5 Steps for Using Social Media in a Job Search

To get a job today, it is imperative for job seekers to create a purposeful and professional web presence. But, despite this clear directive, many job hunters still find it distressing, due to privacy concerns, or lack of confidence in—or comfort using—the social media tools, and decide to opt-out of social media altogether. According to Laura Labovich, Founder of Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group, a Washington, D.C.-based career firm, “Companies are turning to social media sites to look for candidates at a breakneck pace, and to catch the attention of prospective employers, and to be viewed favorably when stacked up against the competition, job search must be paired with a proactive social presence.”

In a recent article entitled “No More Resumes, Some Firms Say,” the Wall Street Journal showcased the recruiting protocol of Union Square Ventures, a New York venture-capital firm that recently posted a position for an investment analyst. “Instead of asking for resumes,” the V.C. firm asked applicants to “send links representing their web presence.” Continue Reading

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going – Job Search in Difficult Times

“All difficult things have their origin in that which is easy, and great things in that which is small.” – Lao Tzu

Just recently heard the title of today’s post (yet again) and it was meant as an inspiring “we can beat the odds” statement. But, to be honest, I’ve always been confused about this phrase. It almost sounds like it could have two meanings. So, like any normal person in the 21st century, I looked it up on Wikipedia.com. The explanation is definitely more interesting than my original question and, as I had suspected, it does have two meanings. But, rather than spoil it for you, take a look for yourself ==>> The Tough Get Going.

For many, including yours truly, the times are really tough and looking for a job is no walk in the park when unemployment is so high and the economy is not so great. And while I’ve written about this so many times, it will never cease to amaze me, the disconnect between the seemingly hundreds of thousands of jobs available and the number of people who can’t seem to find a job. Of course, timing and location is everything (not to mention experience and ability). A lot depends on how long you’ve been looking and your overall approach to job search. So today’s post is a little about starting your job search for the first time and a little about refreshing your job search. Continue Reading

Job Searching during the Holidays!

Whether you are just starting your job search, are in the middle of it, or just considering a career switch, do not put it off until after the holidays. In fact the holidays might just give you the push you need.  If you want to hear it directly from a professional, “We look for the candidate that does everything possible to land a job and never takes time off to do so including the Holiday season” says  Jane Swansea, HR Director at Preferred Electrical. Here are certain things you should keep in mind with respect to continuing your job search during the break. Continue Reading

Can Small Businesses Increase Their Profits by Hiring Interns?

It’s no secret that most big companies hire interns each year to help increase their productivity. So why don’t small companies do the same? One of the most common responses from small business owners is that they don’t have enough time or money to get an intern. That’s because most small business owners don’t understand the massive benefits that they get when they hire interns. Continue Reading

Sell Yourself As The Solution to the Interviewer Problem

Carole Martin, The Interview Coach

Creating a self-inventory and doing some basic preparation can make a big difference in the way you view yourself and as a result how others see you. Continue Reading

Tips for Maximizing Your Out-of-State Resume

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

Trying to acquire a job out of state can be a bit more challenging than securing one in the state you’re in, simply because you are lacking certain advantages of in-state candidates. So it will be up to you to show in your resume that being out of state is not a hindrance. Here’s how you can get started. Continue Reading

The Top 5 Resume Killers

Jeffrey Metzger, Your Resume Consultant

There are many articles that describe the proper techniques for CV writing. In this article, I will discuss five ways that you can ensure that your CV does not make it to the top of the pile. Continue Reading

Inability of Unemployed to Relocate One of Biggest Obstacles to Economic Recovery

After rising to its highest level in nearly two years during the first half of 2011, the percentage of job seekers relocating for new positions dropped to a near record low to finish out the year. The latest data provides further evidence that one of the biggest obstacles to economic recovery could be the lack of mobility among the nation’s unemployed.

Over the last two quarters of 2011, an average of just 7.5 percent of job seekers finding employment relocated for their new positions. That is down nearly two points from an average relocation rate of 9.4 percent in the first two quarters of the year. It was slightly lower than the same period in 2010, when 7.7 percent of job seekers relocated for new positions. Continue Reading

Can You “Tell Me About Yourself?”

While you may practice answering many interview questions, this is definitely one to prepare for. How you answer the question will let the interviewer know if you have actually thought about what to say. Don’t stress if you’re not sure how to respond to the “tell me about yourself” question. So that you won’t be thrown off guard, experts offer some advice on answering this question in your next interview. Continue Reading

U.S. Manufacturing Jobs to Come From $1 Billion Investment in High-Tech Plants

Millions of Americans go online to look for a new job. Now GE is using the same technology that forms the backbone of the Internet to open new U.S. manufacturing jobs. Continue Reading