Referrals
Referrals (employee, alumni, vendor, etc.) make up 27.3% of all external hires and is arguably the number one external source. (Employee referrals make up most of this category but Alumni referrals are growing.)The efficiency of referrals is one of the single most important characteristics of US hiring practices. 26firms tracked the number of referrals as well as hires from referrals. More than 17,000 positions were filled from just fewer than 200,000 referrals or 1 hire for every 11.2 referrals!
How can a candidate improve their access to potential positions? Networking into target employers by forming relationships with current employees and connecting with company alumni are increasingly successful job sourcing techniques, beating out job boards and corporate websites. How to establish these targeted contacts? Using social media is one effective method mentioned.
The facts are in! Inside contacts definitely are useful and do produce hiring opportunities. Networking continues to be a very worthwhile job search activity. In fact, networking is the best way to find a new position other than being an internal candidate. And by the way, for internal candidates, not all positions are posted; some internal hires are generated through, you guessed it, internal networking referrals.
Resume Suggestions from Ford Motors Credit
As I reviewed about 30 undergrad resumes to select our 9 for interviews, I looked for opportunities to quickly decline students since I have plenty to choose from. I want to share some feedback for some things I noticed on several resumes:
1) No GPA listed (or only list the GPA for their major and not cumulative) - I almost always automatically decline these because Ford requires an undergrad cumulative minimum of 3.25, and I will just select from candidates who do list their cumulative GPA.
2) No graduation date (month and year) listed - I almost always automatically decline these because I need to know if someone qualifies as a full-time hire or an internship at Ford.
3) Resumes longer than one page - I don't understand why an undergrad would create a resume longer than one page. Unless they have 8 - 10 years work experience (in which case they probably aren't an undergrad), they only hurt themselves by adding "fluff" to get a longer resume. They should keep their resume to one page.
As I reviewed about 30 undergrad resumes to select our 9 for interviews, I looked for opportunities to quickly decline students since I have plenty to choose from. I want to share some feedback for some things I noticed on several resumes:
1) No GPA listed (or only list the GPA for their major and not cumulative) - I almost always automatically decline these because Ford requires an undergrad cumulative minimum of 3.25, and I will just select from candidates who do list their cumulative GPA.
2) No graduation date (month and year) listed - I almost always automatically decline these because I need to know if someone qualifies as a full-time hire or an internship at Ford.
3) Resumes longer than one page - I don't understand why an undergrad would create a resume longer than one page. Unless they have 8 - 10 years work experience (in which case they probably aren't an undergrad), they only hurt themselves by adding "fluff" to get a longer resume. They should keep their resume to one page.
Should You Be on Facebook?
Social-networking sites are all but putting business-card printers out of business. Instead of trading a 3.5 x 2-inch piece of paper, people are trading names and tracking one another down on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
While LinkedIn has a decidedly professional bent, Facebook can be a much more intimate look into one's personal life and inner circle of friends. Still, a lot of folks are on Facebook and use it as a professional networking tool. But is it right for you?
Because Facebook makes it easy to blur the lines between the professional and personal, most experts caution against this, unless, perhaps, you work in the entertainment industry. "When you think about Facebook and other social-networking sites, you have got to think about these profiles as an addendum to your resume," says Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMAYDAY.com.
Daisy L. Swan, of Daisy Swan & Associates, agrees, "Now that there are so many people who are going to be looking for new positions, it's good to be able to be found -- so long as you're presenting yourself as the professional you want to be."
Here are some tips to put your best face forward on Facebook:
1. Keep it strictly professional. Career strategist Swan says, "Have a consistent message," meaning if you're marketing yourself as a top accountant, make sure your Facebook profile reflects that image. Milligan tells users, "Keep the social aspect separate. I've had clients who've been way too attached to their Facebook pages and all the personal content on there, but I ask them, 'What's your priority? Finding a job or revealing all?'"
2. Mind your status. Your status can be used for more than goofy one-liners. Swan, for instance, shares, "You can use your status to let people know about additional projects you're working on, which sends a message that you're more than just what you do at work every day." Also, if you friend your coworkers on Facebook, make sure you don't accidentally throw yourself under the bus by revealing you weren't really sick when you called in sick to work, as one Facebook user learned (see related incident on Shamebox blog).
3. Choose your friends and your groups carefully. Whom you friend and the groups you join are a reflection of who you are. Think through the requests you accept and the company you keep on Facebook as potential employers may take those things into account. One group of Virgin Atlantic employees recently started a Facebook group in which they openly traded insults and complaints about customers and colleagues -- and 13 of those workers were fired. Resume and career expert Milligan reminds users, "If you're an employee, you have to be considered an advocate of your employer at all times."
4. Mind your identity. Another plus of keeping your privacy settings high or, ideally, keeping your profile strictly professional, is that you're less likely to divulge personal information that could leave you at risk of identity theft. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's personal email account was famously hacked by someone who successfully guessed the answers to her security questions. Avoid divulging your pets' names, your mom's maiden name, and other details that could leave you vulnerable to fraud by including only professional details on any social-networking site.
5. Don't get sucked in. Swan, whose practice is based in Los Angeles, says, "I've been hearing that entrepreneurs are getting a lot of encouragement to be on Facebook and they're marketing full force that way. But it's not the be-all, end-all solution for marketing. It may have some value toward your bottom line, but it may not if you're spending too much time on it. Check your return on investment."
Milligan adds, "It cannot be your priority. The time you spend on it cannot infringe on your professional life."
As recruiters and companies look to Facebook as an additional source of finding new talent, it behooves you to at least be familiar with such sites. Swan states, "In terms of new partnerships and for job-search purposes, it can be a great networking tool to let people know about you, and it's a great way to learn about people and companies and options. Just be sure to use these sites in a savvy manner to your benefit."
Milligan warns, "If job-search tools will be available, if that is the conduit between you and a job, you'd better be professional."
Yahoo
Social-networking sites are all but putting business-card printers out of business. Instead of trading a 3.5 x 2-inch piece of paper, people are trading names and tracking one another down on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
While LinkedIn has a decidedly professional bent, Facebook can be a much more intimate look into one's personal life and inner circle of friends. Still, a lot of folks are on Facebook and use it as a professional networking tool. But is it right for you?
Because Facebook makes it easy to blur the lines between the professional and personal, most experts caution against this, unless, perhaps, you work in the entertainment industry. "When you think about Facebook and other social-networking sites, you have got to think about these profiles as an addendum to your resume," says Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMAYDAY.com.
Daisy L. Swan, of Daisy Swan & Associates, agrees, "Now that there are so many people who are going to be looking for new positions, it's good to be able to be found -- so long as you're presenting yourself as the professional you want to be."
Here are some tips to put your best face forward on Facebook:
1. Keep it strictly professional. Career strategist Swan says, "Have a consistent message," meaning if you're marketing yourself as a top accountant, make sure your Facebook profile reflects that image. Milligan tells users, "Keep the social aspect separate. I've had clients who've been way too attached to their Facebook pages and all the personal content on there, but I ask them, 'What's your priority? Finding a job or revealing all?'"
2. Mind your status. Your status can be used for more than goofy one-liners. Swan, for instance, shares, "You can use your status to let people know about additional projects you're working on, which sends a message that you're more than just what you do at work every day." Also, if you friend your coworkers on Facebook, make sure you don't accidentally throw yourself under the bus by revealing you weren't really sick when you called in sick to work, as one Facebook user learned (see related incident on Shamebox blog).
3. Choose your friends and your groups carefully. Whom you friend and the groups you join are a reflection of who you are. Think through the requests you accept and the company you keep on Facebook as potential employers may take those things into account. One group of Virgin Atlantic employees recently started a Facebook group in which they openly traded insults and complaints about customers and colleagues -- and 13 of those workers were fired. Resume and career expert Milligan reminds users, "If you're an employee, you have to be considered an advocate of your employer at all times."
4. Mind your identity. Another plus of keeping your privacy settings high or, ideally, keeping your profile strictly professional, is that you're less likely to divulge personal information that could leave you at risk of identity theft. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's personal email account was famously hacked by someone who successfully guessed the answers to her security questions. Avoid divulging your pets' names, your mom's maiden name, and other details that could leave you vulnerable to fraud by including only professional details on any social-networking site.
5. Don't get sucked in. Swan, whose practice is based in Los Angeles, says, "I've been hearing that entrepreneurs are getting a lot of encouragement to be on Facebook and they're marketing full force that way. But it's not the be-all, end-all solution for marketing. It may have some value toward your bottom line, but it may not if you're spending too much time on it. Check your return on investment."
Milligan adds, "It cannot be your priority. The time you spend on it cannot infringe on your professional life."
As recruiters and companies look to Facebook as an additional source of finding new talent, it behooves you to at least be familiar with such sites. Swan states, "In terms of new partnerships and for job-search purposes, it can be a great networking tool to let people know about you, and it's a great way to learn about people and companies and options. Just be sure to use these sites in a savvy manner to your benefit."
Milligan warns, "If job-search tools will be available, if that is the conduit between you and a job, you'd better be professional."
Yahoo
Career Stategies Courses
BYU Career Services is teaching “Career Strategies” – STDEV 317. This 2-Credit course is designed help prepare students for the transition from college to employment or graduate school. Practical strategies are taught to help facilitate the job search and advancement process. During these difficult economic times, we encourage students to develop their job search skills early on.
Get Connected Through a Person
For those of you looking for jobs, I’m sure you’ll agree. There are numerous jobs listed at Monster, Craigslist, Indeed, and a score of other places. Finding the job isn’t the problem. Getting noticed… now that’s the problem.
Just how do you get your resume to stand out amongst the hundreds (yes, I mean hundreds) of others that are being sent for the same job opening.
Many would tell you a well written resume is important, but that’s not enough these days. There’s something even more important. Here is what’s even more important….
It’s absolutely crucial to have a people connection with the company in some way.
I’ll give you an example to show how that works. Nike is a big employer in the Portland area. It seems that almost everybody wants to work there. You can find the job openings on Nike’s website. It’s no secret what jobs are available. And there are quite a few jobs available even today. Getting their attention is a different story.
I have a client who really wanted to work at Nike, and kept applying to jobs online there. One after another, he got rejected for each job he applied to online. Then he changed his approach.
That's when my client reached out to people he knew that worked at Nike. It turns out that he knew several people who worked there, and he had an informational interview with each one of them. In the interview, he had absolutely no agenda other than to talk to the people, and meet others. He definitely made it crystal clear he would love to work there.
In one of the informational interviews, he learned of a job that was about to be posted, one is which he was qualified for. He arranged an informational interview with the hiring manager for the position. He brought to the interview the very same resume that he had sent dozens of times to Nike for different positions. The only difference, this time it was delivered by a human being to a human being.
The job eventually got posted to their website, and Nike interviewed several other people for the job. But our client was the one that got hired. Why? Because his resume was more than a resume. There was a person behind the resume, and the people at Nike not only connected with his resume, but more importantly to him as a person.
It pointed out to me something that we all know intuitively. In today’s job market, a good resume isn’t enough. In fact, it isn’t going to cut it unless you get it to the open job not through email, but through your network.
Just how do you do that? LinkedIn is one of the best vehicles I have found to do that. If you don’t know somebody at the company, do a search in LinkedIn and see if you know somebody who knows somebody there. Once you find a connection, meet with that person even if they aren’t in the department you are interested in. Ask if they’d be willing to talk to the hiring manager on behalf of you.
That is the best way I know to get your resume paid attention to in this market. Work your network to find someone who knows someone there. When you just send it over the internet… the chances of your resume getting picked for an interview are miniscule unless you find the human connection with the company.
On another note… I’ve found the world’s best book for job hunters. (No, I’m not connected with the book at all. I just love it.) It’s called Guerilla Marketing for Job Hunters 2.0 by Jay Conrad Levinson and David E. Perry. It’s fantastic.
Go check it out at your local library, or buy it on Amazon. It’s really good, and will be worth your time. Levinson is a well know direct marketing guy who does a great job of interpreting his techniques to job hunting. Go get it. You’ll love it.
Dave Dutton
Tips for a Successful Job Interview
1. Be your authentic self.
It never works to try and impress a future employer trying to be someone you are not. Trust that your inherent nature, and your natural gifts and talents have extreme value and that the jobs you are seeking will optimize those natural qualities of you. Trust that to make a “good impression” it is always best to stay true to yourself.
2. Speak readily of your natural gifts and talents with confidence.
Are your gifts and talents having a big ideas and the belief that they are possible? Maybe your gifts and talents fall into the details and planning phase of a project. You may be someone that takes action readily and gets things done. Or, you have a critical eye for perfecting the outcomes and seeing what could be done better and faster. We all have inherent gifts and talents that we can optimize and monetize to make our working experience pleasurable and more than just a job that pays the bills. Let your gifts and talents be known by sharing firsthand real life examples of your successes optimizing them.
3. Dress to express your true nature so you look true to who you are.
If you are buoyant, bubbly person, don’t dress in black! Wear bright colors and patterns that animate you, and come across as your lively, upbeat self. If you are more subtle in your manner, don’t think wearing bright clothes will impress others! It actually sends a false statement about who you are and you could be setting yourself up for expectations you are not comfortable living up to. More subdued tones will depict a truer nature of who you are. Wearing black is really good for the more concise, structured, authoritative person. Black makes a stark statement, which says, “I don’t mess around” if that is your nature, wear it to express that about yourself.
4. Believe you are going to get the job!
If you go in to an interview believing your chances are slim, you will not present yourself with the air of confidence you need to exhibit to land the job. Regardless of the economy, regardless of how many interviews you’ve seen come and go, the real truth is, the people that are getting hired are the ones that believe in themselves the most. If your inner mantra is “I hope I get this job!” change it to “I am going to get this job, if it is right for me!” Employers want self-acclaimed people on their team, not desperate job seekers that are worried about paying next months bills. Believe me, your confidence or lack of it bleeds through any image you are trying to put on. If it’s not there, it’s not there, so get it there!
Resume Fashions What's Hot, What's Not
The Job Market today: What it’s not@! From the candidates’ perspective, candidates no longer want to be a passive recipient, of benevolent care. People want the freedom and mobility to change careers, move out of state, rebrand themselves etc… The average employee in North America will change careers 3+ times throughout their career lifespan, and will hold 5 or more jobs within each of these 3+ different industries. Our resumes are no longer a one-liner, they are a patch-work quilt of industries and jobs.
Personal Branding is Very hot. People spend more time choosing sunglasses, and looking at how the glasses enhance their face, then choosing a resume. They just find a random style online or a cheesy resume- builder template. Professional recruiters and Human Resource professionals can spot these templates a mile away. As a result, many people's resume styles do not fit, are mismatched with their industry and goals and are totally random.
There are dozens of different resume styles and often candidates are overwhelmed and confused about the choices. You will need to use the right style for your industry, sector, job title and functional role. You cannot chose a style, until you understand how it can enhance your career goals and what the industry norms are. A professional Career Counselor, who has experience with high-volume, resume reviews can help you choose the best style.
Career Transition: How will employers know what you are looking for? Here's the Catch 22....A typical resume is just a summary of what you have done, not what you want to do. If you are contemplating any type of career transition, minor (within the same industry), major (discarding all previous industries and functional areas) an objective or position statement or title bar is essential. Why? Otherwise, they will assume a similar career trajectory as your previous job. If you worked in retail, they will assume you want to stay in retail. Don’t keep them guessing.
The Objective: Is it hot or not? There’s a lot of debate about whether this is in or out. Some Career Professionals may advise you to omit it. But, if you are in career transition, how will employers know what you want?
NOT HOT “Seeking a challenging position in Corporate Social Responsiblity….. blah….blah…. blah… This type of vague statement doesn’t say anything meaningful about you and employs incorrect grammar. However, it is the most common type of opening objective which I see. This statement is also too vague, lacking direction and will usually warrants an immediate discard. Do you really want to leave your career direction, to the random guess of an HR person, who doesn’t know you?
Still Hot: include a line describing your specific, career goals and timelines, even if you omit the word – objective. Add seasons, dates, at the very least, so it can be sorted. Ie: p/t internship position, Fall/Winter of 2009, and f/t employment Spring 2010. Be concrete. Don't have an objective which is so nebulous, that is covers dozens of potential industries, sectors and roles. This just makes you look confused and directionless.
Fashion Runway Hot: Title Bar. No folks, this is not a passing trend, it is cutting edge. This is for the fashion forward and the bold. List your top 3 skills or your top 3 favorite job titles in a bar, across the top of your resume. There should be a line above and below these three words. Each word or title, should be separated by a mid line, bulleted dot or square. This allows, HR professionals and Recruiters, to understand your career direction and goals in 3 seconds or less. I love a title-bar on a resume.
Summary of Qualifications/Positions sought: Why it's hot! This is part of a hybrid resume style and used to be avant guarde. Now, it is becoming more common-place. It's like the abstract at the beginning of a Scientific research article. Don't think that resume screeners actually, read your entire resume. There simply isn't enough time, in high-volume, environments. You need to catch their eye and tantalize them a bit, create some mystery, so they will read on.
Format: include one/two lines, tightly written, highlight experience in field worked. And/or...
OCR Software, is Hot! You need to know what this is. Most resumes are first reviewed online by Optical Character Recognition Software. Not sure if a computerized search will pick up your resume? Use Acronyms and the entire phrase for industry-specific terms ie: APA and American Psychological Association. PMP and Project Management Professional. Make sure a key word search contains exact key words, commonly found in the exact job-postings you are pursuing. What comes up when you Google yourself?
What's hot: Use industry specific Key words. Research job titles, employers, online sites etc to learn what the Buzz words are, for your industry. For example if you are a Global Exectuive or want to postion yourself internationally, you will need key words and also qualifiers to describe your language fluency.
“Global Experience, International IQ, Intercultural Competency, Language skills, bilingualism”
How to describe your language skills (in this order): Native speaker, fluent, conversational or basic. Include information about your written proficiency as well.
Remember, a resume is a living document and should be updated at least twice a year. Every time you take on a new project, new volunteer job, or new role, you must update your resume. You need to know the standard resume "rules" or work with a professional who does. Once you know the rules, you can then, strategically break the rules.
Career Rocketeer
Why You Don’t Stand Out from the Crowd: Here’s a Tip, It’s Your Resume
Ultimately your goal is to create a resume that will garner the right attention and eventually the right job. Problem is – your resume is getting you absolutely no hits, zero feedback, and not so much as one call from a prospective employer. Sound familiar? Keep reading to figure out why.
Your career summary is boring. It sounds like every other job seeker out there and is a large blanket paragraph that could describe half of the known workforce. Solution: Customize your career summary so that no one else could possibly use it for themselves.
You have no keywords. The ones you do have aren’t in the right place so while your resume may catch a software system, when an actual recruiter looks at it they pass it over because they can’t find the information they need. Solution: Utilize a core competencies/value added section in the top third of the resume.
Your resume format is boring, unattractive, juvenile, and mediocre at best. Ouch that one hurt a little didn’t it? After reading thousands of resumes in the past 30 days, every single resume looks exactly the same. No wonder hiring managers only give each resume a five second scan and no wonder you’re getting nowhere. Solution: CHANGE IT UP! Don’t go crazy with your format but do modernize it.
You’ve neglected to ’stay with the times’ and chosen not to utilize a professional branding statement and value proposition within the top third of your resume. So instead of standing out you’re blending in. How is that working for you? Probably not very well if you’re reading this. Solution: Find your brand, make it work for you. Advertise your value and start garnering attention. I mean the right attention, not the lame scammers who contact everyone who posts their resume on monster.
The reader couldn't find your accomplishments if they tried. You have them so buried down deep in the resume – or you didn’t even bother to include them. Now no one knows what the heck you do or how good you are at it. Solution: Bring attention to the BIG. Sell the reader don’t just tell them.
The language of the resume is so boring people read it to fall asleep. If you are using responsible for, duties included, or speaking in first or third person THIS MEANS YOU. Solution: Spice it up. Ever heard of a thesaurus? Use one. If you are using the same strong action verb in your resume more than twice, that equals BORING. Look up alternatives and use them.
Albeit this has been a comical view of what stinks about your resume take it seriously. I can guarantee you 90% of the people reading this article have at least three of the six points listed above on their resume. When you’re tired of playing with your resume and ready for an expert to help you craft a high-impact, best-in-class resume and cover letter that won’t bore the reader but instead entices them to call – and call immediately then contact us.
Career Rocketeer
Get Your Resume the Attention It Deserves
In spite of all the gloom and doom about unemployment today, there still are good jobs out there. Only problem is, now you’re up against record numbers of competing applicants for that spot. HR teams are overwhelmed by this massive influx of candidates, and often have to wade through hundreds of resumes per job post.
Fortunately for them, this process can be automated and streamlined with an applicant tracking system, like iCIMS. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to weed out unqualified candidates and make recruiters’ lives easier, so it’s important you don’t become part of the discarded pile.
Here’s a few tips to make sure you resume is one of the select few that make it to the recruiter’s pile of possible candidates.
Keywords, keywords, keywords. We can’t say this enough. You have to tailor your resume to each job description. Using the same key words and phrases used in a job description, and repeating them as frequently as possible in your resume (while remaining logical), will make the applicant tracking system rank you as a higher and better match for this job. Also, many ATS weigh more heavily when those keywords appear at the top of your resume, because it indicates you’re currently or very recently enacting those key terms. So, keywords- often and at the top.
Keep it simple, in terms of a lot of things.
Don’t include graphics, logos or pictures. Also, don’t try to get fancy with text boxes, headers or footers. While resume-parsing tools are a great resource and save hours upon hours of manual data entry, they can’t always parse text boxes, headers or footers with 100% accuracy. It’s best to avoid the risk and leave out these features altogether. Furthermore, almost all ATS will strip down resumes into their most basic format, text only. So don’t stress over font or color- it ultimately doesn’t matter.
Word. If you’re attaching a resume or cover letter, the most commonly accepted format is a Word document. Who does that anyway? Don’t type out your name vertically on your resume. Did that thought cross your mind to begin with? Well, if it did, bad idea.
Put an email address! If for some reason you’re living in the 21st century without an email address, it’s time to sign yourself up for a free email account. ATS often send mass communication via email alerting you of your status, and if you don’t have an email address you’ll miss out.
Be careful and read directions! Be sure that your resume is typo-free. Not only will it reflect poorly on you to have grammar and punctuation errors, but those mistakes, no matter how minor, may make it difficult for the ATS to correctly parse the information in your resume. Also, read directions, i.e. if they ask for a numeric salary figure, don’t type $ or /hr, just type numbers.
The ambiguity of cover letters. For some organizations, though not all, you can only upload ONE cover letter regardless of how many jobs within that company you ultimately want to apply to. If this is the case, you should include a generic cover letter that would cover your bases for any role at that company, not for a specific position. There’s no golden rule on this one, though, and it depends if you’re applying to one job or several at the same organization, so it’s just something to be aware of. And if you’re not sure, ask!
Career Rocketeer
Which Health Care Options have
the Best Employment Outlook
The recent economic downturn proves one very important point. While the healthcare industry may not be recession-proof, it is certainly recession-resistant. It is the one major industry in Utah that continues to createadditional job opportunities despite recession. Moreover, healthcare occupations will continue to provid some of the best employment opportunities in the years ahead.
How do I Find a Job
Finding a job can be tricky, especially if it is your first job or you are changing careers. There are tremendous resources that can help you succeed. Are you searching in all of the conventional places without success and wondering where all the jobs are? Job-searching strategies evolve along with technology and trends. Learn what you can do to be more successful at finding a job. Read More
Finding a job can be tricky, especially if it is your first job or you are changing careers. There are tremendous resources that can help you succeed. Are you searching in all of the conventional places without success and wondering where all the jobs are? Job-searching strategies evolve along with technology and trends. Learn what you can do to be more successful at finding a job. Read More
Following Up After an Interview
Toward the end of an interview, the interviewer typically will ask you if you have any questions. Take the opportunity to ask when the company hopes to make a hiring decision. Ask the interviewer if you may contact him or her in a few days to follow up. Just remember, if you say you are going to follow up, do it.
Read More
Toward the end of an interview, the interviewer typically will ask you if you have any questions. Take the opportunity to ask when the company hopes to make a hiring decision. Ask the interviewer if you may contact him or her in a few days to follow up. Just remember, if you say you are going to follow up, do it.
Read More
Virtual Internships: A Growing Trend and Great Opportunity
The job hunt is fierce. But a phenomenal new type of internship is on the rise, and it’s one that will boost your skills while at the same time allow you the flexibility of working from home and on your own clock. Employers are turning more and more to virtual interns, and we’re seeing a real rise in this on UrbanInterns. In fact, The Wall Street Journal published a story about this a few weeks ago.
Other advantages of a virtual internship? You don’t have to go to school in a major city to get access to awesome companies, and a lot of these positions are in areas that you’re probably already pretty skilled at, like social networking, blogging and research. We’re also seeing a rise in these positions at small businesses in particular, which is a great opportunity for you because you get exposure to management and get to play an important role as an intern at a small company.
So what’s the best strategy for going about finding a virtual internship? Here are some tips:
Promote yourself as a social networking genius. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other niche social nets are surprisingly foreign to a lot of small business owners. In addition, this type of task is time-consuming –- they need helping hands to execute the strategy and to be the social media face of the brands they’ve worked so hard to build.
Make sure all your online profiles are up to date, but at the same time would not offend any small business owners who might find them. Prospective employers will probably try to research you before hiring, because they can’t meet you in person. Your online presence should be a professional reflection of yourself –- one that employers would feel confident representing their companies.
Be aware of your virtual interview. When you’re applying for a virtual job, your interview could be on the phone or via Skype. In either case, keep the constraints of your interview in mind and be fully prepared. In other words, make sure your phone and Internet connections are good with no static before starting. You also won’t be able to rely on body language to convey yourself or interpret your interviewer’s mood, so be extra cautious with your words.
Now, what are you waiting for? Go to www.urbaninterns.com/login and fill out your profile to get discovered by hundreds of employers looking for virtual interns. In addition, Urban Interns currently has local jobs in NYC and Boston, and we’re rolling out eight new cities (Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington, DC) very soon –- be the first in line for jobs in those cities as well as virtually! Note: if you’re not in one of those areas, select “Other.”
Lauren Porat and Cari Sommer
Build Your Network Relationships
One of the most valuable skills for anybody, at any stage of life, working in just about any field is networking. Through this skill we have a wider reach to serve and to be served. With a strong network you can find a job, receive recommendations and be recommended, give advice, or just make someone’s day.
Many of us build networks through transactional means such as LinkedIn or collecting business cards. Build networks by building relationships. These networks will give you better support and be there when you need them most.
Birthdays and Birthday Lunches: great way to stay connected showing you care and setting you apart from other.
Notes- thank you, congrats or appreciation: take the time to make the relationship personal with a short, handwritten note.
Christmas Cards: great way to stay in contact with people away from where you live.
Professional Organizations: connects you to professional peers and opens lines of communications you may not otherwise have.
Community Involvement: by giving this passion-based service you show your true character and that you care.
Be Friendly and Gracious to Everyone: get past first looks and talk with everyone, be nice to everyone, you want your family to have a good name.
Have Charity: charity is better than 1,000 names on LinkedIn or Facebook, help everyone know they have something to offer.
Connect: be perspicacious, or aware of the world around you, lots of opportunities come in unexpected ways.
Be Bold: it is good to say what your heart says rather than what you think others expect you to say.
Focus on Relationships and the Natural Consequence will be a Strong Network.
One of the most valuable skills for anybody, at any stage of life, working in just about any field is networking. Through this skill we have a wider reach to serve and to be served. With a strong network you can find a job, receive recommendations and be recommended, give advice, or just make someone’s day.
Many of us build networks through transactional means such as LinkedIn or collecting business cards. Build networks by building relationships. These networks will give you better support and be there when you need them most.
Birthdays and Birthday Lunches: great way to stay connected showing you care and setting you apart from other.
Notes- thank you, congrats or appreciation: take the time to make the relationship personal with a short, handwritten note.
Christmas Cards: great way to stay in contact with people away from where you live.
Professional Organizations: connects you to professional peers and opens lines of communications you may not otherwise have.
Community Involvement: by giving this passion-based service you show your true character and that you care.
Be Friendly and Gracious to Everyone: get past first looks and talk with everyone, be nice to everyone, you want your family to have a good name.
Have Charity: charity is better than 1,000 names on LinkedIn or Facebook, help everyone know they have something to offer.
Connect: be perspicacious, or aware of the world around you, lots of opportunities come in unexpected ways.
Be Bold: it is good to say what your heart says rather than what you think others expect you to say.
Focus on Relationships and the Natural Consequence will be a Strong Network.
You Have More Experience Than You Think
1. Sports. Even if you aren’t a star athlete, your participation in an organized sport (varsity, JV, club level or just for fun) is valuable. An employee who is a “team player” and works well with others can move mountains in the workplace. Athletic experience builds your competitive nature, increases your level of confidence and gives you strong leadership skills. Remember to consider these lessons and experiences when discussing your skills and abilities in a job interview.
2. Clubs and organizations. From French club to student government, be sure to note your involvement in organized group activities. Make special note of any leadership roles that involved coordinating events, budgeting or acting as liaison among group members, faculty and staff. Also take some time to think about club projects you managed from beginning to end — employers will correlate these to workplace project management skills.
3. Greek life. Aside from the toga parties (which employers definitely don’t want to know about), Greek organizations provide some valuable experience for the working world. Many Greek organizations place significant value on networking events, fundraisers and recruitment. If you held a direct leadership role, planned events or coordinated publicity for your fraternity or sorority, you should share these achievements with potential employers. Keep in mind that there are some lingering stereotypes from Animal House and the like, so proceed with caution.
4. The arts. Whether you’re involved in art, music, dance or theater, your performance skills and the self-confidence it takes to share your talents in front of an audience are very attractive to an employer. Don’t be shy about touting your creative accomplishments, even in a serious corporate setting.
5. Entrepreneurship. Did you start a business, activity or club? Have you participated in a family business? Whether it’s been a success or struggle in today’s economy, the lessons you’ve learned from taking initiative and building your own group or company are worthy of mention. Be able to speak of your motivation to become an entrepreneur and the ups and downs you faced throughout the process.
6. Volunteer experience. Did you tutor peers at your school, help manage a food drive or give your time to an elderly community? Whether you’ve spent one week, one month or one year volunteering, you have gained skills, built relationships and experienced struggles and triumphs that are valuable to an employer. Include these experiences on your resume and discuss them in your professional conversations.
7. Part-time work. Have you worked in retail, at a restaurant or behind the snack bar at your neighborhood pool? Even telemarketing, babysitting, mowing the lawn and dog walking can demonstrate hard work, dedication, organization and persistence — qualities that all employers want and need. When you discuss these work experiences, however, it’s up to you to point out how they are relevant to jobs you are seeking now. Give serious thought to what your part-time work has taught you and how it’s contributed to your skill set.
8. Campaigning and activism. Were you active in the 2008 presidential election? Have you written letters, made phone calls or found other ways to speak out about the causes you support? If you’ve shown dedication to a cause or movement, it can be smart to share this in a job interview. Keep in mind that politics and certain issues are a source of controversy, though, so focus more on explaining your involvement and the specific abilities you developed rather than trying to convert a recruiter to your cause or point of view.
Lindsey Pollak
1. Sports. Even if you aren’t a star athlete, your participation in an organized sport (varsity, JV, club level or just for fun) is valuable. An employee who is a “team player” and works well with others can move mountains in the workplace. Athletic experience builds your competitive nature, increases your level of confidence and gives you strong leadership skills. Remember to consider these lessons and experiences when discussing your skills and abilities in a job interview.
2. Clubs and organizations. From French club to student government, be sure to note your involvement in organized group activities. Make special note of any leadership roles that involved coordinating events, budgeting or acting as liaison among group members, faculty and staff. Also take some time to think about club projects you managed from beginning to end — employers will correlate these to workplace project management skills.
3. Greek life. Aside from the toga parties (which employers definitely don’t want to know about), Greek organizations provide some valuable experience for the working world. Many Greek organizations place significant value on networking events, fundraisers and recruitment. If you held a direct leadership role, planned events or coordinated publicity for your fraternity or sorority, you should share these achievements with potential employers. Keep in mind that there are some lingering stereotypes from Animal House and the like, so proceed with caution.
4. The arts. Whether you’re involved in art, music, dance or theater, your performance skills and the self-confidence it takes to share your talents in front of an audience are very attractive to an employer. Don’t be shy about touting your creative accomplishments, even in a serious corporate setting.
5. Entrepreneurship. Did you start a business, activity or club? Have you participated in a family business? Whether it’s been a success or struggle in today’s economy, the lessons you’ve learned from taking initiative and building your own group or company are worthy of mention. Be able to speak of your motivation to become an entrepreneur and the ups and downs you faced throughout the process.
6. Volunteer experience. Did you tutor peers at your school, help manage a food drive or give your time to an elderly community? Whether you’ve spent one week, one month or one year volunteering, you have gained skills, built relationships and experienced struggles and triumphs that are valuable to an employer. Include these experiences on your resume and discuss them in your professional conversations.
7. Part-time work. Have you worked in retail, at a restaurant or behind the snack bar at your neighborhood pool? Even telemarketing, babysitting, mowing the lawn and dog walking can demonstrate hard work, dedication, organization and persistence — qualities that all employers want and need. When you discuss these work experiences, however, it’s up to you to point out how they are relevant to jobs you are seeking now. Give serious thought to what your part-time work has taught you and how it’s contributed to your skill set.
8. Campaigning and activism. Were you active in the 2008 presidential election? Have you written letters, made phone calls or found other ways to speak out about the causes you support? If you’ve shown dedication to a cause or movement, it can be smart to share this in a job interview. Keep in mind that politics and certain issues are a source of controversy, though, so focus more on explaining your involvement and the specific abilities you developed rather than trying to convert a recruiter to your cause or point of view.
Lindsey Pollak
Why Don't Employers Call You Back
Job searchers, please understand that hiring managers and HR professionals are receiving 10times the amount of resumes than they would have a year or two ago. Their time is spread thin and it is difficult to respond to each resume or application. Don’t expect to hear from every company that you’ve applied. The position may have filled and the manager has moved on.
Job searchers, please understand that hiring managers and HR professionals are receiving 10times the amount of resumes than they would have a year or two ago. Their time is spread thin and it is difficult to respond to each resume or application. Don’t expect to hear from every company that you’ve applied. The position may have filled and the manager has moved on.
If you interview for a job, though, a good hiring manager will always follow up. Additionally, be mindful of several things.
First, don’t apply for a job for which you clearly are not qualified.
Second, prepare for your interview. If you know nothing about the company you are interviewing with, it’s an immediate red flag to the hiring manager.
Finally, if a hiring manager indicates that she will contact you in two weeks and you have not heard from her, you should follow up with her. It may be that the process is taking longer than she expected. Remember, two years ago, job seekers were particular about the jobs they would accept. Today, managers are trying to find the “perfect” candidate rather than settling on a candidate.
First, don’t apply for a job for which you clearly are not qualified.
Second, prepare for your interview. If you know nothing about the company you are interviewing with, it’s an immediate red flag to the hiring manager.
Finally, if a hiring manager indicates that she will contact you in two weeks and you have not heard from her, you should follow up with her. It may be that the process is taking longer than she expected. Remember, two years ago, job seekers were particular about the jobs they would accept. Today, managers are trying to find the “perfect” candidate rather than settling on a candidate.
Safeguard Your Facebook Privacy
Facebook statistics show that it has 250 million active users each with an average 120 friends. More than 1 billion photos are uploaded every month by its users, over 70% of whom use applications like games and quizzes in Facebook. Unfortunately, most users don’t know the implications of entering personal information, making friends, and playing games on Facebook. This guide will show what you can (and cannot) do to safeguard your Facebook privacy. read more
Mahendra Palsule
The Elevator Speech or the Me in 30 Seconds
It’s called an elevator speech, but your personal commercial that describes your career assets can happen on an escalator, at a ballgame or in a place of worship. The idea is that when someone asks you what you do, you often have less than a minute to answer (before the elevator door opens).
According to Karin Combs, career coach and owner of Source One Career Coaching (www.sourceonehr.com/), the elevator speech has four basic components:
* Your name and title (a title everyone will understand)
* Who you serve (e.g. internal customers)
* What you do (the skills you have to help a company make money, save money and/or solve problems)
* Your target market (i.e., target companies, geographic areas, company size, area of interest)
“As you begin to say your elevator speech out loud, it will sound like a script,” says Combs. “Practice your elevator speech with everyone! Begin to own it and believe it and it will start to sound more natural. Make it your own words and practice, practice, practice!” (Combs has an elevator-speech template on her website at www.sourceonehr.com/images/Perfecting_Your_Elevator_Speech_Exercise.doc.)
In role-playing with networking colleagues, Interactive Marketing Leader Ray Smith (raysmithweb@gmail.com) would pretend to be the hiring manager. Before hearing an elevator speech, Smith would say “I have 10 people out in the hallway who say they do what you do. I'll give you 30 seconds. If you convince me that you're the one I should hire, I'll tell the rest to go home right now. But if you sound just like the rest, I'm going to yell ‘next!’ Go ahead and tell me what makes you different."
Smith says that to test the effectiveness of your elevator speech, ask your networking contact to repeat what you do. “If what they're repeating isn't what you want communicated, keep shortening the elevator speech and revising it until they do.”
To make his elevator speech memorable, Scott Wittich begins with “My name is Scott Wittich, and I’m out of control,” using a slightly depressed voice and pausing for effect. With a more upbeat and enthusiastic tone, Wittich continues with “Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job…”
“If you are going to use humor in an elevator speech, it has to feel and sound natural,” says Wittich. “The bigger point to be made is that no matter what the content of your elevator speech or how you say it, it has to sound natural and be true to who you are or you will sound phony.”
In its entirety, Scott’s elevator speech is:
My name is Scott Wittich, and I'm out of control... Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job. But I am looking for a Controller or Accounting Management position that will allow me to get back in control to help a company control its costs and assets.
Many people think accounting is boring, but when I worked with operating departments to develop a $125 million annual budget, and worked with those same departments to reduce budgeted costs by $16 million in 5 years, which enabled our operation to be the lowest cost producer of 12 branches, I found that very exciting, especially when it provided job security for the plant's employees. I am looking for the opportunity to again work with managers to develop and achieve similar goals.
(In this section, Wittich tailors his target market according to his audience, including industry type, company size and geographic location.)
Again, my name is Scott Wittich, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know about any companies searching for a Controller or Accounting Manager.
“I think it is important to emphasize each point of your speech and change the tone of your voice so you don't speak in a monotone,” says Wittich. “If you forget to say something or say it in the wrong order, no one will know, as long as your body language doesn't indicate you made a mistake. Just recover and keep on going.”
An elevator speech does not tell your entire life story, says Combs. "The goal for the elevator speech is for people to want to know more! Then you can arrange for a phone discussion or meeting later.”
James Sanford
It’s called an elevator speech, but your personal commercial that describes your career assets can happen on an escalator, at a ballgame or in a place of worship. The idea is that when someone asks you what you do, you often have less than a minute to answer (before the elevator door opens).
According to Karin Combs, career coach and owner of Source One Career Coaching (www.sourceonehr.com/), the elevator speech has four basic components:
* Your name and title (a title everyone will understand)
* Who you serve (e.g. internal customers)
* What you do (the skills you have to help a company make money, save money and/or solve problems)
* Your target market (i.e., target companies, geographic areas, company size, area of interest)
“As you begin to say your elevator speech out loud, it will sound like a script,” says Combs. “Practice your elevator speech with everyone! Begin to own it and believe it and it will start to sound more natural. Make it your own words and practice, practice, practice!” (Combs has an elevator-speech template on her website at www.sourceonehr.com/images/Perfecting_Your_Elevator_Speech_Exercise.doc.)
In role-playing with networking colleagues, Interactive Marketing Leader Ray Smith (raysmithweb@gmail.com) would pretend to be the hiring manager. Before hearing an elevator speech, Smith would say “I have 10 people out in the hallway who say they do what you do. I'll give you 30 seconds. If you convince me that you're the one I should hire, I'll tell the rest to go home right now. But if you sound just like the rest, I'm going to yell ‘next!’ Go ahead and tell me what makes you different."
Smith says that to test the effectiveness of your elevator speech, ask your networking contact to repeat what you do. “If what they're repeating isn't what you want communicated, keep shortening the elevator speech and revising it until they do.”
To make his elevator speech memorable, Scott Wittich begins with “My name is Scott Wittich, and I’m out of control,” using a slightly depressed voice and pausing for effect. With a more upbeat and enthusiastic tone, Wittich continues with “Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job…”
“If you are going to use humor in an elevator speech, it has to feel and sound natural,” says Wittich. “The bigger point to be made is that no matter what the content of your elevator speech or how you say it, it has to sound natural and be true to who you are or you will sound phony.”
In its entirety, Scott’s elevator speech is:
My name is Scott Wittich, and I'm out of control... Actually, I'm a Financial Controller who is out of a job. But I am looking for a Controller or Accounting Management position that will allow me to get back in control to help a company control its costs and assets.
Many people think accounting is boring, but when I worked with operating departments to develop a $125 million annual budget, and worked with those same departments to reduce budgeted costs by $16 million in 5 years, which enabled our operation to be the lowest cost producer of 12 branches, I found that very exciting, especially when it provided job security for the plant's employees. I am looking for the opportunity to again work with managers to develop and achieve similar goals.
(In this section, Wittich tailors his target market according to his audience, including industry type, company size and geographic location.)
Again, my name is Scott Wittich, and I would appreciate it if you would let me know about any companies searching for a Controller or Accounting Manager.
“I think it is important to emphasize each point of your speech and change the tone of your voice so you don't speak in a monotone,” says Wittich. “If you forget to say something or say it in the wrong order, no one will know, as long as your body language doesn't indicate you made a mistake. Just recover and keep on going.”
An elevator speech does not tell your entire life story, says Combs. "The goal for the elevator speech is for people to want to know more! Then you can arrange for a phone discussion or meeting later.”
James Sanford
10 Ways to Be Liked in Your Job Interview
No matter your resume and talents, if you mess up a job interview you won't get that position. In today's tough economy you need every possible edge. As authors of the new book, "I Hate People! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What you Want Out of Your Job," we see it as a simple equation: You want to be liked -- not hated.
Here are 10 simple things to do that will dramatically increase your chances: from wearing the right expression, to knowing what not to say, to never ever breaking a sweat.
1. Don't be a "smiley face."
Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is -- nervousness and a lack of confidence. A smiley-face person exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there's something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.
2. Don't be a small-talker.
Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you're interviewing. Random facts about last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.
3. Don't sweat.
You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don't want to be hot.
4. Don't be a road block.
Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a nay-saying mentality will be as visible as a red tie -- and seen as a negative. Practice saying "yes" to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.
5. Don't be petty.
Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don't ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube, and company policy on coffee breaks.
6. Don't be a liar.
Studies show that employees lie frequently in the workplace. Lying won't get you a job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don't. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There's a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.
7. Don't be a bad comedian.
Humor tends to be very subjective, and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you've got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it's "perfect weather for a job interview!"
8. Don't be high-maintenance.
If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you'll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who's going to be finicky about their workspace.
9. Don't be a time-waster.
At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point, and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you've asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you'll be thought of as someone destined to waste the company's resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.
10. Don't be a switchblade.
Normally the switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else's work. In an interview setting, the switchblade can't help but "trash talk" his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.
Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon
No matter your resume and talents, if you mess up a job interview you won't get that position. In today's tough economy you need every possible edge. As authors of the new book, "I Hate People! Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What you Want Out of Your Job," we see it as a simple equation: You want to be liked -- not hated.
Here are 10 simple things to do that will dramatically increase your chances: from wearing the right expression, to knowing what not to say, to never ever breaking a sweat.
1. Don't be a "smiley face."
Excessive smiling in a job interview is seen for what it is -- nervousness and a lack of confidence. A smiley-face person exudes phoniness, which will quickly be picked up by the interviewer. Instead be thoughtful and pleasant. Smile when there's something to smile about. Do a practice run in front of a mirror or friend.
2. Don't be a small-talker.
Your job is to be knowledgeable about the company for which you're interviewing. Random facts about last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" or your favorite blog will not get you the job. Never feel you have to fill an interview with small talk. Find ways to talk about serious subjects related to the industry or company. Pockets of silence are better than padding an interview with random babble.
3. Don't sweat.
You can lose a job by wearing an undershirt or simply a little too much clothing. Sweaty palms or beads on your forehead will not impress. You are not applying to be a personal trainer. Sweat will be seen as a sign of weakness and nervousness. Do a practice run with your job interview outfit in front of friends. The job interview is one place you definitely don't want to be hot.
4. Don't be a road block.
Interviewers are seeking candidates eager to take on challenging projects and jobs. Hesitance and a nay-saying mentality will be as visible as a red tie -- and seen as a negative. Practice saying "yes" to questions about your interest in tasks and work that might normally give you pause.
5. Don't be petty.
Asking the location of the lunchroom or meeting room will clue the interviewer into your lack of preparation and initiative. Prepare. Don't ask questions about routine elements or functions of a company: where stuff is, the size of your cube, and company policy on coffee breaks.
6. Don't be a liar.
Studies show that employees lie frequently in the workplace. Lying won't get you a job. In a job interview even a slight exaggeration is lying. Don't. Never stretch your resume or embellish accomplishments. There's a difference between speaking with a measured confidence and engaging in BS. One lie can ruin your entire interview, and the skilled interviewer will spot the lie and show you the door.
7. Don't be a bad comedian.
Humor tends to be very subjective, and while it may be tempting to lead your interview with a joke you've got to be careful about your material. You probably will know nothing about the sensibilities of your interviewer, let alone what makes them laugh. On the other hand, nothing disarms the tension of a job interview like a little laughter, so you can probably score at least a courtesy chuckle mentioning that it's "perfect weather for a job interview!"
8. Don't be high-maintenance.
If you start talking about the ideal office temperature, the perfect chair for your tricky back, and how the water cooler needs to be filled with imported mineral water, chances are you'll be shown a polite smile and the door, regardless of your qualifications. Nobody hiring today is going to be looking for someone who's going to be finicky about their workspace.
9. Don't be a time-waster.
At every job interview, the prospective hire is given the chance to ask questions. Make yours intelligent, to the point, and watch the person across the desk for visual cues whether you've asked enough. Ask too many questions about off-target matters and you'll be thought of as someone destined to waste the company's resources with insignificant and time-wasting matters.
10. Don't be a switchblade.
Normally the switchblade is thought of a backstabber, often taking credit for someone else's work. In an interview setting, the switchblade can't help but "trash talk" his former employer. If you make it seem like your former workplace was hell on Earth, the person interviewing you might be tempted to call them to find out who was the real devil.
Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon
Simple Things To Remember When In A Job Interview
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
1. From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
2. The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head.
By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
3. Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
4. Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
1. From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
2. The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head.
By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
3. Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
4. Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
5 Steps to a Fantastic Linkedin Profile
As the largest and most vibrant professional social network, LinkedIn provides a wealth of opportunities for job seekers and ambitious young professionals. But LinkedIn doesn’t work unless you work it.
How can you make the most of LinkedIn? Here are some tips for creating a profile that will impress employers, colleagues, headhunters, professional association members and more:
1. Include keywords in your summary statement. The Summary portion of your profile provides a chance to share the highlights of your bio in your own words. It’s also a place to include key words and phrases that a recruiter or hiring manager might type into a search engine to find a person like you. The best place to find relevant keywords is in the job listings that appeal to you and the LinkedIn profiles of people who currently hold the kinds of positions you want. Check out LinkedIn’s Company Pages feature to search through the profiles of employees at your dream employers. And remember, it is absolutely fine — crucial, in fact — to include unpaid or volunteer work in your Summary. If you are a current student or recent grad, you can include relevant coursework and extra curricular achievements as well.
2. Write for the screen. LinkedIn, or any website for that matter, is not the place for long-form prose. Present your summary statement in short blocks of text with lots of white space. Bullet points are great, too.
3. List all experience. One of the most valuable aspects of LinkedIn is the way it connects you with former colleagues and classmates—which, as we all know, are some of our best networking contacts. It would be a shame if a long lost former colleague or classmate, who happens to be a recruiter now, couldn’t find you because you hadn’t listed that shared employment in your LinkedIn profile.
4. Collect diverse recommendations. Nothing builds credibility like third party endorsements. The most impressive LinkedIn profiles have at least one recommendation associated with each job a person has held. Think about soliciting recommendations from professors, internship coordinators and colleagues, employers, classmates with whom you shared an extra curricular activity and professional mentors.
5. Share your news frequently. The best way to stay on other people’s radar screens is to update your status on LinkedIn (the box near the top of your profile) at least once a week. Tell people about events you are attending, major projects you’ve completed, professional books you are reading, successes you are celebrating or any other news that you would tell someone at a networking reception or on a quick catch-up phone call.
Lindsey Pollak
As the largest and most vibrant professional social network, LinkedIn provides a wealth of opportunities for job seekers and ambitious young professionals. But LinkedIn doesn’t work unless you work it.
How can you make the most of LinkedIn? Here are some tips for creating a profile that will impress employers, colleagues, headhunters, professional association members and more:
1. Include keywords in your summary statement. The Summary portion of your profile provides a chance to share the highlights of your bio in your own words. It’s also a place to include key words and phrases that a recruiter or hiring manager might type into a search engine to find a person like you. The best place to find relevant keywords is in the job listings that appeal to you and the LinkedIn profiles of people who currently hold the kinds of positions you want. Check out LinkedIn’s Company Pages feature to search through the profiles of employees at your dream employers. And remember, it is absolutely fine — crucial, in fact — to include unpaid or volunteer work in your Summary. If you are a current student or recent grad, you can include relevant coursework and extra curricular achievements as well.
2. Write for the screen. LinkedIn, or any website for that matter, is not the place for long-form prose. Present your summary statement in short blocks of text with lots of white space. Bullet points are great, too.
3. List all experience. One of the most valuable aspects of LinkedIn is the way it connects you with former colleagues and classmates—which, as we all know, are some of our best networking contacts. It would be a shame if a long lost former colleague or classmate, who happens to be a recruiter now, couldn’t find you because you hadn’t listed that shared employment in your LinkedIn profile.
4. Collect diverse recommendations. Nothing builds credibility like third party endorsements. The most impressive LinkedIn profiles have at least one recommendation associated with each job a person has held. Think about soliciting recommendations from professors, internship coordinators and colleagues, employers, classmates with whom you shared an extra curricular activity and professional mentors.
5. Share your news frequently. The best way to stay on other people’s radar screens is to update your status on LinkedIn (the box near the top of your profile) at least once a week. Tell people about events you are attending, major projects you’ve completed, professional books you are reading, successes you are celebrating or any other news that you would tell someone at a networking reception or on a quick catch-up phone call.
Lindsey Pollak
Most young people are indeed more experienced than they think.
We all know that jobs and internships are relevant, but it’s important to take inventory of all your talents and experiences so you don’t freeze up when writing your resume, interviewing for your dream job or filling out your LinkedIn profile. Whether you’re crafting a cover letter for a new job or negotiating a higher salary a current one, it’s important to take inventory and gain confidence in your experiences and abilities.
How far back should you go in your analysis? As a general rule, resume-relevant experience goes back four years for students and recent grads, unless you’ve done something super impressive like winning an Olympic medal or starting your own business, which you should always mention. Read more on the timeline for recalling your achievements in my blog post, Career Q&A: Is it lame to put high school achievements on my resume?
I’ve put together a laundry list of valuable experiences and skills that may not automatically come to mind when conducting your job search. Here are the first five as a teaser — stay tuned for the rest in days to come:
1. Writing. Do you write for your school newspaper? Did you start a blog? Book reviews, short stories and letters to the editor are all important uses of your communication skills. If you’ve acquired bylines, don’t be shy about showing potential employers what you’ve done. Any well-written content labeled with your name holds value in the marketplace, especially in a business world where writing skills are often lacking.
2. Course work. Every student takes classes, but what have you done specifically that demonstrates the skills and knowledge you bring to the workplace? Notable accomplishments include completing projects from beginning to end, writing research papers, building presentations or models, testing theories, conducting labs and participating in an organized debate. Be selective in what you share, but don’t be shy about it either.
3. Group projects. Though they often seem like a drag, group projects teach us a lot about ourselves and how we work with others. Did you face challenges in working with different types of people? Was your group stuck in a last minute crisis? Did you somehow save the day and pull off a killer presentation? Since most companies value teamwork, these types of experiences add value to your candidacy for a position. If you’re the go-to group leader because everyone knows you’re organized and efficient, mention this as well.
4. Second language. Are you fluent in another language from college courses or Rosetta Stone? Have you learned sign language to help a parent or aid your volunteer efforts? Whether you’ve been bilingual (or more) since birth or learned through time, knowledge of multiple languages is a significant asset in today’s marketplace.
5. Study abroad. Have you lived in another country? Did you participate in an exchange program or live with another family while overseas? The desire to live in another place shows curiosity and confidence. The ability to adjust to another culture demonstrates flexibility, resilience and resourcefulness. These traits are extremely important when adjusting to a new work environment, and employers want to know you’re adaptable.
Lindsey Pollak
Build Your Network Now
Now is the time to build your network. Start connecting with friends and acquaintances. Whenever you meet someone who is successful or whom you think will be successful in the future, develop a relationship. Get their name, telephone number and email address and add them to a contact list. You never know when you might need them.
You probably have some idea which of your classmates or ward members are likely to be very successful. They are the ones who get the good grades, who are socially connedted, who may be class officers or ward leaders. You need to establish relationships with people who can help you in the future.
Most jobs are secured through networking. Recent surveys have shown the almost thirty percent of new jobs are found in this way. When I was a senior executive, I always asked my staff whether they know anyone qualified for whichever opening I was trying to fill. I never used any other method to find people.
Now, while you are still in school, is the time to develop relationships with as many people as possible whom you can go to in the future to find job opportunities. You need to start building these relationships now, before you need them. You need vital relationships to accelerate your executive ascent.
Now is the time to build your network. Start connecting with friends and acquaintances. Whenever you meet someone who is successful or whom you think will be successful in the future, develop a relationship. Get their name, telephone number and email address and add them to a contact list. You never know when you might need them.
You probably have some idea which of your classmates or ward members are likely to be very successful. They are the ones who get the good grades, who are socially connedted, who may be class officers or ward leaders. You need to establish relationships with people who can help you in the future.
Most jobs are secured through networking. Recent surveys have shown the almost thirty percent of new jobs are found in this way. When I was a senior executive, I always asked my staff whether they know anyone qualified for whichever opening I was trying to fill. I never used any other method to find people.
Now, while you are still in school, is the time to develop relationships with as many people as possible whom you can go to in the future to find job opportunities. You need to start building these relationships now, before you need them. You need vital relationships to accelerate your executive ascent.
Ideas to Grow Your Job Search Network Right Now
A recent study confirms that networking is the best way to find a job. But growing a network takes time so you want to build it before you need it. Like a tree, a network requires caring and time to branch out to its full potential. The more you invest in your network, the more you’ll get out of it. Even if you can only afford a few minutes per day, start growing your network as soon as you can and continue nurturing it until you need its fruits. Here’s how to start.......read more
Jacob Share
A recent study confirms that networking is the best way to find a job. But growing a network takes time so you want to build it before you need it. Like a tree, a network requires caring and time to branch out to its full potential. The more you invest in your network, the more you’ll get out of it. Even if you can only afford a few minutes per day, start growing your network as soon as you can and continue nurturing it until you need its fruits. Here’s how to start.......read more
Jacob Share
Your Facebook Page Can Kill a Job Opportunity
This generation didn't invent stupidity. It's just the first to post it online for all the world to see. And that's the rub: Employers are getting savvier about looking you up online. How? In some cases, just by Googling your name.
More and more companies -- 61 percent, says the Ponemon Institute, a privacy research organization -- are running online background checks of prospective hires. And 43 percent of those potential bosses nixed candidates based on what they found out about them. As one consultant told the New York Post, "Your Google results are your new résumé."
Hiring someone is risky business. Employers, after all, don't like surprises. They look at what people post and wonder, Is that new salesperson, the one who posted something silly, crude or stupid likely to do the same at a convention? Will the new guy in advertising turn off clients with endless chatter about his World of Warcraft score? No question, the easiest way to deal with a potential problem is before the hire.
Some applicants demonstrate a complete lack of judgment and maturity. Anyone applying for a job would be wise to review his or her online persona from an employer's perspective. "I had a candidate who wrote on a religious blog things like 'We're right and they're wrong and they're all going to hell,'" says one recruiter He didn't get the job, because the employer feared he'd spend his days preaching to co-workers. Then there's the guy who got passed over after bragging about how well he did in Vegas. To one potential boss, that screamed "Gambler!"
Yes, religious platitudes are protected speech, and gambling in Vegas is legal. But take note: If the boss has concerns, he probably won't hire you.
And it's not just about getting hired. An applicant couldn’t believe it when his former bosses at a publishing company took exception to what he wrote on a friend's MySpace page. "I left in a very professional manner so I could get a good reference," says the applicant. "Then I wrote a two-line comment, a little ha-ha funny. But I guess if you read the post out of context, it wouldn't seem too funny."
What did his former employer take out of context? This: "Thank goodness this is my final day in this dump.”
"I should have used common sense," the applicant admits his chances of getting that reference are now shot. "Anything that you put online is public information."
This should seem pretty obvious to the generation who grew up on these sites, right? Maybe not, says an admissions expert. When it comes to the Net, she says, young people tend to fall for two traps. One: "Many of them believe it's truly private, and they'll determine who gets to see what, and it will stop there." Wrong! And two: "Their sense of what things will be like in the next stage of their life is not realistic."
In other words, they don't always grasp the fact that first impressions are often last impressions. They figure, I'm a good person, I'm a smart person, and eventually everyone will see that. "Teachers will give you the benefit of the doubt," Norman says. "But employers aren't rushing to do that."
So what do you do about that foolish, immature picture now that you're looking for a job? Take it down! And anything else that could possibly be construed as offensive.
But what if the picture is now on other sites? After all, a friend can post your photo on his Facebook page or someplace less secure. And from there, it can be posted on another site. In other words, you're no longer in control of your photo.
This problem is so pervasive that a new industry has cropped up: identity management. "Complete transparency is great for the Internet, but not when it comes to your personal life.
This pocketbook warfare tends to seal the deal, but not always. While a student at Yale Law School, for example, one young woman applied to 16 firms for a summer associate position but didn't field a single offer. It turned out that students had spread vicious rumors on a law-school discussion forum. You may think walking the straight and narrow is the solution. Think again. "Half the stuff is totally unexpected.
These new business models serve to remind us that the World Wide Web is still the Wild, Wild West. You've got to be careful out there. On the other hand…… after graduating from Notre Dame in 2005, a 25-year-old landed a position in the ad-sales department of an upscale magazine. Her future employers checked out her Facebook profile and saw pictures of her scuba diving, traveling through Italy and helping introduce computers to a small African village. On the flip side, there were photos of her at a tailgate party and a guy playfully planting a kiss on her cheek. But those pictures didn't bother the employer, who offered her the job anyway. "They were looking for someone who would mesh with their community," she says. "My profile showed I'm a well-rounded person."
Let's face it, most of us have done something we regret. It's called being human. But tossing it online is another matter. And for some, it's even become an addiction, one with a nickname: Crackspace. Young or old, students and execs alike turn into exhibitionists, putting every aspect of their lives on public display. In a forgiving, kindly environment, yes. "But in a business environment?"
In a recent survey, hiring managers checked out job candidates online and discovered these cyber-skeletons:
31% lied about qualifications.
24% were linked to criminal behavior.
19% bad-mouthed their former company.
19% boasted about drinking and doing drugs.
15% shared confidential information from former employers.
11% posted provocative photographs.
8% used an unprofessional screen name.
Source: CareerBuilder.com
Protect Your Virtual Résumé
• Don't post anything obnoxious, lewd or risqué, and don't trash former employers.
• Switch your Facebook or MySpace profile to "private."
• Edit what friends write on your "wall." You'll be held accountable for their idiocy.
• Don't write anything on someone else's profile that can come back to haunt you.
• Avoid crazy e-mail addresses like spicychica2, dirthead and imsotired.
• Google yourself regularly. Better yet, sign up for a Google Alert, which will tell you when your name is mentioned online.
• Think of your profile as your public relations tool. Use it to present your accomplishments and creativity, not to settle scores and attack others.
Readers Digest
This generation didn't invent stupidity. It's just the first to post it online for all the world to see. And that's the rub: Employers are getting savvier about looking you up online. How? In some cases, just by Googling your name.
More and more companies -- 61 percent, says the Ponemon Institute, a privacy research organization -- are running online background checks of prospective hires. And 43 percent of those potential bosses nixed candidates based on what they found out about them. As one consultant told the New York Post, "Your Google results are your new résumé."
Hiring someone is risky business. Employers, after all, don't like surprises. They look at what people post and wonder, Is that new salesperson, the one who posted something silly, crude or stupid likely to do the same at a convention? Will the new guy in advertising turn off clients with endless chatter about his World of Warcraft score? No question, the easiest way to deal with a potential problem is before the hire.
Some applicants demonstrate a complete lack of judgment and maturity. Anyone applying for a job would be wise to review his or her online persona from an employer's perspective. "I had a candidate who wrote on a religious blog things like 'We're right and they're wrong and they're all going to hell,'" says one recruiter He didn't get the job, because the employer feared he'd spend his days preaching to co-workers. Then there's the guy who got passed over after bragging about how well he did in Vegas. To one potential boss, that screamed "Gambler!"
Yes, religious platitudes are protected speech, and gambling in Vegas is legal. But take note: If the boss has concerns, he probably won't hire you.
And it's not just about getting hired. An applicant couldn’t believe it when his former bosses at a publishing company took exception to what he wrote on a friend's MySpace page. "I left in a very professional manner so I could get a good reference," says the applicant. "Then I wrote a two-line comment, a little ha-ha funny. But I guess if you read the post out of context, it wouldn't seem too funny."
What did his former employer take out of context? This: "Thank goodness this is my final day in this dump.”
"I should have used common sense," the applicant admits his chances of getting that reference are now shot. "Anything that you put online is public information."
This should seem pretty obvious to the generation who grew up on these sites, right? Maybe not, says an admissions expert. When it comes to the Net, she says, young people tend to fall for two traps. One: "Many of them believe it's truly private, and they'll determine who gets to see what, and it will stop there." Wrong! And two: "Their sense of what things will be like in the next stage of their life is not realistic."
In other words, they don't always grasp the fact that first impressions are often last impressions. They figure, I'm a good person, I'm a smart person, and eventually everyone will see that. "Teachers will give you the benefit of the doubt," Norman says. "But employers aren't rushing to do that."
So what do you do about that foolish, immature picture now that you're looking for a job? Take it down! And anything else that could possibly be construed as offensive.
But what if the picture is now on other sites? After all, a friend can post your photo on his Facebook page or someplace less secure. And from there, it can be posted on another site. In other words, you're no longer in control of your photo.
This problem is so pervasive that a new industry has cropped up: identity management. "Complete transparency is great for the Internet, but not when it comes to your personal life.
This pocketbook warfare tends to seal the deal, but not always. While a student at Yale Law School, for example, one young woman applied to 16 firms for a summer associate position but didn't field a single offer. It turned out that students had spread vicious rumors on a law-school discussion forum. You may think walking the straight and narrow is the solution. Think again. "Half the stuff is totally unexpected.
These new business models serve to remind us that the World Wide Web is still the Wild, Wild West. You've got to be careful out there. On the other hand…… after graduating from Notre Dame in 2005, a 25-year-old landed a position in the ad-sales department of an upscale magazine. Her future employers checked out her Facebook profile and saw pictures of her scuba diving, traveling through Italy and helping introduce computers to a small African village. On the flip side, there were photos of her at a tailgate party and a guy playfully planting a kiss on her cheek. But those pictures didn't bother the employer, who offered her the job anyway. "They were looking for someone who would mesh with their community," she says. "My profile showed I'm a well-rounded person."
Let's face it, most of us have done something we regret. It's called being human. But tossing it online is another matter. And for some, it's even become an addiction, one with a nickname: Crackspace. Young or old, students and execs alike turn into exhibitionists, putting every aspect of their lives on public display. In a forgiving, kindly environment, yes. "But in a business environment?"
In a recent survey, hiring managers checked out job candidates online and discovered these cyber-skeletons:
31% lied about qualifications.
24% were linked to criminal behavior.
19% bad-mouthed their former company.
19% boasted about drinking and doing drugs.
15% shared confidential information from former employers.
11% posted provocative photographs.
8% used an unprofessional screen name.
Source: CareerBuilder.com
Protect Your Virtual Résumé
• Don't post anything obnoxious, lewd or risqué, and don't trash former employers.
• Switch your Facebook or MySpace profile to "private."
• Edit what friends write on your "wall." You'll be held accountable for their idiocy.
• Don't write anything on someone else's profile that can come back to haunt you.
• Avoid crazy e-mail addresses like spicychica2, dirthead and imsotired.
• Google yourself regularly. Better yet, sign up for a Google Alert, which will tell you when your name is mentioned online.
• Think of your profile as your public relations tool. Use it to present your accomplishments and creativity, not to settle scores and attack others.
Readers Digest
How to Make More Money: A letter from Marshall Bean, an Employment Specialist
First off, most people have a very limited view of what their money making potential is. Ever since we are young we are taught to pick a career, get an education and become a specialist in said career, and make our living in that career. This can be good, but when it comes to the root of it, if a job makes you happy and it makes you money, take the job. You can always change later. Also be open to having more than one part-time job.
Tip: If it makes you happy and it makes you money, take the job. Having a job in a side field will always make you more money than not having a job because it isn't in your field.
Second, make yourself more marketable. For a long time I was charging a less than standard rate for my freelance web projects, because I felt unqualified. Finally I bit the bullet, enrolled in certification test, passed it, and now I charge what ever I want. Do what you can to make yourself more marketable. Service opportunities and organizations are great free way of building your credentials. President of anything sounds good. Spend time to learn resume writing techniques.
Tip: Make a goal to be worth more. If your last job payed $7/hour find one that pays $8. If you are currently employed, what is holding you back from getting a raise?
Third, learning to manage and save your money can be just as useful as getting payed more. Track your finances. Divide your money into maintenance (food, rent, etc) savings (around 10%) and free money (dates, TV's, personal projects) Make sure you pay your tithing and fast offerings the moment you get your pay check, this will free you up when things get tight. Also learn to manage and save your time. Do you spend too much time on Facebook? Learn to discipline yourself and you will find that you suddenly have more hours in your day.
Tip: Pay your tithing and fast offerings first, this act of responsibility and smart money management prepares your mind to make better financial decisions.
Lastly, be happy. Being happy opens doors to new job opportunities, makes you more marketable, and effects how you spend your time.
Tip: Be happy.
How to Be Happy:
What is happiness, and what is its relationship to money?.
-Happiness is something you feel, and is a positive state of being.
-Money is a possession that acts as an intermediate in exchanging things of value, or in other words: Money is power.
Is power bad? No. Our Heavenly Father has all power, and He is good. But the mere possession of power, unknown to popular belief, does not actually make one happy. Happiness is a direct result of what we do with our power.
Consider this quote by Ezra Taft Benson:
"Forget yourself and find someone who needs your service, and you will discover the secret to the happy, fulfilled life"
When we seek to increase others, a natural consequence is that we increase ourselves, and this feels great. Believe it or not, you can actually be happy today. Heavenly Father has created this world with all the essentials that one needs to be happy. If you have anything AT ALL then you have the means to be happy. Look around you, is there something or someone that can be increased? Go and improve what ever is in your power and see how you feel afterwards.
Tip: Happiness is a result of improving what lies in our power, not a result of having power.
How to Make More Money and Still Be Happy:
Finally, once you know how to be happy, take it to work with you. Don't go to work just with the intention of gaining more money. Go to work with the intent of improving, and by consequence, to be happy. Those in hiring positions notice this and always hire the happy or "passionate" worker. They can tell if you are there just for the paycheck. When all is said and done, the reason we get up in the morning, and go to work in the first place, is because we want to be happy. If you are happy, people will want to hire you because you have what they want.
Tip: Go to work with the intent to improve. Improve yourself, your relations with others, and the business you are a part of. By natural consequence: You will be happier, your relationships will be better, and you and your business will make more money.
I hope you all have found this useful, and are more empowered to improve your financial situations and enjoyment of life.
Remember to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you. Feel free to e-mail me or contact me if you have any further employment questions.
Bests,
-Marshall Bean
About Marshall Bean
First off, most people have a very limited view of what their money making potential is. Ever since we are young we are taught to pick a career, get an education and become a specialist in said career, and make our living in that career. This can be good, but when it comes to the root of it, if a job makes you happy and it makes you money, take the job. You can always change later. Also be open to having more than one part-time job.
Tip: If it makes you happy and it makes you money, take the job. Having a job in a side field will always make you more money than not having a job because it isn't in your field.
Second, make yourself more marketable. For a long time I was charging a less than standard rate for my freelance web projects, because I felt unqualified. Finally I bit the bullet, enrolled in certification test, passed it, and now I charge what ever I want. Do what you can to make yourself more marketable. Service opportunities and organizations are great free way of building your credentials. President of anything sounds good. Spend time to learn resume writing techniques.
Tip: Make a goal to be worth more. If your last job payed $7/hour find one that pays $8. If you are currently employed, what is holding you back from getting a raise?
Third, learning to manage and save your money can be just as useful as getting payed more. Track your finances. Divide your money into maintenance (food, rent, etc) savings (around 10%) and free money (dates, TV's, personal projects) Make sure you pay your tithing and fast offerings the moment you get your pay check, this will free you up when things get tight. Also learn to manage and save your time. Do you spend too much time on Facebook? Learn to discipline yourself and you will find that you suddenly have more hours in your day.
Tip: Pay your tithing and fast offerings first, this act of responsibility and smart money management prepares your mind to make better financial decisions.
Lastly, be happy. Being happy opens doors to new job opportunities, makes you more marketable, and effects how you spend your time.
Tip: Be happy.
How to Be Happy:
What is happiness, and what is its relationship to money?.
-Happiness is something you feel, and is a positive state of being.
-Money is a possession that acts as an intermediate in exchanging things of value, or in other words: Money is power.
Is power bad? No. Our Heavenly Father has all power, and He is good. But the mere possession of power, unknown to popular belief, does not actually make one happy. Happiness is a direct result of what we do with our power.
Consider this quote by Ezra Taft Benson:
"Forget yourself and find someone who needs your service, and you will discover the secret to the happy, fulfilled life"
When we seek to increase others, a natural consequence is that we increase ourselves, and this feels great. Believe it or not, you can actually be happy today. Heavenly Father has created this world with all the essentials that one needs to be happy. If you have anything AT ALL then you have the means to be happy. Look around you, is there something or someone that can be increased? Go and improve what ever is in your power and see how you feel afterwards.
Tip: Happiness is a result of improving what lies in our power, not a result of having power.
How to Make More Money and Still Be Happy:
Finally, once you know how to be happy, take it to work with you. Don't go to work just with the intention of gaining more money. Go to work with the intent of improving, and by consequence, to be happy. Those in hiring positions notice this and always hire the happy or "passionate" worker. They can tell if you are there just for the paycheck. When all is said and done, the reason we get up in the morning, and go to work in the first place, is because we want to be happy. If you are happy, people will want to hire you because you have what they want.
Tip: Go to work with the intent to improve. Improve yourself, your relations with others, and the business you are a part of. By natural consequence: You will be happier, your relationships will be better, and you and your business will make more money.
I hope you all have found this useful, and are more empowered to improve your financial situations and enjoyment of life.
Remember to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you. Feel free to e-mail me or contact me if you have any further employment questions.
Bests,
-Marshall Bean
About Marshall Bean
Search smarter and harder for a job
"The current job market requires a much more aggressive approach, as well as some creativity," says Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement company. That does not mean using colored resume paper. It means you have to find new ways to get in front of hiring authorities, look where others are not and be willing to take jobs most people would avoid, said Challenger. Sounds like, "Do what others fail to do." Challenger offers some advice for entry-level candidates, but these ideas work for any job seeker.
Have a seat and stay awhile. If there is a company for which you want to work, but you cannot get an appointment with the manager of the specific department, then show up at the person's office and simply wait until he or she gives you 10 minutes. You have nothing to lose and you will have gained an interview without a resume!
Show up early and often. The manager you need to talk with will most likely have free time before or after normal work hours. If normal hours are 9 to 5, show up at 8 a.m., or arrive at the end of the day and be prepared to stay until 6 p.m. to make a compelling case as to why you deserve an interview.
Use your research skills on the Web. You can find virtually anyone or any company on one of the hundreds of social and professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Create your own job fair. Plan a social event and invite friends and family who are working. Create business cards. Social events can foster business references.
Join professional associations. Practically every profession has an associated society or member organization. Join and network.
Land that interview. Listen actively and answer questions succinctly. Be prepared to sell yourself.
Advertise your job search. Use the network you have cultivated, including former bosses, internship supervisors, teachers and classmates. Do not hesitate to approach former professors to go over your resume and find job leads. Talk to older friends who may have already found a job. You must make it known that you are looking.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement company
"The current job market requires a much more aggressive approach, as well as some creativity," says Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement company. That does not mean using colored resume paper. It means you have to find new ways to get in front of hiring authorities, look where others are not and be willing to take jobs most people would avoid, said Challenger. Sounds like, "Do what others fail to do." Challenger offers some advice for entry-level candidates, but these ideas work for any job seeker.
Have a seat and stay awhile. If there is a company for which you want to work, but you cannot get an appointment with the manager of the specific department, then show up at the person's office and simply wait until he or she gives you 10 minutes. You have nothing to lose and you will have gained an interview without a resume!
Show up early and often. The manager you need to talk with will most likely have free time before or after normal work hours. If normal hours are 9 to 5, show up at 8 a.m., or arrive at the end of the day and be prepared to stay until 6 p.m. to make a compelling case as to why you deserve an interview.
Use your research skills on the Web. You can find virtually anyone or any company on one of the hundreds of social and professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Create your own job fair. Plan a social event and invite friends and family who are working. Create business cards. Social events can foster business references.
Join professional associations. Practically every profession has an associated society or member organization. Join and network.
Land that interview. Listen actively and answer questions succinctly. Be prepared to sell yourself.
Advertise your job search. Use the network you have cultivated, including former bosses, internship supervisors, teachers and classmates. Do not hesitate to approach former professors to go over your resume and find job leads. Talk to older friends who may have already found a job. You must make it known that you are looking.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement company
Practice for a Successful Interview
Practice is the key to a successful interview. Practicing the response to the various questions asked by an interviewer is always helpful. Using actual examples to answer questions about oneself can be a great technique. Practicing for questions will help to avoid that awkwardness that can come with facing questions.
Being prepared for all types of questions is really important. You should especially be prepared for answering a common question like "Do you know what we do in our company?? Your preparation should also include knowing the name of the person who will interview you. This way you can use it to address him or her during the job interview. In case you do not know the name, it is better that you call in time and know it much before the interview. Another thing to be prepared is some information about the company, which you can relate while answering the questions.
Practice is the key to a successful interview. Practicing the response to the various questions asked by an interviewer is always helpful. Using actual examples to answer questions about oneself can be a great technique. Practicing for questions will help to avoid that awkwardness that can come with facing questions.
Being prepared for all types of questions is really important. You should especially be prepared for answering a common question like "Do you know what we do in our company?? Your preparation should also include knowing the name of the person who will interview you. This way you can use it to address him or her during the job interview. In case you do not know the name, it is better that you call in time and know it much before the interview. Another thing to be prepared is some information about the company, which you can relate while answering the questions.
Tips for Using LinkedIn
Mino Sullivan, a highly regarded career coach and work expert lists 10 Tips to Enhance Your Job Search Using Linkedin. You can click the link to download a copy for yourself.
Briefly the tips are as follows:
1. Complete your profile thoroughly – include a picture or yourself, your work history, accomplishments, and recommendations from past supervisors, coworkers and clients.
2. Build your network – the more the merrier, whether or not they are directly related to your industry – they may know someone who knows someone.
3. Prepare for interviews using Linkedin – research companies and their executives before you interview.
4. Join Linkedin groups – become known and get to know others.
5. Participate in discussions – share and learn, demonstrate your knowledge.
6. Search for jobs daily – use the job board, some of the listings may be exclusive to Linkedin and recruiters are often named providing more networking opportunities.
7. Ask and answer questions – be a part of the community, share your insights.
8. Identify target companies – you can target by industry and geography to narrow your focus your efforts.
9. Promote your blog/website – let people know what you are up to.
10.Final tidbits – update regularly, include a link to your Linkedin profile in your email signature, use an “out of office” auto responder.
Mino Sullivan
Mino Sullivan, a highly regarded career coach and work expert lists 10 Tips to Enhance Your Job Search Using Linkedin. You can click the link to download a copy for yourself.
Briefly the tips are as follows:
1. Complete your profile thoroughly – include a picture or yourself, your work history, accomplishments, and recommendations from past supervisors, coworkers and clients.
2. Build your network – the more the merrier, whether or not they are directly related to your industry – they may know someone who knows someone.
3. Prepare for interviews using Linkedin – research companies and their executives before you interview.
4. Join Linkedin groups – become known and get to know others.
5. Participate in discussions – share and learn, demonstrate your knowledge.
6. Search for jobs daily – use the job board, some of the listings may be exclusive to Linkedin and recruiters are often named providing more networking opportunities.
7. Ask and answer questions – be a part of the community, share your insights.
8. Identify target companies – you can target by industry and geography to narrow your focus your efforts.
9. Promote your blog/website – let people know what you are up to.
10.Final tidbits – update regularly, include a link to your Linkedin profile in your email signature, use an “out of office” auto responder.
Mino Sullivan
Looking for a job is a full-time job
JoAnna Franke is the director of one of the most useful programs at any college—career services, an office where the goal is to help students become valuable employees and help them find work in their field.Career services offices hold job fairs throughout the year, and Franke said student attendance at these types of fairs is on the rise, particularly with the job market situation. “Students are taking them more seriously now,” she said.
According to Franke, there are several things students can do while in school to better their chances of finding a job after graduation. A student’s first year isn’t too soon to start thinking about career opportunities. Franke recommends all students, even freshmen, consider part-time employment while going to school, even if it is a work-study or on-campus job.
“One thing we hear from recruiters is that they like students who know how to work, have a shift, get to work on time and have responsibilities at work,” she said. “One of the best things you can have especially in these hard economic times is work experience.”
By their sophomore and junior years, students should look for internships, Franke said. “Students need to be able to say to employers I understand the jargon of my field and I’ve seen it in action,” she said. By the time they’ve reached their senior year, students should have participated in job fairs, beefed up resumes and sharpened interview skills.
For seniors, the job hunt also becomes an exercise in broadening expectations, Franke said. Some jobs that may not immediately appear to relate to a student’s field of study can often offer a variety of employment opportunities.
For recent grads, be patient and be ready to go where the jobs are, Franke said.
JoAnna Franke, , director of Career Services at Texas A&M University
JoAnna Franke is the director of one of the most useful programs at any college—career services, an office where the goal is to help students become valuable employees and help them find work in their field.Career services offices hold job fairs throughout the year, and Franke said student attendance at these types of fairs is on the rise, particularly with the job market situation. “Students are taking them more seriously now,” she said.
According to Franke, there are several things students can do while in school to better their chances of finding a job after graduation. A student’s first year isn’t too soon to start thinking about career opportunities. Franke recommends all students, even freshmen, consider part-time employment while going to school, even if it is a work-study or on-campus job.
“One thing we hear from recruiters is that they like students who know how to work, have a shift, get to work on time and have responsibilities at work,” she said. “One of the best things you can have especially in these hard economic times is work experience.”
By their sophomore and junior years, students should look for internships, Franke said. “Students need to be able to say to employers I understand the jargon of my field and I’ve seen it in action,” she said. By the time they’ve reached their senior year, students should have participated in job fairs, beefed up resumes and sharpened interview skills.
For seniors, the job hunt also becomes an exercise in broadening expectations, Franke said. Some jobs that may not immediately appear to relate to a student’s field of study can often offer a variety of employment opportunities.
For recent grads, be patient and be ready to go where the jobs are, Franke said.
JoAnna Franke, , director of Career Services at Texas A&M University
Student Business Cards
The vast majority – more than 70%, some sources estimate – of job positions are filled by word of mouth or networking. That means no resumes and no classified ads. It means: business cards. Okay, so that was sort of flawed logic, but you still need a business card. The main reason is this: college students like to party. Clubs and parties are great places to meet business partners but it’s not exactly the right place to tote a briefcase full of resumes. ....read more
Chris Lesinski
The vast majority – more than 70%, some sources estimate – of job positions are filled by word of mouth or networking. That means no resumes and no classified ads. It means: business cards. Okay, so that was sort of flawed logic, but you still need a business card. The main reason is this: college students like to party. Clubs and parties are great places to meet business partners but it’s not exactly the right place to tote a briefcase full of resumes. ....read more
Chris Lesinski
Avoid typos when passing out resume
"Dear Sir or Madman,"
"I am a rabid typist. My work ethics are impeachable, and I have nervous of steel." "I am attacking my resume for you to review." It doesn't take 10 typos to sink a resume, just one, according to staffing company Accountemps. So if your covering letter promises that "following is a grief overview of my skills," good luck in your future endeavours.
Such errors are easy to make, and in fact all of these bloopers were made in real-life resumes, Accountemps said in a study released Tuesday. Yet executives don't take kindly to them. Twenty-three per cent of those surveyed said just one is enough to send the resume to the trash heap. Two typos and 28 per cent of hiring executives are pulling the trigger.
"The resume is an applicant's first chance to impress the hiring manager," said Kathryn Bolt, president of Accountemps' Canadian operations. "Mistakes on one's application materials may prompt employers to assume there also will be mistakes made on the job." All of which is to say that the successful applicant is most likely the one with the "keen eye for derail."
And whatever you do, don't end off with this: "Hope to hear from you, shorty."
Some tips from Accountemps to void resume errors:
- Get help. Enlist detail-oriented family members, friends or mentors to proofread your resume and provide honest feedback.
- Take a timeout. Before submitting your resume, take a break and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes. You might catch something you missed the first time.
- Print a copy. It's easy to overlook typos or formatting mistakes when reading a resume on a monitor, so print it out for review. Read through it slowly and pay close attention to font styles and sizes, in addition to spelling and grammar.
- Try a new perspective. Sometimes readers inadvertently skip over parts they have read previously. Review your resume backward to help avoid this problem.
- Read it aloud. Your ears might catch errors your eyes have overlooked.
John Morrisey, Financial Post
"Dear Sir or Madman,"
"I am a rabid typist. My work ethics are impeachable, and I have nervous of steel." "I am attacking my resume for you to review." It doesn't take 10 typos to sink a resume, just one, according to staffing company Accountemps. So if your covering letter promises that "following is a grief overview of my skills," good luck in your future endeavours.
Such errors are easy to make, and in fact all of these bloopers were made in real-life resumes, Accountemps said in a study released Tuesday. Yet executives don't take kindly to them. Twenty-three per cent of those surveyed said just one is enough to send the resume to the trash heap. Two typos and 28 per cent of hiring executives are pulling the trigger.
"The resume is an applicant's first chance to impress the hiring manager," said Kathryn Bolt, president of Accountemps' Canadian operations. "Mistakes on one's application materials may prompt employers to assume there also will be mistakes made on the job." All of which is to say that the successful applicant is most likely the one with the "keen eye for derail."
And whatever you do, don't end off with this: "Hope to hear from you, shorty."
Some tips from Accountemps to void resume errors:
- Get help. Enlist detail-oriented family members, friends or mentors to proofread your resume and provide honest feedback.
- Take a timeout. Before submitting your resume, take a break and come back to it with a fresh set of eyes. You might catch something you missed the first time.
- Print a copy. It's easy to overlook typos or formatting mistakes when reading a resume on a monitor, so print it out for review. Read through it slowly and pay close attention to font styles and sizes, in addition to spelling and grammar.
- Try a new perspective. Sometimes readers inadvertently skip over parts they have read previously. Review your resume backward to help avoid this problem.
- Read it aloud. Your ears might catch errors your eyes have overlooked.
John Morrisey, Financial Post
Could Your Facebook or Twitter Account be Hurting Your Job Search?
More and more people are signing up every day for social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. But as you're getting online, so are your employers, and if you're not careful with what you put on your profile, a local employment agency says that could be hurting your chances of getting a job.
"Prospective employers can really learn a lot about a potential employee's level of
professionalism, conduct, or even cultural fit, just based on their personal blogs, web pages, or social networking sites," says Tara Marcelle, District Manager of Kelly Services. And in some cases, negative information online has cost people job offers, or even worse, their current job.
That's why employment agencies are recommending you follow a few simple guidelines on your Facebook or Twitter page. Marcelle says, "Candidates should really refrain from posting unprofessional photographs, refrain from using inappropriate language, or really staying clear of really controversial subjects."
But having a Facebook or Twitter account doesn't have to be a detriment to your job search, as it can actually be a benefit. "Posting your resume, posting your education history, anything that you would typically use in a job interview, a cover letter, resume, anything like that, that's definitely great things to post on any social networking site," says Marcelle.
And even if your site is casting an unprofessional light, it's never too late to change it. "Obviously, everything that's out there is out there forever, but it doesn't stay on their profile, their profile that they have out there, so that's why they should always update their profile on a regular basis," adds Marcelle. And with the right care, your online profile can help get you a job instead of costing you one.
Tara Marcelle, District Manager of Kelly Services
More and more people are signing up every day for social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. But as you're getting online, so are your employers, and if you're not careful with what you put on your profile, a local employment agency says that could be hurting your chances of getting a job.
"Prospective employers can really learn a lot about a potential employee's level of
professionalism, conduct, or even cultural fit, just based on their personal blogs, web pages, or social networking sites," says Tara Marcelle, District Manager of Kelly Services. And in some cases, negative information online has cost people job offers, or even worse, their current job.
That's why employment agencies are recommending you follow a few simple guidelines on your Facebook or Twitter page. Marcelle says, "Candidates should really refrain from posting unprofessional photographs, refrain from using inappropriate language, or really staying clear of really controversial subjects."
But having a Facebook or Twitter account doesn't have to be a detriment to your job search, as it can actually be a benefit. "Posting your resume, posting your education history, anything that you would typically use in a job interview, a cover letter, resume, anything like that, that's definitely great things to post on any social networking site," says Marcelle.
And even if your site is casting an unprofessional light, it's never too late to change it. "Obviously, everything that's out there is out there forever, but it doesn't stay on their profile, their profile that they have out there, so that's why they should always update their profile on a regular basis," adds Marcelle. And with the right care, your online profile can help get you a job instead of costing you one.
Tara Marcelle, District Manager of Kelly Services
Advice To Have Success In The Job Interview
In a job interview, especially if it’s the first job you’ve ever applied to, your own body turns against you. The heart races and sweat drops on the forehead, excitement slowly turns to a nervous streak that won’t go away. You’re likely to just look like an undependable amateur, too weak to snag that much needed job.
Common knowledge dictates that in order to ace an interview, you need to put your best foot forward in any way possible. Be the best you can be. Polish yourself up and try your hardest to be a strong, dependable, of course hirable person – even just for an hour, until the interview is over.
This is the wrong perspective to take in job interview preparation. This type of thinking just puts you in an awkward and uncomfortable position. While it is good to try your best to impress, that attitude should come with resolve and your natural personality.
Approaching an interviewer and thinking only about how you can sell yourself as the best candidate for the job will get you anywhere but hired.
Remember that despite your interviewer’s intimidating streak, he or she is still a person and people appreciate and remember sincerity. Talking honestly about who you are will be a breath of fresh air to a person who’s spent an entire day screening nervous wrecks and hard-selling eager beavers, and will likely get you a job interview follow up.
Another thing that people forget is that an interview is a conversation. Besides talking about yourself, your achievements and why they should hire you, try listening. Before you end up blabbing away the time with stories about your graduating with honors from some prestigious university (sounding like a total show-off in the process), try listening to what the interviewer really wants to hear from you.
You don’t need a killer line, or an impressive quote to make you sound patriotic and dependable, you just need to keep quite and listen. Silence is a normal part of any conversation; it’s the time when people in the conversation think of what to say. It’s okay to be silent if some job interview questions make you think.
Remember: think fast and speak slowly. Take fair enough time to think of good answers and speak as you would to a friend, calmly and surely.
The thing about these kinds of interviews is, in the first place, you’re already qualified for the job that’s why you’re being interviewed in the first place. You’ve hooked the fish, now just slowly but surely reel it in. You’re already right for the job, so you have nothing to be nervous about.
You just have to convince the interviewer that you’re up to speed, and you really are what you say in your resume. All the job interview skills you need are being yourself with a dash of confidence.
Acing a job interview is fairly easy. It’s a matter of convincing yourself, believing the fact that you deserve the job more than anyone else who’s applied.
The Job Interview Secret
In a job interview, especially if it’s the first job you’ve ever applied to, your own body turns against you. The heart races and sweat drops on the forehead, excitement slowly turns to a nervous streak that won’t go away. You’re likely to just look like an undependable amateur, too weak to snag that much needed job.
Common knowledge dictates that in order to ace an interview, you need to put your best foot forward in any way possible. Be the best you can be. Polish yourself up and try your hardest to be a strong, dependable, of course hirable person – even just for an hour, until the interview is over.
This is the wrong perspective to take in job interview preparation. This type of thinking just puts you in an awkward and uncomfortable position. While it is good to try your best to impress, that attitude should come with resolve and your natural personality.
Approaching an interviewer and thinking only about how you can sell yourself as the best candidate for the job will get you anywhere but hired.
Remember that despite your interviewer’s intimidating streak, he or she is still a person and people appreciate and remember sincerity. Talking honestly about who you are will be a breath of fresh air to a person who’s spent an entire day screening nervous wrecks and hard-selling eager beavers, and will likely get you a job interview follow up.
Another thing that people forget is that an interview is a conversation. Besides talking about yourself, your achievements and why they should hire you, try listening. Before you end up blabbing away the time with stories about your graduating with honors from some prestigious university (sounding like a total show-off in the process), try listening to what the interviewer really wants to hear from you.
You don’t need a killer line, or an impressive quote to make you sound patriotic and dependable, you just need to keep quite and listen. Silence is a normal part of any conversation; it’s the time when people in the conversation think of what to say. It’s okay to be silent if some job interview questions make you think.
Remember: think fast and speak slowly. Take fair enough time to think of good answers and speak as you would to a friend, calmly and surely.
The thing about these kinds of interviews is, in the first place, you’re already qualified for the job that’s why you’re being interviewed in the first place. You’ve hooked the fish, now just slowly but surely reel it in. You’re already right for the job, so you have nothing to be nervous about.
You just have to convince the interviewer that you’re up to speed, and you really are what you say in your resume. All the job interview skills you need are being yourself with a dash of confidence.
Acing a job interview is fairly easy. It’s a matter of convincing yourself, believing the fact that you deserve the job more than anyone else who’s applied.
The Job Interview Secret
Things To Remember When In A Job Interview
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head. By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
A key to sealing the deal in any interview is ensuring that you are remembered. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can dress really nicely if it is appropriate, or accent your clothes with a distinct accessory that you can pull off.
Of the dozens of other applicants that might be applying for the same job you are, you should be unique and distinguishable from the pack. The way to get hired starts from being noticed. Don’t be afraid to be creative, but don’t go overboard either – nothing’s more annoying than an eager beaver who hasn’t even been hired yet.
Writing a job interview thank you letter is a simple and effective way to be remembered. Not only is it traditional in business, it shows gratefulness on your part and is yet another chance to reiterate that you are the best person for the job.
Acing a job interview needn’t be done with tricks or trade secrets. Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective.
Job Interview Secret
Often, when scheduled for a big job interview, we often take the simplest things for granted. After you’ve finished with all the background research you need to do regarding the company or organization you’re applying to, you’ll need to remember these few simple things that will help you seal the deal in an interview.
From walking into the room, maintain a pleasant outlook. Especially if you’re being interviewed in the morning, wear a simple smile on your face and just be friendly. Contrary to popular belief, not all interviewers are corporate sharks out to bite your head off. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor will likely be viral and spread a warm and positive aura across a tense and formal setup.
The first of the job interview questions will likely be a request to tell something about you: the perfect opportunity to lead the interview. The interviewer is asking this in order to 1) know more about you and 2) to know which direction the interview is likely to head. By speaking confidently, surely, but not arrogantly about your intentions, strengths & weaknesses, preferences, skills, etc., you’re leading the interview into an informational conversation which is what the interviewer wants and needs.
Listen and speak sincerely. Never pretend to be something you’re not; you will just be found out and are likely to just look stupid. Your job interview answers should lead towards revealing more of what you are about and why you would be perfect for the job without your coming on too strong. This can be accomplished through intently listening and comprehending the questions, and answering as truthfully and articulately as you can. Good communications skills show professionalism and dependability.
Keep track of your own body language. First off, maintain eye contact – showing confidence and honesty. Avoid fiddling with your tie, shifting uncomfortably in your seat, slouching, and most of all biting your nails: all these shows signs of weakness, disinterest, and insincerity –traits that won’t snag you a job interview follow up.
A key to sealing the deal in any interview is ensuring that you are remembered. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can dress really nicely if it is appropriate, or accent your clothes with a distinct accessory that you can pull off.
Of the dozens of other applicants that might be applying for the same job you are, you should be unique and distinguishable from the pack. The way to get hired starts from being noticed. Don’t be afraid to be creative, but don’t go overboard either – nothing’s more annoying than an eager beaver who hasn’t even been hired yet.
Writing a job interview thank you letter is a simple and effective way to be remembered. Not only is it traditional in business, it shows gratefulness on your part and is yet another chance to reiterate that you are the best person for the job.
Acing a job interview needn’t be done with tricks or trade secrets. Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective.
Job Interview Secret
Referrals are the #1 Source of External Hires
Referrals from current and previous employees, customers, and vendors are the number one external source, accounting for 27.3%. Nearly 40% of all positions filled within companies result from internal transfers or promotions. Interestingly, job boards (excluding company sites) produce only 12.3% of external hires and seem to have reached their peak.
These facts make cultivating “insider” connections one of your best sources for job leads. With the implied endorsement from a trusted source that you have when referred to a company, you gain a great advantage over your competition. Not only are you most likely going to get an interview ahead of the pack, you are also an attractive candidate due to the fact payment to a recruiter may be partially or totally removed from the equation, substantially reducing the employer’s cost of hiring.
From Career Hub
Referrals from current and previous employees, customers, and vendors are the number one external source, accounting for 27.3%. Nearly 40% of all positions filled within companies result from internal transfers or promotions. Interestingly, job boards (excluding company sites) produce only 12.3% of external hires and seem to have reached their peak.
These facts make cultivating “insider” connections one of your best sources for job leads. With the implied endorsement from a trusted source that you have when referred to a company, you gain a great advantage over your competition. Not only are you most likely going to get an interview ahead of the pack, you are also an attractive candidate due to the fact payment to a recruiter may be partially or totally removed from the equation, substantially reducing the employer’s cost of hiring.
From Career Hub
Job Search Tips
Once you have a couple of years of college under your belt and you are nearing graduation, you want to start thinking about finding a job after graduation. The process can be overwhelming and sometimes scary for someone who is going through it for the first time, but these tips will help you get through it easier.
One of the first steps to finding a job after college is to go and look at the BYU Career Center. You want to make an appointment with a career counselor and they will help you with deciding what kind of career would be the best for you. You can start doing this as a freshman, only because this way you are familiar with where the career center is and they already know who you are when you come back for more lengthy visits. When you become a senior in college, think about visiting the center weekly and that will help to ensure you’re first in line when the job opening hot tips come through.
The second thing that you should do is to remember to start your jobs search early. You don’t want to find yourself with a week until graduation and not have a student jobs lined up. Depending on what kind of career you are looking to have, you might want to do some traveling. For example, if you are looking to get into the pharmaceutics, some of the largest companies are based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Another thing to consider is taking an internship with a company. There are two reasons that this is a good thing to consider. First, it gives you an idea of what the company is like to work for without you making a very firm commitment. The other reason is that it lets the company see what you are like – your working habits and such. Two or more resumes are even better.
When you have one or more internships on your resume, it looks good to companies who might want to hire you because it shows that you have put into practice what you have learned during your college years.
A resume isn’t simply something that shows your work history. A resume is a way to show companies what you have learned and what qualifications that you have to work for them. Education and learning is as important as work history to most companies.Searching for a job during your college years and after graduation doesn’t have to be difficult and it doesn’t have to be something that you will lose sleep over. As long as you talk to your college career counsellors, start out early in your job searching, and consider taking an internship, you’ll find that the job search goes much more quickly and much more smoothly. There are resources out there and they are available for the asking but you have to take advantage of them and use them, or else they will go to waste.
Andrew Korn
Once you have a couple of years of college under your belt and you are nearing graduation, you want to start thinking about finding a job after graduation. The process can be overwhelming and sometimes scary for someone who is going through it for the first time, but these tips will help you get through it easier.
One of the first steps to finding a job after college is to go and look at the BYU Career Center. You want to make an appointment with a career counselor and they will help you with deciding what kind of career would be the best for you. You can start doing this as a freshman, only because this way you are familiar with where the career center is and they already know who you are when you come back for more lengthy visits. When you become a senior in college, think about visiting the center weekly and that will help to ensure you’re first in line when the job opening hot tips come through.
The second thing that you should do is to remember to start your jobs search early. You don’t want to find yourself with a week until graduation and not have a student jobs lined up. Depending on what kind of career you are looking to have, you might want to do some traveling. For example, if you are looking to get into the pharmaceutics, some of the largest companies are based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Another thing to consider is taking an internship with a company. There are two reasons that this is a good thing to consider. First, it gives you an idea of what the company is like to work for without you making a very firm commitment. The other reason is that it lets the company see what you are like – your working habits and such. Two or more resumes are even better.
When you have one or more internships on your resume, it looks good to companies who might want to hire you because it shows that you have put into practice what you have learned during your college years.
A resume isn’t simply something that shows your work history. A resume is a way to show companies what you have learned and what qualifications that you have to work for them. Education and learning is as important as work history to most companies.Searching for a job during your college years and after graduation doesn’t have to be difficult and it doesn’t have to be something that you will lose sleep over. As long as you talk to your college career counsellors, start out early in your job searching, and consider taking an internship, you’ll find that the job search goes much more quickly and much more smoothly. There are resources out there and they are available for the asking but you have to take advantage of them and use them, or else they will go to waste.
Andrew Korn
Follow Up On Sent Applications
It's very easy to get in a groove and just apply for job after job. After a while you start forgetting what all you applied for. The last thing you want to happen is have someone call you and mentiond you applied and you totally forgot. You need to build a filing system or spreadsheet to track all your applications and when you applied. I published a previous blog post titled "How to organize your job search," which includes a link to a job search template to help organize all the jobs you applied for. Very helpful. From there, follow up on sent applications. In today's age, the most aggressive people are the ones who stand.
examiner.com
It's very easy to get in a groove and just apply for job after job. After a while you start forgetting what all you applied for. The last thing you want to happen is have someone call you and mentiond you applied and you totally forgot. You need to build a filing system or spreadsheet to track all your applications and when you applied. I published a previous blog post titled "How to organize your job search," which includes a link to a job search template to help organize all the jobs you applied for. Very helpful. From there, follow up on sent applications. In today's age, the most aggressive people are the ones who stand.
examiner.com
Start Wherever You Are
It is never too early or too late to start thinking about your career plans. So whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, recent grad, or not-so-recent grad, it is important to make a commitment to work on your career, starting today. I recommend taking career-related actions weekly. As long as you're not standing still, you can rest assured that you're moving closer to your goals and dreams.
It is never too early or too late to start thinking about your career plans. So whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, recent grad, or not-so-recent grad, it is important to make a commitment to work on your career, starting today. I recommend taking career-related actions weekly. As long as you're not standing still, you can rest assured that you're moving closer to your goals and dreams.
Focus Your Resume on Key Themes
Focus Your Resume on Key Themes - Do you have several general areas/industries you are interested in working? It's a good idea to develop several different versions/themes of your resume. Also, if you go to a networking event or job fair, one resume may not fit well with a specific recruiter or company versus the other. Sometimes it's also good to carry a generic version of your resume. Why would a recruiter for Tech/IT sales want a resume that's geared towards advertising sales?
examiner.com
Focus Your Resume on Key Themes - Do you have several general areas/industries you are interested in working? It's a good idea to develop several different versions/themes of your resume. Also, if you go to a networking event or job fair, one resume may not fit well with a specific recruiter or company versus the other. Sometimes it's also good to carry a generic version of your resume. Why would a recruiter for Tech/IT sales want a resume that's geared towards advertising sales?
examiner.com
Forget the "shotgun" job search method
Many people still use the "shotgun" method for conducting a job search. They read the Sunday job ads; they submit a standard resume to as many job boards as they can find; they call on a few friends. Then they submit their standard resume to either a handful of opportunities each week, or they submit to dozens of jobs with the same resume as long as the position sounds remotely interesting.
"As job seekers become more fearful of the economy, they fall back on the shotgun method because it feels like they're out there working it," says Phil Rosenberg, former division director of Robert Half International who's now CEO and founder of reCareered, a career counseling and resume writing firm.
The problem with the shotgun method is that it does not work, especially in a job market where employers have the pick of the litter. In fact, it does more harm than good. Recruiters are not likely to want to help you because you have given all potential hiring firms free access to your information, which negates the value they provide to their clients. Second, you commoditize yourself: By posting your resume everywhere, you become indistinguishable from a plethora of job seekers with similar skills. Consequently, hiring firms can immediately negotiate on price, driving your salary down or out. What's more, when you try to be all things to all prospective employers by sending a standard resume to everyone, you end up being nothing to no one. Your resume won't get noticed because it doesn't stand out.
cio.com
Jobs for Change
Jobs for Change is the leading jobs board for organizations looking to recruit top quality passionate about making a difference....read more
Jobs for Change is the leading jobs board for organizations looking to recruit top quality passionate about making a difference....read more
Don't Waste Time Online
Avoid the temptation of relying on websites like Monster, Career Builder and Craigslist as your primary job-seeking activity. You are less likely to distinguish yourself from the crowd by reviewing ads and sending your resume to be filtered by an automated application. Instead, one-on-one relationship building with decision makers and influential players in your industry is the best use of your time.
Avoid the temptation of relying on websites like Monster, Career Builder and Craigslist as your primary job-seeking activity. You are less likely to distinguish yourself from the crowd by reviewing ads and sending your resume to be filtered by an automated application. Instead, one-on-one relationship building with decision makers and influential players in your industry is the best use of your time.
The Future of Work
On a gloomy afternoon earlier this month, a group of Harvard students took a break from crafting final papers to peer into the future. Surveying a shattered employment landscape, they summoned the optimism to regard looming obstacles as opportunities for scenic detours. "There are definitely downsides to it being harder to get a job," says Alex Lavoie, a 21-year-old junior from Avon, Conn. "But it's forced people to look harder at what they really want to do instead of following a standardized path."
During the fat years, that path led many of America's élites to Wall Street. These days, that's a less appealing destination. In 2008 the financial sector, which had ballooned over the past three decades, contracted for the first time in 16 years. "The glamour is gone," says Bridget Beckeman, 20, a junior from Westford, Mass., who will intern at an investment bank this summer. But it hasn't disappeared. Financial centers like Charlotte, N.C., will flourish anew; driven largely by a banking boom, the city's workforce has grown 50% over the past decade, according to John Connaughton, a professor of economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (See which businesses are bucking the recession.)
The fall of finance has its upside. Top grads will tack toward a variety of potentially lucrative positions that prize technological savvy and analytical aptitude. According to consulting giant McKinsey & Co., nearly 85% of new jobs created between 1998 and 2006 involved complex "knowledge work" like problem-solving and concocting corporate strategy. Job opportunities in mathematics and across the sciences are also expected to expand.
The U.S. Department of Labor spotlights network systems and data communications as well as computer-software engineering among the occupations projected to grow most explosively by 2016. Over the next seven years, the number of jobs in the information-technology sector is expected to swell 24% — a figure more than twice the overall job-growth rate. There will be some limits to that growth. "This place is going to get more and more high-end talent and less and less commodity-type folks," says Mark Dinan, a Silicon Valley recruiter.
"The real question is, What's the next big thing, and what's going to be the big moneymaker?" Cloud computing? Nanotechnology? Genomics? The answer will come from the companies that entrepreneurs can create — and destroy — more easily than ever before, because the cost of start-ups is dropping rapidly. Richard Freeman, director of the labor studies program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, says that "these really sharp, aggressive, Harvard-type students doing entrepreneurship, forming new businesses ... would be the best thing that could happen to this economy."
Where else could your next job come from? Health care and education, the labor market's traditional bulwarks in lean times, show no signs of abating. An aging population will open up opportunities too. "Construction of senior communities, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes ... these things are all going to have to expand tremendously," says Connaughton. The key to finding the jobs of the future will be knowing where to look.
Time Magazine
On a gloomy afternoon earlier this month, a group of Harvard students took a break from crafting final papers to peer into the future. Surveying a shattered employment landscape, they summoned the optimism to regard looming obstacles as opportunities for scenic detours. "There are definitely downsides to it being harder to get a job," says Alex Lavoie, a 21-year-old junior from Avon, Conn. "But it's forced people to look harder at what they really want to do instead of following a standardized path."
During the fat years, that path led many of America's élites to Wall Street. These days, that's a less appealing destination. In 2008 the financial sector, which had ballooned over the past three decades, contracted for the first time in 16 years. "The glamour is gone," says Bridget Beckeman, 20, a junior from Westford, Mass., who will intern at an investment bank this summer. But it hasn't disappeared. Financial centers like Charlotte, N.C., will flourish anew; driven largely by a banking boom, the city's workforce has grown 50% over the past decade, according to John Connaughton, a professor of economics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (See which businesses are bucking the recession.)
The fall of finance has its upside. Top grads will tack toward a variety of potentially lucrative positions that prize technological savvy and analytical aptitude. According to consulting giant McKinsey & Co., nearly 85% of new jobs created between 1998 and 2006 involved complex "knowledge work" like problem-solving and concocting corporate strategy. Job opportunities in mathematics and across the sciences are also expected to expand.
The U.S. Department of Labor spotlights network systems and data communications as well as computer-software engineering among the occupations projected to grow most explosively by 2016. Over the next seven years, the number of jobs in the information-technology sector is expected to swell 24% — a figure more than twice the overall job-growth rate. There will be some limits to that growth. "This place is going to get more and more high-end talent and less and less commodity-type folks," says Mark Dinan, a Silicon Valley recruiter.
"The real question is, What's the next big thing, and what's going to be the big moneymaker?" Cloud computing? Nanotechnology? Genomics? The answer will come from the companies that entrepreneurs can create — and destroy — more easily than ever before, because the cost of start-ups is dropping rapidly. Richard Freeman, director of the labor studies program at the National Bureau of Economic Research, says that "these really sharp, aggressive, Harvard-type students doing entrepreneurship, forming new businesses ... would be the best thing that could happen to this economy."
Where else could your next job come from? Health care and education, the labor market's traditional bulwarks in lean times, show no signs of abating. An aging population will open up opportunities too. "Construction of senior communities, assisted-living facilities, nursing homes ... these things are all going to have to expand tremendously," says Connaughton. The key to finding the jobs of the future will be knowing where to look.
Time Magazine
Employment Center Workshops
CALL TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION
801-818-6161
Employment Center is located above DI in Provo
1415 N. State St. Provo, UT 84604
Career Workshop – learn to find & land a job
Individuals who take the Career Workshop find jobs quicker, with higher pay. Learn the keys to improve your job search & interviewing, and practice them multiple times.
Tues-Wed 9am-4pm (2 day course) in Provo Center & Springville Center
Scholarship Workshop
An advanced education is expensive. This workshop has helped hundreds of people earn $1,000’s. Tenth graders through college juniors and their parents will benefit, as well as adults returning to school.
3rd Tuesday 7-8:30pm in the Provo Center
Self-Employment Workshop
Learn how to improve or start a small-or home-based business from the ground up, including business plans, product analysis, budgeting and other business assistance.
Each Month 6-9 pm (4 evening course, must attend all 4 sessions)
rotates each month Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct – Tuesdays Feb/May/Aug/Nov – Wednesdays Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec – Thursdays
CALL TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION
801-818-6161
Employment Center is located above DI in Provo
1415 N. State St. Provo, UT 84604
Career Workshop – learn to find & land a job
Individuals who take the Career Workshop find jobs quicker, with higher pay. Learn the keys to improve your job search & interviewing, and practice them multiple times.
Tues-Wed 9am-4pm (2 day course) in Provo Center & Springville Center
Scholarship Workshop
An advanced education is expensive. This workshop has helped hundreds of people earn $1,000’s. Tenth graders through college juniors and their parents will benefit, as well as adults returning to school.
3rd Tuesday 7-8:30pm in the Provo Center
Self-Employment Workshop
Learn how to improve or start a small-or home-based business from the ground up, including business plans, product analysis, budgeting and other business assistance.
Each Month 6-9 pm (4 evening course, must attend all 4 sessions)
rotates each month Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct – Tuesdays Feb/May/Aug/Nov – Wednesdays Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec – Thursdays
Elder Forstrom is a career and employment consultant and an LDS employment missionary. In addition to publishing this blog, he consults with both employers and job seekers to help fill their requirements. He lives in Provo Utah and can be reached at rwforstrom@gmail.com or elderforstrom@gmail.com
Job Web Sites (Job Boards)
Indeed
Monster
Career Builder
Hot Jobs
USA Jobs (Official US Government)
SnagAJob
Simply Hired
Craigs List
Job Search
Dice (Technical)
Job Search USA
The Job Network
Job Hunter's Bible
Indeed
Monster
Career Builder
Hot Jobs
USA Jobs (Official US Government)
SnagAJob
Simply Hired
Craigs List
Job Search
Dice (Technical)
Job Search USA
The Job Network
Job Hunter's Bible
Employment Center Workshops
CALL TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION
801-818-6161
Employment Center is located above DI in Provo
1415 N. State St. Provo, UT 84604
Career Workshop – learn to find & land a job
Individuals who take the Career Workshop find jobs quicker, with higher pay. Learn the keys to improve your job search & interviewing, and practice them multiple times.
Tues-Wed 9am-4pm (2 day course) in Provo Center & Springville Center
Scholarship Workshop
An advanced education is expensive. This workshop has helped hundreds of people earn $1,000’s. Tenth graders through college juniors and their parents will benefit, as well as adults returning to school.
3rd Tuesday 7-8:30pm in the Provo Center
Self-Employment Workshop
Learn how to improve or start a small-or home-based business from the ground up, including business plans, product analysis, budgeting and other business assistance.
Each Month 6-9 pm (4 evening course, must attend all 4 sessions)
rotates each month Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct – Tuesdays Feb/May/Aug/Nov – Wednesdays Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec – Thursdays
CALL TO REGISTER OR FOR INFORMATION
801-818-6161
Employment Center is located above DI in Provo
1415 N. State St. Provo, UT 84604
Career Workshop – learn to find & land a job
Individuals who take the Career Workshop find jobs quicker, with higher pay. Learn the keys to improve your job search & interviewing, and practice them multiple times.
Tues-Wed 9am-4pm (2 day course) in Provo Center & Springville Center
Scholarship Workshop
An advanced education is expensive. This workshop has helped hundreds of people earn $1,000’s. Tenth graders through college juniors and their parents will benefit, as well as adults returning to school.
3rd Tuesday 7-8:30pm in the Provo Center
Self-Employment Workshop
Learn how to improve or start a small-or home-based business from the ground up, including business plans, product analysis, budgeting and other business assistance.
Each Month 6-9 pm (4 evening course, must attend all 4 sessions)
rotates each month Jan/Apr/Jul/Oct – Tuesdays Feb/May/Aug/Nov – Wednesdays Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec – Thursdays
Career Workshop
The workshop is highly interactive. 80 percent of the workshop is spent on participants posing interview questions to each other, reciting past work and life experience to each other, pointing out strengths of other participants, networking with each other, etc. Your ward members will get to know each other on a totally new personal level.
Come Away Feeling Like You Will Never Be Unemployed. The workshop will provide the resources, tools, and practice so that participants will feel like they will never again be unable to find a job. The workshop includes (a) self-analysis of strenghts, (b) networking, (c) employment resources,(d) the three ways to answer almost any interview question, (e) resumes and cover letters (briefly), and (f) a great deal of practice so participants will solidify the skills taught
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