Here is a list of not so common job search tips that you can use to your advantage to get noticed and be as productive as possible during your search. The important thing to remember is to conduct your job search like a job. Work at it every day, develop a plan and stick to it and don't forget to follow up on previous searches. Don't give up, hopefully the tips below will work for you.
1. Did you know Tuesday is the most productive day of the week? What does this mean to you as a job seeker? You can plan Tuesday as the day to network, to make appointments, reorganize job search files, or possibly re-touch on older leads. However you decide to spend your Tuesdays, make sure you take advantage of its’ natural productiveness in the work week.
2. Did you know that as many as 35% of employers are now using your credit report history as a means of judging personal responsibility, especially in occupations dealing directly with money? Something to think about and get in order before you begin your job search or at the least make sure you are aware of what others are finding when checking your credit history. Conducting a credit check on yourself might be a good idea.
3. Did you know you could research the current earnings rate for your new position using pay comparison Internet sites and increase your negotiating power by being prepared and aware? A couple of helpful sites to search and compare pay per job, industry, or location include www.salary.com, www.salarysearch.com or www.payscale.com.
4. Did you know 65 to 70% of jobs are gained through personal referrals or networking connections? So get networking! Make a long list of all your friends, family, past co-workers, bosses, work associates, teachers, and professors. Also include contacts from associations, church or volunteer activities, hobbies, and your children’s schools and activities. Once you have a strong list start making your way through them to let them know what type of job you are interested in.
5. Did you know only an average of 36% of those job hunters interviewed regularly send thank-you notes while 75% of employers appreciate or expect the notes? Not only is it polite but it is a great chance to touch on something specific you talked about during the interview that will help you be remembered.
6. Did you know that over 90% of employers seek their assistant’s opinion when interviewing and making hiring decisions? When calling or visiting in person for an interview make sure to be polite and friendly to the assistants and secretaries in the office. Their impression of you might just get you the job or get you passed by.
7. Did you know business cards are a great way to network? Using a plain and simple card or with a photo works best. They are another great way to be remembered and are a quick and inexpensive career tool. Business cards work especially well when you have your resume posted online and can include the website on your card.
8. Did you know having a mentor can also be another great way to network? I know from experience that having someone more experienced in your industry and field to discuss ideas and questions with can be really valuable. They are also a great networking source as well since they are familiar with your skills, experience, and current objectives and goals.
9. Did you know 60% of large companies do salary planning in the fall? What does this mean to you? First, it is a great time to ask for a raise! If you are already working for a large company a fall raise while budge planning is going on might be easier to work into a budget then at some other time of the year. Secondly, knowing the hiring managers mind is on budgets and hiring needs for the following year they will be more interested in resumes coming in that fit their needs because it might save them money to not include your hire into next years budget.
10. Did you also know that 40% of job cuts announced are in the fall? This may be a great time to have your resume updated and ready – just in case. You will be ahead of the rest of your coworkers with an updated resume if layoffs occur and you need to look for work.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Get the Interview Advantage With Research! Research! Research!
I have noticed with many clients that I coach on interview preparation that most are not familiar with the companies they are interested in working for. This makes it very difficult for the clients to adequately prepare for a position they know little about. In order to decide on a move that will benefit your long-term career plans and immediate position gratification, research is your best course of action.
Going to an interview without doing your research puts you at a clear disadvantage. Why - because it can be used as a perfect opportunity to impress your interviewer or as a way to build rapport at the onset of the interview. It can leverage your salary negotiations by letting the employer know that you are aware of their corporate pay scale and what the job position is really worth to them.
In larger companies, the person who writes the ad for the position is usually not related to the department or unit in need of additional staff. The description may not be as accurate or effectively written as it should be and by researching the facility you can be prepared when communicating with your possible future employer.
After accepting the new position you will spend a large part of everyday with the people in your area or department. Have you checked into the atmosphere or culture of the company? What is the general employee attitude towards the company? Many resources for larger companies are available on the Internet that provides yearly ratings on the best industries, jobs, and companies.
Sites providing a ranking of size and likability of the companies can be found at http://www.fortune.com/. For listings on first-rate jobs within the U.S. Government try http://www.bestplacetowork.org/. Individual states and many larger cities develop lists that are posted on their sites boasting their best companies including http://www.columbus.about.com/. For smaller sized companies the http://www.greatplacestowork.com/ may be helpful.
Another way to discovering more about the companies you are interested in is by looking up articles written on the company of interest or the desired industry. It is a great way to learn more about the company written by others than the company on all areas of the company structure, future plans, and successes, and their competitors which can be new companies to look into for possible employment.
A few other areas that require in-depth research to get a true understanding and feel for the company you are intending to interview are the corporate culture, hiring practices, and even hours expected to work. It will help to be familiar and in agreement with the work environment or the philosophy of the company. It would be a waste of your time and that of the company for you to go through the process of getting your resume read, being asked to interview, prepare and interview for the position, and finally accept and start the job only to find out six months down the line that you agree or feel comfortable working with the existing management practices or company policies.
Take the time to do your research before you agree to an interview. During the interview look for signs of the atmosphere or ask questions if still unsure. You deserve to work in an environment that is a great fit, where you will feel comfortable to work to fulfill your potential and where you agree with the goals and objectives of the company. Research is key in finding just the right job for you.
Going to an interview without doing your research puts you at a clear disadvantage. Why - because it can be used as a perfect opportunity to impress your interviewer or as a way to build rapport at the onset of the interview. It can leverage your salary negotiations by letting the employer know that you are aware of their corporate pay scale and what the job position is really worth to them.
In larger companies, the person who writes the ad for the position is usually not related to the department or unit in need of additional staff. The description may not be as accurate or effectively written as it should be and by researching the facility you can be prepared when communicating with your possible future employer.
After accepting the new position you will spend a large part of everyday with the people in your area or department. Have you checked into the atmosphere or culture of the company? What is the general employee attitude towards the company? Many resources for larger companies are available on the Internet that provides yearly ratings on the best industries, jobs, and companies.
Sites providing a ranking of size and likability of the companies can be found at http://www.fortune.com/. For listings on first-rate jobs within the U.S. Government try http://www.bestplacetowork.org/. Individual states and many larger cities develop lists that are posted on their sites boasting their best companies including http://www.columbus.about.com/. For smaller sized companies the http://www.greatplacestowork.com/ may be helpful.
Another way to discovering more about the companies you are interested in is by looking up articles written on the company of interest or the desired industry. It is a great way to learn more about the company written by others than the company on all areas of the company structure, future plans, and successes, and their competitors which can be new companies to look into for possible employment.
A few other areas that require in-depth research to get a true understanding and feel for the company you are intending to interview are the corporate culture, hiring practices, and even hours expected to work. It will help to be familiar and in agreement with the work environment or the philosophy of the company. It would be a waste of your time and that of the company for you to go through the process of getting your resume read, being asked to interview, prepare and interview for the position, and finally accept and start the job only to find out six months down the line that you agree or feel comfortable working with the existing management practices or company policies.
Take the time to do your research before you agree to an interview. During the interview look for signs of the atmosphere or ask questions if still unsure. You deserve to work in an environment that is a great fit, where you will feel comfortable to work to fulfill your potential and where you agree with the goals and objectives of the company. Research is key in finding just the right job for you.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Job Market Strategies for New Graduates
It’s that time of the year again when colleges let out and newly graduated young adults receive their diplomas. They will enjoy a well deserved, long hot summer and then realize “I’ve graduated - now what? I don’t know what to do next!” A little daunted with the realization that now they need to find a job and put their four or five years of hard academic work into practice. The sad thing for these graduates is that they are already about a year behind.
Ideally, the best time for graduates to start looking for an entry level job is before you graduate. College Career Centers are very helpful when properly utilized. They offer counseling and other career tools, career fair opportunities and internship availabilities. The internships are invaluable beginning for soon-to-be graduates and often a requirement for many degrees. Nearly 60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after graduation and at the very least; the internship can act as a great reference when getting into the real world after graduation.
For those who were enjoying being in the moment and now are a little in the past – what do you do? First, realize that you need to decide on which career direction you are interested. What is your current career objective? Not sure? Don’t worry many graduates aren’t – instead of procrastinating or doing nothing – chose a path and get started! You can always change your mind and steer yourself in another direction later but you’ll never know what you do like if you don’t find out what you don’t like.
Completing a Career Assessment Evaluation through a reputable program such as D.I.S.C. Assessments might be a valuable investment. These assessments provide information on your behavioral strengths and weaknesses. They determine what type of work environment, skills, and tasks you are most suited for and enjoy.
Career coaching is very effective in helping graduates narrow the possible career paths. They offer a variety of tools to help you understand which industries, fields, and work environments best fit you. They provide extensive information on job searching, interview preparation, salary negotiations, industry information and more.
Next is your gathering of career tools. I would of course recommend an experienced certified resume writer, one who is willing to assist you as you make your way through the preparation process. A well focused resume is the most powerful tool you can have, so your career objective at this point is a must! If your resume writer doesn’t provide additional services in job market strategies they are usually a pretty good source for where to find the services you will need such as interview or career coaching, resume distribution and a posting services. Although these additional services will cost you initially, you will save yourself time and frustration plus with the coaching you will receive pivotal information that will give you an edge or advantage over other applicants during an interview.
The job market is a competitive place but a great career is worth working for! Take the time to do it right and be prepared so you won’t have to settle for a job as you begin your career!
Congratulations Graduates!!
Ideally, the best time for graduates to start looking for an entry level job is before you graduate. College Career Centers are very helpful when properly utilized. They offer counseling and other career tools, career fair opportunities and internship availabilities. The internships are invaluable beginning for soon-to-be graduates and often a requirement for many degrees. Nearly 60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after graduation and at the very least; the internship can act as a great reference when getting into the real world after graduation.
For those who were enjoying being in the moment and now are a little in the past – what do you do? First, realize that you need to decide on which career direction you are interested. What is your current career objective? Not sure? Don’t worry many graduates aren’t – instead of procrastinating or doing nothing – chose a path and get started! You can always change your mind and steer yourself in another direction later but you’ll never know what you do like if you don’t find out what you don’t like.
Completing a Career Assessment Evaluation through a reputable program such as D.I.S.C. Assessments might be a valuable investment. These assessments provide information on your behavioral strengths and weaknesses. They determine what type of work environment, skills, and tasks you are most suited for and enjoy.
Career coaching is very effective in helping graduates narrow the possible career paths. They offer a variety of tools to help you understand which industries, fields, and work environments best fit you. They provide extensive information on job searching, interview preparation, salary negotiations, industry information and more.
Next is your gathering of career tools. I would of course recommend an experienced certified resume writer, one who is willing to assist you as you make your way through the preparation process. A well focused resume is the most powerful tool you can have, so your career objective at this point is a must! If your resume writer doesn’t provide additional services in job market strategies they are usually a pretty good source for where to find the services you will need such as interview or career coaching, resume distribution and a posting services. Although these additional services will cost you initially, you will save yourself time and frustration plus with the coaching you will receive pivotal information that will give you an edge or advantage over other applicants during an interview.
The job market is a competitive place but a great career is worth working for! Take the time to do it right and be prepared so you won’t have to settle for a job as you begin your career!
Congratulations Graduates!!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Technology on Top as Greatest Industry Potential for New Jobs and Income Growth
Many clients, especially young professionals just starting out, often ask about future trends for employment and opportunity. My answer is that it depends on current supply and demand. Population and population trends are the biggest contributors to determining supply and demand of employment opportunities for the future.
With automation and advancing technology some industries have slowed while others have exploded and new ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled positions so an education or formal training is a must for today’s young adults.
As our younger generation grows up we will need more educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the demands that will determine future trends in employment. Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change considerably.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the top five growth industries. So, when looking into industries with largest potential for available jobs in the above industries are the top contenders.
Now if my clients are looking strictly at income opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide the largest earnings potential increase, starting with Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase followed by Computer System Design and Related services and management, Scientific and Technology Consulting services both increase earnings by 55%, Employment services come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and Video increasing by 31%.
While many of the advancing growth industries are dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer related industries and health care still look most promising in terms of both opportunity and income potential. But before my clients run to change their career goals I try to remind them that although income and opportunity are important if this is their planned career field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and enjoyment for many years.
With automation and advancing technology some industries have slowed while others have exploded and new ones are developing daily. Any new industries and the ancillary careers that emerge from them are a good place to start. The industry shift tends to be toward more skilled positions so an education or formal training is a must for today’s young adults.
As our younger generation grows up we will need more educators to teach the children, and as baby-boomers move into their retirement years, the need for more healthcare jobs becomes necessary. These population shifts alter the demands that will determine future trends in employment. Although projections show increases of 14% from 2002 to 2012 in the American workforce, the demographics change considerably.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the next half dozen years the fastest growing industries will be Technology at 35.8%, Healthcare at 34.5%, Nursing industry increasing 27.3%, Human Resources at 26.2%, and Criminal Justice and Education/Teaching both at 24.7% rounding the top five growth industries. So, when looking into industries with largest potential for available jobs in the above industries are the top contenders.
Now if my clients are looking strictly at income opportunity then I would suggest looking at a different index also released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the largest salary and wage changes for the next decade. Occupations listed below are expected to provide the largest earnings potential increase, starting with Software Publishing leading with a whopping 68% increase followed by Computer System Design and Related services and management, Scientific and Technology Consulting services both increase earnings by 55%, Employment services come close at 54% and Social Assistance (except child day care) at 47% and finally Motion Pictures and Video increasing by 31%.
While many of the advancing growth industries are dissimilar from the highest income candidates, the computer related industries and health care still look most promising in terms of both opportunity and income potential. But before my clients run to change their career goals I try to remind them that although income and opportunity are important if this is their planned career field for the next 20, 30 or 50 years they should make sure it is one that will offer them appeal, interest and enjoyment for many years.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Keeping Resumes Relevant Using Certified Professional Writers
Working with new clients on a regular basis keeps me energized. I love learning about their different careers and the paths they have followed up to the point of meeting me. While becoming acquainted with them, getting a feel for what their objectives are, and reviewing their old resume, almost all of my clients want to interject additional information.
Additional information is obviously helpful and expected during the review and resumes development process when it is relevant. Current position achievements and accomplishments definitely need to be included as does any formal training, education, or other service performed relevant to the future objective of the client. The problem occurs when, in the process of building or updating their own resume, clients want to include an overload of information. This is usually the reason most job seekers eventually contact a resume writer. It is often a wise decision because it is very hard to be objective when writing for oneself. Weeding through all of the past performances can be a very subjective task. Certified writers are trained and very experienced in sorting through information and utilizing only the most relevant information resulting in powerful, focused resumes.
What I remind my clients is that it is important to stay focused while writing the resume. What is the goal of the resume and what is the specific position you are trying to obtain? Clients with several years of experience have the luxury of retrieving and using only the most applicable experiences and achievements. However, most want to provide information on all aspects of every job ever held. This unneeded information just adds clutter to the resume and waters down the strength of the document.
Employers are very busy and usually not excited about the whole hiring process. The average resume is reviewed for 15-20 seconds before given the “yeah or neigh”. What are the employers looking for? They are looking for actual accomplishments and achievements with numbers and facts to back up the achievement. Also they are interested in your fit with their company. Will you get along, work hard, fit in, and make them money? You resume must show them using your resume that you are what they are looking for. The resume needs to also make you stand out and shine leave a lasting impression, all in the first glance.
Resumes are most relevant when they are targeting a specific criteria, job description or goal. Pointing all achievements, as well as daily responsibilities towards your goal will give you a sharp, well focused resume and a definite advantage over the competition. A well crafted resume created by a Certified Professional Resume Writer works because it has been specifically developed for you and your current career goals and needs, it isn’t generic or to broadly focused to fit the positions you are seeking. It also has specific industry, profession, and position keywords strategically integrated into the document to draw attention from both human and computer generated senses.
Additional information is obviously helpful and expected during the review and resumes development process when it is relevant. Current position achievements and accomplishments definitely need to be included as does any formal training, education, or other service performed relevant to the future objective of the client. The problem occurs when, in the process of building or updating their own resume, clients want to include an overload of information. This is usually the reason most job seekers eventually contact a resume writer. It is often a wise decision because it is very hard to be objective when writing for oneself. Weeding through all of the past performances can be a very subjective task. Certified writers are trained and very experienced in sorting through information and utilizing only the most relevant information resulting in powerful, focused resumes.
What I remind my clients is that it is important to stay focused while writing the resume. What is the goal of the resume and what is the specific position you are trying to obtain? Clients with several years of experience have the luxury of retrieving and using only the most applicable experiences and achievements. However, most want to provide information on all aspects of every job ever held. This unneeded information just adds clutter to the resume and waters down the strength of the document.
Employers are very busy and usually not excited about the whole hiring process. The average resume is reviewed for 15-20 seconds before given the “yeah or neigh”. What are the employers looking for? They are looking for actual accomplishments and achievements with numbers and facts to back up the achievement. Also they are interested in your fit with their company. Will you get along, work hard, fit in, and make them money? You resume must show them using your resume that you are what they are looking for. The resume needs to also make you stand out and shine leave a lasting impression, all in the first glance.
Resumes are most relevant when they are targeting a specific criteria, job description or goal. Pointing all achievements, as well as daily responsibilities towards your goal will give you a sharp, well focused resume and a definite advantage over the competition. A well crafted resume created by a Certified Professional Resume Writer works because it has been specifically developed for you and your current career goals and needs, it isn’t generic or to broadly focused to fit the positions you are seeking. It also has specific industry, profession, and position keywords strategically integrated into the document to draw attention from both human and computer generated senses.
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