Imagine that you’ve just purchased a new car. Your first “real” car, you’re proud of the time you spent reading up, really doing your homework, and taking to find the right model in the right price range for you. Now, imagine that you’ve just picked up your friend for a ride in your new car, and before you’ve barely pulled out of her driveway, she proceeds to tell you about the car she thinks you should have purchased. She tells you how you could get better mileage if you’d just consider redesigning the engine, and how she’s surprised you didn’t get a car that was red, and on…and on she goes. In the meantime, you’re ready to push her out the door…never mind the fact that you happen to be going 50 mph.

A far-fetched scenario? Hardly. Consider the number of times that any of us is given unsolicited advice, “helpful” opinions, or other ideas that we didn’t ask for, didn’t want, and quite frankly, aren’t always so useful and helpful in the first place. Irritating, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, this type of scenario happens all the time in the workplace, and even more unfortunate, the unsolicited advice often comes from the New Professional. Consider the comments from one manager at a large accounting firm:

“Nothing is more annoying than when a new intern or hire out of college comes in…and immediately starts telling us about his ‘great’ ideas, or about how we can improve such-and-such a thing. Meanwhile, he’s been working for a grand total of 4 months and really has no clue about how our business really operates. It’s just plain arrogant.”
Ouch! Does this mean that we shouldn’t offer our ideas or suggestions for improvement? After all, isn’t that why they hired us?

Well, actually, no, that probably wasn’t why you were hired. In fact, you were probably hired to help the team run a few yards, rather than score the touchdown. You were hired to do your job, at least for the time being - not the job of your boss, the CEO, or anyone in-between. And when people try to do that, even when they have the best intentions, it bugs the folks at work.

This isn’t to suggest that your efforts, initiative, and go-getter attitude aren’t appreciated. In fact, New Professionals are hired precisely because organizations love their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh approach to work…but organizations also tend to reward humility, patience, and a respect for their process, no matter how slow, annoying, or just plain wrong you think their process might be.

How to demonstrate patience and humility? It all starts by admitting what you don’t know. Inside the classroom, you’re given ample opportunity to ask questions and get answers. In the working world, that’s not always the case. Supervisors can be extremely busy and have deadlines of their own to manage, and may assign you work without giving you lots of guidance.

Rather than ask for clarification or help, new professionals can sometimes feel like their questions are excessive, or dumb, or that they are simply being a bother to their bosses, so they clam up, deciding to just figure it out on their own. Now, there’s nothing wrong with being a problem-solver, but if you’ve got questions, and didn’t get a chance to ask them, you owe it to yourself to get the help you need to get the job done right. Don’t try to be a hero and do it all on your own if you’re stuck. After all, you’re new and you’ve probably never done this kind of work before, so give yourself a break. However, there is an art to asking questions:

• First, respect your supervisor’s time, and make sure you’ve done your homework first and exhausted other channels (reading through company information online, asking less-swamped employees for help, etc.) before you approach him or her.

• Next, be organized with your question. Make it short, sweet, and get to the point. Long voice mails and wordy emails are unnecessary, time-consuming, and probably won’t get read, anyway. Less is more.

• But finally (and most importantly), ask questions and offer solutions at the same time. Don’t simply kick a ball into your supervisor’s corner and expect them to do the thinking for you. It’s up to you to show that you really have thought the issue through and done your thinking before approaching them

What else to do in the meantime as you wait for your ideas and initiative to really get noticed? Hang tight, trust that your good work (with a little self-promotion along the way) will get rewarded, and forge ahead.

Elizabeth Freedman is the author of Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself and is a 2005 Finalist for College Speaker of the Year, awarded by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. She runs a Boston-based communications and career development firm where she partners with corporations to help their new professionals look smart, sound sharp and succeed on the job. Clients include PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Gillette Company/Procter & Gamble and The Thomson Corporation. For more information, please visit http://www.elizabethfreedman.com or email info@elizabethfreedman.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 30, 2007 at 9:18 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I've been watching old episodes of Northern Exposure, and recently one of the characters explained his approach to fishing this way: "If you want to catch a fish, you must think like a fish."

If you're looking for a job, you should frame this quote or stick it on your computer monitor. Then, before you take any action in your search, ask yourself whether you're thinking like the person who makes the hiring decisions.

This morning, I received a resume in my email from a designer. The headline reads "Graphic Designer" and there's no introductory note, just a resume pasted into the email. I wondered if he was looking for a proposal for a resume rewrite, but when I asked, he wrote back: 'No, I just wanted to let you know I'm available if you're hiring a designer.'

Well I'm not. But even if I was, why would I consider someone who hasn't personalized his contact with me in any way?

If my designer friend was smart, he'd be researching companies who are advertising for designers, finding out as much as he can about their business, their competitors, and their challenges, and then craft an email showing how he can be of service. By thinking like the hiring authority, he could put himself ahead of all the other candidates. By mass emailing strangers, he just annoys a lot of people.

Companies advertise vacancies because they have either a problem or an opportunity - your job is to figure out what it is and then show that you are the solution. Think like a fish!

Source: Louise Fletcher writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 27, 2007 at 9:40 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The following article takes place on DAY 7 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

“Seven Social Networks”

The key to expanding your network and finding job leads is, of course, to add more people to your network. Fortunately, the Internet has made it easer than ever to meet more people – and you never have to leave your keyboard!

I’d like to tell you about seven of the best online networking sites. Each is based on the “six degrees of separation” principle – you’re never more than six contacts away from any person you want to meet, anywhere on earth, including Kevin Bacon.
Check out these sites if you want to “e-network” your way to a new job …

Linkedin.com – From a headhunter’s standpoint, LinkedIn has it all. It is the opportunity of a lifetime to establish a powerful network of influential colleagues and friends – can you tell it’s my favorite? Free to use, Linkedin.com first requires you to set up a profile, then invite your friends to join your network. After those people join, they can ask their friends and colleagues to join, etc., etc. For job hunters this can produce a treasure trove of leads. More than 9 million people have linked up at LinkedIn.

Classmates – This may be the grand daddy of online networking sites. At Classmates.com, you can join a network of alumni who share an affinity with you – they went to the same school (high school, college or university), or were in the same military branch, industry or company. The challenge, when finding potential contacts, is that you must search by state. But, if you want to reconnect specifically with people you went to school with, Classmates is the way to go.

ExecuNet – If you make $100,000 or more in salary, this networking venue is for you. ExecuNet was founded 18 years ago as the premier networking web site. They make it easy for senior-level professionals to connect directly with business decision-makers, executive recruiters, and peers. Not is this site chock full of helpful advice that’s not found anywhere else, they also host well-known speakers and authors. Of course, I’m biased because founder Dave Opton wrote the foreword for my book, Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters.

Here are four more networking sites with benefits too numerous to list. I suggest you join at least two sites, then use them as aggressively (staying within the rules, of course!) and creatively as possible.

Ryze – A classic. Robust and easy to use. Not only can you use it to connect with people online, it may put you in touch with someone in your city – there’s an in-person networking component to the site. It’s the best of both worlds really.

Spoke -- Great for connecting with sales people of all types and Fortune 1000 companies in particular. Sales people, by the way, are great resources for job hunters – they’re naturally outgoing and often willing to help. This site boasts more than 30 million contacts and 900,000 companies.

MySpace – Check the Groups Home page, where you’ll find people clustered by interest. The site also has a career space. Truly an 800-pound gorilla in terms of size and scope … and still growing.

Heartless Bitches International – This site is for women who like their career advice with a dash of spice. (Er, make that a handful.) Plus, you can hobnob with some of the most intellectually stimulating women on the planet. That’s Heartless Bitches International.

Double bonus! Here are two more sites to help grow your network …

The Social Networking Web Log is loaded with tips to help you reach inside target companies.

College Recruiter isn’t a social network. OK, so sue me. But it should be on your networking read, especially if you’re a college grad. There’s an encyclopedia’s worth of advice there.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 27, 2007 at 7:38 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

You've invested thousands of dollars for the coveted diploma and now an important question stares you in the face: Will it be worth it? Will you get a good job? And -- an even bigger question -- What will you DO? Many new grads feel lost when they consider the endless list of career choices and fields they could go into.

As a career counselor, I've seen so many new grads who do not know how to apply the degree they have just earned. A typical example was Dave, who loved sports and had played baseball throughout his college years. He had his heart set on working for Nike. An English major, he had never clearly defined, even in his own mind, what kind of job he could do for Nike. When a family friend arranged for a meeting with someone at Nike, Dave naively hoped the man would find him a job within the company. Dave never stated what he could do, or where he might best fit in at Nike, so nothing ever happened after that meeting. It wasn't the Nike employee's job to figure out what career Dave could do -- it was Dave's responsibility.

Allison was a history major who wanted to work as an event planner but, unfortunately, no one had hired her. She'd sent out hundreds of resumes but got no interviews. When she called employers, everyone said the same thing -- we need experience. She was frustrated and didn't understand what she was doing wrong.

Elena returned to college after several years at home with her children. She majored in psychology and thought she might want a counselor job. A friend's mom, who worked in human resources, pointed out that Elena's verbal skills were pretty weak and that was a necessary counseling skill. Elena recognized this to be true, and felt even more lost as to what direction to pursue.

Not doing some solid career exploration first, to get a clear idea of the types of jobs you can do, is a critical error that A LOT of college students make. In Dave's case, we looked at his strengths and had him focus on his stronger skills -- writing, editing, and computer expertise. He started networking again, with college alumni, with the specific goal of seeking a communications position. He landed a job as editorial assistant at a company that published comic books AND that was coming out with a new baseball video game. The key lesson learned was that Dave needed to focus on what he could do for an employer instead of what an employer could do for him.

Alison had sent out hundreds of resumes but got no interviews. We trimmed her two-page resume to one page, took out the excess phrases, introduced action verbs - i.e. directed, organized, planned - and illustrated her accomplishments, strengths and strongest skills. I also suggested that she volunteer to work an internship for six weeks to learn about the meeting planning business and get some experience for the resume. She did, and within three weeks, Allison got a job offer after she followed up on a lead from someone in the office. When her internship supervisor got called for a reference, he offered Allison a paid position with his company.

Elena had excelled in her only job before having her kids, working at a pizza place. She was organized, courteous to customers, and efficient. Her productivity led to an assistant manager's job, where she improved sales by suggesting optional items to customers and ensuring speedy delivery. We explored store management as a career. Her organizational skills and ability to think like her customers landed her a Deli Manager position for a large metropolitan store.

To insure a brighter future for you, implement these effective strategies:

• Make educated career choices. Identify the job you want to do. Conduct research; ask parents or alumni to advise you on actual job duties. Consider what your natural talents are, and look for positions where you can use them. Evaluate the past jobs, volunteer work, activities and academic projects that you enjoyed. The people discussed above identified the skills they had to offer to an employer. They had a lot of skills they didn't realize mattered to employers. So start with completing an inventory to identify your skills, then pursue a career where you have a lot of interest.
• Forget the Fortune 500. Magnet companies, such MTV, Microsoft, Starbucks, American Express, attract over 1,000 resume everyday, making the competition fierce. More opportunities lie within small companies, particularly in organizations that usually they have less than 100 people. These employers are usually found by talking to friends and family, looking in the yellow pages, and reviewing the want ads. Don't forget to check nonprofit organizations. One key benefit is that in small offices you'll quickly get more responsibility and that will help propel your career along into future jobs.
• Try public service. The federal government is the largest employer in America. Consider federal, state and city positions. Their hiring process is slow, but with networking and patience you will likely land a position, and the salaries are good, contrary to most people's thinking.
• Get off the Internet and Network! Forget the "I'm not going to hit on people or use them" attitude. Fact is 63% of all jobs are filled by contacts and referrals according to the Department of Labor. 63%! Networking is an effective tool -- be sure it's a job hunting strategy you use. Start with your college's alumni office -- so many alums are happy to inform you about their job, field or company. They are a gold mine of easy help. Monster.com and Hotjobs.com -- the nation's two biggest recruiting sites -- are the least likely places where you will find your new career. New studies from the Department of Labor state that only 4% of job seekers found their job on the Internet, and most of those were posted on the employer's website.
• Avoid resume blasting. Click and send is not the most productive way to land a job. Target specific companies, and skip the human resource office that screens people out. You'll fare better by writing directly to the department manager, the person who would be your boss. Make sure you emphasize what potential you have and your past skills. Be succinct -- develop a one page resume. Proofread! -- It matters!
• Develop your interview savvy. Employers are making snap decisions. Most people lose the job in the first minute of the interview. It's critical to focus the employer quickly on how well you can perform the job. I recommend you use my 60 Second Sell strategy (detailed in "60 Seconds & You're Hired!"; Penguin Books). This strategy suggests you analyze the job, select your five top selling points, and link them together in a few sentences to create your verbal business card.
• Be ready for the tough questions. Practice your interviewing skills by first writing out good answers to potential questions. Review, having a friend role-play an interview with you. Do keep all answers to less than one minute, and use specific examples from your past experience whenever possible.
• Be picky about the position you do select. Your goal now needs to be to get good experience. Select a position in which you will learn a great deal from your new boss. Seek a manager who appears to take an interest in you and your professional development. His or her mentorship and guidance will set the stage for fast future job growth, so choose carefully.

Still not sure how to go forward? Take a job-search seminar, read books and career development articles, and consider seeking a career counselor for guidance to make the days ahead prosperous and bright.

© Copyright 2007 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved.

Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil and is the bestselling author of: 60 Seconds & You're Hired!; Soaring On Your Strengths; What to Do with the Rest of Your Life; Winning Resumes; and Winning Cover Letters. A popular career counselor Robin helps clients nationwide to land their dream jobs. Visit her website at: www.RobinRyan.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 27, 2007 at 7:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

People are the genesis of every company’s success. That statement is truer today than ever, but what is an employee really worth? Not Compensation! But VALUE?

As an extreme example, entertainer David Bowie floated a personal bond issue a couple of years ago. He offered investors a portion of his future royalties from previously recorded material and receipts from future concerts. The “Bowie Bonds” were gone within an hour of the offer, for more than $50-million.

In an even more striking case, when Dreamworks SKG went public, investors immediately drove the value of its bonds to $2-billion. Dreamworks was a film studio without a studio, a film or even a star. All it had was the intangible value of its founders: Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Getten.

A person’s “value” is just a measure of how much someone is willing to pay to obtain something from them. The intangible value of being --- that’s what the new knowledge economy is all about - Knowledge Value. Veteran information age guru Stan Davis confirms some insights into the increasing value of people in today’s economy.

In Blur, Davis and Meyer make the point that the boundaries between your work life and your home life are disappearing. In fact, today the rate of change and the depth of connectivity is so fast that every person, product, service and company are all blurring together.

Computerization and communications have made us all a linked community. There are, for example, nine times more computer processors in our products than in our computers—nine billion CPUs in items like phones, hotel keys, consumer electronics, day planners and cars.
As products are more driven by software, they become easier to link together. Intelligence and information become the key value being offered in a consumable product (some 90 percent of the value of a new car is estimated to be in the computers and software it uses). And you are the value-adder.

Today, employees in the high-technology world especially, tend to think of themselves as “free agents”—like a professional athlete who is always in training. Knowledge workers are continuously investing in the next set of skills and training, driving up their personal “stock price”. This puts knowledge value and knowledge workers in the driver’s seat.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Career Guide for the High Tech Professional Readers may download 3 free chapters at www.gm4jh.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 27, 2007 at 6:33 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

After attending many a business lunch, corporate event, dinner outing, and more under the guise of “work fun,” (raise your hand if you think that’s an oxymoron ) I feel compelled to write the following, rather obvious statement: Your Fork is not a Shovel. And while we’re on the subject, I might also mention that your knife is not a saw and that your napkin should not be waved around like you’re heading off to a bullfight later on today.

At the risk of sounding slightly obnoxious (won’t be the first time I’ve heard that one, anyway) and a tad Miss Manners-ish, consider the fact that I’ve spoken with lots of college and MBA students, along with many interns, international hires and new professionals who all want to know how to dine graciously and comfortably without making fools out of themselves along the way. Having learned business etiquette the hard way, (ask me about the night I spit spaghetti on my boss’ tie) I realized I had to get business etiquette right.

Why is it so important to get business etiquette right, particularly in social settings? Consider the fact that in today’s busy workplace where most of our communication is done over email or the telephone, the social setting may be the first time (and only time, in some cases) many of your coworkers are getting to meet you in person. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Also consider that business etiquette in social situations is one of the many ways in which you are evaluated as an employee. Like it or not, your boss may question whether he can put you in front of a potential client, or even in front of his own boss, depending on how well you make chit-chat and how you hold your fork. The bottom line is that bad table manners leave a bad impression, and simply don’t reinforce the professional, polished, confident image that we all want to convey when it comes to our careers.

As we enter the season of office picnics, lunch with the boss, and various other summer outings at work, allow me to share a few of the fine points (and really obvious ones, too) about fine dining. Some of the points discussed below may seem silly, overly detailed, or simply unnecessary, but think of dining etiquette like pieces in a puzzle – you need all of the little pieces to get the right outcome.

For all of your well-mannered, elegant readers out there, feel free to drop this article anonymously on the desk of that oaf sitting next to you. For everyone else, read on:

To drink out of the right water glass, think BMW.

Here’s an easy way to avoid drinking out of your boss’ water glass: Think BMW. As you look down at your place setting and scan your eyes left to right, think bread, middle, water. The bread plate (and other food) will always be to your left, and your water glass (and other liquids) will always be to your right.

Keep Your Napkin in Your Lap

Here’s a question that has caused many a sleepless night: When should I put my napkin in my lap? Answer: The minute you sit down. Once your host (the person who has invited you) puts her napkin in her lap, you should follow suit and do the same. Generally, your dining napkin is placed on your lap and folded in half – don’t spread it across your lap like you’re getting ready to have a picnic on it.

Throughout your meal, your napkin stays in your lap. If you need to leave the table, place your napkin in your chair while you are gone. Please, don’t put your gross, ketchup-stained napkin on the table for the rest of us to look at. (In fact, the word ‘ketchup’ shouldn’t even come across your lips during a fine dining experience). And while we’re on the subject of gross, if you’re even thinking of blowing your nose in your napkin, please don’t dine with me, or anyone else who wishes to have an appetite while dining. Ick.

Your fork is not a shovel.

It’s not a magic wand, a spear, or something to click against your teeth. It’s also not something to be clenched with a fist, like a little kid holding onto a toy for dear life. As silly as it sounds, many of us don’t hold our dining utensils correctly or even come close. While there are several different ways to hold and use a knife and fork correctly, the most common method used in the United States is as follows:
• When you eat, your fork is held in your right hand, like a pencil. (For all of your lefties out there, the fork is still held in the right hand.) The tines (your prongs on the fork) face up.
• When you cut your food, switch hands. Fork goes in the left hand, knife goes in the right to cut. Using your index finger, point your fork with tines down to pierce your food.
• Switch the fork back in the right hand to eat.
• Presto! Elegant dining!

Be a Charming Chit-Chatter.

There is definitely an art to small talk, and you’ll have plenty of time to practice lots of it at any business function. Particularly in a dining setting, where the ‘serious’ table talk doesn’t often occur until halfway or even three-quarters of the way through a meal, you’ll have ample opportunity to get to know the person across the table through conversation. While you don’t have to drone on about the weather all night, as a general guideline, keep your chit-chat extremely safe. Asking questions like, “What made you decide to live in New York?” or “What do you like best about your job?” are good places to start.

Likewise, you’ll want to avoid ‘dangerous’ topics, like religion, politics, money, and sex. Also, stay away from asking family-related topics unless the other person brings it up. Consider the time I innocently asked a colleague, “How is your husband?” Her curt reply: “We’re divorced.”

Bonus chit-chat suggestion: Even if she looks like she’s about to deliver a baby tomorrow, never, ever ask a woman when she is due. Trust me, this one has backfired on so many people it isn’t funny.

Whether you’re attending your first business social event or your twentieth, the moral of the story is always the same: You’re not there for the food or the open bar – you’re there to build relationships. A business lunch or office barbeque is a terrific place for others to get to know you, trust you, and give your career a little boost. Keep the focus off your table manners, so that others can focus on you, instead.

About Elizabeth Freedman & Company:

Elizabeth Freedman, MBA, is an award-winning speaker and business columnist. Throughout the year, Elizabeth Freedman speaks to dozens of universities and organizations, and at regional and national conferences to help college, MBA students and new professionals transform into leaders, savvy marketers, team players, and, ultimately, successful employees.

Elizabeth is a 2005 APCA Finalist for College Speaker of the Year and is the author of The MBA Student’s Job Seeking Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Land a Great Job After Graduation. She is also the author and performer of Made Redundant, her one-woman show about the trials and tribulations of job seekers everywhere. The sold-out performances were highlighted in local and nationally-known media outlets, including The Boston Globe and National Public Radio.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Freedman at info@elizabethfreedman.com or call.(617) 784-6598. Please visit http://www.elizabethfreedman.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 11:53 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Right now, you have every resource you will ever need at your disposal. That’s right. Whether you’re seeking advice, venture capital, or a business lead, you have the means to get what you want. And the best part is, it’s all sitting right on your desk. How is this possible, you may ask. Through the amazing power of your rolodex! In fact, you could even say that you have a million dollars in your rolodex just waiting for you to discover it.

By working your rolodex correctly and networking effectively, you can essentially get anything you want or need. Unfortunately, many people are shy when it comes to networking for what they want. Sometimes they’re embarrassed of their “lofty” goals; other times they mistakenly believe that no one would bother to truly help.

In reality, people, especially successful people, are typically willing to help those who are willing to help themselves. So if you’re stuck and looking for that opportunity you need to reach the next level, networking is a great way to help you get there. Remember that there’s nothing wrong with bouncing ideas off of others and brainstorming about opportunities and possibilities. If you know someone who is doing what you want to be doing or who has expertise in an area you require assistance in, then start networking with that person right away. Here’s how:

1. Have a vision or goal for what you want.
Before you start networking, you must be clear about what you want to accomplish. If you want to own a franchise, for example, don’t simply state that you want to get involved with a franchise business. Be specific, as in, “I want to own a McDonald’s franchise in Chicago.” Actually see the location in your mind. The more clearly you can envision and articulate your goal, the easier it will be for others to help you.

2. Decide who can help you reach that goal.
With your goal firmly in mind, you can now decide who may be able to help you reach that goal. Who are the connectors or influencers within that industry, specialty, or topic that you have in your rolodex? Who can help you get from Point A to Point B? Realize that you’re not cold calling everyone you know at random, hoping to find that “lucky break.” Rather, you’re deciding who is relevant to the goal you now have. Going back to our franchise example, who do you know in the franchising arena, or who would have resources, connections, or pull in that industry?

3. Meet with your key contacts.
Now that you’ve identified specific people who can help, call or e-mail the person. A good approach is to say, “I have an idea I’d like to discuss with you. Can I take you to lunch [or breakfast] so we can talk about it?” Buying a lunch or breakfast is a small investment for getting the connections or information you need. Once you’re actually meeting with the person, be direct about what you’re looking for. For example, you might say, “I’d like to own a McDonald’s franchise in Chicago. Do you know anyone who does that or who works in the franchising arena?” Even if the person doesn’t know someone who could directly help you, he or she may be able to refer you to another connector who does have the contacts you need. Call or e-mail every lead you receive. Even a referral from a referral of a referral can take you where you want to go

4. Send a note of thanks.
Always send a thank you note for the meeting. Most people are busy, so if someone takes time out of their day to talk with you about your ideas or goals, you must thank them for their time and for any referrals or leads you received. This is the crucial step that even the savviest networkers miss. When you don’t thank people for their time or information, you lessen the chance that they’ll want to help you again in the future.

5. Be a connector for others.
The more you connect others, the more they’ll connect you. So rather than just tell people what you want, find out what they want. Then, be on the lookout for things, people, or events that can help them. For example, if you find out that someone you’re meeting with is looking for some real estate investment property, and you happen to come across a potential piece of property, don’t dismiss the information simply because you’re not interested in investment property. Make note of the opportunity and share it with those who are interested. Your sincere desire to help others will go a long way during future networking meetings.

6. Treat the information you receive with respect.
Whenever you receive a lead or contact in a particular industry or company, treat that information as private property. That is, don’t give out the contact’s personal information unless you have permission to do so or you have developed a good relationship with the contact and now consider him or her one of your friends or close colleagues. So if you’re meeting with someone a few months later who is looking for similar information that you were seeking previously, don’t simply hand out the referral someone else gave you as if it were one of your personal contacts. Call the person who originally gave you that contact or lead and ask if you can share that information with others. Unless you specifically know that it’s okay to share that contact’s information with others, always go back to the original referring party and ask for permission to share the lead.

Network for Success
If it’s taking you longer than you’d like to reach your goals alone, put your rolodex to work and start networking. Remember, networking isn’t about uncomfortable introductions at a business event. It’s about harnessing the power of your existing contacts so you can reach your objectives sooner. So start thinking about those people in your rolodex who can point you in the right direction. You never know…that next phone call you make to one of your contacts may be the one that makes your million-dollar idea a reality.

About the Author:
Phil, author of “Own Your Business, Own Your Life! 21 Strategies for Becoming a Wealthy Entrepreneur,” is a highly sought after speaker and consultant. He helps companies across America in the fields of management, teamwork, balanced lifestyles, and growth and development. He owns three businesses: Diverse Wealth Systems, a training and consulting organization, Rising Star, Inc which owns four McDonald’s® restaurants in Lexington, Kentucky and PJK Holdings a real estate investment company. Phil was recognized by the state of Kentucky by the Small Business Administration as The Small Business Person of the Year (Runner Up) in 2004. For more information, please contact him at 888-663-6254 or at phil@philwilkins.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 26, 2007 at 11:50 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

10 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF HEARING SOMEONE SAY YOU ARE HIRED

1. Take your job search seriously: Consider looking for a job your new job. Devote time each day to your search, establish an area in your home as your workstation, and commit to making a specific number of contacts each day.

2. Put on your selling shoes: Think of yourself as a product you are trying to sell. Give people a reason to “buy”; look good, be positive and emphasize your strengths.

3. Focus on the first few minutes: “You never have a second chance to make a first impression.” Don’t wait until you sit down to begin the interview; impressions are formed within the first few seconds … stand up tall, hold your head high, give a firm handshake, and smile.

4. Dress to impress: Fair or not, appearance matters. Pay attention to detail—even your shoes will be noticed. Always wear your best interview outfit even if you know that employees dress casually.

5. Change your e-mail address and outgoing voice message: Be aware of the image you communicate – foxyroxy and imcool may be cute e-mail names to your friends, but won’t impress a potential employer. If calls will be coming to your home phone, make sure the greeting is businesslike.

6. Make yourself memorable: People have to like you before they will hire you. Bring out the best in others; when you make other people look good not only will you look good, but you will be remembered too.

7. Watch yourself on video. Video-tape a mock interview, then watch it to see how you appear to others. Keep watching and keep practicing until you like what you see.

8. Research the industry, the company and its culture: Do all you can to prepare for your interview. Visit the company Website, view annual reports, read press releases and talk with employees to gain insider knowledge.

9. Avoid distractions: Keep your attention on the interviewer – maintain eye contact 90% of the time, keep your hands out of your pockets, and leave your phone in your car. The only thing worse than your phone ringing during an interview, is answering it.

10. Follow up: If you say you will get back to someone, follow through. Always send a handwritten thank-you note to anyone who has helped you or taken time to meet with you. And if you are interested, let your interest be known. Don’t wait for the phone to ring; pick it up and make the call.

Created by Sue Morem, author of How to Get a Job and Keep It; Career and Life Skills You Need to Succeed Website: www.suemorem.com Phone: 763-557-4998

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 25, 2007 at 6:46 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

You know how critical it is to follow up your initial contacts or mailings with a personal phone call, but somehow your list of calls to make always seems to get longer instead of shorter. Days or even weeks go by before you place important calls, and there always seems to be something more important to do. Why not make this the month you get off the dime and get on the phone? Here are seven steps to make it easy for you:

1. Know why you are calling. Sounds obvious, but we have all been guilty of making a call just because it was on the list, having long since forgotten why we were calling. Or worse, never calling at all because you aren't sure of your reason. Make it a habit to keep a note along with each person's contact information about where you left off in your last contact and what is the appropriate next step.

The most productive calls are about something you know or suppose the other person wants from you, rather than something you want from them. In preparing to make a call, visualize that person in your mind. If you have never met, gaze at his or her business card or website. Ask yourself, "How could I best be of service to this person today?" Whatever you answer, that should be the reason for your call.

2. Prepare a "script." A better name for this essential tool would be "introduction and talking points." The last thing you want is to sound like you are reading lines. Begin with a brief introduction of yourself and the purpose of your call. Say just enough to answer the question "what's in it for me" for the person you are calling, then check to see if they have time to speak with you.

Your talking points should contain mostly questions you wish to ask them, and answers to questions they may ask you. Each one should be no more than a breath or two long. If you have to inhale several times to get all your words out, you're making a speech, not having a conversation.

3. Get in the mood. Gritting your teeth is not the best frame of mind for making follow-up calls. Take a few moments to build a positive attitude about the calls you're about to make. Remember your highest purpose in doing the work that you do, whether that is providing for your family, changing the world, working toward a comfortable retirement, or serving the community.

Now, mentally direct that purpose toward the people on your call list. How can you best serve your purpose and their needs at the same time? If you find yourself feeling nervous, try one or all three of the following when you call: stand up, look in the mirror, and smile.

4. Speak briefly, then listen. Imagine your call as a tennis match. You serve the ball by making a statement and asking an open-ended question. The other person answers and you listen for where the ball is going. Then you hit the ball back with another statement and question, or a question alone. You listen again. If you don't listen, you will miss the ball and lose the point.

5. Make it a conversation. Your talking points should be a loose framework, not an outline that must be covered. This is why listening is so important. Yes, keep your purpose in mind, but let the other person's responses guide the direction of the call. Especially at the beginning of the conversation, keep your focus on learning rather than on teaching.

Once you learn more about what the prospective client or networking contact you are calling needs or wants, you'll be able to offer assistance in a relevant, respectful way. There's no payoff in launching into a description of what you can provide without knowing first if your listener has any need for it.

6. Be yourself. If you remember none of the other tips on this list, remember this one. The person you are calling is another human being, with a family, responsibilities, problems, goals, and dreams. If you speak from that authentic place yourself, you will establish a personal connection with the people you call. But if you put on some artificial selling persona, your listeners will immediately go on the defensive.

Keep in mind your own reaction when you answer the phone and realize you are about to be sold to. Isn't it usually, "Oh no, how fast can I get rid of this guy?" Make it a point to have your call be one that people enjoy getting, because they are speaking to a real person who treats them as if they were real, too.

7. Ask for the next step. Before you hang up the phone, be sure both of you know what will happen next. This isn't pushy; it is respectful and professional. Determining the next step for your interaction with the person you called is essential to being of service to them.
Your next step might be an in-person appointment, sending information, placing a call to someone else, or calling again after a length of time. Whatever it is, be clear about it, and get the other person's permission for what you plan to do.

You may notice that all of these tips suggest that you hold your focus on being of service to the other person. That mental shift may be the most important thing you can do to make follow-up calls easier. If your intention is to help people instead of to sell to them, not only will you find it easier to call, the people you talk to will find it easier to buy.

C.J. Hayden is the author of Get Clients Now! Thousands of business owners and salespeople have used her simple sales and marketing system to double or triple their income. Get a free copy of "Five Secrets to Finding All the Clients You'll Ever Need" at http://www.getclientsnow.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 25, 2007 at 6:36 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you've chosen to work for the summer rather than take an unpaid internship, don't think that your summertime employment has to be completely left off your future resumes. With some planning, creativity and a proactive attitude, you can turn your summer job into a career-building experience. Here are a few tips:

1. Identify the skills you want to develop - skills that you don't already have or would like to master.
   
2. Determine which of these skills might be acquired or honed during your summer job. Try to think outside the box, or at least outside the job description. For example, imagine that you are interested in public relations as a field and know you need to shore up on your public speaking skills, but your summer job is as a ride attendant at a fair where you've worked for the past two summers. You might consider gaining public speaking skills by getting involved in training new staff. Here's another example: you work for your local parks and recreation department weeding and planting, but you'd like to develop stronger organizational skills. You might consider volunteering to inventory the department's equipment and supplies. You could also go out of your way to create a spreadsheet that the department can use to keep their inventory in order.
   
3. Once you know the skills you would like to acquire and have an idea of a way you might acquire them through the job, approach your supervisor. Many supervisors would be thrilled if you approach them requesting more responsibility - provided that the work for which you have been hired to do will still be done, and the new responsibility will benefit the organization.
   
4. Document all the work you do over the summer, paying particularly close attention to the added responsibilities you've accepted and the new skills you've developed.
   
5. Add the new experience to your resume, and in preparation for future interviews, become comfortable describing in proactive terms the way you acquired your new skills.
   

You may be thinking, this sounds like a lot of extra work! You're right! But, by demonstrating your willingness to go the extra mile, and by creatively developing different ways to gain new skills and experiences, your hard work will be noticed by both your summer and prospective employers.

Posted by Grace Kutney on April 24, 2007 at 1:19 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

So, you made it! The graduation ceremony is over, the diplomas in the mail, and the “congratulations” checks are rollin’ in. Now it’s time to start thinking about the next step…landing that first big job. Now you might be thinking, “I took that business class my senior year, I bought a brand new suit, and my resume is looking good. Isn’t that all I need?”

“Well you’re off to a great start!” says Andrea Nierenberg, nationally-known business relationship expert and author of Million Dollar Networking. However, she suggests including a few commonsense “tools” that will help every graduate build that career of their dreams. So before you head out to interview at that Fortune 500 company, remember to:

* Use the Power of an Altoid—Pop a breath mint in your mouth before your interview. It’s only polite to be concerned about your breath and sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Besides, that garlic and onion sandwich you ate for lunch may not be the first impression you want to make!

* Give Them a High Tech Business Card—You don’t need to have a business to have a business card. It looks professional and it keeps your contact information easily accessible. Include your college major and the name of your school.  Get with the times and include your Linked-In address or professional MySpace page (emphasis on PROFESSIONAL), so the interviewer can get to know you better.

* Be a Podcasting Professional—How can your iPod help you get your next job? The 25,000 MP3’s you have stored probably won’t help much. However, downloading podcasts in the field that you are interviewing just might. In fact, the company you are interviewing for may have their own podcasts online you could access. Listen to them on your way to the interview…just pretend you’re cramming for a test!

* Look Ex “PEN” sive—Get a nice pen. Consider this an accessory and part of your professional image. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just make sure it looks like it is!

* Put Paper Back on the Map—Bring a notepad. Take notes during or after the interview. This shows you are interested and paying attention. This will also help you to follow up after the interview, something many people forget.

“In addition to these, we also have ‘tools’ that we carry with us everyday.  Go to your interview with a positive attitude, self-confidence, an open mind and SMILE…we all look better when we smile,” says Nierenberg. “With these and the rest of the networking tool kit working for you, you may land that dream job before the graduation caps even hit the ground!”

About Andrea Nierenberg

Andrea Nierenberg is the founder of the Nierenberg Group, Inc., a business relationship consultancy. She works with companies such as Coach, Estee Lauder, and Zenith Media to provide customized seminars for employee development. She has degrees in business and psychology and teaches at New York University. Nierenberg is the author of Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Way to Find, Grow and Keep Your Business and her upcoming book, Savvy Networking: 118 Fast & Effective Tips for Business Success.  More information about Nierenberg and her company is available at www.mybusinessrelationships.com: .

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 12:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Six Job-Search Tools to Download

It’s day six of our 12-day series to help you find a new job this new year. And if you’re reading this on a computer screen, you’re only a few mouse clicks away from six Web-based tools you can use to build a new, improved career.

Ready? Set? Download!

Google Local -- Do you hate to commute? Want to relocate? If where you work is as important as whom you work for, you may want to limit your job search to a specific location.

Google can help. From http://local.google.com you can search for employers and businesses in a specific area. Simply type in a business name or industry, as well as your city (the more specific, better). Example: “non-profit agencies near Fargo, ND.” Results will appear in the left side. Experiment by typing in your postal code, your full street address and different city names. Try it!

Message Tag -- Everybody loves email. It's cheap, quick and easy. But how many times do you find yourself wondering what happened to your messages? You send an email out into the Internet, then wait patiently for a reply. But did it get there? Did they read it? Are they on holiday? Should you wait a bit longer before following up? Wait. Stop. Don’t let the technology derail your job search one more minute. Get Message tag and know when to follow up.

My Fax -- OK, you’ve just culled a hot lead from ZoomInfo. You Googled the exec’s background, found their hot buttons and crafted a compelling resume. Now what? E-mail your resume? Maybe. But what if it gets caught in a firewall or spam blocker? It may never get there. What to do? If you’re a Guerrilla Job Hunter, you tunnel inside your target company using technology employers still trust and can’t block – you send a fax. Try MyFax now!

Jibber Jobber – These days, no job is immune to cutbacks, downsizing, “rightsizing” or off-shoring. Like a politician whose first job is to get re-elected, your first responsibility to yourself and your future is to be continually looking for new employment opportunities. But who has the time to track down job leads and still have a life? Well, now you do, thanks to Jibber Jobber. It’s lets you manage a serious job search – while you do other things. Get it while it’s still free.

JobsInsider -- Here we grow again with LinkedIn. This free JobsInsider applet displays all the personal connections in your LinkedIn account -- you do have one, right? -- to the hiring manager and companies for any job online at Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, Craigslist, Dice, Vault, and many more. It’s free. And potentially revolutionary. Try it now!

Stephen Covey -- Few have had as profound an effect on the issue of work-life balance as Stephen Covey, author, businessman and the father of principle-centered living. At his FranklinCovey web site, you’ll find a free mission statement builder. The online wizard walks you through the process of creating a unique, personalized Mission Statement. It’s a great way to add focus, direction, and purpose to your daily decisions. Try it!
Bonus! Here’s a seventh tool …

Job Machine, run by Shally Steckerl (of Microsoft and Google fame -- Shally ran their business intelligence units for each company’s HR group) has loads of tools that are as potentially lethal for job hunters as they are for recruiters. The Shally Steckerl piece in Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters on how to use Google to accelerate your job hunt is a “must” read.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 10:28 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Networking is probably one of the toughest and most important aspects of the job search..not to mention our careers and overall professional development. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most hated, misunderstood and, consequently, poorly practiced areas of the job search, too, which is probably why many of us dread networking altogether. Still, like it or not, we simply must do it. It’s too difficult to land a job, an internship, or a new client today without networking.

However, there is good networking and bad networking. In fact, today you’ll read many articles that declare networking passe, out-of-date, or yesterday’s news, because networking often seems artificial and unsophisticated by today’s more savvy job seekers. This is because of some of the images we all have of networking – where we call up someone we’ve never met to ask them for an informational interview or for coffee, for instance – seem forced and artificial.

Worse, networking gets a bad rap because people don’t respect the time and effort of the person on the other end. Here’s one scenario: A student contacts an alumna from his business school and speaks to her about her company, a place where he’d really like to work. The alumna spends 20 minutes of her time over the phone with the student, and tells him that, unfortunately, there are no open positions right now at her firm. The student, dejected, hangs up, and eventually moves on to the next alumnus. In the meantime, he’s never sent her so much as a thank you note. That’s impolite, and gives all of us networkers a bad rap.

Networking is also uncomfortable because we’re approaching people we often don’t know very well and asking them for something without necessarily giving something in return. We think, “What could I possibly offer Mr. Manager at Company X? I’m just a poor business school student/unemployed job-seeker/obsessed Britney Spears fan/chocolalic.” No matter how lowly on the totem pole you may feel you reside, you always, always have something to offer in exchange. Let’s say you’re a student from China – consider offering some unique news or information about how business is done in your country. Provide a link to an article of interest. Offer your own analysis of the company’s recent acquisition. You’re so smart, you’ll think of something to provide, and the sooner you start to view networking as a two-way road, the easier it will start to feel.

Starting now, instead of networking, think of relationship-building – and your new goal is to have as many conversations with as many people as possible. That’s it. Unlike some networking, which ends once you’ve gotten what you want from the relationship (i.e., a job), having conversations with as many people as possible will help you build real, genuine relationships. Think about it: If you were working at a company, would you automatically help someone get a job there that you hardly knew?

By building relationships with people, you help them get to know you and your unique qualities, and you get to know them. By understanding them in a better way, you’ll learn more about their company, their job, and – who knows – you may also learn that you actually don’t want a job with that company, after all.

When you build relationships to last, rather than one-off networking calls or meetings, you’ll have a much greater chance of someone actually passing your resume along to the right people and really going to bat for you than you might have otherwise. And, quite frankly, by demonstrating your interest in someone else for the long haul, you also demonstrate that you’re a nice person – something that goes a long way in today’s world.

About Elizabeth Freedman:

Elizabeth Freedman, MBA, is the author of Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself and The MBA Student’s Job-Seeking Bible. She is also a 2005 finalist for College Speaker of the Year, awarded by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. She runs a Boston-based communications and career development firm that helps corporations help their New Professionals look sharp, sound smart, and succeed on the job. Clients include Proctor & Gamble/The Gillette Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and The Thomson Corporation. For more information, please visit http://www.elizabethfreedman.com or email info@elizabethfreedman.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 10:26 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you’re torn between the desire for new challenges, and the security and satisfaction of where you are, you don’t have to choose. Learn how to make your “old” job into something brand new.

If you’re ready for a new career, don’t sit back and let another minute pass. Chances are the opportunity for change is right under your nose.

Whether your employer is a large conglomerate or a small business, most companies are made up of many different functions. Although the products and services may differ, the art of business is the same. This means that all companies--or at least all successful companies--have an ensemble of employees in various disciplines working together. These disciplines can include sales, marketing, finance and budgeting, strategic planning, product development, operations, web development, human resources, and many more. And even though not all companies have specific departments for each of these tasks, any healthy company has these disciplines being performed at some level. And since no company is ever performing to perfection, there’s always room for improvement. That’s where your opportunity lies.

Don’t shake your head and assume that your employer would rather hire someone from outside with prior experience. There are lots of reasons why it’s preferable to train a current employee in a new role rather than take a chance on a stranger. It takes time and money to recruit and train a new employee, and even once that’s accomplished there’s no guarantee that the new employee will be able to fit in with the style and culture of the corporation. Besides, nothing rings sweeter to a manager than to hear that already valued employees want to add more skills to their tool belt.

Here are nine steps you can take to start fulfilling your dream of career change today.

1. Identify Your Area of Interest
Make a list of your talents, your interests, and the things you like to do, then link this list to the kinds of work you want to perform in a new job. Stumped? Most human resource departments have tests that can assist you in identifying what’s most satisfying to you. Another resource is the Johnson Conner Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. Here you will take a variety of exams and be evaluated on your inherent strengths and weaknesses. Based on the results, the institute will give you a list of different types of careers that you would do well at and find satisfying.

2. Seek Out Someone Who Can Give You More Information
Once you’ve identified the new career that you’d like to pursue, find someone in the company that has responsibility for that area. Invite that person to lunch or for coffee so that you can pick their brains on what it will take for you to make the leap.

3. Let Your Desire to Change Careers Be Known
Spread the word that you’re interested in making a career change within your company. Just putting your wishes out there can start setting possibilities in motion.

4. Seek Out a Mentor
Most successful people love to share their secrets for success and are willing to give advice, make introductions, and assist an up-and-comer in the organization. You can learn a lot from someone who has mastered the career you aspire to. These are the things you can’t learn from books!

5. Network, Network, Network
Meet with as many people as you can within your company to learn about the career you’re interested in, find out about new opportunities that are becoming open, and get your foot in the door. Make friends and ask them to lobby upper management for you.

6. Identify the Skills, Education, or Experience You Need
Take inventory of what you can bring to the table and what new tools you’ll need to acquire. Although you may not have done this particular job before, you most likely have skills and experience that will transfer. As with any career change, you may need to take a few classes or go back to school. Most employers will give you time for this, and often even provide financial support.

7. Determine How to Obtain the Qualifications You Need
There are many ways to get new skills and knowledge, including:
• On The Job Training/Job Shadowing
• In-House Classes–many large companies have their own training departments that offer classes in the very things you’d like to learn.
• Volunteering--You can learn by just being in the environment.
• Web Classes–online training is cost effective and can be done at your convenience
• Association Classes–associations in the field you’re interested in may offer lots of training programs
• Trade School Classes–sometimes all you need is to fill in a class or two. Universities also offer continuing education.
• A degree or certification–Depending on how dramatic the career change, you may need to get a new degree. But you don’t have to stop working to make this happen. Taking night and weekend classes is one option. And your company may allow you some time off each week to attend school.

8. Develop a Timeline for Making the Change
Be realistic about how much time this change may take. Then sit down and draft out the steps you plan to take, and set goals for yourself. You’ll find that once you get on the path to change it feels almost as good as reaching the destination.

9. Do it Again!
Remember that this career change need not be your last. If you’re like most people, you have many interests and aspire to do and try many things. Life is like a menu and you should sample many choices!

All good managers know that it’s unrealistic to think any employee will stay for eternity, but managers do hope to hold onto their best employees for as long as possible. A good manager will recognize that people need to grow and change. By making a career change within your current company, you’re not only providing yourself with growth opportunities, but you’re also giving your company an employee who is more diversified, skilled, and valuable in the long run. So take steps to realize your own growth, and make your dreams come true.

About the Author:
Kim Hahn is the founder and CEO of Intellectual Capital Productions, Inc., a multimedia company featuring Conceive Magazine and the online radio show, Conceive On-Air. A former CFO of SunTrust Bank of Florida, Inc., Kim is an expert in strategic planning, sales management, budgeting and forecasting, creating and implementing marketing and business plans, raising capital, hiring talent and overcoming obstacles. Kim received her MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. For more information, please contact Kim at (407) 447-2456 or at kim@conceivemagazine.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 9:04 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Nonverbal cues can tell a listener a lot about your inner thoughts and emotions, especially those listeners that are trained to read them – like say, a recruiter or human resources professional. In an interview, you may think that what you say will be taken at face value, but if you project the wrong nonverbal cues, what you say can be a whole lot different than what the listener actually hears. Here are some important nonverbal cues to practice and avoid, most of which were taken from the Center of Nonverbal Studies' Nonverbal Dictionary.

What Not to Do

Stand with hands on your hips
Standing with your hands on your hips can signify defiance, arrogance and/or agression.

Bounce your foot
When sitting in an interview, avoid fidgeting or bouncing your foot as it may convey boredom or nervousness.

Cross your arms
Crossing your arms across your chest signifies defiance and guardedness.

Touch your face
Touching your nose, eyes or lips is a "tell" that says you are lying or are concealing a thought.

Tap your fingers
Tapping or drumming your fingers on the table signifies boredom.

Look left
If a person shifts their eyes to their left while speaking, it is a tell that he or she is lying.

Turn away from the listener
Angling your body away from whomever you are speaking to can make you look afraid or uninterested.

Gaze down
Lowering your eyes away from the listener reflects feelings of guilt, shame or deceitfulness.

Clear your throat
Excessively clearing your throat can reveal fear and/or deception.

What You Should Do

Stand tall
Walking and standing erectly, with shoulders back and eyes level, signifies confidence.

Palm-down guestures
Palm-down guestures in which the hands and forearms assume the position of a floor pushup, show confidence and assertiveness.

Palm-up guestures
Uplifted palms can be taken as a nonagressive sign to the listener that you are his or her ally. Reaching out to someone with palms rotated upwards builds rapport.

Tilt and nod your head
Tilting and nodding your head tells the speaker that you are interested and fully aware of what they are saying.

Make eye contact
Look a listener in the eye when you are talking to convey honesty and confidence.

Lean forward
Sitting with a slight forward lean across a conference table shows attentiveness and interest.

Source: Brian Weis writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 6:58 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

First thing this morning, my sister emails me. After graduating with a degree in biology a few years back, she’s taught bio at the high school level, worked for the department of health doing West Nile research, and now is a lab instructor at a college. So today when she emailed me that she’s “looking” again (she’s had it with the roach problem and computer glitches in her classroom — don’t ask!), I was a bit surprised. Not that roaches and lost Internet connections turned her off to her current employer (ew!), but that she wants her next job to offer a better salary but be totally unrelated to science! It’s going to be tough to make comparable money in a new field when all of her experience is science-based. What to tell her?

Soon after, a former writer colleague confided in me via IM that she’s also on the hunt despite everyone assuming she’s totally content in her current position. It’s not about money for her; she just doesn’t feel challenged. Of course, this isn’t exactly the best climate to be changing jobs in the journalism arena, with people getting laid off and mags folding left and right. But still, she’s not willing to wait around to see if things improve.

What’s the common thread here? Besides the fact that they both came to me for advice (as if someone who’s been at the same company for nine years knows anything about changing jobs!), both gals do have what by most standards would be considered respectable positions in fields related to their college degree. Yet, for very different reasons, they’re both looking to move on. And guess what? They’re hardly alone.

The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average person holds 10 different jobs over their working lives. Full-blown career changes are a different story altogether, and not officially tracked by the DOL, but career experts say changing paths is not all that uncommon. Add to that the fact that they’re both young, independent, and career-driven, and you’ve got yourself the perfect job/career change cocktail.

So how can I best advise them? Despite my anti-job-hopping background, I’ve learned something over the years by speaking with numerous career and education experts, successful pros, and students. So girls, here’s the deal:

For my sister, the career changer: Be prepared to take on something administrative or a temp job and hit the books during off hours. You’ve been thinking about returning to school for some time now, but haven’t been sure about what to pursue. This might be the time for you to take a risk in a totally new field and go for it. Even better, try to get an entry level position in your new field of choice. Although it might mean a pay cut now, when you finish your coursework, you’ll have that all-important experience to pair with your book knowledge.

For my friend, the job changer: If you really feel you’ve grown as far as you can with your company (or don’t like the direction it’s going in), then it’s time to pack up your cube. Be sure to leave on good terms and keep in touch with colleagues, though. Networking might matter someday (like if your editor moves to your dream publication and needs to recommend someone for an opening).

For both of them: Every job should give you something you can take with you to the next job. Put aside the negatives and think about skills you developed, things you learned, and experiences you had that can be strong talking points in your next job interview. Sis, you can describe how you overcame the challenge of teaching a course with limited resources — such improvisation is an impressive trait for any employee. And, gal pal, you can discuss how you taught yourself to create slideshows for your magazine’s Web site to make the most of your downtime and your work more rewarding.

Hope that helps, ladies! And if either of you need a personal reference, I’m your gal!

Source: The CollegeSurfing Insider is here to alleviate your career confusion by answering some common career education questions — straight from you, our bloggin’ classmate. http://www.collegesurfing.com/blog/

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 6:48 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are looking for a job you know you need a resume. But have you thought about using a business card as well? A resume is standard when applying for a job or sending someone information about you, but it isn’t always the best or only option. It isn’t always necessary or even appropriate to hand out your resume, so what can you do when you want people to remember you? Use business cards!

Creating a business card is a wonderful (and inexpensive) way to promote yourself and help others to remember you. A card is easy to carry with you and can be a great networking tool, making it easy for people to remember you, help you, and pass your name on to others.

You can follow the standard business card format or create a card of your own. Put as much or as little information as you want on the card. You can’t go wrong; it isn’t expected, and having one will reflect favorably on you.

If you have a permanent address, include it. If you’re not sure where you’ll be living, consider including the city and state or region you are in. Knowing what part of the country you are in can be beneficial for someone setting up interviews or looking to fill a position in a particular area.

Be sure to include your name, email address and phone number; if someone is interested in talking with you they will most likely pick up the phone to call or send you an email.

Do what you can to convey what you offer, and to answer the question, "Why should I be interested in contacting you?" The card is a temporary tool to aid you during your job search—and a most valuable one. Create yours today!

BY SUE MOREM, AUTHOR OF
HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP IT, SECOND EDITION: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANDING YOUR IDEAL JOB AND MAKING THE MOST OF IT
CHECKMARK BOOKS, APRIL, 2007

http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 24, 2007 at 6:29 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The new global theatre

America is again at a major crossroads in history. The current “jobless” recovery is a consequence of the economy’s rapid evolution from a natural resources and manufacturing based economy to a knowledge based one. We are witnessing the first economic recovery in what has become a full information economy.

For most of the 20th Century, a recession was a cyclical temporary decline in demand - the result of excess inventory that needed to be sold off. People were temporarily laid off - inventory backlogs were reduced and demand would snap back quickly. As product demand increased, workers returned to their pre-existing positions in factories or they found an equivalent job with another company.

Over the past few years, dramatic advances in information technology have allowed companies to establish tightly integrated demand and supply chains, and outsource manufacturing and low-end service jobs to save money. Rightly or wrongly, many of the jobs which have entirely disappeared from North America have reappeared in India, China, and Latin America. Rather than furloughs, many people who were laid off in this most recent recession including the 1991 downturn, had their ties with their employers severed permanently, compelling workers to switch industries, sectors, locations, or skills in order to find a new job.

If job growth now depends on the creation of new positions in different firms and industries, you should expect a long lag before employment rebounds. Employers incur risks in creating new jobs, and require additional time to establish and fill positions. Investment in new capital equipment is no longer a pendulum swinging from recession to recovery and back again, as it once was.

Instead of resources or land, “capital” today means human capital. It doesn’t take a shoe factory to go into the shoe business these days. Nor do you need raw materials or fleets of trucks. Nike became a shoe industry leader by concentrating on the value-producing capacity of its employees, for design, marketing and distribution know-how. The real capital is intangible: a person’s knowledge level, combined with an aptitude for application.

Knowledge Workers are the backbone in all sectors of the economy: most obviously in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectors but they also embrace other sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, natural resources, government and more.
Numerous labour market studies indicate that there is already a looming Knowledge Worker skills shortage – a shortage that impacts competitiveness and economic and social development. There is every reason to believe that these shortages will not diminish soon because skilled ‘Baby Boomers’ are retiring in unprecedented numbers, while the newly created knowledge economy jobs require more education and higher skill levels.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Career Guide for the High Tech Professional Readers may download 3 free chapters at www.gm4jh.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 23, 2007 at 10:21 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to ruin a good thing? If you’ve ever spilled coffee on a new shirt, added just a bit too much salt to a recipe, or thought that anchovies would make a great pizza topping (sorry, I hate anchovies), you’ve experienced the speed at which a good thing can become bad. In fact, this good-to-bad transition can happen so quickly, you’re not even sure what happened – all you know is that you’re staring at a large, brown coffee stain and a shirt you’ll never wear again.

Whether it’s a big mistake or a small one, it’s all too easy to let your relationship get off track with the boss. Fortunately, our bosses have made a mistake or two themselves along the way, and they’re usually pretty forgiving of our gaffes. Still, forewarned is forearmed: There are some mistakes that you don’t want to make on the job, forgiving boss or not. Read on to learn which to avoid, and why:

Mistake #1: Not Showing Patience and Humility

“Nothing is more annoying than when a new intern or hire out of college comes in…and immediately starts telling us about his ‘great’ ideas, or about how we can improve such-and-such a thing. Meanwhile, he’s been working for a grand total of 4 months and really has no clue about how our business really operates. It’s just plain arrogant.”

Ouch! Could this manager at a large accounting firm be talking about you? Consider the number of times that any of us is given unsolicited advice, “helpful” opinions, or other ideas that we didn’t ask for, didn’t want, and quite frankly, aren’t always so useful and helpful in the first place. Irritating, isn’t it?

Does this mean that we shouldn’t offer our ideas or suggestions for improvement to the boss? After all, isn’t that why they hired us?

Well, actually, no, that probably wasn’t why you were hired. In fact, you were probably hired to help the team run a few yards, rather than score the touchdown. You were hired to do your job, at least for the time being - not the job of your boss, the CEO, or anyone in-between. And when people try to do that, even when they have the best intentions, it bugs the folks at work. Especially your boss.

This isn’t to suggest that your efforts, initiative, and go-getter attitude aren’t appreciated. In fact, New Professionals are hired precisely because organizations love their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh approach to work…but organizations also tend to reward humility, patience, and a respect for their process, no matter how slow, annoying, or just plain wrong you think their process might be.

Mistake #2: Feeling Entitled

What really bugs managers of New Professionals? Above and beyond everything else, it’s the feeling of entitlement that new employees walk in with. Not sure if this could be you? Ask yourself the following questions below:

 Do you think you deserve a raise, promotion, or more responsibilities and does your boss agree?
 Do you often find yourself thinking, “They aren’t letting me work to my full potential!” or “They aren’t using my talents” at work?
 Did you try to negotiate your salary before you started your very first job out of college?
 Do you think you’re smarter than your boss? What about other people you work with?
 Do you often find yourself interrupting or planning what you’re going to say next inside your head while someone else is still talking?
 Did you find yourself planning for your next promotion soon after you started your current job?
 Do you find yourself wanting to quit a job within a couple of months of starting?

If you answered yes to most of the questions above, you may need to put the brakes on your expectations, and get comfortable with the slower process inside your workplace. This isn’t to suggest that you don’t deserve a promotion, for instance, but only to consider that things on the job happen slower – often, much slower – than we think they should. Overnight success, instant celebrity, and other reality TV moments don’t usually happen at work.

Mistake #3: Lacking Confidence and Courage

Are you confused yet? We’ve been saying, over and over, how important it is to eat a bit of humble pie from time to time…and now we’re suggesting that a lack of confidence is a no-no on the job? What’s the deal?

If you’ve ever wondered why the bozo three cubes down from you just landed the juicy promotion that you were convinced you deserved…but didn’t manage to snag yourself…you may want to do a quick confidence comparison and find out whether bozo comes out ahead. Over and over, studies show that those of us that are able to convey our own confidence and belief in our abilities and skills have a far greater chance of landing jobs, promotions, and even higher salaries than those of us who don’t. After all, if you don’t really believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

So what does it mean to convey confidence on the job – and how do we portray a strong sense of self without coming across as some kind of egotistical blowhard? Here are a few suggestions:

• Confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s simply a belief in the value of your contribution at work, so don’t hesitate to reflect that belief in what you say and do. When you hand off a report to the boss, add: “John, I think you’re really going to pleased with what I’ve enclosed – the data really shows some improvement in our customer service area.” This isn’t bragging about you, per se, (“Did I mention I graduated with a 4.0?”) but the value of the work you created – and you’re not shy about saying so.

• Resist the urge to ask for constant feedback or validation from your boss. Sure, feedback is important, and we all want to know that we’re on the right track. But asking for too much feedback from the boss makes us appear needy and insecure, not to mention time-consuming. It would be great if we knew we were getting an ‘A’ or a ‘D’ on the job, but work isn’t like that. Trust that you’re doing a fine job – if you aren’t, chances are you’ll be clued in soon enough, anyway.

• If you’re feeling shaky in the confidence area, remember, nobody has to know that but you. Embrace the expression, “Fake it ‘till you make it,” and act the part, even if you’re not 100% sure you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread (which you are, trust me). How to get more comfortable showing confidence? Practice! Don’t be embarrassed to stand in front of your best friend, husband, or a mirror and practice a few choice phrases you can use on your boss. Try: “John, I’ve taken a look at all of the data, and the information supports what I already know to be true.” Or: “I’m so glad you asked me that question, John. To tell you the truth, I’ve been doing some research on this very issue, and I’d love to share my thoughts with you.” Practice doing those things that are tough for you, so when you’re hit with a tricky question, you’ll be able to rise to the occasion like a pro.

• Above all, confidence is an attitude, a state of mind. When you show up to work, look sharp, keep your head up, and smile. Look your boss in the eye when you speak, don’t be afraid to pause in between sentences, and if you’re not sure about something, simply say, “John, I’m going to need to get back to you on that. I’ll have the answer for you by the end of the day.”

About Elizabeth Freedman:

Elizabeth Freedman, MBA, is the author of Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself and The MBA Student’s Job-Seeking Bible. She is also a 2005 finalist for College Speaker of the Year, awarded by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities. She runs a Boston-based communications and career development firm that helps corporations help their New Professionals look sharp, sound smart, and succeed on the job. Clients include Proctor & Gamble/The Gillette Company, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and The Thomson Corporation. For more information, please visit http://www.elizabethfreedman.com or email info@elizabethfreedman.com.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 23, 2007 at 10:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The credit report says very little of how well students may handle their money. In college, it is known that students are in debt because of their responsibilities as a student. Employers reviewing a recent graduate's credit report could create an injustice on their part. The level of a candidate's money management skills should be reviewed by the sector or level of work experience a candidate has before making an inaccurate judgment.

The average college student has a debt of $3,000 due to student loans, credit cards, or other needs during their college years. Experienced candidates, graduates with two to three years of work experience, may follow different criteria. These individuals may or may have not understood the importance of their credit scores after graduating college.

Not to disregard the importance of strong credit, but a candidate's financial health may be a sign of their previous background. Some families, especially minorities, are reported to have bad credit according to a credit report survey. This can create issues for talented recruits who are working their way out of debt in order to improve their lives. Recruiters can not ask questions regarding their credit score, but they can initiate questions to learn more about the candidate’s current position with money management skills.

Who Started This Trend?

Financial Institutions - banks, loan officers, and positions requiring money handling were the first to complete credit checks to decide whether a candidate may steal from the company in order to pay debts. Now, more industries are tapping into this trend to find accountable recruits that have healthy finances.

Why Do Recent Graduates Have Low Credit Scores?

Credit Cards - in college, students are given an array of offers from pre-approved credit card companies.

Lack of education - some recent college graduates were not informed of the importance of credit scores in college. Universities do not hold Money 101 courses, thus, ignorance of credit responsibility can harm an applicant's ability to acquire employment.

Student Loans - student loans are a good debt, but could lower a student's credit score after college.

Beyond Credit Scores

What happens when recruiters begin to disregard candidates with low credit scores? Recruiters whom disregard certain candidates may lose a great asset to their company. A recent college graduate with the experience, education, and potential will use their opportunities to pay off their debts. Think of its logic a student can not pay off a loan without employment.

Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com at http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading career site used by college students who are searching for internships and recent graduates who are hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 23, 2007 at 6:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

We'll preface this blog entry with a reminder that, when driving, your hands should be on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Distractions can be deadly.

But just in case you're a rebel-rousing soul like the gang here at Jobacle.com, and find yourself incessantly fiddling with the radio dial and heat controls, we've come up with a few ways to maximize your driving commute. We'll tackle other form of commuting in the future - but for now - here's how to be productive on four wheels.

- Meditate. Deep circular breathing. Inhale through your nose for 3 seconds. Hold for 3 seconds. Exhale evenly for 3 seconds.

- Observe.

"I think we can enjoy the red light; we can also enjoy the stop sign. Every time we see it we profit: instead of being angry at the red light, of being burned by impatience, we just practice breathing in, breathing out, smiling." -Thich Nhat Hanh

- Educate yourself via podcasts, audio books, or even learn a language. Even as white noise, all of these things can make you smarter (including our podcast!).

- Keep an audio blog. Whether it's public or private it will help you get to know yourself a whole lot better. Digital audio is cheap, boundless, and tiny, Use services such as K7.net for a free phone #. When you feel inspired, leave yourself a voice mail that will be automatically routed to your e-mail account for later listen.

- Self massage. No, not there. But there are plenty of pressure points you can use to relax yourself. Here's a good starting point (http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=16051). It's always better when someone does it for you - but you're still releasing tension and increasing a blood flow. Please note that all techniques on the above link will NOT work when you are driving.

- Recount your day - but don't "re-live" the negative. Think about how you acted and examine what you would like to see yourself do differently tomorrow. Learn from your mistakes and use this commuting time to become the person you want to be.

- Take a different route. Unless you work on a tiny island, there are probably 101 ways to get to work. Try a new one. Notice interesting houses. Rusty sheds. Odd yard work. Anything.

- Avoid traffic. I'm in NY and even I can find some relief from traffic jams. Alternative routes put YOU in control. I'm not saying to study an Atlas or invest in a GPS - but learning your area can help you avoid trouble spots. Many mapping tools now allow you to get directions and set routes to avoid.

- Exercise. YES, in your car! For those of you old enough, you'll remember those comic book ads where the scrawny kid would get sand kicked in his face by the big bad beach bully. Those ads were for Charles Atlas - a man who can still teach you how to get in shape without ANY weights. Try the free lesson on his site and the wise to "DYNAMIC-TENSION." You can even do it in the car!

- Play mind games. As a kid, my sis and I would play Traffic Bingo. And when that got old (after about two blocks) we'd see who could spot a Century 21 real estate sign first. It's silly - but why not give your mind a much needed break by playing some solitary games. A few possibilities are locating license plates from random states, search for three cars of the same color in a row or play the infamous driver/celebrity look alike game.

- A celluva time. We won't even waste the keystrokes urging you not to talk on the phone when you drive cause we know you'll do it anyway. So... use it for good - not gossip or idle chatter. Check your banking balance, make doctor's appointments or just call people and say, "Thank you. I love you."

- Follow the slowpoke. This is a calming game we've referenced on a previous podcast: find the slowest car and follow it. The goal is to try to NOT change lanes for as long as possible. You'll get where you need to go - and the slower you go - the more enjoyable the ride.

DO NOT: read, write, apply make-up, crochet, trim your nails, shave or pick any bodily cavity.

Now it's your turn! Leave your comments below on how to make a driving commute more productive. I'm especially excited to hear from Duane of the Commute Smarter blog with his ideas!

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

When you interview for a job, your prospective boss wants to know that you have the skills and experience to make a contribution to the organization. But she also wants to know that you’re not a clock-watcher.

Clock-watchers are people that expend just enough effort to keep their jobs, and that’s it. They’re not interested in being challenged or working hard - they just want to earn a paycheck and go home. And employers avoid these individuals like the plague, because they’d much rather hire someone who will do all he can to make a valuable impact.

Even if you’re not a clock-watcher, in interviews you have to be careful that you’re demonstrating motivation and enthusiasm about your industry and the prospective job. Interviewers are bound to ask questions that get to the heart of whether a candidate has what it takes to stay with the company through the long haul. Here are a few examples:

Do you consider yourself successful? If so, what professional behaviors do you think contribute to your success? In answering this, you want to illustrate how you are self-motivated, organized, ambitious, and persistent.

What work accomplishment are you most proud of? Employers are looking for you to show a commitment to achievement, so brainstorm the answer to this one in advance. Think of a previous work task that you were genuinely excited about, and practice communicating about it with passion.

When you’re assigned a project, how do you go about executing it? You’ll want to show that you are goal-oriented, that you know how to plan and organize tasks systematically. Demonstrate that you know how to set a deadline and key milestones along the way.

Tell me about a time when one of your projects failed, or experienced a setback. No one is perfect, and the interviewer isn’t looking for you to say that you are. Instead, he wants to hear that you didn’t give up, that you dusted yourself off and took corrective measures to get the job done.

Remember that interviewers use past success as an indication of future success, so prove to them why your track record mandates that they take a chance on you.

Alexandra Levit
Author, They Don't Teach Corporate in College Blogger, Water Cooler Wisdom

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

Muslim cashiers at Target are refusing for religious reasons to handle bacon and other pork products. Already in the news were Muslim cab drivers at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport who refused for religious reasons to transport passengers who have alcohol. Although some Muslims would agree with these strict interpretations of the Qur'an and others would not, the issue isn't whether these religious beliefs are in accordance with the beliefs of the majority of Muslims but instead what impact these actions have on employers. Customers at Target either have to wait for other cashiers to scan their pork products or the customers need to scan the products themselves. For a retailer that prides itself on customer service, this is not the experience that they want for their customers.

And these issues are not confined to Muslims. Some religious conservative Christian pharmacists have refused for religious reasons to fill prescriptions for birth control pills. Some people refuse to work on the Sabbath, which is Sunday for Christians but which runs from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday for Jews and Muslims.

What can and should employers do about these issues? For many employers, these religious issues are non-issues. An retailer with 100 Christian cashiers and two Jewish cashiers is unlikely to experience a problem if one or even both of the Jewish cashiers refuse to work on Saturdays. The retailer probably wouldn't even have a problem if a handful or two of the Christian cashiers refused to work on Sundays. The refusal to work on a particular day is in many ways easier for an employer to deal with because they can just schedule someone else for that shift. You can't work on Sundays? No problem. We'll just slot you in Mondays through Saturdays.

Employees who are willing and eager to work any shift but won't do some of the work due to religious concerns present a more significant problem for employers as those refusals are more visible to their customers. Who wants to shop at a store where you never know if some of your purchases will be difficult to make because you were unlucky enough to get in a line be serviced by someone whose religious beliefs differ from yours?

It seems to me that incidents like these will lead more and more employers to ask more and more questions of their potential employees about what those employees are going to be unwilling to do should they be hired. Target may start to ask its potential cashier hires whether they have any reason to believe that they will decline to help customers purchase any of the items that Target carries in its stores. Similarly, taxi cab companies may need to start asking potential drivers whether there is any reason that they will need to decline to drive passengers and pharmacies may need to start asking potential pharmacists if there is any reason that they will need to decline to sell any of the medications available in their pharmacies.

Once employers start asking these questions, you can bet that employment lawyers will start suing these employers for discriminating against their clients due to the religious beliefs of those clients. This country does so many things so very well. Unfortunately, creating new and exciting litigation opportunities for employment lawyers is definitely in that category.

Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com at http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading career site used by college students who are searching for internships and recent graduates who are hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:32 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

Job loss ranks high on the list of most stressful situations. Many report going through a grieving process, similar to the stages people go through after the death of a loved one. Shock, denial, anger, and depression are all common reactions to the loss of a job. These emotions are important and you should acknowledge them. Unfortunately, some people become stuck in one of these stages and this is detrimental to a successful job search campaign. Below are seven strategies you can use to reduce stress and generate acceptance and enthusiasm during your search.

Maintain a Routine

Many job seekers report that creating routine alleviates stress during a job search.
Keep the same schedule you had when you were working. Wake up at the same time and leave your house at the same time. Plan to be somewhere at 9 am. Go to the library to do research on a target company, plan a networking meeting, or go to a scheduled event.

Volunteer

When you volunteer you are doing something positive for a particular group or community. It allows you to channel your energy and develop focus. It is also a way to help others in need and it can help put your current situation in perspective. By volunteering, your name becomes known among the organization’s members. Chairing a committee or event allows you to showcase your skills in a particular area or gain new skills that can enhance your overall job profile.

Keep a Journal

Keeping a record of your search and your personal thoughts regarding that journey is a good way to identify what’s working and what is not working in your search. It can also be a very cathartic process and a private place for you to record your goals and dreams.

Create a Financial Plan

With a little bit of research and planning you may be able to reduce your financial burden after a job loss. Take the time to look at your finances, tally up your assets and set a plan for your future spending. Review any money coming in including unemployment benefits, severance package, and money from pension and retirement funds. Review expenses such as COBRA, rent, and food. Check out unemployment benefits and inquire if you qualify for any government assisted training through the Department of Labor. Job related expenses may be tax deductible, so check with an accountant. Schools and colleges may offer payment schedules and creditors may offer alternative collections options.

Communicate with your Family

If you don’t talk about your search with a spouse or significant other, you could be creating additional stress in the relationship. When you shut a partner out of this conversation and carry on as if nothing has changed, that person may worry about the status of your search and your overall financial security. They may constantly seek you out for updates or offer recommendations on how you should conduct your search. This may feel like nagging to the job seeker and can cause tensions to mount. If your partner wants to understand your search strategy, try setting up a weekly meeting to discuss your search plans. Then agree that you will be given the “space” to carry out your plan.

Sometimes a job seeker’s search is impeded by domestic responsibilities at home. Family members may ask you to do errands, chauffeur other family members to activities and appointments, or take on significant home improvement projects like painting the house. Keep in mind that if your job search is a part-time activity it will take you twice as long to find a new job.

Avoid Toxic People

We’ve all met them. They are the ones who say “It’s brutal out there. I’ve been searching for months and no one is hiring.” These people do nothing to help you in your search. They often have one-dimensional strategies that result in unproductive, extended searches. Let these people know that you intend to stay positive or share a tip that’s working for you. If their negative attitude continues, try, if it’s realistic, to take a break from the relationship.

Find a Buddy

While it’s wonderful to have the support of family and friends during a job search, having a buddy who is also seeking employment can provide great benefits to both parties involved. Find someone who is in a different profession or someone who is in the same profession, but at a more junior or more senior level, so you won’t be competing for the same jobs. Having a buddy allows you to share similar concerns, boost morale, empathize with someone in the same situation, and share advice.

A job search presents a unique set of challenges for many people. But it is also a time when people discover new skills and even new careers. It can be a time to strengthen existing friendships and grow new relationships. By examining your emotions and channeling your energies in a positive direction, you can potentially decrease both your stress level and the amount of time you spend looking for a new job.

Barbara Safani, NCRW, CPRW, CERW, CCM

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

As you may have heard (unless you don't watch any news at all) there is a lot of drama and controversy going on in Washington over the fact that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales fired several of the U.S. Attorneys who work for the Justice Department. Some of these U.S. Attorneys had stellar careers before going to work for the U.S. Government. As I have mentioned in other posts, in particular the write-up I did a few months ago about the Julie Roehm/Wal Mart situation, if your employer wants you out he/she will find a reason (even a made up one) to fire you.

CNN reports that, "Justice Department officials say the dismissals of at least seven U.S. attorneys were based on performance or managerial problems, but acknowledged that one fired attorney was pushed out to make way for a Rove protege."

Hmm....so let me make sure I understand. Several previously star attorneys (let's face it, you have to be pretty sharp to get a job as a U.S. Attorney) suddenly performed at such a sub-par level that they had to be fired publicly? C'mon, that is not really believable. At least they were honest about firing one person so that a friend of the powerful Karl Rove could take his job.

The CNN article cited also reports that, "The controversy over the firings has cost the job of Gonzales' chief of staff, Kyle Sampson, and prompted several from both sides of the aisle to call for Gonzales' resignation. But on Tuesday, Bush said Gonzales has his full support." So, Gonzalez threw his chief of staff under the bus too? Nice.

So here are a few things that I think we can learn from this situation:

1. If your employer wants you to leave your job they will create a "reason" for firing you.

2. If you feel that you are being forced out of your job unfairly, get a lawyer! In fact I am starting to think that it might be a good idea for all of us to find a good labor lawyer when we are happy at work...just in case. These days it seems you never know if things are going to go bad on the job. You don't want to wait until you are miserable or in a nasty situation to try to shop for an attorney.

3. If you are fired unfairly or because of something beyond your control you need to recognize that it was not your fault and try not to feel too awful about the situation. It is demeaning and demoralizing to get fired but you have to try to be as positive as possible so you can put your best foot forward when you start interviewing.

4. Create a job diary which you keep at home. Document your successes, any kudos your boss gives you, record the hours you work, and anything else that could be relevant or helpful when you create a resume or if you ever have to defend your career.

Situations like the attorney firings make me sad. I really feel for anyone who loses his or her job but I really sympathize with these attorneys who are being publicly maligned because their former employer needs to justify his decision to relieve them of their jobs. Now, it is certainly possible that one or more of these attorneys did something that might warrant getting fired - I certainly don't know for sure. But, I think that even if some of them didn't perform their jobs as well as Gonzales would have liked it is just terrible that they are being fired so publicly. (Normally employers take great pains to keep employee terminations quiet because they don't want to humiliate a fired employee or get sued by the fired employee).

The fired U.S. Attorneys were civil servants who were used to toiling in the relative anonymity that government work allows...not movie stars who understand that their dirty laundry may be made public at any time. The Justice Department (and all the politicians involved in this drama) should be ashamed of the way they have handled this situation. The fired attorneys are real people with real feelings and they probably don't feel great about the fact that this scenario is being played out in the public eye.

Liz Handlin
www.ultimate-resumes.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

[This CollegeRecruiter.com Blogswap article is courtesy of Recruiting.com and CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students and recent graduates who are searching for internships and entry level jobs.]

If you read my Ultimate Resumes blog with any frequency you may have seen some posts I have done which discuss the fact that if your corporate employer wants to fire you, it will come up with reasons to do so. Period. To illustrate this fact I have done recent posts on the firing of the U.S. Attorneys and the Julie Roehm/Wal Mart feud.

Julie Roehm is suing her former employer, Wal Mart, for wrongful termination. In return, Wal Mart has filed a countersuit against Julie which alleges all kinds of improper conduct while she was working for Wal Mart. There are two sides to every story so it is impossible to know if Wal Mart is misconstruing Julie's conduct or not. I continue to sympathize with Julie Roehm and Sean Womack simply because Wal Mart is a huge corporation with virtually unlimited resources which has decided to pretty much destroy the reputations of two former employees.

Even if Julie and Sean violated Wal Mart's policies and deserved to be fired I don't think that they deserve to be publicly humiliated by Wal Mart. Let's face it, this scandal hasn't hurt Wal Mart's sales or tarnished it's reputation in a serious way. It seems mean spirited and counter productive for Wal Mart to leak private emails and to generally smear these former executives. In my opinion, Wal Mart isn't behaving with any class at all. Wal Mart attorney's contacted Sean Womack's estranged wife and talked her into giving them his private email communications (from his home computer) with Julie Roehm. Sleazeorama.

Let this be a warning to anyone considering employment with this behemoth corporation. If you are hired by Wal Mart and your relationship with the company goes south, you could be treated the same way that Julie Roehm and Sean Womack have been treated.

With all of that said, I read Exhibit A of Wal Mart's lawsuit against Julie Roehm in the Wall Street Journal. The conduct described and the emails that are excerpted in the lawsuit that are attributed to Julie Roehm and Sean Womack are not flattering to the two former execs. As I was reading the document I felt both uncomfortable and voyeuristic. What I took away from reading the document wasn't a sense that Julie and Sean "deserved what they got" because, as I said before, there are two sides to every story and I don't really know their side.

When I read the Wal Mart's lawsuit against Julie Roehm I thought to myself that Julie and Sean were colossally stupid in terms of what they chose to document via email. What can we learn from this situation? You, as an employee, should abide by your employer's policies. But if you choose not to abide by the policies, engage in an office romance, or look for a job on company time: DON'T USE THE COMPANY EMAIL TO TALK ABOUT IT. Good grief, I thought everyone knew that. Also, don't use the company email to send a message to vendors suggesting that they should use your personal email address to communicate with you about company business. That just doesn't look good.

Be careful what you document at work. Be careful of your conduct with vendors, potential vendors, and your co-workers. If the shit hits the fan it will be every man and woman for him or herself. (I wonder how information about private conversations and email communications between Draft employees and JulieRoehm and Sean Womack found their way into this lawsuit? How did Wal Mart find out?)

Be conservative, be cautious, and watch your back when it comes to written communications. Always think in terms of protecting yourself from of potential future problems. You never know what information could be turned around and used against you later on.

Liz Handlin

http://ultimate-resumes.blogspot.com/2007/03/be-careful-of-what-you-document-via.html

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 1:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The following article takes place on DAY 5 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

“Five Golden Job-Search Rules”

On this, day five of your job search, let’s jump right in with five “golden” rules to help you get hired faster. Hold up one hand and count along with me …

1. It’s not about you – it’s about them. I cannot over emphasize this! Employers don’t care about what you want to do or even who you are until after they’ve hired you. So stop telling them about your dreams and start selling to their needs.

2. No doesn’t mean, “No.” It just means, “Not today.” An employer’s needs change day-to-day, in real time. Yet, few job hunters will approach an employer more than once – ever! Learn to repackage and represent your skills in a new light. Sales guys know that most sales are not made until the seventh call! So … start repackaging yourself and make a point of being persistent. None of the other candidates are, in all likelihood, so you have almost not competition this way.

3. You are the brand. In today’s world of sensory overload, when hiring managers are literally flooded with applications for every job opening, you need to create a resume that stands out. Your resume must be a reflection, not only of your past experience, but of who you are as a unique individual. Because, in many cases, personality counts as much as credentials.

4. Sex sells. Like lingerie, a good resume should heighten your reader’s awareness of what’s possible… ;-)

5. You need to become a Guerrilla Job Hunter. In the new economy, jobs are temporary. That means you need to be permanently looking for your next opportunity. For example, if a recruiter contacts you, never turn them away without first hearing the offer. You might never get called again! Plus, no real executive search professional would ever try to talk you into something that wasn’t right for all parties. To illustrate, I helped one Marketing Communication Manager upgrade her salary from $41,000 to $95,000. If she had hung up on me, she might still be toiling away at less than half what she’s making now. But she was open to new career intelligence. You should be, too.

Guerrilla Marketing is an attitude. And, according to Zig Ziglar, “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” These five golden rules will help you reach new heights in a new job.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The 5 world events that changed job-hunting forever

The advent of the Internet
The most obvious event that has changed job-hunting is the advent of the Internet. In the old days people would wait for the Sunday paper and check the classified section to see who was hiring or they’d simply ask their friends and neighbors if they knew of any job openings. Now, thanks to instant communications and round-the-clock access you can research companies and job-hunt anytime at more than 42,000 job boards and 500,000 corporate web sites. You can network with total strangers, thousands of miles from home, in your pajamas.

Enron, the dotcom bubble, and ethics
The dotcom bubble burst when investors suddenly realized companies needed to make a profit to stay in business. In a virtual one-two-punch the scandals at Enron accelerated the changing relationship between employers and employees. Basic business principles have gone wrong, ethics have been forgotten and profit became the new god. Employees today do not see their top executives as being people of high integrity. A post-Enron survey found that 58 per cent of workers thought that top executives were only looking out for themselves. Business violated the old social contract: ‘Be loyal and we will take care of you’. Employees feel they are responsible for their own welfare—companies don’t care. Today’s businesses are increasingly “knowledge-based” and need the active involvement of their employees at a time when there has been huge forced turnover in staff. Consequently, loyalty is low and involvement uncertain – many people now think like “free-agents. Clearly this is not your daddy’s company anymore.

9/11
The horrific events of September 11th 2001 have changed the face of America. America has always been seen as a destination for immigrants eager to build a better life, safe from the ravages of war which have plagued Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Because of the events of 9/11, immigration has been tightened. Immigrants bring with them a diverse set of talents, abilities and skills that America will rely on more in the next decade as skill requirements of new jobs rise and our population ages. For more than 200 years immigration has fueled growth in America and shored up skilled worker shortages. We suggest the events of 9/11 altered the mix of people America allows into the country and therefore unwittingly slowed the natural growth of the economy.

Retiring Baby-boomers
Just as America is emerging from recession, a major event is poised to erase all the productivity gains of the last few years and cripple growth across every sector of the economy – baby-boomers are retiring in unprecedented numbers. With 76 million baby boomers heading toward retirement...and only 46 million Generation X players waiting in the wings, America is facing a mammoth talent crunch. In the very near future, there will be 15% fewer Americans in the 35 to 45-year-old range than there are now. At the same time, the U.S. economy is likely to grow at a rate of 3% to 4% per year. Who will do the work?

Tiananmen Square
The western world’s reaction to Tiananmen Square has helped to put China on the road to democracy and with it, the opening of the single largest market in the world. Most of China’s one billion people live in conditions not unlike those in the early 1900’s in America. Shortly there will be a growing demand for everything modern. China will strain the world’s resources in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, transportation, natural resources, education and medicine. You can benefit by working for those companies who will assist China in designing and expanding their infrastructure.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Career Guide for the High Tech Professional. Readers may download 3 free chapters at www.gm4jh.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 6:24 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Some companies would never consider hiring someone for an important position without first taking them out for dinner. Why? Because the way a person handles him or herself in a more relaxed atmosphere can be very telling.

If you are interviewing for a job, entertaining prospective clients or going out with coworkers, beware: The way you handle yourself is just as important in the office as it is at a business lunch, formal black tie affair or social function related to business. Company picnics and holiday parties can be potential problems: mix a festive occasion, a party after hours, and plenty of free food and alcohol and you have a potential disaster.

Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from people who unknowingly made fatal career errors unknowingly. Alcohol is the biggest contributor to regrettable behavior, but bad manners are just as likely to derail a person’s career.

The following tips will help you start off on the right foot and maintain your social graces in a variety of business places:

Don’t:
• Drink. If alcohol is served and you must drink, limit your alcohol consumption.
• Dress provocatively.
• Talk with food in your mouth
• Gossip or speak negatively about others
• Get too personal in your conversations
• Monopolize the conversation or talk about yourself too much

DO:
• Introduce yourself to those you don't know
• Be interested in others: Ask questions; listen and respond to what is being said
• Stick with light conversation topics –the weather, sports, ‘light’ news events, etc.
• Offer a firm, strong handshake to every one you meet
• Turn your cell phone off when with others
• Ask questions and be a good listener. Don’t be nosy; be interested

Good manners are expected; brush up on your manners today!

BY SUE MOREM, AUTHOR OF
HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP IT, SECOND EDITION: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANDING YOUR IDEAL JOB AND MAKING THE MOST OF IT
CHECKMARK BOOKS, APRIL, 2007

http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 20, 2007 at 6:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Many would argue that body modification (tattoos, piercings and the like), has become part of mainstream western society. But how acceptable is body modification within the world of work?

In 2004, Costco Wholesalers fired an employee for refusing to remove her eyebrow piercing. Costco maintains through their dress policy, "our goal is to be dressed professionally at all times...No visible facial or tongue jewelry (earrings permitted)." Upon dismissal, the employee, a member of the Church of Body Modification, sued Costco for religious discrimination. Later that year, the 1st Circuit upheld Costco's dress policy and found that Costco had made reasonable accommodation by allowing the employee to cover her piercing with a band aid or wear a clear plastic retainer, (which the employee refused to do). See: Cloutier v. Costco.

On the flip side, a recent entry to CollegeRecruiter.com's Blog referenced a presentation by Camille Sautner of Universum Communications that showed how many Millenial students and entry level job seekers consider themselves to be diverse, (and therefore more desireable), candidates because of their body modification.

My advice? Generally, I encourage students to cover up tattoos and remove piercings for interviews. Often, body modifications are not, in and of themselves, the problem. In fact, anything that might detract from your qualifications should be avoided - including perfume or cologne, wrinkled or stained clothing, or even over-zealous gesturing. You want to be noticed and recognized for your abilities and strengths, therefore anything that might distract an employer from these should be set aside. If you feel strongly about displaying your tattoos or piercings, be aware that you may be overlooked for positions. As you research potential employers, it may be useful to ask questions about the organization's dress code, and specifically their views on tattoos or piercings; answers to these questions may also help you make some decisions about whether or not you want to work for the organization.

Some industries, such as banking and finance, may be more strict about hiding visible body modifications. However, professional positions in which you would have little to no external client interaction may be more flexible. For example, dress policies may be more relaxed for some IT positions.

You can still be true to yourself by letting your hard-earned qualifications, skills and experiences do most of the talking.

Posted by Grace Kutney on April 19, 2007 at 9:57 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

The following article takes place on DAY 4 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

“Four Guerrilla-Style Resumes”

Now. There’s a lot more to landing your dream job than writing and sending a resume. But you know what? Your resume is usually how employers “meet” you. And their decision to interview you -- or not -- is often made after a quick glance at this all-important document.

Here’s the challenge: Most resumes look the same, read the same and, quite frankly, they’re boring. Most are cookie-cutter exercises in mediocrity, even though each candidate claims to be “driven”, “dynamic,” “creative”, etc. But empty assertions like these won’t land you an interview. You must prove the claims in your resume to get an employer’s attention.

Your resume is a marketing tool, plain and simple. Is yours so powerful that it grabs the attention of hurried employers, forces them to slow down, read on, pick up the phone and call you? It must! Because your resume has to get read to get you hired.

Warning! Just because you spent four hours writing your resume doesn’t mean it will be read with care. As a hiring professional who’s been at this for more than 20 years, I can tell you that your resume has less than 10 seconds to impress a reader enough to compel them to read it entirely. Ten seconds. Or less.

Since writing a resume ranks about the same as doing your taxes on the “Fun-Meter,” many people create just one version to use in every situation. They stuff this all-purpose resume with gobs of “duties included” and “responsible for” language. Unfortunately, your resume can’t be all things to all hiring managers. As a result, generic resumes fail to produce job offers.
Your resume is your personal emissary. It should provide a positive first impression and an honest summary of your skills and attributes. It must convince the reader that you are reliable, responsible, ready, willing and ABLE to do the job.

If the job you seek is worth pursuing, it’s worth pursuing right. So send a resume that’s carefully written, with one specific job in mind. (See there’s that clarity of purpose stuff again!) Length is not an issue. Content is. People will read any length of resume IF the content is compelling. That’s the secret.

A Guerrilla’s resume screams, “Here’s what’s in it for you!” A Guerrilla writes resumes that are relevant to a specific reader. They target them to a specific group, if not an exact individual. Their resumes are always focused, never general. They are results-based, never wishy-washy. They are accomplishment focused, not responsibility-laden.

There are four types of resume you can write:
1. Chronological
2. Functional
3. Value Based
4. Guerrilla

Now, let’s look at each in detail …

Chronological
This is the most commonly used format and the one many employers like, because it’s easy to read. Use it if you intend to stay in your current industry, as it shows the reader exactly what you’ve done and where you fit. It details your most-recent experience first, then works back through your career history. A chronological resume highlights your job titles, places of employment, and dates of tenure by presenting them as headings, in order by date, under which your achievements are listed.

Use a chronological resume if:
• your career history shows consistent growth or promotions;
• the job you seek is clearly the next logical step in your career; or
• you intend to stay in the same industry or one immediately adjacent to it (example: moving from automotive to tier-one supplier).

Functional
A functional resume, groups your accomplishments into skill headings or functions. Examples: leadership, management, sales, marketing, new product development, administration, finance, etc.

It presents your experience under skill headings, which lets you prioritize your accomplishments by how relevant they are to your target job, rather than by when they happened. In this format, your work history (job titles, company names and dates of previous employment) is listed concisely in a section that follows your achievements.

Use a functional resume if you:
• are changing industries or professions and need to emphasize your transferable skills;
• have a job title that does not accurately reflect the responsibility you have;
• are a student with great potential but almost no “real experience” and you want to demonstrate a track record of activities that would lead an employer to see your “promise” and hire you for your first job; or
• are re-entering the job market after an absence.

Value-Based
The Value-Based Résumé, which I pioneered, is a cross between a chronological and functional resume. It’s designed to answer the one question on every single employer’s mind, “What can this candidate do for me?”

It uses a concise writing style that communicates your bias for action. The tone of a Value-Based Resume is this: “I walk through walls on a regular basis. Look at all I’ve done in my career. Now, imagine what I could do for you!”

This resume resonates with senior executives because it portrays you as being just like them -- you have passion and you get things done.

Use a Value-Based resume if you:
• have the accomplishments to back up your claims;
• can’t hide the fact that you’re a “Type A” personality;
• want to encourage an employer to move quickly to an interview stage;
• are already a high-powered executive; or
• are in a fast-paced, high intensity occupation, like sales, law, or entertainment.

Guerrilla
Now, let’s break some rules with a Guerrilla Resume.
So often it’s this sparkling, one-page resume that is directly responsible for landing the job interview. It’s the best weapon in your Guerrilla job hunting arsenal. Nothing -- and I mean nothing -- beats it.

Done correctly, a Guerrilla Resume will get you an interview every time.

It’s another hybrid, a cross between a functional and a Value Based Resume – but on steroids. This format should only be sent to senior executives. And let me warn you -- if you use a Guerrilla Resume, be prepared to back it up with facts and figures in the interview. So be sure to document your claims meticulously beforehand.

Use a Guerrilla Resume if you:
• are currently in a situation where there is enormous competition for a limited number of jobs and you need to crush the competition;
• want to “test the waters” before launching a comprehensive job-hunt;
• want to create a job in a company that has no openings; or
• want to change industries.
The Guerrilla Resume has 6 key parts:
• Job Objective or Summary
• Summary of Accomplishments
• Special Skills
• Career History
• Education
• Proof Section

It’s easier to show this than to explain it. So, here’s a sample of an ordinary “before” resume and a Guerrilla “after” resume. (And if you’d like to pick up a booklet of example Guerrilla Resumes, you can do so at this link.)

Don’t make the mistake non-Guerrilla job hunters do when looking for a job. They write a catch-all resume filled with duties and responsibilities, ask friends and neighbors if they know of any job openings, respond to newspaper ads, reply to job postings online … and that’s it.
But that’s not enough. Not today. That’s what everyone else does. Non-Guerrilla job hunters are chasing a relatively small number of advertised jobs along with a huge crowd of hungry competitors. Good luck to them – they’ll need it.

Instead, make 100% sure every resume you send is aimed at the specific job an employer wants to fill. If that seems like too much work, then ask yourself this question: How important is my future?

Any good headhunter will pre-screen and qualify you, then ask you to write your resume geared to the specific position. Follow their advice and write that specific, benefits-laden resume beforehand, and you’ll have a tremendous advantage later.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 19, 2007 at 7:15 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

He walks into a room and heads turn. She commands attention. People gravitate
toward her. Her success seems effortless. He’s confident and in control. You know he doesn’t work any harder than you do, and she isn’t any smarter either. He seems to excel at everything he does, and you’ve heard her clients rave about her.

Have you ever wondered what sets certain people apart from others? Why will one person excel while another remains stagnant? While skills and knowledge are essential to your success, did you know that they account for only 15 percent of the reason you will land a job, keep a job or move ahead? Ultimately, your success will be a result of the way you handle yourself, your relationships, your reputation and the manner in which people respond to you.

Even if you’ve worked hard over the years, done everything ‘right’ and have impressive credentials, it may not be enough. If people don’t genuinely like you, you are more likely to miss out on opportunities, push people away, and may find yourself struggling throughout your career. Success often boils down to how likeable you are.

Sure, there are people who defy the odds; people who are despicable characters and successful in spite of themselves. However, the truth is that most successful people understand the importance of the likeability factor. For some it comes naturally, others have to work at it.

Jeanne has worked for me for years. When I heard she was looking to make some changes in her life, I was concerned she wouldn’t be available to work for me anymore. She is in demand for her services, so when I approached her with my concerns, her response surprised me. “You don’t have to worry about me leaving.” She said, “I like you too much--I like working for you.”

I felt so good about her comment, and realized that Jeanne money wasn’t her only motivation. She liked working for me. She knew I appreciated her. And you know what? I liked having her work for me too, and I’ve worked at my relationship with her. Building relationships is essential, and the easiest way to gain loyalty from someone.

So, how likeable are you? Not sure? Take a quick inventory and respond to the following questions:

Do you like people?
Do people like you?
Are you a good listener?
Do people confide in you?
Do you compliment others easily?
Do you smile often?
Do others seem genuinely happy to see you?
Do you look on the bright side of things?
Are you happy with yourself?

If you answered yes to most of the questions, it is probable that you are a fairly likeable person, but pay close attention to the messages, often unspoken, that you receive.

Frequently people will come up to me after a seminar and ask me for feedback. They want me to assess how they are doing and how well they come across. I rarely critique anyone without a specific objective, but can tell anyone how to critique and evaluate him- or herself. You receive feedback from others every day. The feedback is evident by the way people respond to you, and ultimately whether or not they do business with you, hire you or promote you.

Pay close attention to the messages you receive, and find ways to connect with people in a sincere manner. When you make people feel valued, they will value you.

Get into the habit of recognizing the positive qualities people have, and bring out the best in others. Give yourself the gift of liking people and increase your likeability factor. The rewards will be abundant.

BY SUE MOREM, AUTHOR OF
HOW TO GAIN THE PROFESSIONAL EDGE, SECOND EDITION; ACHIEVE THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL IMAGE YOU WANT, CHECKMARK BOOKS

http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 18, 2007 at 7:47 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Sign of the times: "One Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand H-1B Visa Applications Submitted In Two Days." The cover story of Information Week is picking up on a phenomenon whose meaning many are pondering.

It refers to the news that, within the first 2 days of allowing applications, the quota for the year was exceeded by 50%. Tech employers are clamoring for visa reform to enable them to hire the offshore talent they want at the price they want to pay.

Anecdotal evidence muddies the water. At Easter dinner, an engineering consultant working on innovative energy technologies said that his company can't find enough quality engineers to hire. On "On Point," an NPR call-in show devoted to this topic, both an engineer and a tech manager called in to say that, even after tech hiring picked up, they experienced age discrimination and difficulty getting a job. A social sciences professional who is a foreign national was dismayed because she wants to stay in the US but will be subject to a visa lottery, her future determined by chance. An American in an evening MBA program is in a class full of visa holders and feels greatly enriched by their participation.

It's a confusing picture. Does it mean that there is a serious shortage of US born-and-bred tech talent? That our schools are failing to prepare students for the innovation economy? That the schools are doing fine, but young people don't go into technology because they are being told by their relatives and friends that they won't have job security or jobs at all? That some of the dominant companies who request these visas (Wipro, Infosys, etc.) are only looking for a way to get cheap labor stateside, train folks, and then send them back to power other counties' economies?

What has been your experience? How will the US stay at the forefront of innovation? What will be the face of US tech employment in 10 years?

Source: Jean Cummings writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 17, 2007 at 12:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The following article takes place on DAY 3 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

“The 3 Rs of Job Hunting”

In grade school we learned the 3 Rs: Reading, wRriting and aRithmetic. These were the basics of our later education (OK, I’m dating myself here).

For job hunters, there are three new Rs to learn: Research, Relevancy, and Resiliency. Master each and you’ll get an A+ on your next interview.

Research
As a job hunter, you need to research the job market and determine the following:
♦ your marketable skills;
♦ which industries/companies you should target that use those skills;
♦ the specific needs of each company in your target market;
♦ the decision makers in those companies who can hire you [these won’t be human resource persons unless you’re in HR yourself]; and
♦ the best way to approach those decision makers.

How you approach people will be determined by your research. There’s more about research in the book, “Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters.”

Relevancy
Your skills must fit an employer’s needs, or there’s no need to hire you. To get an employer’s attention – to be relevant – you must hit their hot buttons. These are usually “pain points” – a need for increased sales, better market development, more efficient operations, etc.
Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about THEM!
To boil it all down, employers really want to know only three things about you:
♦ Can you make me money?
♦ Can you save me money? and/or
♦ Can you increase efficiency?

As global competitiveness increases, employers are asking all three of the above questions. In the book, Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, we clearly demonstrate how to express your relevancy – your value -- to an employer.

Resiliency
Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from disappointment and keep moving forward. It’s a quality that keeps Guerrilla job hunters focused on their goals and motivated on a daily basis.
Adopt a positive mind set no matter what. (Don’t worry, you can go back to your negative old self after you get hired.) How? Post your job hunting goals in front of you every day and review them every day. Then execute your plan!

Guerrilla job hunters always look for positives even when things don’t go as planned. Guerrilla job hunters need to look under rocks too. Let me end with a story that touches on all the points you’ve just read about attitude. It’s a taste of what you’ll find in chapter # 2 of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters. You can read the story by following this link.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 17, 2007 at 11:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

1. Always arrive early. Arrive about 15 prior to your interview time. This will give you time to find a place to park, and get settled before the interview. If you arrive too early you may appear overly anxious.

2. Never bring your cell phone. Leave your phone in the car, but if forget or you must carry it with you, turn it off. Nothing will disqualify you faster than your phone ringing or worse yet, answering a call during an interview.

3. Always prepare in advance: The more you know about the company and its competitors, the better. You will be to talk in specifics rather than generalities, and ask intelligent questions. Don’t wait for an interview to talk about your qualifications; practice, practice, practice.

4. Never interrupt the interviewer: No matter how much you have to say, don’t babble on and on. Engage in conversation, listen attentively, be responsive, and wait until it is your turn to speak.

5. Always know what’s on your resume: If you are unable to recall dates or other information that is on your resume, it will diminish your credibility and your chances of a job offer.

6. Never lie: Even a little white lie can get you into a lot of trouble. As long as you tell the truth you will never have to worry about keeping your story straight.

7. Always dress to impress: What you wear to an interview is important; always look your best. Even if you are told that the company is ‘casual’ and employees dress casually, you are not an employee yet.

8. Never wear cologne: You don’t want to trigger a sneezing or wheezing attack for it will bring even the best interview to a halt. No smell is the only safe smell and the only way to go.

9. Always ask for the job: Don’t avoid the reason you are there. If you want the job, don’t end the interview before you’ve asked for it. If you know there are additional steps to take, ask about the next step.

10. Never let your guard down: Act as if you are being observed every minute, because you are. Don’t swear, use slang, or talk bad about anyone. And don’t get too comfortable; select a chair that will help you maintain good posture and remian attentive throughout the entire interview.

11. Always send a thank you note: Saying thanks in a voice or e-mail message won’t suffice; always take the time to send a handwritten thank you note.

12. Never eat or chew gum: If you are smacking, cracking, chomping or blowing bubbles you’re not going to make a very good impression. If you are offered something to eat or drink, feel free to accept a beverage, but pass on the food.

By Sue Morem, author of How to Get a Job and Keep It; Career and Life Skills You Need to Succeed Website: www.suemorem.com Phone: 763-557-4998

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 17, 2007 at 9:41 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Chapter 1: Why you need to become a Guerrilla Job-Hunter

The new global America

“It’s not the strongest of the species, nor the most intelligent, that survive; it’s the one most responsive to change.” - Charles Darwin

Under siege from layoffs, outsourcing, off-shoring, rightsizing, downsizing and bankruptcies, America is in the midst of a profound business transformation. It’s the result of developments in information and communications technologies, changing human values and the rise of the global knowledge-based economy. The sheer complexity and technical sophistication of business has transformed the job market. Business is becoming knowledge-based as well as technology intensive.

Knowledge workers are now the backbone of America. They are employed in all sectors of the economy, most prominently in the information technology and communications sectors, but also to a growing extent in healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, natural resources, defence and government—in any field that requires innovation to sustain competitiveness. Competitive advantage is rooted in the new ideas of these skilled workers.

Of the 120 million skilled workers in America today, 24-40 million change jobs every year. Many people needlessly drift in and out of dead-end jobs because they don’t know which industries have a future in this new America, or how to present their value in the right terms to the people who can hire them.

Already reeling from outsourcing and the struggling economy, competition for the remaining U.S. jobs is tougher than ever, the rules for getting them have changed, and global competition will ensure the rules will change again tomorrow.

To succeed in the new world of work, you must have a plan. The plan must be clear and detailed in every way. It must be:
♦ Clever;
♦ Results driven;
♦ Marketing oriented;
♦ Inexpensive to execute;
♦ Realistic; and
♦ Achievable

No government agency, educational institution or think tank has a genuine crystal ball to make a call on the future; there are simply too many unknown factors when it comes to industry and job creation. One thing is certain, whether you are employed but unhappy, or unemployed and in need of a new opportunity; you as a job-hunter are at a strategic fork in the road.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Career Guide for the High Tech Professional. Readers may download 3 free chapters at www.gm4jh.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 17, 2007 at 8:22 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

What jazzes a career coach most? A joyful call from a client who has landed a dream job!

This morning I received one of those calls, and hours later I’m still smiling. During the call, we discussed what had worked best during my client’s short, 3-month job hunt (he’s a senior-level sales management executive in the technology / Web 2.0 space who resigned from his last position because of severe burnout after years of accelerated growth within a company he helped build).

He told me the resume we prepared -- a precision document strategized specifically to the needs of his target market -- worked like a charm. He did a mass mailing and made 40 cold calls. In his words, the resume “got air speed in a hurry” and he was soon fielding interview requests all over the country.

But landing the job after getting on the short list wasn’t as easy as this stellar exec expected. Although we’d done extensive work on his value proposition and brand for resume and interview prep -- tying both to multiple and specific examples of success in many key areas -- he’d not reviewed our work thoroughly and had not followed our game plan of scripting a variety of 30-second commercials and play-by-play case studies designed to irresistibly move decision makers towards an offer.

After he fumbled his first interview, he realized that out-competing at elite levels was going to take some real work. He prepared a precision attack plan for handling just about any interview question and “do the job to get the job” scenario he could imagine. He also polished an extensive white paper case study and used that to great advantage when interviewing. He told me “I wanted everything I said to be magnetic – to attract a follow on question that will compel them to dig deeper.”

Fast forward to recent weeks when he landed on the short list for his dream job -- a job with his dream company, with his dream product, within a growth industry, and with an office just 20 minutes from his home. He nailed every interview, and was told by the CEO, “You’re the most impressive candidate I’ve had in my office in seven years.”

Within days, the CEO offered him the job -- and a very generous compensation package. The comp was far more than my client anticipated, but he felt that at his level he would be expected to counter. He told me, “I thought, this is a GREAT package. But what the heck, why not be bold and counter with requests that really show how much confidence I have in my ability to make things happen?”

Negotiations were completed in record time, with the CEO telling the board, “I’ll stake my career that this is the right guy for us. I don't want to lose him. Give him what he wants.” My client walked away with 90% of his bold counter offer and a promise to be considered for company officer status within a year, despite the fact that he’s the youngest GM in the company’s history.

Now, just days after his hire, we’ve already made plans to update his resume, create a new executive bio, revise his profiles on LinkedIn and other networking sites, create a media plan for speaking / writing gigs, and coach around leveraging this job to raise his visibility within his industry.

Why so soon? Because he anticipates that within a few years his company will likely be sold and he’ll need his next job. When that happens, he wants to be the hunted not the hunter, and he wants to control his destiny.

Precision preparation…for the finish line and beyond!

Source: Deb Dib writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 17, 2007 at 8:19 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Penelope Trunk of the Brazen Careerist has a very informative post on ways to get a raise. Here are a few of my own ideas for getting noticed and getting more money from an employer.

Document your accomplishments regularly throughout the year
Keep track of all the projects you manage. Upon completion of each assignment, write a note to yourself detailing your contribution and how your efforts helped the company make money, save money, save time, grow the business, or retain customers. Quantify your accomplishments with dollars, percentages, and other appropriate metrics. Actively seek out opportunities to improve efficiencies and profits regardless of the task at hand. By showing and quantifying your specific value add, you build a better business case to support the requested salary increase.

Become hard to replace
Create opportunities to diversify your experience by offering to learn how to perform tasks that support your main role and make you more efficient at what you do. An alternative strategy is to become a subject matter expert in one specific aspect of the job so you are seen as the "go-to-guy" for a particular type of information. No want wants to lose the "go-to-guy" because then they have to do it themselves.

Take on tasks that no one else wants to do
This does not mean taking on grunt work. It might just mean mastering a new technology that no one else feels comfortable with or taking on an assignment that is outside of the traditional scope of the job. Employees who demonstrate this level of flexibility tend to get more flexibility from their bosses on other issues, including compensation.

Accept high profile assignments close to review time
Since it is easier for people to remember what has happened most recently, why not take on an important assignment to coincide with an upcoming review? The project is bound to become a focal point of the performance review discussion and the boss can quickly remember and document the acheivements relevant to the project.

Your success negotiating a salary increase or promotion hinges on your ability to discuss the increase in terms of what is fair and reasonable. By including some of these ideas into your career management strategy, you can keep the conversation focused on measureable achievements and build a compelling business case for the requested pay raise.

Source: The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 16, 2007 at 6:46 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

We live in an era of constant change, and at times it may seem as though “anything goes,” but don’t be fooled. You can do it your way, and you might defy the odds, but there are, and always have been, rules in business; no less real for being unwritten or unspoken.

The moment you accept a position, you accept all of the responsibilities that go with it. As you step into a new “role,” you’re “performance” will determine how successful you will be. You must “play the part” of a true professional, and play it exceptionally well.

Actors know what it takes to play a part well; an actor will make changes in appearance, mannerisms, and speech in order to become the character he or she plays. And you can learn from them. Pay attention to these four rules:

1. Look the part.
To be successful, you have to project an image with which your clients, your employer, and your colleagues are comfortable. Don’t think that making changes to your image is giving up your individuality or compromising who you really are; you’re being sensitive, savvy, and smart. To be successful, you need to project an image that your clients, your employer, and colleagues are comfortable with.

The next time you enter a store or a party, pay attention to the clerk, or the companion, you seek out. It is likely you will gravitate toward those who look as if they can help you (in a store) or will be interesting to talk to (at a party). What makes someone look approachable? Are they people close to your own age, educational level, and back ground—people who look like you? It’s simple human nature, however predictable it might seem, to feel most comfortable with people who look, more or less, like us.

We also tend to favor the expected over the unexpected in others’ appearance. Would you be more likely to trust a doctor in a lab coat and stethoscope, or one (perhaps equally competent) dressed in shorts and sunglasses? Would you be more apt to hire a carpenter wearing overalls and a tool belt or one wearing a sport coat and tie?

You actually have more latitude to be yourself and to con tribute your particular skills and ideas when you look the part you want to play. By looking the part, you eliminate superficial barriers, enabling others to listen to and accept what you have to say. When it comes to clothing and grooming, anyone can enhance his or her look with attention to detail and up-to-date grooming and wardrobe tips, and you can too.

2. Act the part.
You don’t have to be a professional actor to act the part of a professional. You do, however, need to understand the role nonverbal communication plays in the way you come across to others. Acquiring new mannerisms and behaviors requires focus and determination. Controlling your gestures when you are under duress is something you can do to help you appear more confident. You need to literally “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” so that you appear the same as any successful person in your position.

Most business people will, at some point, find themselves in the position of introducing colleagues to one another, hosting or attending a business function, or socializing with clients and colleagues. These are just a few of the most common situations in which knowledge of business etiquette will see you through.

Knowing how to make yourself and others feel comfortable is an art, and can make all the difference in the way you perceived. Etiquette is a skill worth perfecting if you are really serious about being successful in any field. When you act the part, you become the part.

3. Be the part.
Although a particular suit, hairstyle, or handshake can con tribute to (or detract from) your professional image, your ability to demonstrate that you are capable, congenial, and constant will cinch the impression. Apply the “Three C’s Test” as a quick way to monitor and modulate your encounters with the various “audiences” and “theaters” of your working life:
Capable: Do you look and act like somebody who can do the job—not only the job you have, but the one you’re striving toward?

Congenial: Do you look and act like someone your clients, customers, boss, and co-workers can talk to and work with? Are you sincere, approachable, friendly, and helpful?
Consistent: Do you look and act trustworthy? Are you dependable, the kind of person people can count on—because you do what you say?

The creative director of an ad agency, the attorney, and the manager of high-fashion retail store all need to come across as capable, congenial, and consistent in their particular setting. They are unlikely to dress or behave alike. But the ones who are suc cessful will look, act and be within the norm of what is expected in their particular industry and workplace.

You’ll be more successful if you are attentive to what that norm is in the job you have or the job you want, and operate within it. It’s that simple.

4. Think the part.
With so much focus on your outer image, be careful not to neglect your inner image. Your thoughts influence your actions; improve your performance by improving your thinking. Think your way to success; think positively.

Your thoughts about (and response to) the changes that take place play a key role in how successful you will be. Your willingness to step outside of your comfort zone and take chances will benefit you.

Change is something many people resist, but change is an important part of life, both at work and at home. Over time we change our tastes, our friends, our interests, our goals, and our jobs. We change because we choose to and at times because we have to. Either way, change can be good.

Even a downsizing situation, which no employee can control, can turn into a positive experience for employees who must find a new job. Although initially the news can be devastating, many people eventually uncover new interests, find new opportunities, go into business for themselves, or end up re-evaluating and fine-tuning their goals. Embrace change. Think of it as a chance to change the way you’re doing things, to grow and improve.

Risk presents opportunities to experience great success by stretching yourself beyond the ordinary. The only way to go from wanting something to having something is by doing something. For years, I had the dream of becoming a business advice columnist. My public relations per son gave me the number of the business editor of our local newspaper after I told her about my idea for the column. After vacillating about whether or not I should try to contact the editor, I got up enough courage to make the call. I could tell he wasn’t enthused and just as he was about to hang up the phone, I convinced him to meet me for lunch.

I had to work with this editor for a full year writing sample columns, other articles, and calling him regularly to check in. When Tom Peters stopped writing his column, my window of opportunity opened and I received the call I had been waiting (and hoping) for.

One phone call, and taking a big risk, forced me to stretch, step out of what I ordinarily did, and create something new. The results were well worth it. Take risks. Don’t wait for things to happen to you, make them happen!

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK BY SUE MOREM

HOW TO GAIN THE PROFESSIONAL EDGE, SECOND EDITION; ACHIEVE THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL IMAGE YOU WANT, CHECKMARK BOOKS

WWW.SUEMOREM.COM

Copyright 2005 Checkmark Books/Facts on File

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 16, 2007 at 6:42 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The Million Dollar Interview Question can come near the beginning of an official job interview or sneak up before the meeting is about to close.” What will it take for you to join our team?" or "What is it going to cost to get you here?"

Does the very thought of being in such a situation make your hands clammy, your heart race and your stomach churn? Get prepared. Save yourself some last minute angst. Plus, get ready to negotiate your raise when the right time comes. Here are a few tips to help you face the inevitable with confidence.

1. Do your homework. Be prepared with figures and facts demonstrating your value to the prospective employer. Know your worth in the market. Research what comparable positions with similar responsibilities command in your industry and in your locale.

2. Make it clear that your goal is fairness. You want to be compensated commensurately with what your colleagues are paid for comparable responsibilities, and you want to be rewarded for superior performance.

3. Show that hiring you is not an expense but a smart investment. Prove that you will be able to add to the bottom line through increased sales, cost reductions, revenue gains, enhanced productivity, etc. Have tables or charts to illustrate the impact your expertise will have. Use actual data if available.

4. Never reveal an exact number for your desired salary or what you are currently making. Give a range that will allow you more room to negotiate for bonuses, benefits, time off, etc. because no two jobs are the same, no two candidates are alike. See Tip # 6 below.

5. Have a bottom line in mind. What is this opportunity worth to you? What will you give up? What can you exchange to make the numbers work? Is there a necessity, must have, uncompromising need? Then, be willing to be flexible on the rest. Think about time off vs. salary, educational opportunities vs. conference attendance, etc.

6. Remember that this should be a win-win for you and your future employer. Make sure that they understand that you want this job and you are confident that if they also agree that you are the right choice, together you can make this happen. Take the focus off the dollars and put it on the chance to have an impact, find solutions, move forward, etc.

7. Work this out with your future boss rather than their HR staff person. Only your future boss knows what they need and will go to bat to get this deal together for you. It's her budget — show them her "other" skills right from the beginning with your abilities to negotiate for yourself!

Source: Debra Feldman writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 14, 2007 at 7:47 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

This morning my client asked if I knew of a rule book that he could buy so he would avoid making so many career mistakes. My mind immediately turned to my son's high school baseball umpiring experiences the last few summers and the little rule book he carries in his back pocket. Rules. Printed clearly. When in doubt, look it up. Bam. Easy.

Wouldn't it be nice if the career business had a little rule book? Maybe you'd get it when you were born or something, issued with your birth certificate. Then, during your lifetime, you could just flip to page 143 and there you'd have it! Read. Follow. Done. No worries.

While I'm certainly no authority on rules of the career game, here are a few common mistakes I've heard time and again in my work with others:

Lack of Career Direction. You've heard the saying no goals, no glory. How true when it comes to job search. If your response to "what type of work interests you" is "Oh, I'll take about anything," imagine how not helpful and how lame that is for your listener. Anything? Can you build a rocket ship? Can you teach a college physics class? Can you repair the engine of a BMW? The point is, when it gets right down to it, what can you do, realistically (and well) to help an organization solve its problems, meet its needs and bring you (and them) more joy than pain while you're at it?

Outward / external focus. Routinely, individuals who contact me express their unhappiness or uneasiness about their current job situation -- immediately followed by "so I just wanted to come in and talk with you about what's out there." What's out there is anything and everything -- you name it and it's probably out there or in the process of being put out there. Therefore, look inwardly and shift your focus to what's in here (your heart, your head) before you begin the job search process.

Turning your career over to someone else. While it's a good thing to enlist the help, guidance, and support of others as you pursue new options, remember, you're in the driver's seat. Make decisions based on your unique and distinct preferences, wants, and needs, not those of someone else.

Wrong job / right money. While the money looks good for a while, a bad fit is a bad fit, and sooner or later, you'll find yourself thinking about, or looking for, another position. Take a job for the right reasons, not the wrong ones.

Failure to understand the product (brand you) and its value/worth in a highly competitive market. Before you hit the streets, analyze your product and then practice speaking about it -- its best features, value and benefits to optimize your chances of success.
What has been your biggest mistake, to date, when exploring new career opportunities?

Source: Billie Sucher writes for the Career Hub blog. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 13, 2007 at 9:08 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The following article takes place on DAY 2 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

Day 2 - “How to Crack the Hidden Job Market”

Let me tell you about the “hidden” job market and how you can use it to get hired.
First, let’s dispense with a common misconception -- the hidden job market isn’t really hidden at all. It’s just not in plain sight. It’s referred to as the “hidden” job market because of how positions are created and filled. In most cases, jobs are created in one of three ways:
1. A company is growing and creates a new job;
2. An employee quits, vacating an existing job; or
3. An employee is fired from an existing job.

When a company is growing, the owner, president, or other hiring authority may know they need new employees, but haven’t initiated the process. They may not have the time, the budget, or the willingness to go through the hassle of advertising and interviewing. So, while the need is real, the job itself remains hidden inside the head of the hiring manager.

When someone quits or is fired, managers will first decide if they can eliminate the job, or combine it with another position. If they decide a new person is needed, they will first look inside their organization for someone to fill the role. If that doesn’t work, they’ll likely ask employee for referrals. And if that doesn’t work, they may opt to run an ad through HR, or hire a headhunter.

Companies often contact a headhunter when secrecy is required, because good recruiters can conduct a search without anyone ever knowing. This is especially important if an employee is going to be replaced without their knowledge – loose lips not only sink ships, they can also damage company morale.

In all of these cases, jobs remain hidden to the outside world for weeks if not months. Hence the term “hidden” job market.

The only way for you to access the hidden job market successfully is to reach out to hiring managers directly before they opt to go the advertising or HR route. The hidden job market is your private laboratory to test the best methods for finding your dream job.

Now let’s look at one of the Top 10 Strategies Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters uses to access the hidden job market …

Strategy: Do Targeted Research
One quick way to discover new opportunities is by doing structured search engine queries. And it’s fairly easy to do. Here’s how to do targeted research, in two easy steps:

Step #1 Develop a list of companies you want to work for.
Here’s how you build that list. Before you start, you have to answer two questions: What job do you want? and Where do you want to do it?

Let’s say you want an advertising job in New York City. We’ll visit Google.com and use the Advanced Search option. The search string shown below instructs Google to search for a directory of advertising firms in New York or an industry conference on advertising held in New York. This will bring back leads for prospective employers.

Your search query should look like that in the picture above.

My search returned many hits, including one for AD:TECH, billed as “The Event for Interactive Marketing”. It’s a conference held in New York for the advertising industry. There where also hits for directories of advertising companies in New York, complete with web site addresses, phone numbers, and profiles of the owners. Pay dirt!

If you spend a few minutes experimenting with different combinations of search terms, you should turn up a nice list of potential employers who can hire you – your own private “hidden” job market.

Now, it’s on to …

Step #2 Find People Who Can Hire You:
Once you have a target list of companies, you need to find out who the people are in those companies that can actually hire you. A good headhunter would pick up the telephone, call and ask. You might not be so inclined, so here’s another way to get the names of hiring authorities …
Visit each company’s web site and look for names of people who can say yes. Who are you looking for? Executives, not human resource people – the latter group can only say NO … unless you’re another human resources professional. If you’re lucky, every corporate web site will identify its senior executives, including names, titles, phone numbers, career summaries and sometimes email and photos! Web information should be up-to-date, but I would still call the receptionist to confirm it.

Let’s go back to our advertising example. Let’s say I’m looking for a sales job in an ad agency in New York City. Who would have the power to hire a sales rep? I would scour company web sites for the name(s) of a VP of Sales, VP of Sales & Marketing or a General Manager.

If you’re having trouble finding names on a web site, go back to Google’s advanced search box and type in the company name in the first box and “Vice President Sales Marketing Director” in the third box. (By the way, you don’t need to put the words in brackets and don’t include commas or punctuation.)

That search string will bring you:
♦ All the people who are, or have ever been, VPs or President or Directors of Sales and/or Marketing for that company.
♦ The resumes of a whole pile of people from that company whom you may be able to call and solicit for information.

Once you have the name of the person one rung up the ladder from the job you want, you need to process their name through Google again. This time, put their first and last name in the first box and the company name in the third box.

This will produce a list of press releases, and news articles in which they are mentioned, as well as conferences they’ve attended. Read an article or two and clip something memorable to use in your NarrowCast letter, in which you demonstrate your knowledge of the person, the company, and how you can help both. (You can view an example NarrowCast letter at this link).

When you send your letter, you can to write. “I read your article in … [name the publication] about … [name the subject] which prompted me to write.” Very powerful, and a great way to get interviews.

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters with Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 13, 2007 at 7:19 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

DON’T: Take rejection personally: Expect to be rejected; few job seekers receive offers for every job they seek. When you don’t get the job you were hoping for, it doesn’t mean you’re no good; it means someone else was a better fit for the position.

DON’T: Bring your phone to an interview: Leave your phone in the car, but if you must bring it with you, turn it off. Nothing is more disturbing than a phone ringing in the middle of an interview and few things will disqualify you faster than answering a call.

DON’T: Overlook your shoes: Interviewers pay attention to the condition of your shoes and so should you. Make sure your shoes are an appropriate style for an interview and that they are clean, polished, and in top condition.

DON’T: Ask for a bathroom, telephone or cigarette break: Take care of business before and after the interview. You want to keep the momentum going, not disrupt it.

DON’T: Use a cheap pen: The wrong pen sends the wrong message. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but be willing to spend more than 19 cents. The pen you use WILL be noticed; use a professional looking pen.

DON’T: Stink: No smell is the only smell of success. Clean and air out your clothes. Take a shower. Brush and floss your teeth. Leave off the cologne. Come clean to an interview; no scent is the best scent.

DON’T: Chew gum: Never chew gum, suck on candy or eat during an interview. And, spit your gum out before the interview begins.

DON’T: Fidget: Refrain from playing with your hair, your pen, your jewelry; tapping your fingers or squirming in your chair. It’s a dead giveaway that you nerves are acting up.

DON’T: Exaggerate or lie: Even a little white lie can get you into a big mess. As long as you tell the truth you will never have to worry about keeping your story straight.

DON’T: Ask about the perks. Don’t ask about salary, vacation, sick days, or about anything that might indicate you are more interested in the perks of the job than the job itself—especially in a first interview.

DON’T: Swear: Watch your language – swearing shows a lack of class and control. Speak clearly, slowly and with enthusiasm.

DON’T: Forget to write a thank you note: If you want to be remembered, remind the interviewer who you are; send a thank you note.

DO: Your homework: Gather as much information as you can about the industry, the company, and its competition. The more you know going into the interview the easier it will be to carry on a conversation and ask intelligent questions.

DO: A dress rehearsal: Wear your interview outfit before you ever have an interview. Make sure you are comfortable sitting, standing and walking and that everything is clean, in good condition and fitting properly.

DO: Prepare and practice responses: Know your strengths, your weaknesses and why you are the best person for the job. Don’t wait for an interview to say it for the first time – practice, practice, practice.

DO: A mock interview: The best way to prepare for an interview is a mock interview, especially a videotaped interview. It’s the only way to see yourself as others see you.

DO: Know what is on your resume: It is not uncommon for an interviewer to ask you about your resume. Be prepared to talk about your job history and past experience.

DO: Dress to impress: Choose your clothing carefully; what you wear is one of the most important decisions you will make. Even if the company has a casual dress code, you aren’t working there yet. Dress up, not down. Look your best and dress to impress.

DO: Arrive early: Plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early. This will give you time to find a place to park, visit the rest room and relax before you begin your interview.

DO: Have copies of your resume and references. Carry extra copies should they be requested—you never know how many people you will be meeting with.

DO: Smile: A sincere smile will lighten up the tension in your face and help you to appear friendly and relaxed. A sincere smile is one of your most valuable assets.

DO: Ask questions. Prepare and ask specific questions about the position and the company, but avoid asking questions you could easily find answers to on a company website or brochure.

DO: Use formality. Address the interviewer by his or her surname or formal title until you are invited to use his or her first name.

DO: Ask for the job: There is no need to avoid the real reason you are having an interview. If you want the job, don’t end the interview without asking for the job.

Interview Tips from Susan Morem, Author of How to Get a Job and Keep It, Second Edition: An Essential Guide to Landing Your Ideal Job and Making the Most of It
Checkmark Books, April, 2007
http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 11, 2007 at 7:56 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It sure doesn’t feel like spring today, weather-wise, but with talk of chocolate bunnies, Spring Break memories, and buzz about “The Sopranos” new season finally coming back on HBO (do you think Tony will make it out of the series alive?), it’s definitely that time of year.

And, of course, there’s also that whole urge to spring clean every aspect of your life, including your career. In fact, experts say it’s a good idea from time to time to rethink your goals and refresh your skills. Even if you’re happy at your job, for instance, it’s smart to keep your resume current.

For those of you looking forward to starting a new career season, however, take some cues from “The Sopranos”:

Wiretap your aptitude. Can your skills and talents translate into a different line of work? Say you’re a waste management consultant. While that job title might seem totally irrelevant to other professions you want to pursue, you probably gained experience like customer service, employee relations, sales, marketing, and more. Think about what you’ve done and what you’re good at, and then listen carefully to advice on how it can apply to a new career field.

Consider offers you can’t refuse. Perhaps the number one reason for putting off a new job hunt or career change is fear of going broke. Unlike placing bets with the local crime boss, though, investing in education isn’t a foolish gamble. When it comes to adult education, you might be surprised to know that financial aid opportunities are available, from Uncle Sam’s assistance and scholarships, to on-the-job training programs and tuition reimbursement from your boss.

Enter a career protection program. With people currently changing careers over five times in their lives, there’s no reason to feel like a disloyal rat if your first (or second, or third) career stint doesn’t work out. Explore various industries to determine where you’ll be happiest, and don’t look back.

If only Tony would do that…

About the Author
The CollegeSurfing Insider is here to alleviate your career confusion by answering some common career education questions — straight from you, our bloggin’ classmate.

Photo: Barry Wetcher/HBO

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 11, 2007 at 7:38 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The following article takes place on DAY 1 and is part of an ongoing series of posts for each day of the 12 Days to Creating Your Future.

“Why Your Job Search Needs a Clear Plan”

Would you ever walk into a busy airport, amble up to the counter and say, “I want to go on vacation. Could I have a ticket, please?”

Of course not. You’d get nothing but a baffled look from the ticket agent (not to mention a body search from Homeland Security).

Finding your ideal job is a lot like taking a dream vacation. You can get there from here and have the time of your life. But first you need to know where you’re going, then plan how to get there.

To find the shortest route to your next job, you need to create a plan that’s detailed in every way. Your plan must be:

• Solution oriented,
• Results driven,
• Marketing based,
• Inexpensive to execute,
• Realistic, and
• Specific.

Here’s more detail on the required elements of your job-search plan:

Solution oriented.
News flash: Rarely is it the most qualified candidate who gets hired. (If you’ve ever had a nincompoop for a manager, you know exactly what I mean.)
In the real world, jobs often go to those who best position themselves as the solution to a problem. Now, here’s the catch: Employers often don’t realize they have a problem until someone points it out to them. So, if you can identify employers’ problems – and offer yourself as the best solution – you’ll increase your chances of getting hired. Immediately. Every time.

Results driven.
Like a runner training for a marathon, you must measure your progress. Doing so tells you how close you are to your goal. It also keeps you motivated and committed to your plan.
Measuring results requires you to track certain key metrics. Here are a few of the dozens of proven tactics from Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters that you can track:
• How many out of the box activities have you deployed?
• How many targeted resumes have you sent out?
• How many guerrilla networking activities are you engaged in?

Marketing based.
In business, the companies with the best marketing usually win. Winning the War for Talent is similar. It requires you to become proficient at marketing yourself better than other candidates.
Looking for a job is a sales and marketing activity – and you are the product.

Inexpensive.
In 1997, Tom Peters introduced the concept of “The Brand Called You.” At the time, personal branding was a sort of luxury, reserved for high-flying techies and senior executives who wanted to maximize the financial returns of their biggest asset -- their career.

Today personal branding is no luxury – it’s a requirement for career survival. For more on how to brand yourself for free, visit this link.

Realistic.
Knowing what you want to do is good. Combining it with what you’re “qualified” to do is even better. You may be pleasantly surprised at how your current skill-set can transfer to other industries.

For a clear picture of what’s possible with your skills, visit America’s Career InfoNet. If you’re not qualified for what you want to do, get moving and determine how to get qualified.
In my 20+ years of executive recruiting, the biggest problem I’ve run into is that people aren’t realistic – especially unemployed people. You’re setting yourself up for disappointment if you apply for jobs you’re not qualified to do. Sometimes you may have to take a temporary step backwards to move forward in a new career. BUT … the sooner you take that step, the sooner you’ll arrive at your goal.

Specific.
Knowing the exact title and function of the job you seek gives you a clear, specific goal, with no possibility for error. If you have a clear target and don’t hit it, you’ll know for sure.
So, get clear and get specific. The more, the better.

For example, I’ll wager that Vicki Vlachakis new exactly what she wanted to do and who she wanted to work for before she started her job search. When the opportunity came along to design the new two-seater convertibles for Saturn and Chrysler, she recognized her chance to hit not one, but two home runs in her career.

Nothing is more important to your success than a clear “picture” of your goal. (Please read that sentence again. I’ll wait :-)

If you can envision your dream job AND you’re qualified to do, it then you can find it. With a specific goal in mind you can organize your job search and networking efforts with a laser like focus.

Yes, some people are lucky and fall into great jobs, but luck [as Tom Peters says] is terribly unpredictable. The dramatic changes in today’s world of work mean that tried-and-true methods of job hunting will soon be outmoded.

The one constant in all successful job searches, however, is clarity of purpose. It will give you the goal you seek and the fuel to reach it. So, get specific, get clear, get busy … and get hired!

Article by David E. Perry Managing Partner of Perry-Martel International Inc., co-author Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters and Kevin Donlin, President Guaranteed Resumes, author, Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed, Guaranteed Sales Resumes, and 51 Ways to Find a Job Fast -- Guaranteed. David and Kevin are co-authors of Guerrilla Resumes

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 11, 2007 at 7:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I've been waxing poetic about how far behind universities are in adopting electronic techniques to help students find new jobs. I don't just mean e-Recruiting on online job posting sites, but making sure Career Services offices are as up-to-date on technology as their students are.

Whether it's blogging, Facebook, or Jobster-like online profiles, students need some sort of online presence to get noticed. I'm about 500% confident that this is where recruiting is headed.

If you don't believe me, reporter Sarah Needleman does a great job capturing the recruiter's point of view in today's Wall Street Journal. Recruiters are increasingly looking for passive candidates, those who have not actively applied to a certain job, and having an online presence makes you all the more available and accessible.

But buyer beware! Like the warnings I have made about your profiles on Facebook and MySpace, having an online presence means also having an online conscience. You've got to monitor your posts and censor your personality. Fair? Maybe not. But there's such a blurred line on the Internet when it comes to personal versus professional. You never know who's looking and what they're reading.

Students: is your college Career Services office thinking about technology they way they should be? If not, ask them too. That's how OwenBloggers (The Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University) got started. Students made a case and got the buy-in.

Career Services Offices: don't think this is a passing fad. Advanced recruiting through online social networking is here to stay. So get educated, and ask your students for advice. The schools who step out first will be the ones who see the most success. Don't be the last in line!

Posted by Susan Strayer on April 10, 2007 at 11:09 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I’ve been providing workplace and career advice for organizations and jobseekers for almost two decades. I’ve watched email rapidly evolve and become part of mainstream Corporate America, and I’ve witnessed the power of email, in both positive and negative situations. If I have to summarize my experience in one short sentence, I’d proffer this advice: If you have to ask me, go easy on the email.

While email is considered a godsend by most of the computing public, it isn’t without its flaws. On point, it is impersonal, often insecure, and can create embarrassing situations—especially when it encourages people to say or do things they might not normally over the phone or in person.

For more specific suggestions, please read my list below of email etiquette tips, in no particular order.

How will they perceive it?
When you send an email message, unlike visiting somebody in person or placing a call, you will not have to face the recipient’s immediate reaction. But you might also not know how your words have affected the recipient—your boss could be stewing over your joke about his mother and you may not find out until Monday morning. So take care: before sending anything, think twice and make sure you think about how the other person will interpret it.

Go to sleep
Threaded email communications allow people to have back-and-forth conversations at all hours of the day. Keep in mind, however, that most email applications will provide the time and date in which a message was sent. If you’re embarrassed about your insomnia, then don’t send off a message at 3:00am on Thursday morning. Instead, save it as a draft and send it when you arrive at work.

Yes, your name IS on that message
Emails are almost never anonymous and due to regulatory requirements, often are never deleted. Everything you say will be attributed to you, so don’t say anything you would not say in person. Furthermore, a confidential email message may not be permanently confidential. Watch your words!

Think it over
So you’re a little upset. And you’re taking the right step—articulating your thoughts in an assertive but pointed letter to Sharon in IT who has been forgetting to fill out her TPS reports. But slow down. Before sending a hasty or charged email, it is best to save it as a draft and come back to it in several hours or even days. Chances are, after taking some time to cool down, you’ll be more level headed and less likely to damage a friendship or create lasting drama in the office. Better yet, just delete the message! When something is in writing, the recipient can read it repeatedly and read-into it whatever they want.

Think it over Part II
So you didn’t take my advice and you sent Sharon in IT that nasty email last night. The email ridiculed Sharon personally, and what it really did was show how upset you were. So Sharon, in trying to get back at you, forwards the message around to the entire office. Now you look like a childish drama queen (or king)! The moral? Keep in mind that every email can be freely forwarded around to friends and family.

I can’t even read that!
Use spell check. Use grammar check. And, most importantly, proof-read your message. It’s just not fair to make others work so hard at deciphering your electronic chicken scratch.

You say hello, and I say goodbye
Salutations are your friend. Salutations help you make friends. And real friends don’t let friends send email messages without salutations. Is it too much to ask to say “good morning” or “sincerely”? Treat others courteously; a human touch is most welcome with all news, especially bad news.

Have common decency
If you’re planning on firing, dumping, or reprimanding (and the like) another person, don’t send them an email about the matter. You probably shouldn’t call them either. It is best to show your respect by visiting them in person to deliver the news.

Attachment agony
Respect the message attachment feature. When necessary, feel free to attach several Word documents and a handful of PDF files. But don’t bog down the office network or a coworker’s system by sending large amounts of uncompressed photos, music files, or other videos. Email attachments should generally never exceed about 5MB. If you plan on sending more, ensure the mail server is configured to allow it and ensure the message recipient is aware of it.

Additional ways to improve your email:

• Maximize the subject line: make yours informative enough to convey value to the recipient.
• Be brief: A lengthy email is less likely to be read in full and most people won’t scroll all the way down to finish reading it.
• Make your email readable: Forgo the stationary, unusual font and bright colors. Use a 10- or 12-point size.
• Do not write in all CAPS, it is the equivalent of SHOUTING at someone. (If you do intend to shout at the other person, you probably should not be doing it over email!)
• Include your name and contact information in your signature block.
• Do not forward jokes, poems, or special promotions unless requested.

You CAN break these rules
Whenever you write, especially emails, there are two variables to consider: audience and purpose. If you work in an organization that generally communicates without formal salutations, you should probably conform. A good communicator does not write to impress; instead he or she writes to clearly convey ideas. This should be your aim, both in business and in your personal life. Follow the lead of those you communicate with. If there is no lead to follow, revert to the standard rules of email etiquette, which I have laid out for you. Good luck!

BY SUE MOREM, AUTHOR OF
HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP IT, SECOND EDITION: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANDING YOUR IDEAL JOB AND MAKING THE MOST OF IT
CHECKMARK BOOKS, APRIL, 2007

http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 10, 2007 at 6:44 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

1. Be Careful
Your permanent record, for the rest of your life, begins NOW. Enjoy this clean slate. Embrace this fresh reputation. Think about what kind of person you want to be known as in your professional life—a gossip? a backbiter? Someone who will step on others to get where they want to be? If those descriptions don’t appeal to you, watch your step. Your reputation begins to form on Day 1 of your first job. It is your chance to cultivate a reputation that you will live with for the rest of your working life. Your reputation is your little shadow—it will follow you wherever you go.

2. Be Grateful
No job is beneath you. Whether it is parking cars, dog-sitting, scrubbing floors, or peddling fast food, many very successful people have started out doing basic but important jobs. Some of them even still do these jobs. Any job that pays you for a legal activity is an honorable job, and it probably pays you more in a month than people in many parts of the world make in a year. Appreciate the opportunity to work, and do your best regardless of the position.

3. Be Appropriate
It does matter what people think of you—to a point. While individuality is admirable, respecting the rights and comfort level of your coworkers is still vitally important. At the workplace a certain amount of conformity and maturity in appearance and behavior is almost always expected. You’ll be expected to look, act and dress professionally and appropriately. Save the majority of your self-expression for your personal life. If you are adamant about looking and acting exactly how you want, consider self-employment.

4. Be Prompt
There is nothing fashionable, cute, sexy or impressive about being late. Respect others’ time—be on time for everything. Tardy is tawdry.

5. Be Willing
Enthusiasm matters a great deal. Employers notice people who are regularly willing to take on tough or boring (but necessary) assignments, who are willing stay late, come in early, skip lunch or do whatever is necessary to get the job done well and on time. If you can’t be enthusiastic about what you're doing, get another job.

6. Be Still
Work on your listening skills. There is a reason we all have two ears and only one mouth. Use them proportionately.

7. Be Down
Let your mistakes get you down. Then get back up. It is important to take the time to grieve over—not gloss over—a mistake. Review your actions and how you might do things differently next time. Make amends to anyone affected by your error, and express your intent to learn from it. Then move on and be stronger, wiser. You will learn some of your most important lessons from your mistakes, so seize the opportunity to be a student of your own failure.

8. Be Joyful
Find joy and meaning in what you do. Life is too short to have a job that makes you miserable. Abraham Lincoln once said that most people are about as happy as they make their minds up to be. If you can’t decide to be happy in your job, move on. Remember, happiness is contagious—put on a smile, loosen your tie, and make your work environment pleasurable and meaningful.

9. Be Nice
Take time to acknowledge and see the people you encounter in all types of jobs throughout your day. Be courteous and caring to everyone, regardless of their status or position. Call the store clerk or receptionist by name. Don’t know it? Read the name tag or name plate. Ask how her day is. And mean it. Say “please” and “thank you.” Make eye contact. Take the time to make the personal connection. You can usually expect to reap benefits from being nice to people you might have once ignored—you’ll get more meat on your sandwich in the lunch line if you are the one person who actually thanks the foodservice for their work. Take my word for it: you’ll feel better about yourself and look better in others’ eyes if you operate with this basic human kindness.

10. Be Ethical
Take the high road. The term “Business Ethics” doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. As a wise man (well, cricket), Jiminy Cricket once said, “Always let your conscience be your guide.” Listen to the cricket. If you are unsure of the ethical choice to make in a particular situation, consult somebody more experienced than you for guidance.

11. Be Better
You are a work in progress. Your status quo isn’t good enough. Who you are today doesn’t have to be who you’ve been or who you’ll be 10 or 20 years from now. Strive to improve yourself professionally and more importantly, personally. Everybody respects a person who always strives to improve him or her self.

12. Be Patient
It's essential to remember that patience is a virtue—especially as it relates to finding the ideal job, or awaiting promotions and pay increases. Like Rome, your career won't be built in a day! Most achievements in life take time, persistence, a game plan, a belief in oneself, and ultimately the right attitude. Everyone who has ever achieved stardom, a position of power, fame and (yes) fortune—from actor Jim Carrey to software billionaire Bill Gates—will tell you just this. Everyone has a story of struggles and moments of truth on his or her journey. Everyone starts somewhere. Although it may be difficult to understand now, you really will enjoy and appreciate what you have much more if you have to work for it and toward it.

BY SUE MOREM, AUTHOR OF
HOW TO GET A JOB AND KEEP IT, SECOND EDITION: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LANDING YOUR IDEAL JOB AND MAKING THE MOST OF IT
CHECKMARK BOOKS, APRIL, 2007

http://www.suemorem.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 9, 2007 at 3:58 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you love fashion and design, and are considering a career or further education in the field, you may want to take a closer look at fashion merchandising. Fashion merchandising combines various aspects of design, marketing, sales, and even accounting skills. If you like moving at a fast pace with a variety of duties, there are many opportunities in the field of fashion merchandising that a college or education program can prepare you for.

A fashion merchandising education involves marketing fashion lines to retail stores, or even working with the stores themselves to market products directly to consumers. Fashion merchandising is a broad field, and can encompass positions such as fashion buying, where you will select merchandise for a retail store, and event coordination, such as fashion shows. Another growing field is visual merchandising, which involves designing the way the actual clothes and products are displayed, such as window displays and floor layouts.

While the fashion industry as a whole is very competitive, there is a lot of growth and opportunity in the merchandising field, because of the wide variety of assignments available. Although clothes may be manufactured all over the world, many of the sales related aspects take place right at home. This is also the type of career that may involved a variety of different job descriptions over the years, so if you crave change and excitement, it could be a good fit.

The best way to get started in fashion merchandising involves related education. A quality fashion merchandising program will be comprehensive and involve a large variety of courses. In addition to design, you will learn other key concepts, such as marketing and advertising. You will also learn how the fashion business works, and how clothing is manufactured and delivered to retail outlets.

There are a number of choices available when choosing a fashion merchandising education. Many colleges offer fashion merchandising as an associate degree, and some that even offer it as a bachelor's program. There are also many schools that embed fashion merchandising within a more traditional marketing degree, which will give you a broader course of study in basic business.

Other options include attending a strictly fashion design school, which will offer merchandising as one of their programs. In addition, you can also study online, as many of these schools will also offer an online or distance education program, as well.

Choosing which type of school to attend will depend partially on your educational goals. Are you looking to make a quick transition into the field, and want a career-oriented education, or do to have a strong basic business and marketing foundation? Most schools will offer internships in fashion, so you can have an opportunity to get your feet wet in the industry. Whatever type of school you choose, you can be assured that you will be learning a great deal about fashion and the fashion industry, and will be preparing for a fast-paced, quickly evolving career in fashion merchandising.

About the Author:
Amy Wells writes about fashion education. Thinking of attending Fashion School? Get the facts first, find out where to go and how to save money on Fashion School.

Source: Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

Posted by Shawn Augustson, CollegeRecruiter.com on April 6, 2007 at 7:13 AM | Leave a Comment (1)