seekers out there. I'm not sure how it started exactly, but somewhere along the way many candidates began to lump recruiters and headhunters into the same category as social workers, believing that simply out of their own generosity they tirelessly look for just the right job to suit each candidate. In other words, they are "employment superheroes," out there doing the work for you. Now don't get me wrong...there are many kind-hearted recruiters out there who do care very much about candidates and who would like to see them achieve their goals. But that's not what the recruiter is there for...solving all your job search woes. It's pretty simple. A recruiter, typically, will only be looking for candidates who fit with the types of positions he or she is being paid to recruit for (or will be paid for if a suitable candidate can be found).

683

If you don't fit with what the recruiter needs, then he or she can't help you. The recruiter might keep your info on file and contact you if anything does come up, but basically it is time to move on. I'm not sure why this relationship then becomes so complex for many job seekers. Instead they hang on every word the recruiter says. "He told me he would call me in a couple weeks." "She said my resume doesn't have enough business development in it." They can't seem to capture the code words here for "I don't have anything right now." It's kind of like the "let's just be friends" speech so often given at the end of a dating relationship. Instead of getting the message, the job seeker runs off to their resume writer screaming, "why did you short-change me on business development?" (Never mind that they are looking for a technical job.)

684

I also find that once many job seekers begin talking to recruiters, they stop putting much effort into their job search. Instead they play the waiting game. (It's kind of like the job posting boards, where the resumes go in, never to be heard from again. Yet everyone keeps posting anyway and then waiting for something to happen.) I'm not saying recruiters won't contact you, but again, only if they have a specific position for which you are suited that happens to come across their desk, not because they are staying up at night worrying about finding a position for you. This point is very important, especially now when position openings are few and job searches are taking longer and longer. So don't just talk with one or two recruiters; talk with several. And find ones that work in your field or industry.

685

But whatever you do, find out what job search tactics are the most effective and NEVER stop devoting your efforts toward those. Networking! Group Job Hunting! Every year they consistently rank the highest in effectiveness for job seekers, and every year I have to spend hours convincing candidates of the benefits. Instead I hear, "I just know this recruiter is going to come through for me!" Ah, the employment superheroes... So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience.

686

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals. I know that my products will work for you because they are based on common-sense principles leveraged with good, solid expertise and knowledge of the job search process. After working with countless job seekers, I have become more and more convinced that most of them do not properly prepare for a job search and rely way too much on online sites and trendy articles to tell them what to do. Thus, they waste a lot of time, money, and energy.

687

If you still aren't sure whether our services are right for you, feel free to give me a call toll-free at 1-866-755-9800 or better yet, sign up to receive my free Job Search Advice eGuide today. Also, in February 2009, I am launching a new group job hunting networking site: Noddle Place. Check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com

688

The Secret Finding to Jobs Available in My Area In this time of economic uncertainty jobs are in small supply and high demand. At this point almost any job could be appreciated. This is particularly true for anyone looking for jobs available in my area. Jobs available in my area generally mean jobs that are located close to the job seeker. People are looking for jobs close to them for convenience reasons. If you can get a job close to you it cuts down on the expense of gas, the stress of travel, and the inconvenience of being away from home. The other reason job seekers emphasize jobs available in my area is because most job search databases are national. Because most job search databases are national they do not emphasize jobs that may be close to the seeker. Some of the better databases like Career Builder can search and send you jobs that might be close to you by using your IP Address. They can read your IP address and therefore your general location when you login.

689

However, the real secret to success for job seekers entering jobs available in my area in their web browsers is realizing that many available jobs are already in your area. In fact, it always has been, you just need to know it when you see it! The online job search databases get a lot of the publicity. Thousands of people a day use these databases, but this is not where most people actually get jobs. That comes from networking and knowing someone or some inside tip. The inside tip to know is that the health care industry has jobs in abundance and they are right under your nose. If you live in an area with any medical facilities, medical offices or people in need of health assistance, you have jobs available in your area now. Best of all for job seekers, many of these jobs can be done from home as well.

690

Initiatives from President Obama's Administration will fix a tremendous amount of attention and resources on health care. There are few industries that affect more people's lives than health care. Every man woman and child will need health care several times in their life. The need for clinicians like doctors, nurses, technicians, and therapists may be obvious. What may not be so obvious is that health care needs five (5) non clinical support people for every clinical professional like a doctor, nurse, technician, or therapist. Most of these non clinical jobs are administrative and technology support that pay well; are easy to train for; and are available now. The hottest new non clinical job we recommend is the Health Concierge. It is in very high demand and qualifies as the job seekers best ally when looking for jobs available in their area. Dr. Lindsay is a consultant and health technology expert with connections to the President Obama Administration. Get Free Insider information on jobs as a Health Concierge now here.

691

Health Concierge Job Openings in My Area.

692

How to Find Jobs Hiring in My Area Often, when people do job searches they concentrate on jobs hiring in my area or jobs in my local area. There is nothing wrong with this. But, in difficult economic times people need to be little bit more aggressive with a job search. When you think about it, the main reason that most people want a job in their local area is for convenience. It is very convenient to have a job close to home because it decreases the hassles, stress, and expense of transportation. Another reason that people seek jobs hiring in my area is because it is handy to be close to home in case any urgent domestic issue arises. This is to say nothing of the convenience involved if you have school children. If you think about it though, can't all this be accomplished with a job that you do from home? Doesn't working from home offer the same convenience that going to a job in your local area would provide? In fact, many would argue that a work from home job is even more convenient than a job and your local area. So, when you think about jobs in your local area, you should also be thinking about work at home jobs.

693

If you're new to work at home jobs, I can tell you that the best two industries for work at home jobs are technology and healthcare. The technology jobs primarily involve use of the Internet. A growing number of healthcare and technology jobs rely on workers at home and telecommuters. They find that it saves money and increases production. Many of these jobs do require that you have certain characteristics to be successful. Most of all, you must be a self starter capable of self motivation, organization, and focus. If you do not possess these skills currently they are often easy to develop. One other thing to consider when you creatively work at home as jobs in my local area is that you may be required you to learn a new skill set. This can be true for any job. Remember, nothing comes for free anymore. Things are changing all the time. In a down economy, there are more people competing for fewer jobs. Increasing or updating your skill set may be in order. If this is something that you decide to do you want to acquire a skill set that will give you the broadest range of opportunities and cost the cheapest to acquire.

694

As I recommended before, the best home jobs to substitute for jobs hiring in my area are in the technology and healthcare industries. Below is a link for the best jobs that combine healthcare and technology you can do from home. I recommend these because the training for these types of jobs gives you the best marketability. Also, certification training in this area is easy, quick, and cheap. Dr. Lindsay is a consultant and health technology expert with connections to the President Obama Administration. Get Free Insider information on jobs as a Health Concierge now here. Health Concierge Jobs Hiring in My Area.

695

Some of The Least Stressful Jobs In a down economy having any job can be helpful. Those who have jobs are grateful to have them. Those who do not have jobs usually wish that they had one. Sometimes, in our efforts to get and maintain any job we don't always have the best job. I believe this is why more people are focusing on least stressful jobs. It does little good to have a job that generates so much stress that it can be harmful to you or your family. Many of the least stressful jobs include those that you can do from home. Oftentimes, work at home jobs can be least stressful because you are in an environment that you know and you don't have to leave. You can wake up in the morning and start a routine. You generally don't have to worry about getting dressed for work. You also don't need to worry about stressful commutes to work. You can save a lot of time simply by waking up, having breakfast, and going to work at your work space at home.

696

If you're able to stay focused and work independently, you can often accomplish twice the amount of work that you could in an office. This is not to say that working at home does not provide distractions because it does. You must be disciplined enough to stay focused and avoid distractions that don't involve your work. The best way to do this is to relegate specific times that you will work and times you will take a break. During those break times it is possible for you to easily take care of family and domestic issues. Having family and domestic issues under control can greatly decrease works stress as well. Now that you know that some of the least stressful jobs involve working at home, what are some of those jobs? Well, this would include jobs that you can do online in the industries of technology, and healthcare. These jobs, primarily involves the Internet. Below as a list of some of the least stressful jobs that you can do at home involving the major technology and healthcare industries. 1. Health Concierge (We recommend this one Highly) 2. Administrative Virtual Assistant

697

3. Web 2.0 Marketing work 4. Any work with very fast 5. Job or educational program recruiting 6. Insurance specialist 7. Typing and data entry 8. Medical transcription 9. Paralegal work 10. Telemarketing or telephone call center work 11. Mail envelope stuffing or craft assembly work 12. Medical billing and coding 13. Secret shopper work 14. Rebate processing work Dr. Lindsay is a consultant and health technology expert with connections to the President Obama Administration. Get Free Insider information on jobs as a Health Concierge now here.

698

Health Concierge Jobs Hiring in My Area .

699

A Hidden Source For Jobs in My Local Area If you are searching for jobs in my local area you may be in luck and not even know it. Do you remember the massive project Y2K scare (millennium bug) back in 1999 and 2000? Project Y2K meant Project year 2000. This is when practically all company computer software programs in the world needed to be updated and re-programmed. Without getting technical, the Y2k problem resulted from the early programming design problem of representing the year with two (2) digits. Since most programs use dates in some way, computers would not be able to reconcile dates after January 1 2000. This was a problem because the year would be represented by the two digits 00. For several years it was a jobs in my local area bonanza for people knowing anything about computers programming. You did not even need to seek job openings, just call just about any business in your area and ask if they needed help with Y2K. I knew people that took a short computer class and got right to work.

700

Now, there is another opportunity even larger than the Y2k prospect! It exists in the health care industry. Everyone knows two things about the health care industry: 1. Everyone will need some form of healthcare at some time in their life. From child birth to elder care. Health care touches everyone. 2. Health Care is in crisis because of rising costs and inefficiencies in the system. President Obama has made health care a top priority and promises to pour time, money and resources into the system to make it more affordable and more efficient. Efforts to make all medical records electronic are already under way.

701

Because of this, there is more opportunity in the health care industry than ever. To get jobs in my local area in health care, don't make the mistake of thinking that you need to be a nurse or therapist or some other kind of clinical worker to take advantage. In fact, health care needs just as many non clinical people like administrative and technology support persons as it needs clinical people. I can even give you a tip on one of the better health care industry jobs to get: Health Concierge. This health administrative and technology job is in demand, pays well, and is quick and easy to train for. Best of all, it can be done from home. So, if you are looking for jobs in my local area think about a Health Concierge. What better way to have a job in your area when that area is right in your own home or apartment. Dr. Lindsay is a consultant and health technology expert with connections to the President Obama Administration. Get Free Insider information on jobs as a Health Concierge now here. Health Concierge Jobs in My Local Area .

702

College Student Guide to Get an Online Job At this time, do you know that most of the college student will likely hard to find a great job if they graduate? In the bad economy crisis today, unemployment rates get worse than one year ago. One day, your parents may have enough money to pay for your college loan, but the day will come when you have to face reality that your parents are fired from their office. You must find a way to find a better job before graduation day or everything will get worse for your future. Actually if you are pretty smart, you can easily pay your own college loan and help your parents to survive. The most popular way for college student all over the world to make money right now is by using the power of internet. Become an online entrepreneur. You can sell your own product or sell other people product as an affiliate. You can also find freelance job in freelance job-site or classified ads website. I remember when I browse job listing website, I see that many of them still 20-years-old or averages.

703

Become a college student will give you extra advantage in online job listing because you already have the main skill to do the job. If you take management study in college then you can find a job related to your managerial skill, and also if you take language study, you can apply as an online writer. There is a lot of opportunity available in online world. If you can get an online job, then you can decrease the unemployment rates in your country, you will also help your family to pay for your college.

About The Author Copyright (c) Jordan Jones - How To Make $20,169.54 In ONE Single Day - visit http://www.gepulse.com

704

Creative Ways to Contact HR Employees During Your Job Search As strange times loom over us like low hanging fruit more and more job cuts on the horizon are almost certain and the number of job applicants will continue to grow in size. Taking a traditional path to finding a job is almost guaranteeing you a long grueling job search process. Now is the time to get creative and really think outside the box to get your resume or cover letter in front of the right people or person. Those unemployment checks will run out sooner or later so it is important to setup a foundation for yourself now so that you are ready to find something you can do.

705

Searching online for the decision makers will take some time and will not be an easy process but at the end of the day it is worth a shot. There are websites like Hoovers which are filled with information on businesses including names of key staff including HR directors and decision making employees. If you are targeting company xyz all you need to find is the email extension the company uses. Chances are it is @xyz.com and once you have this piece of information you are half way there. Sometimes you can find a generic email on the website and you can isolate the email extension that way as well. Now try searching online for that extension. Your results might pull in many different listings where company employees at some point had to leave their email addresses online. If you dig deeper in the search results and use words like HR and human resources along with the email extension sometimes this process really allows you to drill down to a person at the company that is in charge of hiring. What you don't know is whether that person still works at the company or not but at this point you really don't have anything to lose so just sending off the resume and cover letter really can't hurt.

706

If you are someone who lurks around on all the popular social networking websites this next step will be easier for you to tackle. If you have not set up any social profiles yet then climb out from under the rock you are sleeping under and fire up a profile on a few of the top social networking profiles and build them out so they reflect your career or your employment focus. Try searching online for hiring managers and HR employees for companies you would like to work for in all the various search engines.

Once you compile a list of names and employees try doing some searches online for just their names. Chances are you will find some MySpace or Facebook profiles in the search results and one of those could just be one of the people you are looking for. This might seem like a great deal of work but it beats sending your resume through Monster.com or Careerbuilder.com and being one out of the possible few hundred resumes and cover letters that could be sitting on someone's desk for a specific job listing or even no job listing at all. That approach works when half the country is not looking for unemployment.

707

Malcolm Chlan has been an expert in producing sample resumes and cover letters that actually work for many years. Malcolm Chlan and his website have personally helped over 285,000 job seekers. Jeff has completed a library of resumes , template and sample cover letters to help those looking to make a career switch.

708

Ladies - How to Dress For Success at Your Job Interview & Get Hired! If you are attending for a job interview then you will want to ensure that you give yourself the best chance of success. You'll certainly have brushed up on any questions you may be asked about your experience and qualifications for the job. However if your qualifications and abilities are the same as the next applicant it will be your appearance that can tip the balance in your favour. This article will offer you helpful guidelines to ensure that your appearance will work for you at that all important job interview. You only have one chance at making a first impression, so your first impression needs to be entirely favourable.

709

General dress style: You need to be sensitive to the job role for which you are applying. For example should you be applying for the role of personal assistant to a managing director you need to tailor your appearance to exude an air of efficiency and smartness. However if you are applying to an independent record company that promotes hip-hop and garage music your dress style should be entirely different. So do your homework - know what sort of dress style will typify the indirectly for which you are applying and copy it. However one very useful tip is to avoid extremes - don't out-dress the interviewer! Imagine applying to a female office manager - if your outfit looks a million dollars and she is wearing standard work clothes, your chances are slim right from the outset. You should always aim for neatness but neutrality. Shoes for your interview: Many interviewers look at the interviewee's shoes before anything else and will judge accordingly - so your shoes must be clean. Don't go for stilettos with ultra high heels - aim for your outfit to be neat but not dramatic.

710

Ladies - what outerwear should you select for your job interview? Many organisations commonly dress down and jeans and casual wear is acceptable on a day-to-day basis. However you are trying to ensure that your first impression is better than those competing for the same job so as a general guide look to wear a neat combination of blouse and skirt. If you are plus size then stick to darker colors and away from vibrant large patterns - you are not auditioning to be a set of sixties floral curtains! Stripes will work and be flattering if they are vertical - steer clear of horizontal stripes Tights or stockings: Apparently sales of pantyhose and stockings has been dropping over the past few years as more women choose not to have their legs covered. If you do wear a skirt for your job interview as recommended then it is essential to wear nylon stockings or pantyhose. Pantyhose or stockings will finish your outfit and flatter your legs as well, hiding any blemishes and giving an 'artificial tan' to pale legs. Keep the look restrained - neutral to dark shades, and avoid vibrant colors or patterns.

711

Choosing lingerie for your job interview: No, this is not a joke, lingerie can make a difference. If you feel your underwear fits well, and looks good (even though you're the only one to know), then you will behave more confidently. Outerwear: As already mentioned, you will need to decide on an appropriate outfit in relation to the type of job for which you are. Aim for simple elegance; you do not want to appear sloppy to a prospective employer. However it is not a good move to make your interviewer feel you are significantly better dressed than they are! A smart suit, ideally with a skirt and not pants. Yes we are in the twenty first century, but some employers are old-fashioned! If you don't like the advice, ask yourself how badly you really want the job? If wearing a skirt gives you a fractional edge over another interviewee then it will have been worth the effort. Perfume: I'd recommend minimal perfume. A scent which you may like might be overpowering to someone else if they happen to have a really keen sense of smell, and some people are actually allergic to certain perfumes and smells. Less is certainly more in this instance.

712

Nails: Clean nails are of course essential, and natural varnish or a restrained color is your best bet. There are very few occupations where the possession of long talons will either impress or be an asset; they can result in the wrong keys being hit on keyboards, and in a health care environment for example they can even be a health hazard. Short and neat is best. Body language at an interview: Body language is very powerful, and you can these tricks to get the interviewer on your side without them even being aware of it. A firm handshake, whilst looking the interviewer in the eye with a natural confident smile will instantly put you ahead of the pack. Subtly mirror the posture of your interviewer and they will instantly warm to you...and not be aware why! On the other hand sitting with arms tightly folder is a very contained, shy posture and will give off the wrong signals. Finally, make sure you've done your homework on the company before you attend. Asking one or two intelligent questions that shows that you have an awareness of the business always creates a good impression.

713

Good luck with your interview! Debbie Mendoza runs the online store Sleeknchic which specializes in genuine fifties lingerie, shapewear and stockings and http://www.frilzandlace.com which supplies modern lingerie.

714

Five Ways to Manage Your Online Identity While You Are Job Hunting When employers search for your name online, what will they find? Will it be information that touts all of your wonderful attributes and accomplishments? Or, will it be falsified or negative information that makes you look like a hiring risk? If you were to go back in time to the 1980's, you would know that personal computers were hard to come by and that the Internet was in its infancy. Nowadays, if you want to learn anything, and I mean anything - you simply search for that information online using one or more online search engines. However, on the other side of the coin - anyone can create a website, blog, or social media page (MySpace, Facebook, etc.) and post information about you which may tarnish your reputation. Heck, you may have even posted some "not-so-flattering" information or pictures about yourself! And once that information is on the Internet, it may be visible for a very long time.

715

Today, job-seekers must be very wary of what kind of information is available on the Internet about them, how to carefully manage that information, and how to create an online identity that presents them in a positive manner. Because chances are, prospective employers will do an online search for your name and if he/she finds negative information (even if it isn't true), there is a very good possibility that you won't get called for an interview. Now, I could probably write a short book about how to manage your online identity, but I am going to give you five steps that you can implement today to minimize any negative or false information about you, while maximizing positive information about you online. Step 1: "Find Yourself" Online...And Do It Regularly! Before you begin a job search, you should check out what has been said about you online. The easiest way to do this is to type your name into any of the popular online search engines and see what comes up.

716

Some of these search engines include: Google, Yahoo!, and MSN Search. There are many more, but these happen to be some of the most popular ones that are used by a lot of people. Step 2: Address Any Negative Information You Find If you conducted a search of your name and you found nothing false or negative - Congratulations! Now if you found information posted about you that is blatantly false, or consists of unflattering pictures - I recommend that you contact the source of that false data and resolve the situation as quickly as possible by having them remove such information. Many times, people will come across false or negative information about someone who has the same first and last name as them. In this case, I recommend you use a different version of your name or also use a middle initial on your resume and cover letter. In the case of someone posting information about you that IS true but negative - there may not be much you can do legally to have that information removed.

717

But, what you can do is create positive content about yourself and update it regularly - which I discuss in Step 4. Step 3: Locate Any Information You Have Posted Online Yourself Now this may sound obvious, but have you posted anything online about yourself that may sabotage your online identity? This information can be profile information, pictures, videos, and blogs. Let's look at a few of these examples in detail... First, there are social networking sites (MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn) that may contain personal information, pictures, videos, and blogs that you personally post. Next, there are online dating sites (Match, eHarmony, Plentyoffish) that contain profile information and pictures. And finally, there's Flickr (a picture site) and YouTube (a video site) which may contain unflattering pictures and videos of you for the world to see.

718

Now if you have any information that may tarnish your reputation, it would be wise to eliminate such content or at the very least - set your profile pages to private. Step 4: Control The Message and Content Of Information If you have found some negative information about you online, and it does happen to be true - your best bet is to create positive information about yourself that will show higher in search engine rankings because people will generally only look at the Top 10 postings. For starters, one way to do this is to "clean up" your profiles on your social networking pages (MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn). Sites with newly posted, "fresh content" rise to higher spots in search engines. Another way to move those negative postings further down the charts is to do great things at your company or in the community that get written about in the newspaper or in industry journal or magazine. Because newspapers, journals, and magazines now have online distributions, the stories with you in them get posted...thus improving your online image!

719

And finally, if you find it difficult to be recognized for good deeds within your company or community - then write a short article for publication in a magazine or journal, or craft a letter to the editor for publication in your local newspaper that has online distribution. Doing any of these will fill up those Top 10 postings with positive or neutral information about you. And that's exactly what you want to do when managing your online identity. You want to control as much information as you can that people will be able to access online... Step 5: Be Conscious Of Your Online Interactions With Others This last step isn't one for managing your online identity per se, but rather a step to "keep you out of hot water." It is important to know that all interactions online such as emails, instant messages, postings in forums, and responses to blogs can be traced back to you! If this information can be viewed by an employer as controversial or less than favorable, it could come back to haunt you at a later time in your career.

720

I recommend that if you want to take all the necessary steps in successfully managing your online identity, you should also take care in not typing anything online that you would not have printed on your shirt for everyone to read who come in contact with you. Remember, the Internet can be used as a tool to help you - or it can be used as a weapon against you. How you choose to manage your online identity will determine which of the two it will be. Known for writing winning resumes and cover letters that have led to job interviews for over 90% of his clients, Kristopher Marek provides professional resume writing services for job seekers looking for a better paying and more personally-satisfying career. Don't even think of sending out your resume until you have read an online copy of his FREE book - The Top Twenty Resume Mistakes And How To Avoid Them. Just go to http://www.winningresumewriter.com and get started today.

721

Finding a New Job Through Strong Online Personal Branding When is the last time you reached out to a former co-worker, just to say hello and ask about their dog Fluffy? Or, in the past 2 months, have you touched bases with that interesting woman you met at the Kiwanis meeting who has similar interests as you? If you haven't done either of these things (even if you don't really know Fluffy and haven't ever been to a Kiwanis meeting), then you are not doing enough to protect your personal brand. What do I mean by personal brand? There is a lot of information on the Internet that can explain what a personal brand is much better than I can - go on, just Google the phrase "personal brand" and you'll see what I mean. But in short, your personal brand is how you are perceived by people who might want to hire you, or buy your company's goods and services.

722

How do people find out information about you? Well, they Google you, for one. They also "ask around" - they talk to your mutual acquaintances, your competition, and your coworkers. Controlling the information that people have access to about you is the most important part of protecting your personal brand - and is completely within your control. Anyway, back to networking. If you are one of the fortunate people that still has a secure job in this awful economy of ours, then good for you - I am happy for you - but you still need to be actively networking. The time to strengthen your personal network is NOT when you need them for something. You can think of your relationships with your personal network as "peace time" relationships, and "war time" relationships. During "peace time", things are going well for you - you've got a job, or business is booming, if you're an entrepreneur.

723

This is the right time to spend some percentage of every week being in touch with your personal network. The number one rule of successful networking is to NOT wait until "war time" - i.e., you've lost your job, or business is terrible - before spending time networking. Establishing your network can take several months to get off the ground, and maintaining the network properly takes time as well - if you wait until "war time" when you REALLY need folks in your network to pull through for you, you are already several months behind. Ok - hopefully the importance of networking during "peace time" is firmly established in your brain. So - what types of activities should you be doing on a routine basis to maintain your relationships? Having lunch together, sending an email, sending an e-card, forwarding online articles and websites of interest are a couple of the ways you are probably the most familiar with. Here are some additional "must do" items in my book, and all 5 should be done consistently at the same time:

724

1. You should be in touch with every person on your personal contact list a minimum of 2 times a year. If you are not in touch 2 times a year, then they are not really in your network. There are many different ways to be "in touch" simple reach-out's like a quick e-mail, to more elaborate touches like having lunch together. 2. If you do not already have a LinkedIn account, get one now. If you do have a LinkedIn account, make sure that you have spent time filling out all of the personal information they ask for, including the different companies you've worked for. This is the best way for former vendors or coworkers to be in touch with you. Even if you've had a LinkedIn account for years, I recommend everyone read Guy Kawasaki's article on getting the most out of LinkedIn here (http://blog.linkedin.com/2007/07/25/ten-ways-touse/) - he says it better than I ever could.

725

3. Develop some kind of electronic way to maintain a list of everyone in your personal network. This means tracking their name, e-mail address, physical mailing address, and an area to briefly log your last contact with them. This can be arduous to get going at first, but once the list is up and running, it's very easy to record your interactions going forward, and it's INVALUABLE for reminding yourself who you haven't reached out to in a long time. I personally have always loved ACT for this purpose, but you could even use an Excel spreadsheet if you like - just make sure that you keep up with updating it. 4. Don't forget the US Mail. In this day of electronic contact, there is still something very special about getting something physical in the mail. Keep up with your contact's birthday and shoot 'em a card once a year. See an interesting article in Newsweek that reminds you of them and their cause? Cut it out and mail it to them. The holiday season? Send them a holiday greeting card (hey - it's not too late to still do that this year!!)

726

5. With your personal network, focus your reach-out efforts on finding things you can do for them. Find out every time you contact them what they need at this particular time. Are they looking for a vendor referral, do they need a recommendation on a new daycare for their child, or are they looking for a job? The best possible way to maintain strong ties with your personal network is to focus on what you can do for them during "peace time". And besides being a savvy trick for keeping in people's good graces, it's really the most satisfying way to maintain close relationships, "karma"-ckly speaking. And for those of you who say "but I'm not looking for a new job right now" or "I'm not in sales" - ignore networking at your own peril. Do not wait until "war time" is upon you to invest in these critically important relationships. Phyllis R. Neill is the President of SheMentor, a business providing coaching and products to women in management on navigating tricky corporate landscapes and escaping the "glass ceiling" syndrome. Her 20+ years in executive management have taught her a thing or two about how to manage businesses - and how to treat people.

727

Throughout her distinguished career, Phyllis has served in leadership positions for a variety of different business sectors, including computer software, healthcare IT, advertising, and media ratings, just to name a few. She has served as the Chief Operating Officer of a new passive media research technology firm. She has served as Vice President, General Manager for a media research computer software company, working successfully through such issues as company-wide reorganizations, acquisitions, and the launching of several new product lines. She has also served as Director for the largest healthcare IT company in the world, working in product management, marketing and client services. In every one of these roles, Phyllis has been successful at transforming the culture of those organizations into profitable, lean, business units - and yet managed to still keep them "fun to work at" - just ask any of her former employees or co-workers!

728

Phyllis' blog at http://www.shementor.com was recently named "101 Women Bloggers to Watch, Fall 2008" by WE magazine for women for helping women across the country get desperately needed advice that cannot be found elsewhere, and at the same time exchange information on hardto-find issues facing the executive woman in the workforce today. Be sure to visit her blog at http://www.shementor.com and add your opinions!

729

Job Search Tips and Ideas Job search websites have attractive employment vacancies. This are the first links that you should log into if you are jobless. Every page has the employer's name and contact details. These web sites is connected to other links that have other interesting vacancies. As an applicant, you will be able to obtain the necessary information that you need on training, support services and conditions of the work you will be doing. As a rule you must have the qualifications needed if you are to succeed. There are also partnership agencies that work together to sift out the best employees available. Tax incentives can be negotiated online. Some of the agencies involved include: non-profitable community organizations, division of vocational rehabilitation among others. Job Search partners are under the department of work force development.

730

The work force development department is known to sponsor the employment center. The governing council is guided by state policies as it collaborates with development oriented organizations. Wisconsin Job Search is sponsored by the American department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. This site gives a proper description of career plans and provides assistance in employment search. There are special programs for immigrants, the youth, the older generation and veterans. Financial literacy programs can be arranged for you. There is also information on healthcare, transport, languages just but to name a few. The employment centers linked to this web site meet the minimum standards set by the government. The site has various tools that will enhance the search process. On request, you will be given professional advice on how to write your resume.

731

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Job Search. For More Information on Wisconsin Job Search, Visit His Site at Job Search . You Can Also Add Your Views About Wisconsin Job Search At My Blog here Job Search .

732

Online Job Hunting For 2009 - Know What You’re Up Against With 52 million job hunters online, you're facing an uphill battle when it comes to efficiency. But when it comes to enjoyment we can all admit that we know how that works. Get up late, get some coffee, eat a donut, turn on the news, start the laptop, and check our email. But we all know that high competition and a donut isn't the recipe to use if we’re going to succeed. Were facing a 60% increase in the number of people searching for employment online. Your competition is stiff online because on an average day there are more than 4 million people looking for work. Statistics from the Pew Internet Project; · 60% of online job searchers are between the ages of 18 - 29. These workers tend to change jobs often and always maintain a constant influx. A real challenge to all other job seekers.

733

· 42% of the online job searchers are between the ages of 30 49. These workers tend to maintain their employment for a longer period of time. However they tend to face the crash and burn effect when facing unemployment. Unlike the 60% category that face constant job change and are experienced at change every 1, 2 or 3 years. The 42%ers tend to take it hard when let go and facing the daunting prospect of finding a new job. · 27% of the online job searchers are between the ages of 50 64. This category tends to face unemployment with more grace than the 42%ers. Because they have seen it all, they tend to be able to predict crises and adapt to circumstances easier. The reason they adapt easier is because they are in a stage in their life where they are willing and financially able to accept a new position that pays less than there used to. Most of the online employment seekers are men by a two to one ratio, and the most likely to seek for jobs online are executives at 44%, and office workers at 49%. One of the most challenging conditions to clog the online job search market is the fact that 52% of the workforce has internet access and that’s only going to increase.

734

So what's your best option to securing a new job? Network, that’s it, call your friends, relatives, and career contacts and begin to dig for opportunities. You cannot afford to search for a job online alone in today's market; you will need a more comprehensive strategy. · By the way.....do you see yourself as having Paid your Dues but maybe you haven't seen any extra Pay show up in your Pay Check? · Have you developed some ideas to improve a Process, Procedure, or Method at work but you can't seem to get the big bosses attention? · Would you be interested in learning how to charge and get $4 - $5,000 per month for the skills, knowledge and experience you already have? Go to Adapt on a Dime.com http://www.adaptonadime.com to take an assessment and find out if you can be become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry, or Field using the skills, knowledge and experience that you already have.

735

Paul Godines Coaches Professionals to become High Priced Experts with the Skills, Knowledge and Experience they already have. Paul says "If you have trained another person than I can train you to become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry or Field"

736

Trade Show Career Building - Report Your Expertise to Prospective Employers There are literally thousands of trade shows per year, and there is likely to be at least 2 -3 for your industry. Now if you have ever been to a trade show, you probably walked around and visited a few booths. Chatted with a few people and collected a big bag of giveaway goodies. That’s the fun of going right? But how could you work on building your career while at a trade show? What could you possibly get from going there? I guess you could ask the attendees if they know anyone who's hiring. But if that’s the best you can do your going to end up with few results and no lingering benefits. So how can you turn this situation around? Collect info, that’s how. Everyone including your company and industry needs your insights and experience. A great strategy to help you build your career is to walk around the show and get a complete picture of the best and most likely to be successful products or services.

737

Than speak to the vendors, ask questions, become a reporter, dig for the truth. Now what makes you so valuable is your experience, because no one can buy it. No one can fake it, you either have your experience or you don’t. Now with that in mind, none of the vendors will be able to pull the wool over your face. Think about it, most of those involved with making purchasing decisions at your company probably don't even have to use what they buy. So they don’t have as big a vested interest in the success of the products or services as you do. Now that you have some info your ready to start showcasing your knowledge. Start by writing a synopsis of each product and service and then give your unique opinion. Obviously you should comment on those products and services that you have some basic knowledge with. An example would be; a new locking bolt for a machine that you know in detail. You'll know if it has a chance of working and what some of the difficulties using it would be. Next contact a couple of the advertised customers of the product and ask them about the concerns you have about the product.

738

Simple, walk around the trade show, pick a few products that you know something about. Write a paragraph or two about the products and then make a couple of calls to users of the product. Ask them a few questions record their answers, than your done. Now you can either write an article, or hire someone else to do it and submit the article to trade magazines. Send a copy to everyone who went to the trades show, and email it to your business contacts list. Vendors are always willing to give you customer contact info. and you can get the complete list of vendor attendees from the trade show sponsors. This is a simple and useful way to showcase tour knowledge and experience. It costs only a couple of dollars and shouldn't take more than 1 -2 hours time. But the result will last for a year or longer, you might even think about doing this every year. Vendors and customers of vendors may come to trust and than rely on your input. Remember you’re the expert, who's done some research and gained their trust.

739

· By the way.....do you see yourself as having Paid your Dues but maybe you haven't seen any extra Pay show up in your Pay Check? · Have you developed some ideas to improve a Process, Procedure or Method at work but you can’t seem to get the big bosses attention? · Would you be interested in learning how to charge and get $4 - $5,000 per month for the skills, knowledge and experience you already have? Go to Adapt on a Dime.com http://www.adaptonadime.com to take an assessment and find out if you can be become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry, or Field using the skills, knowledge and experience that you already have. Paul Godines Coaches Professionals to become High Priced Experts with the Skills, Knowledge and Experience they already have. Paul says "If you have trained another person than I can train you to become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry or Field"

740

How to Ace Phone Interviews At a time when there are more applications and resumes flooding into HR departments, the use of telephone interviewing as a screening mechanism is skyrocketing. Some of my clients are having trouble "selling" themselves in a brief telephone interview. The tools you need to achieve a successful result are somewhat different than those used for inperson meetings. First, you can't really gauge whether or not you have the interviewer's attention or if they are typing away at their blackberries while you respond to questions. Second, you can't determine if your answers are being favorably responded to since you cannot read their body language or see their facial responses. So what can you do to ace that phone interview? Here are some tips that can help you in these situations. 1. Phone interviews are usually by appointment. Make sure you are in a place that is quiet and not distracting, where you cannot be interrupted by a phone call, an email or another person. Treat this as you would an in-person interview. Sit up straight, take notes, and respond carefully and thoughtfully to questions. Focus on what they are saying and take your time when answering questions.

741

2. If you can, find out who will be calling you (HR or the hiring manager) and be prepared with the kinds of responses appropriate to this person's needs. For example, an HR professional will probably be more interested in knowing that you have the skills and experience they need in order to pass you along the hiring channels. The hiring person may ask more detailed questions about your experience, will be more results focused and will expect some experience stories to be part of the interview process. 3. Create some notes for yourself that can be used to respond to a series of questions, this ensures that you don't leave out talents or skills that might be important. Practice delivering answers to some of the more common questions like, tell me about yourself, why are you interested in this position, what are you looking for, etc. Do not memorize nor read your responses. Although rehearsed, they should sound spontaneous. Your answers should be geared to how your skills and experience are perfect for what they are looking for.

742

Equally important, be sure you have adequate answers to questions that might bring up some of your weaknesses such as employment gaps, layoffs, or short term tenures. They will be able to detect discomfort in your voice when asked those types of questions; a rehearsed reasonable response will allow the interview to continue. 4. Remember, this interview is also a discussion, not a monologue. Do not speak for more than a minute or so when answering questions. Always ask, does this answer your question or do you need further elaboration. Remember, the more you talk, the deeper a hole you might dig if that's not what the interviewer is looking for. 5. Unlike in-person interviews where enthusiasm can be conveyed by body language, sitting at the edge of your seat, smiling, or whatever you do to convey excitement, it's important that your voice is animated and that you occasionally pepper the conversation with positive upbeat comments about the company, the position, or whatever the interviewer is discussing.

743

6. When you feel that the interview is nearing the end, make sure you ask if there is anything that needs further clarification. Try to convey your interest about the job/company without sounding desperate. And as with any interview, always ask what the next steps are. I hope this helps in making a difficult task easier. Mary Rosenbaum is a career and transition coach, a lecturer on career issues and guest speaker on the Fox Business Network. Prior to transitioning into coaching, Mary founded and ran an executive recruitment firm for over 20 years. Her credentials include a Masters in Business Administration from NYU. Her career coaching includes job search strategies, interview coaching, networking strategies, job retention, branding, and all related career issues. Get more tips at http://careerandtransitioncoaching.com/pblog/ or contact her at [email protected]

744

Unemployed Managers - Get a Great Job Offer Without Using Your Resume In today's volatile employment market those in the middle management field are likely to become the most commonly unemployed. They are considered expendable, there considered indirect labor that actually costs the company money and doesn’t necessarily create the company any money. So for the manager it’s a deadly double edged sword, manager's work hard to become the expert's in their field. They have spent years or even decades accumulating experience that puts them in the highest non-executive income bracket. Only to become one of the most expendable employees, now wonder so many middle management professionals feel betrayed by their companies. So what can a manager do when their unemployed? What good is their experience when their unemployed? Who's likely to pay them for what they know? Take this moment and recognize that there are millions and millions of dollars and people still employed in your industry and maybe even hundreds in your former company.

745

Here are a few ways you can get some recognition from prospective employers without using your resume. · Contact a few Companies - ask to write a few articles for their company's newsletter. · Contact your Industry Magazine - offer to write an article for the magazine. · Do a Survey - send a survey to all of your industries companies and share the results with those same companies. · Give Speech's - offer to go to your industries companies and speak about their most difficult challenges and possible solutions. · Create an Audio CD - collect a few articles you have written and read them in your computer. Then put those on a CD, and then send them to those same companies. These are just a few ways you can reach out and touch hundreds of companies, without using your resume. Would you be interested in learning how to charge and get $4 - $5,000 per month for the skills, knowledge and experience you already have?

746

Go to Adapt on a Dime.com www.adaptonadime.com to take an assessment and find out if you can be become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry, or Field using the skills, knowledge and experience that you already have. Paul Godines Coaches Professionals to become High Priced Experts with the Skills, Knowledge and Experience they already have. Paul says "If you have trained another person than I can train you to become a High Priced Expert in your Career, Industry or Field"

747

Job Search Basics - Five Actions Job Seekers Must Take to Find the Job of Their Dreams There is a big payoff to a successful job search and that is finding your dream job. Imagine being asked to work at a job that seems totally suited to your skills and talents. Better still you find that the work environment of the company is one in which you know you will thrive. So how do you find that dream job? Starting out on the search probably feels like an uphill climb. There is so much information out there on job searches that it can be overwhelming. Having coached hundreds of people in the midst of a job search there are 5 things that will insure a successful job search. Do all 5 every time you apply for a job that matches your ideal job criteria and you are bound to find the perfect match.

748

The first step is that you must tailor the resume to the job requirements. Every job seeker has accomplishments from their current and previous job but not all accomplishments are applicable to the job they are applying for. Carefully choose the accomplishments that bolster the case that you are perfect for this new position. Your resume paints a picture of you and should give a very clear message about your strengths and skills. Get clear on your message. There are many times during the job search to reinforce your message. The second thing you must do during the search is to make yourself memorable to the hiring manager by continually emphasizing your message. This means the cover letter reinforces that you have the right skills for the job as does the thank you note(s), any telephone follow up, the interview and all interactions.

749

Once you have your resume for that particular job complete, review the strengths and skills that you have highlighted along with your accomplishments. The third important piece of the job search is to think of 4 or 5 stories that you could tell the interviewer to highlight your skills. Emphasize a time when that skill or strength was critical to your success. You will use those stories to help you to answer the interviewer's questions. Practice telling them so you can tell them clearly. The fourth strategy is to be sure to ask questions about the job and the company. Asking questions highlights your interest in the job and the company. This is the time for you to insure that this is really your dream job! Review your company research and your own criteria for the perfect job. Then write down your questions. Most interviewers ask the interviewee if he/she has any questions. Be sure to get your questions answered whether or not the interviewer asks for your questions!

750

Finally after the interview, be sure to send a thank you note. Hand written notes are more personal and in this day of email and instant messages they stand out as being different. If your writing is hard to read then a typed thank you note mailed through the postal service will stand out too. During times of plentiful jobs it is often easy to move from company to company without an intense search. If jobs are scarce however you may have to do a more active job search than you are used to. By implementing all 5 of these strategies you'll be in a better position to reap the benefits of finding that dream job you are looking for. Take Action 1. Update your resume with your most recent job and show 4 or 5 accomplishments of which you are proud. Be sure the accomplishments statements are examples of your key skills and strengths. 2. Write 4 or 5 stories to bolster your accomplishments that highlight your strengths and skills. 3. Write a description of your dream job so that you know it when you "see" it.

751

Alvah Parker is a Practice Advisor (The Attorneys' Coach) and a Career Changers' Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. Subscribe now to these free monthly publications at her website http://www.asparker.com/samples.html Parker's Value Program© enables her clients to find their own way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. Her clients are attorneys and people in transition who want to find work that is in line with their own life purpose. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388.

752

Best Job Search Techniques to Use in a Recession In a bad economy, many industries are negatively affected and competition for jobs increases. This makes using job boards (as your primary strategy) incredibly difficult and depressing, since this is where competition for positions is most fierce. You stand to increase your chances of landing multiple interviews through learning how to tap into what is called the "hidden" or "unadvertised" job market. Connecting with companies you are interested in directly (not in response to a posted position) is one powerful way to get an edge on the competition and pique the interest of potential employers you believe may be a match for you. If you have a plan that includes your target market, job titles and your geographic preferences, then you have enough information to begin researching what companies might fit you.

753

Most of the companies that you are going to feel meet your career objectives have open positions that have not been, and probably will not be advertised! However, if for whatever reason you need a job tomorrow, this is probably not the fastest way to land a job - but it is the best way to control your job search, secure quality interviews and receive better offers. So how do you specifically find companies? Well, with the internet, it's quite easy. One method is to simply Google your industry and geographic preference (you will be amazed at what you find). Your local business journal may have a best of list (Forbes has one too). Yahoo Finance and Manta represent two of dozens of great business resources where you can easily research companies within particular industries.

754

Don't have time to figure it all out? Visit a career association like Career Directors International to quickly find a resume or job search pro that specializes in developing research for you. Ok, you have your list, what next? Simply send a resume and a cover letter to a decision maker within each company. You will be best served if the decision maker you connect with is two to four levels above where you would see yourself in a position with them. You will want to research how to write a cover letter for this type of situation. Be sure to tell them genuinely why you are interested in working for them! Remember to follow up with a phone call. Don't worry that you are bothering them or that they don't have any open positions. You don't know either to be true! Stretch yourself, show your enthusiasm, creativity and initiative to quickly and successfully increase the number of companies interested in you!

755

Would you like to learn how to quickly and easily get more interviews, shorten your job search and increase your salary? Check out my website: http://www.maryelizabethbradford.com, for free articles, free resources and to sign up for my free audio mini-seminar "5 Simple Steps To Find, Focus On and WIN Your Dream Job - Starting Today!" Career marketing expert and nationally certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford is "The Career Artisan."

756

How to Be Successful at Job Interviews Another essential to help you land the career you have always wanted is to answer all the questions that your would-be employer might want to get from you. Interviews are also important so they will know how well do you converse and may straight away judge according to how well you will answer the questions thrown at you. Follow these easy steps to become successful at your job interview: 1. Know the company. Gather all the necessary background you need about the company you are applying to in order for you to be prepared to answer the questions. Knowing a great deal about the company will make the conversation going and be more interesting for both parties. Don't hesitate to research the company website or other materials to extract information. You can also contact your would be employer and ask details about the position that you will be applying for.

757

2. Watch your grooming. Wear the appropriate clothes when going to an interview. Your good grooming counts well enough and reflects your personality to your would be employer/ evaluator. Usually, clothes that will fit in to this endeavor would be formal or informal attire. 3. Prepare yourself for the interview. Arrive at the designated venue on time. As a rule you need to be there 15 minutes early in order for you to sort things out before the interview. Provided you don't know of some other necessary details, it is best that you ask or contact hours ahead of the interview so as not to delay it on the time itself. To be polite, always remember to get to know the name of your interviewer and bring a copy of your resume and other references just in case they might be needed again. 4. Be yourself. During the interview it might help to stay calm and natural in order for you to think well and answer all the questions asked. Smile. If you are not getting a question clearly, never hesitate to ask for clarifications in order for you to be sure to answer each question well.

758

5. Don't forget the handshake. After the interview, always remember to say 'thank you' and shake the hand of your interviewer and state again your interest to apply for the position. Arnold Santos is a copywriter of professionally managed Singapore jobs Portal and online marketing service in Singapore which is the best way to market products and services in Southeast Asian region. We also provide a PMP mock examination for all professional interested to have PMP certification.

759

Smile, You're on Video Conference! Overcoming Obstacles When Job Interviewing It's all the rage especially if your company is doing a little belt tightening and you can score some points by saving a few bucks. Instead of paying for travel expenses and spending your free time wining and dining a lot of potential job candidates, what about speeding up the time consuming process by conducting the interview during a video conference that is inexpensive by comparison? Companies can save time until they've narrowed the search and job seekers can try to impress without traveling to all corners of the globe. After all, universities offer video conference lecture series and companies frequently use the technology to hold global meetings. In fact, a study on web conferencing quoted in HR Magazine shows the market jumping nearly 300 percent between 2005 and 2011, to $2.9 billion. So clearly, the technology is certainly gaining popularity. The question is: to whose advantage?

760

While there are clearly benefits, from where I sit as a communications coach, there are also a host of barriers that prevent job candidates from feeling at ease and making their best impression. How can you possibly connect with someone and make them feel who you really are if you can't shake their hand and look them directly in the eye? It's like buying a car without taking it for a test drive. Given that first impressions are critical, if the job applicant is unfamiliar with the technology, appears nervous or looks off, then decision makers may form incorrect impressions. Then there's the lighting issue. If the lighting isn't good, the applicant can look pasty or washed out. Additionally, there are often delays as video and audio are compressed and transmitted between locations. So, that means people unknowingly talk over each other or try to fill the silence without realizing that those on the other end of the connection are still listening to someone's response. On the other side of the screen, interviewers often forget that they are also visible and need to make a good impression. That means no slouching, checking e-mail; leafing through magazines and making potential employees feel as if they're boring you.

761

Like any interview or presentation, the key to success is for both sides to prepare in advance. The first step would be to set up a phone call and talk about videoconferencing etiquette. PHONE PRIMERS - Before the interview, the company should schedule a phone call with the applicant to explain video protocol. For example, tell them how the room will be set up, who will be there, where to look, how wide the video image will be or what technical issues could arise. Can they interrupt? Who will hear them? Will there be feedback or delay time? What's the format and how much time will they have? It's up to the company to send a message that says they want the interview to be successful for the prospect.

762

THINK TV - Appearing for a video interview is a bit like being on TV. You have to connect with people you can't see so it's important to engage your audience quickly. In most cases, you want to look directly into the camera so you seem completely attentive to the people on the other side of the screen. The trick is to appear natural and not over focus on the camera which is very hard for an untrained person to do. Instead, pretend that camera is one person. As a former television reporter, I used to speak to more than one million people every evening. By pretending the camera was my Mom or a friend, it was easier to speak from the heart and focus on the information I wanted to convey. It's also important to gesture and use your hands so you're animated, but movements can be magnified on the screen so aim for smaller, smoother movements.

763

DRESS FOR SUCCESS - What looks good in your mirror doesn't always translate to the big screen. The number one rule is to wear what makes you feel good as long as it doesn't distract from your message. For women, that means leaving big earrings, frilly tops and clunky jewelry at home. But putting on some lipstick, eyeliner and a little blush will prevent you from looking washed out. Both sexes should avoid small patterns like checks and tweeds which can "bleed" on screen. As for colors, warm bright colors typically look great, but if that's not your style, think contrast such as a white shirt with a navy blazer as opposed to just a white shirt. And men, a viewer's eye will go straight to your tie, so make it a good one! Finally, find out what the background is. If you're up against a green screen and you wear green, oops, you'll disappear. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT - Set up a video camera and practice with a pal who can ask you questions and offer feedback. Play it back and check your body language, expressions and pace. Are you talking too fast? Are you speaking loud enough? Do you look friendly and approachable?

764

While videoconferencing should not replace face to face interviewing, as technology gets easier, so will video interviewing. And the job of tomorrow may very well come down to the person who seems at ease on camera. Copyright (c) 2009 Karen Friedman Karen Friedman is an international communications coach and award winning television reporter who helps executives, spokespeople and celebrities shine in every interview, appearance and presentation. President, Karen Friedman Enterprises and co-author of Speaking of Success, she is frequently quoted by publications including the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Details: http://www.karenfriedman.com

765

Interview Savvy - 5 Smart Things Job Seekers Do to Build Relationships and Win the Job In a tough economic climate, corporations and organizations can be slower to hire and often require prospective hires to go through numerous interviews. Why does this happen, and more importantly, how can you best prepare for this possibility as a job seeker? First the why: Because so much of work today is collaborative, companies want to make sure that many people have an opportunity to meet the different candidates and evaluate who they'd be able to work with the best. And with unemployment at high levels, unfortunately for job seekers, it's a buyer's market and companies can hold out for the top candidate. Now the how: If you're going through the process, these five relationship-building strategies can bolster your chances of becoming that top candidate:

766

1) Find out if any of your current contacts knows the people you have interviewed with or will interview with. This is most easily done if you've started to build your network on LinkedIn because you'll be able to type in someone's name and find out who in your network might be a mutual connection. Your contact might be able to give some insight about your interviewers, or perhaps even be willing to make a recommendation on your behalf via email or phone. 2) Prep for your next interview by asking your interviewers, "Who else is involved in the interviewing process? Is there anything you can tell me about them?" You may learn of a hot button issue you can be sure to address. 3) Get a business card from each interviewer so you have full contact information to send a thank you note or email after the interview, as well as for future contact if you don't get the job.

767

4) Always be upbeat in every interaction with a prospective employer. Never complain that the process is taking too long (no one wants to work with a squeaky wheel), but of course let them know of other offers you've received in the meantime (don't lie about this because they may call your bluff and you'll be worse off!). 5) If you don't get the job, send a note to everyone you interviewed with , thanking them for all of their help and letting them know where you ended up. Include your new business card so you can both keep in touch going forward. While you can't change the process a company decides to follow for its interviewing process, these five strategies can help you maximize your chances for coming out on top. If in the end you don't get the job, your efforts will still payoff big-time in the form of strong connections that can be there to help you in the future.

768

Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

769

Job Search Networking For Young Professionals - 5 Strategies for Maximizing Face-to-Face Networking While browsing online job boards is easy because it doesn't require you to shower, get out of your pajamas, or actually talk to anybody, networking face-to-face with potential employers can have a lot more impact. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that more than 70 percent of all jobs are found through networking. While you may be tempted to bank on that 30% chance, finding a job quickly in a tough economic climate, will require you to do more than the average candidate. Professional association events are great places to start meeting people in the specific industry you're trying to break into. Here are five strategies for maximizing your results. 1) Arrive early. If you're new to networking or not very comfortable with it, it can be intimidating to walk into a room full of strangers. When you arrive early, however, you'll find it easier to start conversations with both event organizers who are waiting for the event to start, as well as other early birds.

770

2) Volunteer to help with the event. Not only might you get in for free, you'll also have more visibility with the attendees. For example, if you volunteer to work the registration table or hand out nametags, you'll have a chance of meeting everybody who comes in. 3) Join the program committee. This group puts the events together and helps book speakers, and getting involved with them will give you an important role at the event. Often, speakers are the big wigs in the industry and it's easier to introduce yourself to them when it's your job at the event, rather than when you're just one of hundreds of attendees. 4) Have plenty of business cards ready. You want an easy way to hand out your contact information, so if you don't have business cards, get some printed inexpensively at your local copy shop or online at sites like Vistaprint.

771

5) Ask questions. The great thing about being young is you can pretend not to know everything even if you think you do. Older people love to give career advice to the younger set, so use that as an opening for any networking you want to do. Ask about their career path, how they made decisions about what to do next, and what suggestions they might have for you. Not only might you get some valuable information, you'll also build rapport, which is important fuel at the start of any relationship. As efficient as online networking can seem to be, nothing beats a face-to-face event for making contact quickly with lots of potential employers. Employ these five strategies and you'll be networking like a pro even if you've never done it before.

772

Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

773

Job Search Tactics - 3 Ways to Leverage Your Network to Find an Adult Internship Internships aren't just for students. They can also be a smart career move for more experienced professionals to expand their knowledge or take a step towards a different career. In a tight economy, internships can also be a great way to get into a company that might not be hiring for full-time positions, but still need extra hands on deck for a specific initiative or to lighten the burden on overworked staff. And you'll be well-positioned when the hiring doors do re-open. Finding an internship might not be easy, however, and will likely require working your network. Here are some ways to get them involved productively: Get feedback on your story

774

Talk through with some trusted connections how you'd like to position yourself so you have a coherent story to tell about what you've done and where you want to go. While hiring managers might cut high school seniors some slack for not knowing exactly what they to be when they grow up, they probably won't give you as much benefit of the doubt. Talking through your story with different people in your network can help you find the best way to articulate it so it's powerful and compelling, and you have great confidence in telling it. Get insight into the industry and advice on your target list If you're trying to break into a new industry, it helps to talk to people in your network who've worked in it. They can give feedback on which companies might be most receptive and which job titles of people to focus on. Ask them to make introductions

775

If they have close relationships with people who work at your target companies, they may feel comfortable making an introduction for an informational interview. Alternatively, if they are involved in a professional association, perhaps they can bring you as a guest to an upcoming event where you can meet key folks in person. In addition to the experience that an internship can give you, don't forget that it can also be a great platform for expanding your network into a new industry or even building relationships with specific people at a company. Doing outstanding work can attract positive attention and you'll have additional connections you can tap into for future goals.

776

Liz Lynch is author of "Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online" (McGraw-Hill, 2008). A top networking strategist, she's appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today, as well as on ABC News, Fox Business News, CNBC.com and Businessweek.com. Liz holds an engineering degree from UC Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University, and worked for some of the top companies in their fields-Goldman Sachs, Disney, Time Warner--before becoming an entrepreneur. To learn how to PROPERLY leverage your connections to get your next job FAST, visit http://www.SmartNetworkingBook.com To learn more about Liz and her company, the Center for Networking Excellence, visit http://www.NetworkingExcellence.com

777

Job Loss - Five Strategies for Taking Action after Job Loss When you have lost a job, particularly one you have held for a long period of time, it is extremely important to deal with the emotional upheaval and stress first. You need to eat balanced meals, exercise, get plenty of sleep, and stay connected with trusted family and friends. And, because your mind tends to chatter day and night with messages of fear, you need to spend some time acknowledging your strengths, abilities and values. Taking the time to do this will affirm your internal sense of worth, and build the foundation for taking action. Now, it is time to take the bull by the horns. One day at a time. These five strategies for taking action will help smooth out the process of attaining your goal of gainful employment in a job you love.

778

*

Get organized. Set up an area in your house reserved

for your job search. Create a plan, take lots of notes, and keep good files. When you have a handle on the daily tasks of life, you will feel more positive and peaceful. Don't try to keep everything in your head. Save your thoughts for more creative and pleasurable things. *

Do your most difficult tasks at the start of your day

when you are well rested. Most of us tend to put these tasks off, which only produces more stress. *

Going for that interview? Rehearse! Envision yourself

in the room, plan what you will say, anticipate the questions, and see the success of a great interview and job offer. Being prepared reduces stress, and the vision of success creates confidence. *

Take breaks and allow time for fun. For every hour

you work, allow yourself 15 minutes of break time in order to maintain peak performance. Think of the adage "work smarter, not harder." Know your limits. Do not spend more than six hours each day dealing with planned tasks; you will find yourself working past the point of diminishing returns.

779

*

Assess your thoughts and beliefs in regard to your

job search. When you can view this as a challenge to your creative thinking, obstacles appearing in your path can be handled with less mind chatter, and less stress. You have taken charge. You know that you are responsible for making your life what you want it to be. Making decisions and taking action gives you a sense of power and is a strong positive re-enforcement to your feelings of self-worth. You are up for the challenge. Decide what you want and go for it! Georgia Feiste is a career, business and personal life coach, writer, and workshop facilitator creating a safe space for people wanting to make significant changes in life. Georgia is owner of Collaborative Transitions, located in Lincoln, NE. Her website is: http://collaborativetransitions.com

780

Job Seekers on Edge - The Top 5 Craziest With unemployment rates soaring and job seekers in abundance, is it just me or are we starting this year a little on edge? As a career services professional, I have come across more manic, depressed, and generally angry people over the last several months than I have ever experienced. And I have to say that I am starting to get very concerned. Don't get me wrong. I love working with job seekers. That is why I do what I do! Each year, I have the privilege of serving about 600 people. And it is very rewarding to know that I can play a part in assisting someone in finding their next job, be it through creating a resume, setting a job search strategy, or working on retainer as they go through their job search ups and downs. Like any job that deals with the public directly, however, you always come across a few candidates who, let's just say, have much deeper issues than needing a new job. It's one of the challenges of my line of work. But starting back in October, right about when the big bank bailout bash came to a head, I started noticing a disturbing trend. Clients were facing more strain and anxiety than ever before.

781

And with the freedom that e-mail seems to bring to people, they started coming out of the gate, swinging, not just at me but at anything they could get their hands on. To give you an idea of the kinds of things I've seen, here are the top 5 e-mails I've received. (Keep in mind that in each of these cases, these conversations took place before any service was delivered. We were in the "getting to know you" phase.): ? Job Seeker #1: He had a unique request for his resume: "I'll give you bonus points if you use the word 'beguile' in my resume because that's what I do, deceive prospective clients into buying whatever [expletive] I'm asked to sell." At first, I thought he was joking, but no, he insisted that beguile be used in the resume. ? Job Seeker #2: He sent me a breakdown of his employment history: "2006-2007: RECOVERING FROM SELF-INFLICTED GUNSHOT WOUND. God IS CRUEL - why didn't he take me?"

782

Sadly, he too was not kidding. ? Job Seeker #3: This client decided that the upfront approach was the best way to start out our relationship together: "Let me be clear. I'm only doing this because my wife thinks it can't hurt. I've been out of work for 4 months. I just gave you the grocery money, so my kids are now starving. I bet you think that is pretty funny, huh?" Let's just say that I promptly returned this gentleman's money. ? Job Seeker #4: Apparently, this client was looking for converts: "This may not help my efforts with you but: May you come to know the love of Satan. Best regards, Joe" ? Job Seeker #5: In response to a question that I posed regarding his goals: "I love nuclear weapons. Maybe I will get to see one go off someday."

783

And just for good measure, here is one more: Job Seeker #6, another one who wanted to let me know the terms upfront: "I placed a curse on my last resume writer. I told him that when something terribly bad happens to him, he should think of me." Of course, as with any form of e-mail correspondence, you never know how seriously to take these things, but unless I am just experiencing some kind of Twilight Zone moment in which I just happened to enter into the realm of craziness, I suspect that these correspondences (and other milder ones I've received) are just a reflection of the general frustration that has swept many people, job seekers in particular. As a resume writer and job search coach, I've been through unemployment highs before. And they are always difficult, to say the least, but one thing I know for sure: bitterness, extreme anxiety, paranoia, rage...bad characteristics to bring into a job search, even if you are just speaking with your resume writer.

784

You know, maybe now more than ever is the time for job seekers to come together, to put into action some of that spirit of unity that was so highly talked about on during Inauguration Day. After all, group job hunting has consistently been touted as one of the most effective ways for job seekers to find out about job opportunities and to build their network. So why not channel that frustration into something productive? So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable? My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have been in the career consulting business since 2002 with 8 years of hiring experience prior to that.

785

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional resume writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 6 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals. I know that my products will work for you because they are based on common-sense principles leveraged with good, solid expertise and knowledge of the job search process. After working with countless job seekers, I have become more and more convinced that most of them do not properly prepare for a job search and rely way too much on online sites and trendy articles to tell them what to do. Thus, they waste a lot of time, money, and energy. If you still aren't sure whether our services are right for you, feel free to give me a call toll-free at 1-866-755-9800 or better yet, sign up to receive my free Job Search Advice eGuide today.

786

In February 2009, I am launching a new group job hunting networking site: Noddle Place. Check it out at http://www.noddleplace.com

787

Why Recruiters Are Good and How They Can Help You If you are one of those people that think recruiters are bad and try desperately to avoid them, you may want to think again! Here's why: Recruiter Fact #1: Recruiters work directly with companies (I am not talking about a headhunter now, I am talking about an individual who works for a recruitment firm). Because recruiters work directly with companies it is the company that provides them with a list of jobs and job descriptions. You can expect that if you are contacted by a recruiter, they have a real opportunity for you. Recruiter Fact #2: Recruiters are always working with your wants and needs in mind. Their goal is to find the perfect candidate to fill a position. If they didn't think you were truly a fit, they wouldn't waste their time or yours. Their goal is accuracy.

788

Recruiter Fact #3: Most recruiters only get paid if you work out at that position. A recruiter will not put you into a company or place you at a job they don't think you will like because if you leave that company after a short period of time, they lose their commission! Recruiter Fact #4: Recruiters don't always disclose the name of the company you will be interviewing at until the interview to protect you! Believe it or not, recruiters hold more power over a company and have more fight in them than you do. If they told you what company you would be interviewing at without pre-qualifying you first, you may decide to go out and apply to that company on your own. Recruiters don't release the name of the company because if they work with you in landing that job, you will more than likely have a higher pay salary and get a few extras such as benefits and stock options. Recruiter Fact #5: Recruiters are always there for you. If you aren't happy at a position, if your contract runs out, or even if you are laid off, they will be there to help you get back to work! Tanya Willette, http://www.inovahire.com

789

INDEX* A ABC News 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 abilities 30, 88, 97, 104-6, 110, 117, 127, 140, 145, 152, 176, 194, 196, 205, 232, 262 [5] accountant 48, 60, 221 Ace Phone Interviews 15, 394 acquaintances 37, 232, 245-6, 301-2 addition 44, 51, 57, 61, 94-5, 104-5, 110, 125, 130, 133-4, 1389, 177, 179, 182-3, 265-6, 341-2 [4] adjunct professors 104 adjustments 107, 123-4, 242 Admin Jobs 28, 299, 318, 320, 357-8 administration 341 ads 18, 87, 214, 220-1, 258

790

wanted 219-21, 348-9 age 33, 42, 57, 73, 109, 277, 281-2, 389-90 agency 19, 69, 311-12, 317-18, 356, 388 answer interview questions 13, 298 answers 21, 28, 64, 73, 87, 95-9, 124, 143, 230, 235, 266, 297-9, 334-5, 343-5, 394-5, 402-3 [17] applications 19, 30, 118, 161, 183, 202, 262-3, 292, 297, 394 applying 18, 20, 22, 29, 44, 55, 72, 77, 155, 162, 195-6, 218-19, 250, 360-1, 377, 403 [9] articles, next 130, 134, 137, 139 aspx 28, 299, 318, 320, 357-8 assistant, administrative 22, 171, 324, 326 automated job search agents 48-9 B babysitting 80

791

Bauer, Jack 186-7 Best High Paying Part Time Jobs 6, 25 Best Job Search Techniques 15, 400 Best Secure and High-Paying Jobs and Careers 11, 210 blogs 35, 175, 238, 271, 337-8, 380, 382-3, 387, 389 blog.The InterviewEdge.com 38, 68, 76, 186, 189, 200, 215, 243, 247 boards 28, 214, 217, 219, 244-5, 303, 323 bonus 12, 285-6 bookkeeping 51 boss 30, 42, 87, 117-18, 140-1, 149, 151, 159, 232, 282-3, 297 branches 62, 113, 115, 279 brand, personal 384-5 break 27, 85, 90, 102, 141, 241, 280, 283, 370, 409, 412-13 builders 60-1

792

business 51, 82-4, 102, 131-2, 141-2, 163, 165, 167, 216-17, 219-21, 234, 306, 311-12, 327-8, 334, 349 [41] local 83-4 business cards 19, 34, 39, 87, 178, 234, 254, 308, 334, 408, 410 business development 185, 364 business online, successful 210-11 business owner 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266, 292, 314, 351 business problems 94, 265 business world 162-3 Businessweek.com 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 C C3 9, 130-1, 139, 180 camera 226, 405-6 Canada 6, 45

793

candidates 24, 43, 66, 74-5, 114, 125, 146, 157, 167, 184, 1878, 220, 223, 292-3, 321-3, 361-5 [7] cards 150, 174, 192, 234, 283, 303, 334, 362, 386 the Career Artisan 90-1, 121, 171, 402 career change 52, 110, 141-3, 154, 309, 340, 356 Career Change Tips 142-3 career counselors 191 career fairs 272-3, 307-8 career fields 142, 276 career goals, long term 170, 173 career management 38, 68, 76, 186, 189, 200, 215, 243, 247 career opportunities 44, 57, 95, 130, 133-4, 138-9, 149, 161, 177, 179, 182, 266 career research 154, 170 career sites 205, 218

794

career tests 154 careers 11-12, 50-1, 119-20, 138-9, 148-54, 160-1, 186-7, 18992, 205-6, 212, 228-9, 276-8, 307-9, 341-2, 344, 390-1 [52] personally-satisfying 141, 384 recession-proof 12, 275-6 certification 51-2, 213 certified advanced resume writer Mary Elizabeth 90-1, 121, 171, 402 certified professional résumé writer, see CPRW change 20, 29, 52, 62, 67, 72-3, 93, 102, 105, 109, 152, 188, 217, 226, 236, 336 [13] change jobs 154, 389 channels 122-4, 194, 282-3, 287, 417 classes 104, 115, 146, 233, 279, 282, 333 classified ads 11, 219-20

795

clients 26, 33, 36, 51, 77, 86, 114, 122, 125, 141, 158, 160, 174, 227-8, 400, 415-16 [7] climbers 135 clothes 172, 362, 403 CNBC.com 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 co-workers 118, 140-1, 284, 287, 289, 343, 352, 385-7 coaches, personal life 339, 342, 344, 414 Collaborative Transitions, owner of 339, 342, 344, 414 college 104, 162, 295, 374 college students 162-3, 300, 373-4 Collie, Dale 237-8, 337 color, best 307-8 companies 29-31, 45-7, 53-6, 111-16, 129-33, 138-41, 162-3, 176-7, 254-7, 262-6, 320-3, 328-32, 359-62, 395-9, 401-5, 417-19 [72] big-name 24

796

contact 263 hiring 63, 320 large 22, 311 oil 45, 50 respective 94, 265 target 64, 234, 255, 334, 412 top 254, 256, 272, 323, 408, 410, 412 traded 198 truck rental 25, 188, 288, 290, 315, 365, 417 Companies Insist 13, 320 companies interview 114 companies name 131 competitors 38-9, 95, 129, 131-2, 176, 181, 266 conferences 1, 253-4

797

confidence 70, 73, 83, 105-6, 108, 110, 118, 143, 281, 296, 411, 413 confident 73, 82, 97, 100, 103, 106, 110, 150, 188-9, 226, 248, 261, 281, 298-9 connections 34, 38, 114, 127, 142, 178, 207, 254-6, 267, 272, 295, 305-6, 354, 367, 409-10, 412 [4] cons 11, 219-21 consultant 85, 245, 354, 367, 369, 371, 373 contact network, warm 142 contacts 21, 37, 89, 103-4, 129-30, 142-3, 194, 255-6, 280, 28990, 314-15, 349-50, 364, 386, 396-7, 407-8 [27] warm 9, 141-3 control 54-5, 62, 105, 121, 133, 173, 177, 189, 219, 285, 304, 370, 382-3, 385, 401 Controller 198 convenience 53, 368

798

conversations 66, 83, 113, 132, 145, 175, 178, 189, 199, 224-5, 246, 254, 262, 304, 395, 403 [1] Corporate America 162-3, 216 country 45, 49, 54, 58, 101, 160, 331, 374, 376, 387 couple 51, 87, 126, 173, 228, 236-7, 286, 311-12, 316, 335, 337, 364, 385, 392-3 couragebuilders.com 237-8, 337 courses 102-5, 212 CPRW (certified professional résumé writer) 25, 188, 231, 288, 290, 315, 365, 417 Craig's List 348 Craigslist 250, 258, 277 credit 7, 65-6, 338 cruise ship 26, 250 curriculum vitae 14, 318, 358 customer service 127, 137, 226, 303, 341

799

Customer Service Jobs and Data Entry Jobs 28, 299, 318, 320, 357-8 CV 72-3, 262-3 D days 18-19, 26, 32, 42, 46, 71-2, 74-6, 80, 109, 150, 155, 167, 180, 190, 282, 293-4 [9] decision-maker 55-6, 128-30, 175-81 decisions, discriminatory compensation 297-8 degree 25, 51, 73, 156, 182-3, 187, 190, 196, 207, 212-13, 288, 290, 302, 315, 322, 365 [1] engineering 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 dental assistant jobs 14, 351-2 designations 3 desperation 8, 115-17, 289 development 78-9, 87, 104, 198, 244, 294, 341, 388

800

difference 18, 105, 131, 149, 178, 180, 184-5, 192, 215, 264, 274, 307, 310, 314, 316, 351 [2] Diligence 9, 130-1, 139, 176, 180 dinner 286, 291 Disney 250, 255-6, 272, 408, 410, 412 Distinctive Career Services 275, 277 dream job 14, 41-2, 66, 89, 91-3, 120-1, 125, 131, 145, 149, 171, 281, 330, 346-7, 398-400, 402 dress 15, 19, 62, 70, 81, 172, 307, 347, 362, 376-7, 406 dress style 377 driving motivators 120-1 E e-mail 118, 128-30, 147, 227, 308, 313, 385, 405, 415 ear 359, 362 economy 8, 12, 23-4, 41, 44, 46, 52, 57, 76, 95-6, 105-6, 113, 138-9, 207-10, 281, 369 [20]

801

education 31, 104, 166, 205, 212, 233, 251-2, 276, 333, 347, 349 email extension 375 employees 20, 29, 47, 54, 56, 64-5, 75, 79, 125, 131-2, 220-1, 276, 296-8, 311-12, 329, 375 [17] good 75 employers 21, 42-4, 48, 65, 111-15, 151-2, 167-8, 203-6, 220-1, 261-3, 327-8, 340-1, 352-3, 355, 361-2, 402-3 [29] employment 11, 21, 24, 51, 68-70, 141, 144, 158, 160-1, 193-4, 207, 221, 231-2, 246, 274, 321-2 [4] employment information 160-1 employment superheroes 14, 363, 365 energy 60, 88, 107, 110, 118, 151, 205, 238-9, 307-8, 312, 365, 417 engineers 45, 49-50, 60-1, 324 entry-level jobs interviews 162

802

executives, corporate 235-6, 335-6 expectations 151-2, 308, 321-2 expenses 210, 323, 338-9, 366, 368 experience 30-1, 63-4, 82-3, 108-10, 127, 161-3, 182-3, 193-6, 198, 212-13, 236-7, 240-1, 260-3, 303-5, 335-7, 390-7 [37] life 166 expert, health technology 354, 367, 369, 371, 373 expertise 35, 52, 80, 87, 112-13, 122, 196, 199, 203, 205, 213, 218, 226, 241-2, 244, 271 F Facebook 38, 62, 85, 116, 122, 125, 190, 207, 253, 258, 280, 313-15, 345, 380, 382 family 58, 62, 76, 108, 114, 128, 140-2, 210, 216-17, 222, 224, 227-8, 234-5, 300-3, 334, 370 [6] fee 19, 54, 86, 169, 171, 316, 348-9 Feiste, Georgia 339, 342, 344, 414

803

Figure Jobs 10, 169 finance 48, 51, 165, 168, 342 Financial Freedom 208, 210-11 Find Jobs 13, 217 Find Jobs Hiring 14, 368 Find Travel Jobs 11, 249 Finding Jobs 7, 71 firsthand 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 fit 31, 63-4, 72, 91, 113-14, 170, 187, 192, 194-5, 219, 235, 305, 312, 331, 334-5, 364 [3] format 42-3, 351, 405 electronic 42, 48-9 founder of Distinctive Career Services 275, 277 Fox Business News 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 Free Insider information 354, 367, 369, 371, 373

804

free Job Search Advice eGuide 365, 417 FREE job search articles 117, 196 Free Teleseminar Resume 274, 308 frustration 115, 118, 126, 202, 416-17 fundamentals 172, 174 G garden centres 82-3 goals 25, 39, 77, 145-6, 151, 164, 188, 195, 198-9, 235, 255-6, 321, 335, 347, 412-13, 416-18 [13] Goldman Sachs 255-6, 272, 408, 410, 412 Google 61, 73, 89, 250, 268, 271, 381, 384, 401 Government job 7, 68, 161 government website 161 GovernmentJobs.com 68-9 graduates 160, 183, 373

805

group job hunting 13, 25, 188, 286-90, 315, 365, 417 groups 18, 123, 131, 137, 194, 218, 223, 267, 275, 287, 410 growth opportunities 88-9, 171 guides, tour 26-7, 250 H Hampton Roads 252 hang 117, 235, 335, 364 headhunters, executive 7, 46-7 health 105, 183, 229, 348, 354, 367, 372-3, 379 Health Care 353-4, 372 Health Concierge 354, 367, 369-71, 373 Health Concierge Jobs 354, 369, 373 healthcare 252, 284, 353, 368, 370, 372, 387-8 HIAT (High Impact Advisory Team) 9, 129, 131, 134, 137, 176

806

High Impact Advisory Team, see HIAT high-paying jobs 11, 210 High Priced Experts 390-1, 393, 397 Hints 1, 5, 17-19 hiring 11, 23, 45, 57, 91, 97, 101, 117, 161, 168, 203, 208-9, 211-12, 220-1, 311-12, 322-3 [11] hiring experience, corporate 25, 187, 288, 290, 315, 365 hiring managers 37, 62-4, 66-7, 75, 87, 96, 117, 124-5, 145, 187, 189, 196, 218, 220, 241, 249 [7] hiring range 321-2 hobbies 82-3, 107, 280 home 52, 67, 103, 128, 135, 139, 144, 172, 207, 211, 291, 317, 354, 359, 366-70, 373 [9] home-based business earning 21-2 home jobs 153-4, 316, 326, 368, 370 host of social networking sites 289, 345

807

Hot Job Search Tips 12, 281 I implementation 122-3, 294 impression 70, 98, 100, 103, 105, 131, 143, 172, 188-9, 193, 197, 254, 362, 379, 405 impressions, first 10, 188, 206, 307, 361, 377, 405 income 21-2, 59, 104-5, 201, 207, 317, 339 individuals 18, 44, 46-7, 57, 94-5, 112, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 163, 177, 179, 265-6, 274-5, 332 [2] industries 60-1, 89-90, 102, 120-2, 136-7, 169-71, 180-3, 234, 236-7, 240, 242-4, 279-80, 334, 336, 341-3, 391 [38] healthcare 369-70 industries companies 397 initiatives, strategic 293-4 intern 162

808

internet 12, 18, 22, 41, 63, 72, 81, 89, 166, 209, 257, 268-9, 2778, 356, 380, 383-4 [18] internships 79, 127, 162-3, 281-2, 411-12 summer 163 interview 6-9, 38-40, 63-4, 66-7, 85-7, 114, 171-7, 192-3, 195-8, 205-6, 234-5, 298-9, 333-4, 360-3, 395, 402-8 [48] in-person 394-5 informational 146, 228, 256, 412 mock 262, 304 telephone 229-31, 394 traditional 175, 177, 180 interview coaching 231, 396 Interview Edge 38, 68, 76, 185, 189, 200, 215, 243, 247 interview experience 162 interview expert 235, 335

809

interview preparation 86, 310 interview process 292, 347, 394 interview questions 46, 192, 361 interview skills 55, 252 interview stage 185, 202 interviewee 378, 399 interviewer 38-40, 64, 70, 86, 97-8, 100-1, 103, 131, 157, 1726, 361-2, 377-9, 395, 399, 403, 408 [9] interviewer's questions 87, 399 interviewing 23, 56, 64, 66, 75, 86, 131, 168, 175-6, 223, 293, 305, 328, 361, 406, 418-19 interviewing process 408 inventory, personal 94-5, 264, 266 J Jane 225

810

Jean 109-10, 377 Jesus 38-9 Job Applications 70, 144, 154-5 job boards 18, 35, 87-8, 90-1, 171, 215, 218, 284, 295, 400 job hunt 50, 54, 70, 93, 107-8, 202, 267, 269, 279-80, 284, 292, 348, 350 job hunters 105, 107-8, 273 job hunting 11-12, 51, 69, 71, 147, 219, 261, 279-80, 292, 380 Job Hunting Tips 13-14, 357 Job Interviewing 15, 404 job interviews 8, 15, 49, 70, 87, 111-12, 115, 117, 119, 141, 144, 155-6, 172, 178, 376-8, 402-3 [5] job listing sites 209 job listings 18, 54, 57, 153-4, 250, 376 Job Loss 16, 338, 413

811

job market 14, 24, 34, 51, 77, 105-6, 216, 227, 233, 252, 255-6, 258, 276, 281, 295-6, 360 [1] hidden 13, 274, 300-1 job online 14, 49, 53, 319, 351, 359, 390 job openings 21-2, 26, 29, 55, 118, 130, 141, 174, 184, 214, 236, 254, 280, 304-5, 336, 353-4 [2] job postings 69, 191, 206, 256 job requirements 92, 259-60, 398 job search 6-15, 19-21, 35-7, 65, 88-92, 96, 105-9, 118-21, 186, 204-5, 231-4, 257-8, 264-7, 333-4, 388-9, 398-9 [51] grueling 233, 333 key elements of successful 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 packet of FREE 117, 196 Job Search Basics 15, 398 job search campaign 117, 122, 124

812

Job Search Coach 35-6, 89, 91, 121, 171, 416 job search databases 366 Job Search During 11, 227 job search efforts 64, 110, 144 Job Search Engines 14, 153, 355 Job Search Madness 6, 23 job search methods, traditional 53, 353 job search mode 35 job search network 13, 253, 288 Job Search Networking 13, 15, 295, 409 Job Search Networking Tactics 1, 12, 253, 255 Job Search Options 9, 126 job search process 93, 96, 126, 256, 365, 417 job search results 6, 20, 93

813

job search sites 14, 154, 325-6, 359 job search skills 106, 231, 309-10 Job Search Stalled 10, 200 job search strategies 13-14, 24, 87, 107, 257, 275, 277, 295, 338, 340, 342, 396, 415 job search success 13, 105, 308, 310 personal 310 job search tactics 16, 117, 196, 365, 411 Job Search Techniques 1, 5 Job Search Time Management 11, 214 Job Search Tips 8, 13, 88, 286, 288 Job Search Tips and Ideas 15, 388 Job Search Tools 154, 156 job search websites 20, 300, 350, 388 Job Search Woes 9, 147

814

Job Searchers 8, 109, 181 job searching 6, 12, 27, 127, 137, 221, 230, 274-7 job seekers 6, 14-15, 23, 63-4, 94-6, 121-2, 232, 265-6, 287-90, 302, 313, 315, 344-5, 363-7, 407, 414-17 [26] job sites 14, 18-19, 53-4, 72-3, 92-3, 218, 285, 287, 352, 355 best 54 niche 73 Job- Step 130, 132, 134, 139 job transfer letter 6, 28-30 JobOversight.com 69 jobs advertised 87, 224, 300, 310 best 11, 49, 80, 208, 369-70 camp counselor 33 clinical 367

815

current 105, 107, 117-18, 158, 279 decent 182-3 executive level 169 freelance 250, 374 full-time 83, 107, 133, 180, 201, 252, 257-8 great 21-2, 33, 117, 163, 197, 300, 352-3, 373 green collar 7, 60-1 high demand 353-4 high paying 33, 50, 207, 213 home computer 13, 316-17 ideal 175, 183 new 12, 15, 17, 21, 29, 31, 42, 73, 141, 221, 233-4, 275-6, 2856, 324, 333, 390 [15] next 7, 44, 55, 86, 102, 107, 132-3, 137, 150, 192, 208-9, 226, 254-6, 261, 272, 409-10 [3]

816

oil sector 6, 45-6 online 14, 58, 373-4 permanent Office 28, 299, 318, 358 personal 220 public 69 real 45, 234, 301, 313, 333 recession proof 7, 50-2 right 152, 261, 363 single 215, 277 stressful 370 summer youth 6, 32-3 temporary 6, 25-6, 234, 333 top Bahamas 58-9 travel 250-1

817

jobs hiring 11-12, 210, 277, 368-9 jobs online 8, 72, 92, 219, 263, 390 Jobs Part-Time 9, 153 jobsearchadviceonline.com 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 jobsearchhelpblog.com 44, 57, 95, 130, 133-4, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 JobSearchPower.com 49 jobseekers 108, 116 jumpstart 190-1 K Keen Listener 223-4 keywords 14, 43-4, 48, 63, 121, 220-1, 258, 260, 268, 356-7 knowledge 14, 41, 103, 109, 112, 145, 203, 232, 293, 340-5, 365, 390-3, 397, 411, 417 [email protected] 294

818

L languages, body 253, 379, 394-5, 406 latestexams.com 45-6, 50 law 31, 297-8, 347 Least Stressful Jobs 14, 369 lessons 99, 152 letters 29-30, 38-40, 48, 88-9, 128-9, 151, 155-7, 168, 198-9, 206, 230-1, 241, 248-9, 262-3, 340-2, 375-6 [18] excellent 248 level 46, 61, 136, 154, 170, 185, 198, 212, 274, 276, 302-6, 402 leverage 16, 119, 123, 187, 255-6, 272, 322, 345, 409-12 lifeline 147 Lincoln 339, 342, 344, 414 Lindsay 354, 367, 369, 371, 373 Linked 125, 236, 238, 286, 305, 336, 338

819

LinkedIn 12, 62, 73, 77, 116, 122, 190, 253, 258, 266-9, 279, 289, 313-14, 382, 386, 407 list 62-4, 69, 78-9, 82-3, 85-6, 91, 153-4, 159, 173, 194, 243, 258-60, 263-4, 312, 332, 352-3 [21] lifeline 148 list of companies 82, 159, 218, 280 list of jobs 19, 49, 58, 219, 418 list of names 289, 375 Little Ways to Add Fun 119, 332 Liz 254-6, 272, 408-12 local area 14, 22, 210, 368, 371-3 London 28, 71-2, 74, 82, 251, 299, 318-19, 357-8 love 26, 88, 120, 122, 132, 145, 151, 156, 166, 238-9, 250, 277, 283, 297, 413-14, 416 [1] lucky 26, 33, 36, 309, 338 Lynch, Liz 254, 256, 271, 408, 410, 412

820

M magazines 383, 387, 397, 405 mail, snail 128, 193, 218 managers 11, 28, 31, 47, 50, 127, 284, 326, 341, 387, 396 market 6, 8, 10, 12, 18, 23-4, 40, 51, 85, 88, 124-5, 169-70, 1846, 202-4, 257-8, 279 [19] marketing 8, 25, 60, 112, 121, 185, 187, 217, 241, 257-8, 278, 282, 288, 290, 315, 341 [4] marketing campaign 122, 124 marketing channels 122-3 marketing plan 121 Marvin 225 matter 20, 56, 58, 73, 76, 89, 113, 116, 188, 192, 277, 309-10, 318, 320, 355, 359 [1] MBA 245, 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 McGraw-Hill 254, 256, 271, 408, 410, 412

821

medical 26, 125-6, 293 meeting 35, 112, 145, 179-81, 214, 216, 235-6, 253-4, 264, 294, 302, 305, 335-6, 410 members 25, 37, 108, 111, 113, 123, 150, 188, 191, 288, 290, 295, 315, 317, 365, 417 mentors 31, 59, 146, 156, 190, 195, 208, 216-17, 248, 278, 3056 Middle East 7, 49-50 millionaire 147-8 mistake 96, 98-9, 110, 129, 152, 202, 235, 272-3, 289, 335, 352, 355, 372 money 5, 8, 26-7, 33, 78, 80-1, 151-2, 168, 262, 278, 312, 31617, 323, 331, 359-60, 372-4 [24] Most companies 56, 78, 159, 361 Most employees 125 motivation 224-6, 285

822

N name 19, 25, 31-2, 35, 37, 148, 159, 186-7, 223, 267-73, 288-90, 349, 375, 380-1, 386-8, 417-19 [27] NE 339, 342, 344, 414 negative information 106, 267, 270, 380-2 network 73, 108, 114, 122, 218, 227, 242, 245-6, 254-6, 274, 288-91, 300-6, 360-1, 385, 407, 411-12 [21] personal 385-6 networking 9, 12, 18, 22, 35, 73, 107-8, 144-5, 226-7, 274-5, 279-80, 295-6, 300-2, 313-14, 385, 409-10 [18] social 122, 154, 244, 285, 313, 345 networking events 34-5, 85, 103, 145, 305 Networking Excellence 255-6, 272, 409, 411-12 networking sites 62, 154, 361 New York Times 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412

823

news 67, 69, 72, 75, 119, 144, 150, 152, 201, 213, 216, 271, 302, 324, 329, 389 newspapers, local 20, 22, 287, 329, 383 Next Step Proposal 10, 179-80 O offering employment 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 office 60, 63, 113, 149, 200, 222, 238, 312, 317, 352, 370, 373 online 44, 54, 62, 77, 92, 104-5, 108, 133, 211, 252-4, 267-8, 270-1, 278-9, 351-2, 381-3, 410 [15] online Bahamas jobs 58-9 Online Bahamas Jobs 7, 57 Online Business 210-11 online identity 15, 380-3 online job search 6-7, 17, 19-20, 47-8, 92, 154, 319 online job search sites 7, 48, 53

824

Online Job Search Strategy 48-9 online job searchers 389-90 Online Job Searches 13, 318 online marketing industry 209 online reputation 7, 12, 61, 270-1 online resources 153-4 Online Resume 6, 42 organizations 24, 31, 46, 54, 57, 86, 95, 122-3, 137, 139, 158, 186-7, 198, 227-8, 236, 295 [10] outfit 56, 377-8 P PA Jobs 28, 299, 318-19, 357-8 page companies career 54 first 241-2, 307

825

pantyhose 362, 378 paragraph 129, 173, 180, 262, 316, 392 parents 41, 52, 70, 80-1, 110, 246, 373-4 Part-Time Evening Jobs 10, 201-2 part-time job 85, 102, 153, 155 particulars 63-4 passion 83-4, 129, 156, 165, 195, 207, 216, 250, 296 peace time 385-6 perfumes 70, 378-9 person 19, 31-2, 37-8, 55, 123, 173-6, 193-4, 199-200, 224-6, 230-1, 239, 247-8, 253-4, 307-8, 375, 393-4 [35] person interview 230, 362 person interviewing 189 pharmacist 212-13 phases 63, 122-4

826

phone 6, 28, 32, 36, 73, 83, 142, 146, 194, 226, 230, 308, 314, 340, 349, 408 Phone interviews 394 Phyllis 387 picky 167, 192, 234, 236, 333, 336 pictures 62, 132, 135, 287, 380, 382, 398 pitch 121, 178, 197-8, 241 placement 28, 53, 299, 318-19, 357-8 plan 21, 26, 31, 39, 70, 84, 107, 109-10, 118, 122-4, 143, 170, 193, 272-3, 292-4, 413 [10] planning, strategic 122-3, 134, 339, 341-2, 344 post 44, 54, 56-7, 91, 94-5, 116, 130, 133-4, 138-9, 218-20, 258, 270-1, 286-7, 313-14, 352, 355 [12] postings 91, 214-15, 219, 257, 277, 287, 289, 320, 349-50, 352, 364, 382-3 posture 70, 379

827

potential employers 18-20, 48, 81, 86, 88, 109-10, 194, 264, 300, 320, 323, 340, 352, 361, 401, 409-10 power 5, 145, 148, 177, 221, 223, 249, 254, 322, 374, 414, 419 Power of Networking in Job Searches 9, 144 practicumer 97 Preparing 6, 8, 10, 23, 25, 111, 204 President Obama Administration 354, 367, 369, 371, 373 press releases 89, 100 problems 6, 28, 33, 41, 55-7, 86, 94-5, 109, 111, 130-2, 137, 175-7, 180-2, 265-6, 343, 372 [12] process 22, 47, 49, 79, 94-5, 98, 111, 133, 167-8, 176-7, 179-81, 228-9, 264-6, 341-3, 375, 407-8 [16] process of offering employment 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266 process redesign 339, 342, 344

828

products 3, 78, 89, 121-2, 127, 204, 216, 254, 293, 331-2, 360, 365, 374, 387, 392, 417 Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches 417 Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches 25, 188, 288, 290, 315, 365 profiles 62, 64, 116-17, 156, 183, 218, 252, 258, 267, 269, 352, 355, 375, 382 project management 259, 339, 341-2, 344 projects 23, 110, 127, 136, 180, 343 prospective employers 15, 34, 62, 123, 145, 192, 257-8, 262, 347, 378, 380, 391, 397, 408 publisher 3, 349, 400 Q QPS Companies 62, 113, 115 QPS Wisconsin Illinois Jobs Site 62, 113, 115

829

qualifications 17, 37, 63, 229, 269, 276, 304, 318, 328, 348, 376, 388 R reason 24, 29-30, 58, 72-3, 82, 95, 143, 148, 163, 182, 210, 266, 278, 311-12, 323, 368 [5] Receptionist Jobs 28, 299, 318-19, 357-8 recession 11, 13, 15, 41, 52, 63, 68, 77, 80, 165, 200, 209-10, 227, 240, 261, 330-1 [2] recruiters 14, 16, 46-7, 72-3, 91, 122, 124, 169, 220-1, 229-30, 260-1, 269-71, 285-6, 349-50, 363-5, 418-19 [7] recruiters work 46, 418 Recruiting Marketing Specialist 62, 113, 115 recruitment 28, 203, 299-300, 318-19, 357-8, 418 recruitment agency 27-8, 53, 194, 298, 317-19, 356-8 recruitment consultants 73

830

referrals 23, 36, 38, 118, 129, 142-3, 226, 237, 255, 300, 305, 336 register 53, 87, 92, 201, 234, 334, 352, 355-6 relationships 13, 15, 65, 108, 125, 141, 148, 164, 187, 199, 253, 296, 301-3, 305-6, 364, 385 [4] relieve 233, 235, 333, 335 request 29-30, 34, 226, 228, 388 research 5, 24, 111-12, 116, 122, 129-31, 155-6, 170, 205, 209, 243-4, 264, 328-9, 352-3, 361, 402-3 [19] research companies 56, 162, 401 resources 20-1, 31, 34, 41, 49, 68-9, 81-2, 85, 153, 170, 187, 209, 211, 232, 274-5, 285 [7] resume 19-23, 41-5, 50, 86-9, 168-73, 203-6, 218-21, 234-7, 257-60, 273, 285-7, 304-5, 334-7, 340-4, 349-52, 361 [73] generic 63, 191 glorified 94, 264

831

professional 141, 231-2, 361, 384 results-generating 275, 277 solid 205, 361 video 251 winning 141, 384 Resume Blast Services 8, 126 resume building strategy 235, 334 Resume Cover Letter 156-7 resume letter 157 resume material 236, 336 Resume Mistakes 141, 384 resume online 18, 55-6, 94, 264, 289, 355 resume packet 237, 337 resume posting 55, 154

832

Resume Writers 416 professional 86, 258, 351 resumé 102-3 Revive your Resume audio mini-seminar 275, 277 rights 3, 65, 238, 337 role 94, 113, 226, 241, 249, 256, 259-63, 265, 317-19, 377, 387, 410 S salary histories 13, 320-3 salary information 69, 320-2 sales 61, 78, 125-6, 159, 168, 173, 185, 211, 226, 231, 250, 262, 325, 331, 341, 351 [2] sales recruiters 125 Sales Resume Distribution Services 8, 124-6 salespeople 132, 176, 184

833

school, vocational 327 screen 405-6 search engine results 357 search engines 93, 161, 261, 269, 319, 329, 375, 381-2 searching 8, 22, 53-4, 74, 92-3, 96, 114, 119, 183, 188, 208, 210-11, 250, 258, 319, 352-3 [9] searching jobs online 54, 93 searching online 271, 375 season 25, 32, 331 Secret Finding to Jobs Available 14, 366 Secret Number 165-7 Secretarial Jobs 28, 299, 318-19, 357-8 secretaries 14, 17-19, 221, 324-6, 357-8 secrets 9, 71-2, 82, 165, 167, 200-1, 204, 207 Secrets to Finding Jobs 7, 71

834

services 3, 18, 45-6, 50-1, 57-8, 102-3, 121-2, 124-6, 141, 166, 207, 227, 295, 331-2, 384, 392 [11] settling 18, 164-5, 330 sharks 144-6, 245 shorten 13, 89, 91, 121, 171, 308-10, 402 silence 100-1, 405 Simple Steps 89, 91, 121, 171, 402 sites 18, 25, 48, 54, 59, 61-2, 82, 93, 166-7, 218-21, 286-8, 31316, 328-9, 357, 382, 388-9 [17] popular 62 skill sets 112, 125, 259, 368-9 skills 17-18, 63-4, 108-12, 127, 196-8, 218-20, 229, 231-3, 250, 258-9, 261-3, 303-5, 331-3, 339-44, 393-5, 397-400 [36] interviewing 86 soft 102, 259, 296 transferrable 90, 240-1

835

skirt 362, 377-8 Smart Networking 254, 256, 271, 408, 410, 412 smarter 169, 180-1 social media sites 270 social networking sites 61-2, 218, 244, 253, 263, 289, 345, 382 softskills 259-60 space, safe 339, 342, 344, 414 specialise 319, 356-8 Stable companies 234, 334 staffing companies 115 Stalled Career 10, 189-91 Stanford University 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 Starbucks 235-6, 335 step process 132, 134, 137, 139, 181

836

steps 8-12, 48, 90-2, 94, 121-3, 127-35, 137-9, 150-4, 158, 1667, 175-7, 230-1, 264-5, 289, 332, 381-3 [36] stockings 378-9 Stone Unturned 25, 187-8, 288, 290, 315, 365, 417 stories 54, 56, 98, 135, 166, 178, 194, 198, 359, 383, 399-400, 411 Strategic Plan 9, 108, 123, 133-5, 138 strategies, five 16, 408-10, 413 strategist, top networking 254, 256, 408, 410, 412 strengths 20, 23, 97, 102, 107, 110, 126, 132, 166, 192, 205, 262, 269, 294, 326, 398-400 [2] stress 17, 140, 227, 235, 335, 341, 366, 368, 370, 413-14 style 223, 225, 237, 337, 406 success rate 287, 300, 310 successful job searches 7, 10, 44, 57, 69, 76, 95, 124, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 398 [1]

837

Successful Telephone Interview 11, 229 sume-posting-service 45-6, 50 summer jobs 33, 153 summer time 32, 80-1 supervisor 29-30, 140, 190, 224, 248 support 23, 60, 108, 135, 201, 269, 301, 303, 305-6, 338 support group 305 support jobs 60 T target market 90, 293, 401 tax preparer 324-5 teachers 17, 51, 160, 212-13 team 9, 78, 91, 135, 137, 216-17, 222, 262, 275, 277, 305 technology 18, 79, 102, 136, 149, 152, 161, 244-5, 345-6, 353, 368-70, 404-6

838

technology jobs 368, 373 teenagers 7, 26, 32, 69, 80-1 teens 6-7, 32, 69, 81, 153 temp agencies 311-12 temp work 82-3, 292 temping jobs 27, 318 temporary employees 311 temps 13, 28, 207, 228, 299, 311-12, 317-18, 357-8 territory 18, 78, 293-4 time jobs 26-7, 31, 82, 201, 228 Time Warner 255-6, 272, 408, 410, 412 tips 1, 5, 7-8, 10-14, 33, 84, 88, 117-18, 120-1, 142-3, 159-60, 191, 193, 229, 233, 252-3 [39] tips booklet 237, 337

839

Top Internet Marketer and International Team Mentor 21011 Top Internet Marketing Tactics 210-11 top online Bahamas jobs 58-9 touch 19, 108, 142, 313, 385-6, 408 trade 15, 35, 167, 391-3 trade magazines 279, 392 trademarks 3 trading, evening 201-2 Traditional internet job search sites 122 train 30-1, 145, 207, 210-11, 244, 293, 324, 367, 373, 391, 393, 397 training 52, 159, 166, 211, 213, 232, 294, 296, 316, 341, 359, 369, 388 transition 31, 38, 68, 76, 81, 186, 189, 200, 215, 240, 243, 247, 302-5, 354, 400

840

travel 26, 183, 250-1, 366 trust 65, 74, 82, 118, 127, 199-200, 247, 263, 302, 393 Twitter 25, 62, 117, 188, 197, 288-9, 313-15, 345 type questions 136 U UC Berkeley 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 uncomfortable position 301-2, 305 understanding 33, 47, 240, 264, 293, 297, 301, 339, 342, 344 unemployment 20, 213, 217, 350, 375-6, 389-90, 407 USA 183, 207, 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 V vacancies, temporary 82, 84 Value Proposition Idea, see VPI vendors 132, 289, 386, 392-3

841

veterans 13, 328, 330, 388 voice mail 230 volunteer 103, 109-10, 113, 159, 183, 213, 218, 245-6, 256, 280, 292, 409-10 VPI (Value Proposition Idea) 9-10, 128-9, 132, 175-7 VPI Briefing 10, 130, 177-9 VPI letter 129 VPI Letter 129, 177 W Wall Street Journal 254, 256, 272, 408, 410, 412 war time 385, 387 wear 34, 114, 150, 192, 307-8, 362, 377-8, 403, 406 websites 21-2, 54, 68-9, 79, 85, 89, 91, 103, 250-1, 257-8, 263, 319, 328, 348-9, 356-7, 375-6 [25] Whitlock, Dennis 44, 57, 95, 130, 132, 134, 138-9, 177, 179, 182, 266

842

Wisconsin Job Search 388-9 words 18-19, 22, 43, 48, 63-4, 67, 72, 100, 118, 122-3, 139-40, 197-8, 220, 255-6, 325, 363-4 [15] Work Everyday 119, 207, 332 work experience 55, 84, 94, 162-3, 183, 212, 264, 350 workers 13, 26, 31, 45, 50, 182, 323-6, 368, 389 workshop facilitator 339, 342, 344, 414 worry 41, 72, 90, 143, 148-9, 370, 402 writer 17, 178, 251, 339, 342, 344, 348, 414 www.anexpertresume.com 269 www.approvedsellerreviews.com 354, 367, 369, 371, 373 www.careerkids.com 71 www.claimthatjob.com 206 www.distinctiveweb.com 275, 277 www.hiresearch.biz 294

843

www.HomeBusiness.us 21-2 www.jobvacanciesinlondon.co.uk 74, 84 www.make1kaday.com 210-11 www.NetworkingExcellence.com 255-6, 272, 409, 411-12 www.online-jobs-review.com 353, 356 www.qpscompanies.com 62, 113, 115 www.reallygreatresume.com 117, 196 www.resumelines.com 258 www.resumesteve.com 32, 273, 308 www.SmartNetworkingBook.com 255-6, 272, 409, 411-12 www.tate.co.uk 28, 299, 318-19, 357-8 www.The InterviewEdge.com 38, 68, 76, 185, 189, 200, 215, 243, 247 www.winningresumewriter.com 141, 384 www.your-career-change.com 310

844

Y yada 180 Yellow Pages 82, 349