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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
Resume Writing Strategies that Bring Results
In today’s tough economic climate, the competition for jobs is fierce indeed, which is all the more reason we need to be using effective resume writing strategies that work!
Here, we are not going to show you how to put your resume together; instead, we will share five excellent resume writing tips that you can use.
Tip #1: Know the job and company you are targeting.
Do your research before you start or update your resume. Look up the company you are applying to, and learn everything you can about it. Search online, talk with people in the industry, and make notes. Learn their mission statement, what their goals are, and how they are perceived in the community.
Notice that when you are researching the company, you are likely to see a few things or facts that stand out or are repeated. Also, this type of research could bring issues to the surface that you might not have noticed or learned about earlier. In fact, you might also uncover some information that might make you uncomfortable about the company, showing you that they may not be a good fit for you. Remember, even though you are focusing on their needs, and how you can benefit them, using effective resume writing strategies means that it has to feel good to you too!
When you are armed with plenty of information about the company and the job that you’re targeting, you can begin to formulate some key phrases that you will use in your resume, whether it’s in a qualification or an accomplishment.
Tip #2: Talk their talk.
I
n other words, use language in your resume that the company and industry uses. Don’t go overboard on jargon, but using industry terminology further shows the company that you know what you’re talking about.This can be a very valuable tip if you are posting your resume online. It is possible that an employer might search candidates using specific keywords and keyword phrases - and if you have these in your resume, this could help bring your resume to the top of the pile.
n other words, use language in your resume that the company and industry uses. Don’t go overboard on jargon, but using industry terminology further shows the company that you know what you’re talking about.This can be a very valuable tip if you are posting your resume online. It is possible that an employer might search candidates using specific keywords and keyword phrases - and if you have these in your resume, this could help bring your resume to the top of the pile.
Word of warning: Use keywords and keyword phrases judiciously. Don’t overuse them, otherwise you could be perceived as “keyword spamming. Just use them where appropriate, in a natural manner. A good rule of thumb is that one keyword or keyword phrase for every 100 words of text should be fine.
Tip #3: Prepare your resume so that it targets one job and one company.
Thanks to the marvels of word processing, it is relatively easy to tailor your resume to the job and company you are targeting. If you are sending out 5 resumes to 5 different employers, make sure each resume is specific to each company. You can do this by putting a simple addition to a summary statement, such as: “How I Can Help ABC Company’s Finance Department…” or some such statement.
Specifically mentioning the job and company in your resume will set you apart. The employers will see that you spent time focusing on them. These are not only effective resume writing strategies, but strategies that also show employers that you are different. You really care. You really do want to join their team! You look like a winner!
Word of warning: Be double sure, no… make that triple sure that you carefully review every resume you send out to ensure that you are matching your resume to the right company!
Tip #4: Highlight critical and important information.
I
t is perfectly acceptable to highlight information that you want to be sure your reader sees. Consider that you only have a few seconds to get someone’s attention on your resume, and that someone is likely only scanning through at first. Knowing that, if, in your accomplishments, for example, you state that you have managed 35 accounts worth $1.2MM each, you might want to highlight it by either bold facing it, underlining it, or italicizing it, thereby increasing the odds that the reader sees it.
t is perfectly acceptable to highlight information that you want to be sure your reader sees. Consider that you only have a few seconds to get someone’s attention on your resume, and that someone is likely only scanning through at first. Knowing that, if, in your accomplishments, for example, you state that you have managed 35 accounts worth $1.2MM each, you might want to highlight it by either bold facing it, underlining it, or italicizing it, thereby increasing the odds that the reader sees it.
Kathy Tremblay
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.
eRecruiting
With eRecruiting, students can search job listings, find internships, apply for jobs, gather company information, view event schedules, and market themselves to potential employers.
BYU Career Services 2410 WSC 801-422-6535
Personal Interests and Experience
(You can talk about these in an interview)
1. Investing. Have you put away money since your tenth birthday and watched your savings grow significantly? Are you active in trading and investing through your E*TRADE account? Do you currently manage your finances beyond balancing your checkbook? Since many high school and college students don’t manage their own money, your experience and knowledge could stand out.
2. Family business. If you’ve been part of your parents’ business development process or worked in a family-owned restaurant or store, your dinner table conversations may have involved hiring practices and workplace challenges. Even if you didn’t start the company, your experience is a source of knowledge and brings value to your job search.
3. Travel. Any trip that has broadened your perspective of the United States or the world adds value to your relevant work experience. Did you hike the Grand Canyon or backpack through Europe? Did you visit a country where you couldn’t even read the street signs? Be sure to tell potential employers how you overcame these challenges and broadened your life experience.
4. Passions or hobbies. What do you care about and what do you do in your free time? Whether it’s running marathons, building model airplanes or teaching yourself to cook, anything that demonstrates your dedication and drive has value in the workplace. If you’ve committed yourself to a goal and achieved it (or are working on achieving it), you’ve spent a lot of time and energy in this area of interest. Be sure to mention these experiences in an interview or professional networking situation.
5. Social media. Have you made a (positive) name for yourself in the social media word? If you’ve become highly involved in an online community like Twitter, YouTube, Ning or LinkedIn, be sure to mention this experience in a job interview. Many companies are focused on enhancing their presence online and may appreciate your experience and knowledge in this still-new arena. If your talent includes more than Facebook-stalking your peers, and you’re proud of what you’ve done, don’t hesitate to share.
6. Technology. If you have computer knowledge beyond Microsoft Word, take it into consideration as a marketable skills. If you have significant experience with Quickbooks, Photoshop or are really advanced with Excel or PowerPoint, definitely play up these skills. If you can write HTML code (even basic), that can be very valuable too.
7. Moving. Did you attend more than one high school because your parents decided to move? Did you transfer colleges after your freshman year? If you successfully made friends and acclimated to a new environment, you might mention this experience in an interview. If you didn’t love your first pick of colleges, your desire to change and improve your situation shows strength and courage. Play up your ability to make the most of change when speaking to potential employers.
8. Overcoming a life challenge. Were you injured and completed physical therapy? Have you dealt with a learning disability or taken care of a sick parent? Though these are very personal experiences, you might mention these personal trials in an essay, cover letter or interview. Some of life’s greatest challenges have nothing to do with work or professional experiences. Give yourself credit and consider talking about these difficult life experiences from an attitude of strength. They’re part of who you are today and potential employers will appreciate your honesty and courage.
In addition to brainstorming all of the above types of experience, I poked around the Web to find even more. Freelance work, certification that requires training or courses, awards of all kinds and any involvement with a nonprofit are also worthy of mention. If I’ve left anything off this list, please share additional types of experience in the comments below.
As your post-summer assignment, go back through this list and put together a master list of your own. If you’re stuck, talk to five people who know you best. Ask your parents, siblings, mentors, best friends and favorite professors to help you come up with a list of valuable experiences you’ve had and specific qualities you bring to the table.
When it comes to selling ourselves, we often don’t see what’s right in front of us. Yes, it’s important to be humble, but in a competitive job market it’s also necessary to articulate exactly what knowledge, skills and experiences you bring to the marketplace. Happy listing!
Lindsay Pollak
(You can talk about these in an interview)
1. Investing. Have you put away money since your tenth birthday and watched your savings grow significantly? Are you active in trading and investing through your E*TRADE account? Do you currently manage your finances beyond balancing your checkbook? Since many high school and college students don’t manage their own money, your experience and knowledge could stand out.
2. Family business. If you’ve been part of your parents’ business development process or worked in a family-owned restaurant or store, your dinner table conversations may have involved hiring practices and workplace challenges. Even if you didn’t start the company, your experience is a source of knowledge and brings value to your job search.
3. Travel. Any trip that has broadened your perspective of the United States or the world adds value to your relevant work experience. Did you hike the Grand Canyon or backpack through Europe? Did you visit a country where you couldn’t even read the street signs? Be sure to tell potential employers how you overcame these challenges and broadened your life experience.
4. Passions or hobbies. What do you care about and what do you do in your free time? Whether it’s running marathons, building model airplanes or teaching yourself to cook, anything that demonstrates your dedication and drive has value in the workplace. If you’ve committed yourself to a goal and achieved it (or are working on achieving it), you’ve spent a lot of time and energy in this area of interest. Be sure to mention these experiences in an interview or professional networking situation.
5. Social media. Have you made a (positive) name for yourself in the social media word? If you’ve become highly involved in an online community like Twitter, YouTube, Ning or LinkedIn, be sure to mention this experience in a job interview. Many companies are focused on enhancing their presence online and may appreciate your experience and knowledge in this still-new arena. If your talent includes more than Facebook-stalking your peers, and you’re proud of what you’ve done, don’t hesitate to share.
6. Technology. If you have computer knowledge beyond Microsoft Word, take it into consideration as a marketable skills. If you have significant experience with Quickbooks, Photoshop or are really advanced with Excel or PowerPoint, definitely play up these skills. If you can write HTML code (even basic), that can be very valuable too.
7. Moving. Did you attend more than one high school because your parents decided to move? Did you transfer colleges after your freshman year? If you successfully made friends and acclimated to a new environment, you might mention this experience in an interview. If you didn’t love your first pick of colleges, your desire to change and improve your situation shows strength and courage. Play up your ability to make the most of change when speaking to potential employers.
8. Overcoming a life challenge. Were you injured and completed physical therapy? Have you dealt with a learning disability or taken care of a sick parent? Though these are very personal experiences, you might mention these personal trials in an essay, cover letter or interview. Some of life’s greatest challenges have nothing to do with work or professional experiences. Give yourself credit and consider talking about these difficult life experiences from an attitude of strength. They’re part of who you are today and potential employers will appreciate your honesty and courage.
In addition to brainstorming all of the above types of experience, I poked around the Web to find even more. Freelance work, certification that requires training or courses, awards of all kinds and any involvement with a nonprofit are also worthy of mention. If I’ve left anything off this list, please share additional types of experience in the comments below.
As your post-summer assignment, go back through this list and put together a master list of your own. If you’re stuck, talk to five people who know you best. Ask your parents, siblings, mentors, best friends and favorite professors to help you come up with a list of valuable experiences you’ve had and specific qualities you bring to the table.
When it comes to selling ourselves, we often don’t see what’s right in front of us. Yes, it’s important to be humble, but in a competitive job market it’s also necessary to articulate exactly what knowledge, skills and experiences you bring to the marketplace. Happy listing!
Lindsay Pollak
Optimal Resume
Optimal Resume is an online site that helps you get your career started through 7 tools.Resume BuilderLetter BuilderOnline PortfolioSkills AssessmentInterview PrepVideo ResumeWebsite BuilderTo get started go to optimal resume and click on new user. The password to start a new account is optimal2.
Career Placement Services 2410 WSC 801-422-6535
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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