Networking is the art of building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. Frequently when I coach people who are in a job search and we discuss networking within the context of job search, many will say "Does that really work?" Like anything else, networking requires a bit of practice and finesse, but if done correctly, networking can be an invaluable part of your job search campaign. Here are a few tips to help you develop a network that works for you.

Be a teacher
Not everyone you meet will understand what networking is or how they can help you. Many think that the best way they can help a job seeker is to take their resume and pass it on to their human resource department. While their intentions are noble, their strategy is seriously flawed. HR managers, like recruiters, may only be motivated to take action on your resume if there is a current job opening within the organization that matches your skills. If a position is not available, they have no incentive to contact you and the connection is lost. Rather than giving your contacts a resume, thank them but tell them that what you would really like is an introduction to someone at that company so you can learn more about the company, share information about yourself, and begin to build a relationship.

Be a helper
Good networking is all about reciprocity. Always try to give more than you receive. Perhaps you have information about a particular company, industry, or educational program that would be valuable to someone in your network. Look for ways to help people in your network achieve their goals and they will be more likely to help you in return.

Be a conduit
Become a great connector for people and open up your network to them. Always think about who you might know that could help other people in your network in some way.

Be patient
People may want to help you, but you may not be the first item on their agenda. If someone agrees to meet with you, but can't do so immediately, accept the offer graciously.

Be authentic
Take a sincere interest in the lives of the people you meet. Don't milk people for information and then abandon the relationship. Nobody wants to feel like they are being taken advantage of. Find ways to reconnect with your network periodically to stay up to date and let them know that you care about what is going on in their lives.

Want to read about real life networking in action? Check out these great networking stories to hear how others have successfully networked to build relationship and manage their careers.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 31, 2007 at 4:07 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MILWAUKEE, WI -- Recently I interviewed several human resources professionals and the recent complaint can be summarized in one HR professional's comments: "I couldn't believe it," she said. "Her husband called and demanded to know why his wife wasn't hired. I was shocked."

Huh? Why didn't the woman call to follow up on the position herself? This happens time and time again. A wife makes an appointment for the husband, and so on. Hiring authorities respond very negatively to job seekers asking others to do their follow up work. One said, "How do I know the person can even do the job if they can't even set up their own interview?"

The consensus, among both HR professionals and recruiters, was that job seekers need to perform their own job search activities, such as scheduling appointments and following up on interviews. The alternative is viewed as a lack of interest or initiative in getting the job.

Article by Wendy Terwelp, Career Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 31, 2007 at 2:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Thank you letters are an excellent self-marketing tool and a critical component of your job search strategy. The time spent crafting a targeted thank you letter after an interview will be well spent and can contribute to a more credible and efficient search. Here's why.

A thank you letter creates an opportunity to reconnect with employers.

Chances are you are one of many candidates being interviewed for an open position. Writing a follow up letter allows you to build a relationship with the interviewer and develop rapport. By expressing your gratitude for the interview and recapping the highlights of the meeting, you revisit the reasons you believe there is an appropriate fit between you and the organization.

Following up keeps your candidacy “top of mind”.

Often candidates make the mistake of putting too much control in the interviewer’s hands. They believe that if they are the best candidate, the interviewer will remember them and keep them in the loop regarding the selection process. But this is often not the case. It’s critical that candidates remind prospective employers of their interest in a position and the thank you letter is the perfect vehicle for communicating this.

Written correspondence allows you to sell your strengths again.

While part of the reason for the thank you letter is to express gratitude for the meeting, the document serves a much more strategic purpose. It provides an opportunity for the candidate to repackage their skills and accomplishments into another format and market their value added to the employer.

The document enables you to address points you neglected to discuss during the interview.

Many candidates report that after they leave the interview they think of all the other things they could have said during the meeting. Rather than labeling this a liability, turn it into an asset by discussing these points in the thank you letter and remind the reader of your ability to produce similar results for their organization.

A letter helps develop rapport and increases employer’s comfort level with your candidacy.

A good strategy is to recap a part of the conversation where you and the interviewer shared similar views on a job-related topic. The thank you letter can also be a forum for demonstrating your consultative problem solving skills. By addressing current issues the employer is facing and proposing solutions, you are contributing to the company’s success even before you are on board.

Thank you letters continue to be an important component of a successful job search campaign. But the focus has shifted from a simple courtesy and show of appreciation to a targeted self-marketing tool. By creating letters that validate your candidacy, build rapport, and remind the reader of your value added, you can significantly influence potential employers and increase your chances for subsequent interviews.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 31, 2007 at 1:03 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to the Compensation Force Blog, 2008 salary increases are expected to average 4%. With that in mind, job seekers should consider strategies for negotiating their total compensation packages that go past the base salary. By negotiating a signing bonus or pro-rated bonus based on individual or company performance, job seekers may be able to barter for a more generous total rewards package. Stock options and company perks like cell phones and laptops when appropriate may also be requested to help "sweeten the pot". Companies will only budge so far when negotiating a performance increase. Try to negotiate more of the "extras" before you take the job to help compensate for some of the "average" salary increases you may be offered along the way.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 31, 2007 at 12:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MILWAUKEE, WI -- "I know networking is really important, but how do I get the conversation started?" said a client. In the words of Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, "You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years trying to get people interested in you."

Translation: Ask the new people you meet about themselves. When in a group or at a party, listen carefully to the conversation. See where you might be able to jump in. It may be something as simple as an exclamation, "You're kidding me!" that gets the ball rolling. If you're at a business event, get a business card from the new contact and jot down some notes from the conversation. It can be as simple as, "Big Elvis fan." That way, the next time you see the person or call the person, you can start the conversation with, "Hey, did you see the new 2-CD set that came out on Elvis? Has all the songs, plus a 32-page book. Cool." Then, once they've exhausted their excitement of the big event, you can jump into the "real" conversation, "So, what's going on at the office? Did they create that position we talked about at Bernadine's Christmas party?"

Article by Wendy Terwelp, Career Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 31, 2007 at 11:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Which U.S. cities and regions offer the most job opportunities and highest salaries for nurses? (And let’s not forget diversity and livability!)

When America's huge baby boomer population hits retirement age a few years from now, their health care requirements will skyrocket, creating an unprecedented need for highly skilled care providers, including nurses. What’s more, with an average age of 46.8 years (up from 42.3 in 1996), the nursing workforce is aging, too. Over the next 20 years, a whole generation of RNs will be retiring from the profession, putting an even tighter squeeze on an already urgent need for more nurses. In fact, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projects that demand for nurses will increase 41% between the years 2000 and 2020.

These numbers make it clear that minority nurses can have their pick of jobs anywhere in the country. But what cities and regions offer the most in terms of high salaries and opportunities for career advancement? And how do they stack up in terms of quality of life, affordable housing and cultural and ethnic diversity?

To find out, Minority Nurse surveyed medical centers and traveling nurse agencies to determine which parts of the country have exceptionally high demand for nurses. We researched the latest federal wage and salary data and cost of living indexes to find the places where nurses make the most money, and where they have the lowest living expenses. We also spoke with minority nurses to get their perspective on the career opportunities, livability and opportunities to provide care to a diverse patient population in the cities where they choose to work.

These are the results: the Top Ten Places for Minority Nurses to Live and Work, listed in alphabetical order.

Atlanta, GA.

Annual Mean Salary for RNs¹: $53,360
Cost of Living Index²: 97.7

Atlanta is known for its contributions to the civil rights movement, but this southern city also has an active health care industry. It is home to the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation. The 20-county metropolitan area has over 60 hospitals, including Grady Health System, known for its burn and advanced trauma units. Other acclaimed hospitals include Shepherd Center, which specializes in spinal cord injuries, and Saint Joseph’s Hospital, known for its cardiology care.

“I really enjoy working here,” says Fang Fang Jiang, MSN, RN, a staff nurse at Saint Joseph’s. “The weather is nice, there is a diversity of people here and Atlanta has affordable housing.” Jiang is originally from China, but she has been in the United States for four years, living in California and Ohio before moving to the Peach State. “Atlanta is a good place for a Chinese American,” she adds. “The [Asian population] is small, but you do see [Asian] people moving to the area.”

Demographics³:

Future Trends⁴: Demand for nurses in Georgia will increase an estimated 51% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Baltimore, MD

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $70,100
Cost of Living Index: 119.5

Located about an hour from the nation’s capital and home to renowned Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore offers exceptional educational and career opportunities for nurses. At over $70,000, the annual mean salary for RNs is considerably higher than the national average of $56,8801.

“I initially came here as a travel nurse,” says Valencia McCree, MSN, RN, MBA, manager of quality improvement and special projects at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. “I liked the area and decided it would be a good place for me to move forward with my academics, because I wanted to go back to college to get my master’s degree.” After graduating from Johns Hopkins University with a dual master’s, McCree chose to stay on and accept a management position in the city. “I decided to stay in Maryland because it is so concentrated with health care opportunities,” she explains. “That’s what makes the area so desirable for me.”

strong>Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Maryland will increase an estimated 36% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Honorable Mention: Washington, D.C. Suburbs

The annual mean salary for nurses in this nearby region is $63,810. It is somewhat lower than Baltimore’s average, but still much higher than the national average. However, the cost of living index for the area is 140.9, making it more expensive to live in than Baltimore. Nevertheless, it’s a place where there’s a big demand for nurses. “[This area] in the shadow of the White House is a wonderful place to work and live,” says Pamela M. Lawson, RN, medical center administrator for Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic region. “If you want to be involved in politics or get involved with your community, you have a lot of opportunities here.”

Boston, MA

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $70,460
Cost of Living Index: 136.4

For nurses who are looking for career opportunities in the busy northeast corridor of the country, Boston is the best bet. The city ranks its health care industry as one of its four primary areas for employment. The New England region also has the highest concentration of employed RNs in relation to the area’s population, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that doesn’t mean that demand for nurses isn’t high.

“This past year, we hired over 500 nurses, and it’s not because our other nurses left,” says Debra Burke, MSN, RN, MBA, associate chief nurse at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “We have an increasing demand, so we have been progressively adding new nursing positions.”

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Massachusetts will increase an estimated 29% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Charlotte, NC

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $54,740
Cost of Living Index: 90.3

With a citywide population of 650,000 and a low cost of living, Charlotte is an attractive choice for nurses who are seeking a medium-sized but growing southern city. Charlotte has been honored as one of the “Top Ten Cities for African Americans to Live, Work and Play” (Black Enterprise magazine), one of the “Best Cities for Women” (Ladies’ Home Journal) and the “Most Livable Community for the Visually Impaired” (American Foundation for the Blind).

RNs may also have an easier time locating here, since North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Compact states have arrangements with each other allowing RNs who live in and are licensed in one such state to practice in another without needing an additional license. Other compact states include Texas, Maryland and Arizona.

Demographics: 

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in North Carolina will increase an estimated 51% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Houston, TX

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $58,720
Cost of Living Index: 88.1

Houston is the only city on our list that manages to have a lower-than-average cost of living and higher-than-average nursing salaries. This lively urban area, the fourth largest city in the U.S., is home to Texas Medical Center, the largest medical facility in the world. The complex employs more than 65,000 health care professionals and treats more than five million patients each year. In total, Houston is home to 95 hospitals (including an above-average number of magnet hospitals) and 36 educational institutions that offer degrees specializing in the health sciences. The area also has a large and growing Hispanic population.

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Texas will increase an estimated 57% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Las Vegas, NV

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $59,470
Cost of Living Index: 107.6

Though Las Vegas is best known for its casinos and entertainment offerings, the city has a rapidly growing population that is creating strong demand for nurses. RNs who come to build careers here enjoy an annual mean salary that is higher than the national average. The area has 12 hospitals and many more regional clinics and centers.

Top hospitals include Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, which includes a 145-bed children’s hospital and a renal transplant center, and the University Medical Center (UMC), a nationally recognized, award-winning hospital affiliated with the University of Nevada School of Medicine. For nurses who are interested in continuing their professional education, the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers opportunities to pursue BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN and PhD degrees.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce reports that the city’s population now exceeds 1.8 million people, a 32% increase from the year 2000. Another plus is the city’s warm climate, with an average of 320 sunny days a year.

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Nevada will increase an estimated 59% from the year 2000 to the year 2020.

Oakland, CA

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $80,270
Cost of Living Index: 143.9

This culturally diverse West Coast city, located in the Bay Area of northern California near San Francisco, has the highest average salary for RNs of all the cities on our list (albeit with a high cost of living index). And it also has an equally strong demand for nurses.

“I’ve been in the Bay Area for 16-and-a-half years, with the same employer, in the same department,” says Eleanor M. Dixon, BSN, RN, a nurse manager in the outpatient surgery department of a Kaiser Permanente facility in Oakland. She recalls visiting the area in years past for vacations and family visits before deciding to settle there herself. “This facility is one of the most diverse in the Bay Area,” Dixon continues. “The people here are very supportive about helping you further your education and move up the career ladder. I did not even get my bachelor’s degree until after I came here to work. I have since worked my way up from staff nurse to manager.”

Dixon believes the city offers good prospects for new nursing graduates just entering the profession. “There are a lot of nurses who’ve been here for many years who’ll be retiring soon, including me (in 2007). There’s a lot of room for new people to come in.”

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in California will increase an estimated 58% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Phoenix and Mesa AZ

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $56,960
Cost of Living Index: 100.4

Nurses in these neighboring southwestern cities have the opportunity to care for a relatively high percentage of Spanish-speaking patients, so bilingual nurses are in high demand. “I have lived in Phoenix throughout my entire career, and I actually work in Mesa,” says Corina Chick, RN, a labor and delivery nurse at Mesa General Hospital. “[Our patient population is] about 80-90% Hispanic, and since I am Hispanic, it feels very rewarding. I find that my bilingual skills are very useful.” The Phoenix/Mesa area also has the largest American Indian population of all the cities on our list.

Nurses who work and live here enjoy an average of 325 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 85 degrees. In addition to Mesa General, other nursing employers in the area include Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Arizona, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, and the Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Arizona will increase an estimated 61% from the year 2000 to 2020.

Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL.

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $52,960
Cost of Living Index: 98.8

Tampa/St. Pete has a relatively low cost of living in a state known for high-priced real estate. There is no state income tax. The area is home to over 20 hospitals—including two teaching hospitals—and four trauma centers. Noted medical facilities include H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer’s Center and Research Institute, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Tampa also has a strong demand for travel nurses, according to Howard Goldman, spokesman for Cross Country Healthcare, a national health care staffing company based in Boca Raton, Florida.

Demographics:

Future Trends: Demand for nurses in Florida will increase an estimated 63% from the year 2000 to 2020.

West Palm Beach, FL

Annual Mean Salary for RNs: $57,930
Cost of Living Index: 118.9

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 16% of West Palm Beach’s population is over age 65, a figure that’s almost one-third higher than the national average. An aging population means an increased need for health care services and dedicated nurses. Other advantages for nurses working in this city include higher-than-average annual salaries, no state income tax and a mild climate.

There are also many opportunities to help improve the health of the community’s underserved and disadvantaged residents. The recently established Health Care District of Palm Beach County provides a source of funding for low-income residents to gain access to health insurance coverage, children’s health services, trauma care, skilled nursing home services and hospital care in the Glades region. (The Glades is a mostly rural area in western Palm Beach County that has very high poverty and unemployment rates.) West Palm Beach’s Chamber of Commerce also publishes a comprehensive health care guide.

Demographics:

Future Trends: The percentage of elderly citizens in West Palm Beach will continue to grow at a rate that outpaces the rest of the country.

Data Sources

^1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics for Registered Nurses, May 2005.
^2. American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index for Second Quarter 2006. An index of 100 is considered to be the national average.
^3. U.S. Census Bureau 2005 Estimates.
^4. HRSA Report: What is Behind HRSA’s Projected Supply, Demand, and Shortage of Registered Nurses?(Exhibit A-2. Baseline FTE RN Demand, by State and Year, 2000 to 2020.)

Article by Margarette Burnette and courtesy of MinorityNurse.com

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 28, 2007 at 2:01 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MILWAUKEE, WI -- Just because something's comfortable, doesn't mean it's the right thing to wear in an interview or while going to a networking meeting trying to land your next job. How you dress makes a statement about you and how you carry yourself.

Chad Randall, an executive recruiter with MRI - Sales Consultants, said, "It completely depends upon the position you are interviewing for. When in doubt, wear a suit. The rule of thumb I suggest is to dress one step up from what the hiring manager would wear." Randall also recommends asking the hiring manager about appropriate attire prior to the interview. "Oftentimes they are more comfortable with someone that 'fits in' with their culture," he said.

As for suit colors? "Brown is not a power color," said Carol Schneider, CEO of SEEK Careers. "Red should never be worn because it's an agitating color." All the hiring decision-makers interviewed recommended traditional suit colors: black, navy, or charcoal. "Remember to dress for the job you want - not the job you have," said Schneider. And keep in mind your audience.

Article by Wendy J. Terwelp, Career Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 28, 2007 at 12:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

DALLAS, TX -- You know the old saying about how a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step? The platitude neglects to mention that most of us will probably poop out by mile four, turn around and cruise back home for a nap. And so it is with New Year's resolutions. After a few weeks of joyless self-discipline, we revert to our familiar patterns.

Some would recommend we break our goals into more manageable chunks. Instead of chunks - let's go even smaller. Maybe some easy, early success with baby-step resolutions will inspire us to hang in there past February and tackle bigger goals down the road.

Start by reframing your goal. Instead of, "Find a job this week," try "Make three phone calls today," or "Schedule two networking lunches per week." Just as teenagers use Web sites such as "MySpace" and "Facebook" to enlarge their circle of pals, job seekers can use email and cyber networking to improve their prospects. What better way to touch base with all your contacts than to send a happy holidays/happy New Year email? Even a journey of a thousand miles suddenly sounds totally doable if you decide, for example, that the first step could be buying new shoes.

Article abridged from The Dallas Morning News, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 28, 2007 at 11:44 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I'm a bit of a political junkie, so I've been following the Presidential race for months now - even though the actual election is still almost a year away.

I'm from the UK and things are very different there - election cycles last for weeks, not years. So this two-year campaign seems a tad excessive to me, and it made me wonder if the length of the cycle is part of the reason why Americans have such a low opinion of politicians (don't flame me! I said 'part of the reason'!)

I mean, how well any of us would fare if our job interviews lasted for two years? What secrets, mistakes and prior failures would interviewers be able to learn about if you had to spend 24 months making your case for a new position? Imagine how it would feel to finally admit "Yes, I under-estimated the cost of that new computer system back in 1993" or 'You got me - I really thought I had time to finish that project before the deadline and I was wrong," only to have it written up into an article in the company newsletter and distributed around for everyone to read and opine on.

I have to think that by the time you finally got the job, everyone would be a little tired of you, and any mystique you started out with would pretty much be gone!

Cross-posted at Blue Sky Resumes Blog

By Louise Fletcher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 28, 2007 at 11:02 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

ORANGE COUNTY, CA -- Lolita Walker didn't need to clamor for a spot on the new season of "The Apprentice" to find a mentor in the business world. Out of college for nearly five years, she's already forged relationships with eight people willing to help her navigate her career. "Everyone should have a mentor in their company; everyone needs a soldier in the field - someone to brag about you when you're not there, someone who has your best interests at heart," she says.

The demand for mentor relationships is growing. In response, some companies have set up formal pairings. Others give groups of new hires a peer mentor to show them the ropes. Even on the executive level, companies don't want people's leadership aspirations to wither on the vine for lack of guidance.

"The topic is on the tip of the tongues of most managers and executives [because] retention is a critical issue, and one of the key elements of retention is mentoring," says Myrna Marofsky, coauthor of "Getting Started with Mentoring." "What used to be an informal process has now been formalized ... and linked to the company's business objectives."

Article abridged from CSMonitor.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 27, 2007 at 5:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

ATLANTA, GA -- Negotiating a salary is never easy. In fact, it's something that makes many people downright petrified. However, negotiating a fair salary and benefits package right off the bat is even more important than you might think. Some job candidates simply take the first package a company offers, thinking higher pay will come once they have proven themselves.

Beware of this tactic, says Ron Krannich, co-author of "Dynamite Salary Negotiations." One important area to consider in your compensation package is how you will be rewarded each year for your performance as well as how your salary will meet cost-of-living increases. Krannich points out that there is a difference between a raise to cover inflation and one for excellent performance.

For example, receiving a typical 3 percent raise each year will generally just cover inflation and allow the company to cover its bases. Krannich notes that if an employee deserves to be rewarded, that employee should receive a raise that goes above the inflation rate. "You want to make sure you are protected against inflation, but that's a base line," Krannich says. "A raise should be given for performance, not inflation."

Article abridged from CNN.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 27, 2007 at 2:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MENLO PARK, CA --While you might think your interview with a potential employer was a rousing success, the hiring manager may still be trying to decide between you and another equally qualified candidate. Here are subtle ways to tip the scales in your favor:

Take time to give thanks. Candidates who demonstrate professionalism and poise are highly regarded by hiring managers. Setting aside time to send a sincere thank-you note after the interview not only shows that you're courteous, but it also might help you beat out the competition. According to a Robert Half International survey, 88 percent of executives said that sending a thank-you note following an interview can boost a job seeker'schances of getting the job. That letter should briefly reaffirm your interest in the position and reiterate why you're a good fit for the role. Just make sure to send a personalized note, either handwritten or e-mailed, to each person you met with.

Get your references in order. The savviest candidates prepare their references for the eventual call from a hiring manager. Be sure to contact your references for permission to use their names. Also send them both your resume and a description of the job for which you're applying so they can be better prepared to discuss how you're uniquely qualified for that particular position.

Article abridged from WorkVine.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 27, 2007 at 10:16 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I was planning to send out a series of posts between now and the new year to get readers starting to think about the difference they want to make with their personal brand in 2008.

That was until I received Robert Middleton's weekly ezine with this link The Gift of Service - I think it says it all.

Make a difference in 2008. Wishing you a happy and outstanding year for your personal brand.

By Paul Copcutt and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 26, 2007 at 10:34 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Q. I am working as consultant for a company and have been asked to join as an employee. How does the fee I receive as a consultant relate to the salary I would get as an employee?

A. The answer depends on two things: the way you're currently charging the company; and the role you're being asked to take on as a full-time employee.

First, there is the matter of expenses. Consultants typically work off site and are on company premises principally for meetings. Such consultants may charge their customers fees that cover overhead in addition to the fees for the services being performed. Consultants' fees often include other out-of-pocket costs such as statutory and nonstatutory benefits they would derive if they worked for a company.

Some consultants work on the company premises using the company's equipment, support staff, etc. in much the same way as a temporary employee. These consultants typically have a different fee structure to acknowledge their lower overhead costs, although they still incur some expenses (such as benefits).

When you go into a full-time role, you are selling the skill sets and experiences you bring to the job - nothing more, nothing less. Incidental costs are no longer an issue because the company will absorb them.

The second issue relates to whether you are moving into a role comparable to the one you held as a consultant. Sometimes the role the company wants the consultant to take on is broader in focus, and sometimes narrower. Consequently, the expectations of the role, and its value, can differ dramatically.

As you negotiate with the company - and let's be clear: this is a negotiation - get them to clarify the role they expect you to fill. Ask for a job description. You may also want to ask the company whether there are other comparable roles in the company and whether these jobs would be considered peer jobs. Ask questions like, will you have supervisory responsibility? Having an understanding of other comparable jobs in the company tells you the scope and level of responsibility you'll be expected to have once you join.

Once you have determined how your new role will fit into the company, you are in a much better position to match the job in the Salary Wizard or drill down to the specific market in which the company operates and price your specific skills and experience using the Personal Salary Report. Armed with such research, you can then prepare for your negotiation.

Good luck.

Article by Erisa Ojimba, certified compensation consultant and courtesy of Salary.com®

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 24, 2007 at 1:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Decades of research supports the idea that students involved in campus activities (fraternities, residence halls, student government, community service) are more likely to graduate and are more likely to develop leadership skills that prepare them for “life after graduation”.

Research also asserts that student involved in co-curricular activities do better academically. Whether this is because they have readily-accessible mentors in their advisors and supervisors, are forced to improve their time management skills or their involvement is directly related to coursework, the results are positive.

Certainly, if you’re involved, you are probably having more fun than those who are not active!

1. Get connected in your career field. Join a student group focused on your career field or field of study. Most organizations are affiliated with a national association that produces a newsletter or publications, a listserv, and hosts a regional or national conference; all opportunities that offer insight into issues and a connection to practicing professionals.


2. Join a student organization. Become involved in a non-academic focused student organization that forces you to improve your interpersonal relationship and communication skills.


3. Participate in community service activities. Companies of all sizes build connections to customers by connecting to their communities. Participating in service activities or raising funds for charities can demonstrate your ability to build relationships and your interest in the community


4. Take on leadership roles in all that you do. Being an active and responsible member is not enough. Companies have a lot of employees who fulfill their basic responsibilities. They need individuals – like student organization officers – who are willing to take responsibility for the success of the organization and the development of others. With this in mind, do not attempt to take on so many leadership responsibilities that you are unable to show successes in your efforts.

A research study involving human resource professionals, CEOs, and senior recruiters for the Top 1000 companies in the US asserted that 60% of candidates’ success could be attributed to exposure and visibility, above the 30% for image/manners and 10% for talent.

Getting involved can help you gain the necessary skills to be successful after graduation, but getting involved to get connected can be even more beneficial.

To get ahead . . . get involved!

Connan Campbell works with the Washington State University Campus Involvement Program and is also the Head Coach/Founder of Coaching Champions. Please contact Connan with your thoughts and/or comments at champions@pullman.com

Article by Connan Campbell and courtesy of A Life After Graduation, LLC. Excerpt from College Transitions Times, April 2007 • A Life After Graduation, LLC Publication © 2007

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 24, 2007 at 12:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Attending a professional development meeting in the near future? Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of the event.

• Show up at events early so you can meet the speaker. It’s easier to build rapport before the presentation, when there are less people vying for the speaker’s attention. Follow-up with an email or card thanking the speaker for spending time with you prior to the presentation.
• Ask a question during the Q&A portion of the presentation. State your name and a brief one-liner about yourself before stating your question. This allows you to introduce yourself to everyone in the room and increase the likelihood that people will seek you out for a conversation later.
• Thank the organizers before you leave. This is a nice gesture and a good way to build rapport with people who are close to the organization’s membership. Perhaps you’ll uncover an opportunity for you to assist with a future event and gain greater access to membership contacts

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 24, 2007 at 9:41 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- It is critical to communicate the right messages that employers' want to hear - on the resume and in the interview. It all comes down to what you can do for the employer. If hiring you can help solve employer's problems or meet organizational needs, then you are in the running for the job. Hiring authorities must believe that you can benefit their bottom line or contribute to their goals and objectives.

Here are some examples: 1) I can be a contributing team member in increasing sales & profits 2) I can help collect outstanding money to improve cash flow 3) I can improve efficiency and productivity 4) I can improve customer relations and enhance customer retention 5) I can complete projects on time and on budget

If you are confident that you have identified the right messages, you will be confident in communicating them both on your resume and in the interview. You'll have pushed the right 'hot buttons,' and win the job.

Article by Jay Block, Best Selling Author / Executive Career Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 20, 2007 at 5:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

CARSON CITY, NV -- The typical job search can generate a daunting stack of paper and a backlog of communications from many channels at once. If you are actively looking for work, you may quickly find yourself buried in multiple versions of your resume and cover letter, clippings and printouts of job listings, business cards, e-mails, bookmarked web pages, phone messages, flyers for networking events, and much more. To keep all these essential job search components organized, here's what you will need:

1) Calendar: You'll need to keep track of appointments, when you sent out your resume or placed phone calls, and what date you should be following up with people. 2) Contact Manager: Maintain a list of everyone you speak with about your job search, along with their contact information, when you last spoke, and what you discussed. 3) Filing System: On your computer, set up a special folder to hold all your job search materials. Be sure to give all your documents distinct names. 4) Task List: You'll also need a way to track the lists of things you need to do with no date assigned, as well as daily or weekly activities.

Once you have set up a system to organize your job search, you'll need to remember to use it. Whatever organization system you choose, find a way to keep your job search activities constantly in front of you and check your to-do list often.

Article by C.J. Hayden, MCC, Master Certified Career Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 20, 2007 at 4:10 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As a follow up to yesterday's post, here are some additional recommendations for successful networking.

Give the other person a chance to speak. Ask questions.
When you network it is imperative that you do not do all the talking. If you have asked another person for advice, make sure they have the opportunity to offer it. Also, when you do all the talking, the other person might feel confused and unsure of what they are supposed to do with the information you have supplied. Here are some questions you can ask to keep your exchange balanced and establish rapport.

• How long have you been with this company/field?
• What do you like/dislike about your job?
• What type of training do you need for positions such as yours?
• What is the culture of this company and what are its guiding principles?

Ask for suggestions on how to expand your network.
One of the main goals of networking is to tap into the network of the people you are meeting with. Each person you meet knows 200 or more people. If you can gain introductions to some of them, you quickly increase your network and your chances of finding the right connection. Ask your contacts if they can recommend a professional organization or the names of some other people you should be talking to.

Create a vehicle for follow up.
If you want to establish rapport with another person, you need to create ways to keep the relationship going. Ask the person if you may keep them informed of your search progress. If you read an article that pertains to a discussion you had at a networking meeting, cut it out and send it to them with a brief note. Try to find at least two to three opportunities per year to reconnect with members of your network.

Find ways to reciprocate.
Building a network is about creating a genuine, caring relationship. Thank your contact for the information they have supplied and see if you can help them in some way. Maybe your contact is interested in living in an area that you are familiar with or has a child interested in attending the same school you just graduated from. Share your knowledge of the school and your experience there as a way to help the other person. Keep notes on what you learn about your contacts so that future correspondence can have a personalized touch like “How was Jane’s first year of school?”

Send a thank you letter.
Always thank your contacts in person and follow up with a letter. If your handwriting is legible, the personalized touch is always appreciated

Networking is an ongoing process. It requires persistence, attention, organization, and good will. Incorporate the art of networking into your job search campaign now and you will gain opportunities and build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 20, 2007 at 11:03 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

You have been interviewed, background-checked, researched, discussed, and—finally—hired. Congratulations! Now the real scrutiny begins, because now your new co-workers will have their chance to size you up. As the new person in the office, you will fill several functions in addition to the official duties of your new job: stranger, rookie, newbie, and, sometimes, source of entertainment. Anxious yet?

Take a deep breath, wipe your palms, and repeat after me: “I have one chance to win these people over with a stunning first impression.” Still nervous? The key is to remember that you CAN create a terrific first impression and win your new co-workers over.

Here’s a checklist to help you get started:

1. LOOK GREAT. Clothes should be clean, neat, and fit well. Pay attention to your accessories, too—your shoes, belt, purse and jewelry should be tasteful and look well cared for. Tip: take special notice of how others dress in your office during your interview.
2. SHOW INTEREST. Be open to and interested in all the people you meet at your new job. Really listen to them, whether they’re instructing you on the fine art of not jamming the copy machine or telling you about their bowling league. Ask questions, make eye contact, try to remember specific details. People appreciate and respond to those who are sincere, engaging, and curious. Conversely, the quickest way to turn others off is to appear self-centered and aloof.
3. PROJECT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Make sure that your net contribution to the office atmosphere is positive. Positive, energetic, professional, eager to work—all of these are traits of successful people. You might not always feel full of pep, but it’s important to act like you’re happy at your job and ready for business. In fact, you’ll often find that acting energetic will improve your mood and actually give you the energy you need. Take stock of your small talk, too: how many of your comments and questions are “downers” and how many are “uppers”?
4. RESPECT YOUR CO-WORKERS’ TIME AND EXPERTISE. You will probably need a lot of help figuring out office procedures and protocols. Asking for guidance from co-workers is one way to get to know them. Quick requests for recommendations—the best deli, the nearest dry cleaners, a good gym—can be great conversation starters. If you need something that will take more than a few minutes of a co-worker’s time, however, ask if you can set up an appointment with him. That way he will know that you value his expertise and his time.
5. ACCEPT INVITATIONS. In these early days on the job, you want to accept as many invitations as possible. It might be tempting to do a solo lunch so you can pore over your employee’s manual, but the most important thing to do at this stage is to connect with the people you work with. One cautionary note, however: if the conversation during these outings with colleagues heads towards gossip, be aware of your position as the new kid on the block and maintain neutrality. The trick is to be sociable without getting sucked into a clique.

Winning over co-workers isn’t about faking them out, but about putting your best self forward. Remember, the average time it takes someone to size up another person is just over three seconds, and often that first impression is the one that lasts. It’s important, then, to consider how people are likely to see you when they first meet you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Do you have a positive or negative attitude? Are you neat or disorganized? Take stock of your outward appearance and body language and make sure you are projecting the image you want to project. By following these steps you’ll be relating to your new co-workers as an insider in no time.

Article by Terry Arndt, President of Life After Graduation, LLC and courtesy Life After Graduation, LLC. To learn additional information about Winning Over Your New Co-Workers and other valuable career transition issues, read Backpack To Briefcase: Steps to a Successful Career. Available at www.LifeAfterGraduation.com.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 20, 2007 at 10:06 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Many job seekers find themselves overwhelmed with the prospect of successfully seeking a new position of employment on their own. As a consequence, many people diligently seek the assistance of executive head hunters and the attention of executive recruiters to aid them in their ongoing search for top notch positions of employment.

When it comes to successfully obtaining the services of a head hunter or executive head hunter and in order to attract the appropriate attention of a well connected executive recruiter, there are five tips or suggestions that a person hot on the trail for solid employment should take into consideration.

In the final analysis, in order to obtain the assistance of a reliable executive head hunter and to snare the attention of a well connected executive recruiter, it is important that you a solid foundation well in advance of making actual contact with such employment specialists.

A well informed person seeking sound employment opportunities needs to be armed with information about positions of employment in which he or she is interested as well as about those executive head hunters and executive recruiters that can assist in connecting him or her with a perfect position of employment.

As a consequence, before you even consider making contact with an executive head hunter or executive recruiter, you must take the time to thoroughly educate yourself on the types of employment position that you seek. In addition, you need to educate yourself on the job market. Finally, you need to make certain that you familiarize yourself with the specific executive head hunter or executive recruiter that you wish to seek assistance from in a search for a new position.

Unfortunately, in the 21st century there are a growing number of conmen and scam artists who have injected themselves in the business of executive head hunting and recruitment. Therefore, as you begin your search for a bona fide and qualified executive head hunter or executive recruiter, it is vital that you learn about men and women in this field that you may be interested in retaining or approaching for assistance in your job search.

Before you approach an executive head hunter or executive recruiter, find out all that you can about their operations, history and experience from as many independent resources that you can access. As part of this investigation, make it a point to find other men or women who have used the services of one or another of the executive head hunters or executive recruiters that you are considering making contact with as part of your quest for employment.

Without a doubt, it absolutely is vital for you to have prepared a solid and well drafted resume before you make contact with executive head hunters of executive recruiters. In the final analysis, your well prepared resume is your calling card in your search for new employment. Indeed, your first and most lasting impression will be made via your resume.

Before knocking on the doors of offices of executive head hunters or executive recruiters, make certain that you have developed a list of professional references. Quite like you will want to know the details of the experiences of executive head hunters or executive recruiters you are considering connecting with, these professionals will want to know a good deal about you as well. They will want to be able to contact your references, men and women who can support your professional aspirations with information and materials about your prior accomplishments.

Finally, when you have all of the other pointers mentioned previously in place, schedule a one on one meeting with the handful of executive head hunters or executive recruiters that you have listed as being appropriate and suitable for your needs and goals. Of course, schedule the meeting around their convenience and at their leisure.

If you are interested in obtaining further information about executive head hunters and executive recruiters with sterling reputations and excellent track records, take the time to visit one of the most comprehensive recruiters websites on the Net: www.onlinerecruitersdirectory.com

Article courtesy of The Online Recruiters Directory. The Online Recruiters Directory is the directory of recruiting services, staffing and recruiting firms, headhunters, and recruiting agencies. The Online Recruiters Directory makes it easy for you to find a recruiting agency. The recruiter directory gives you a starting point in landing an executive search firm to handle your job assignments. There is no better way to find the recruiting firm to help you. You can search for a recruiter by: specialty, location, type of firm, type of jobs handled, geography covered and get their profile and contact information.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 19, 2007 at 4:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Many people think that networking during a job search means calling everyone you know and asking them for a job. They associate networking with being pushy, overbearing, and an overall pest. People often shy away from networking because they don’t want to be labeled as this type of person. But research shows that 70-80% of all jobs are filled through networking. How can this be so, if networkers are such an annoying, self-serving lot?

Successful networkers are not egocentric, aggressive jerks. They show a sincere interest in their networking contacts. They work hard to develop a relationship, establish their credibility, and share information. They follow the rules of the game where everyone has something to gain. Like the lottery, you have to be in it to win it. Here are a few rules for successful networking.

Don’t ask for a job…Ask for information.
Networking is not about asking everyone you know for a job. As a matter of fact, when you network you should never ask someone for a job…You ask them for information that will help you in your search. Your goal is to build a relationship and establish rapport so that if a potential opportunity becomes available in the future, they will want to refer you. Compare these two scenarios:

Scenario One
“Joe, I’ve been out of work for six months and I’m really strapped for cash. Do you know of any open positions in your department?”

You’ve put Joe in a very difficult position. Sure, he can sympathize with your situation, but he may not be able to offer you a job. Perhaps he’s not in a position to refer you, or there’s a hiring freeze, or there aren’t any openings right now. Whatever answer Joe gives you, it’s bound to be disappointing. So to redeem himself, Joe says, “I don’t know of any open positions, but why don’t you give me your resume and I’ll send it to the HR department where I work.” Bad move. Unless your skills match a specific opening in the company at that point in time, it’s bound to never be looked at. Joe will feel that he’s done what he can for you, but you will be no better off.

Scenario Two
”Joe, as you know, I most recently worked for a medical device company in their marketing group. I know that you’ve been in pharmaceutical sales for the past 15 years and I’m very interested in learning more about marketing roles within your industry” I don’t expect you to know of any open positions in your organization, but I’d like the opportunity to speak with you briefly to learn more about your organization and the pharmaceutical industry in general.”

Joe may think, OK, here’s a friend that wants some information and sees me as some sort of expert on the topic. That’s kind of flattering. I guess I could spend a few minutes with him. Does Joe know you’re looking for a job? Probably. But you are not asking him for a job; you’re just asking him for advice and insight. The stakes are low and the expectations are reasonable, so he is more likely to help you.

Don’t take up too much of the other person’s time.
Have an agenda and keep the meeting on track. Nothing scares people more than the prospect of someone eating up a lot of their time. Many people don’t want to cram yet another meeting into their already jam packed day. Contrast these two situations:

Scenario One
You meet with Mary after a mutual friend has agreed to help you set up a brief 20-minute meeting. You neglect to prepare for the meeting, ramble, get off topic and spend an hour and a half with her. Mary feels that you have abused the use of her time and you haven’t gotten to the critical questions you’d hoped to ask during the meeting. Mary feels burned and vows never to network again.

Scenario Two
You walk into the meeting with a prepared mental agenda that includes:

• A reminder of who referred you and perhaps some brief chit-chat about that mutual acquaintance.


• A statement up front that you have no reason to believe Mary can offer you a position and a reiteration of why Mary’s information is of interest to you.


• An explanation of your agenda. “Today I’d like to tell you a bit about myself and get your perspective on the future of the high-tech industry.” Remember to discuss your skills and accomplishments and show how you can add value to an organization.

By planning out your meeting ahead of time, you establish your professionalism, gain credibility, and cover all the critical agenda items.

Check back tomorrow for more networking strategies.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 19, 2007 at 12:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

POMPTON LAKES, NJ -- So, what do you do to prepare to shine in an interview? Being prepared for the interview means:

1) Bring extra copies of an up-to-date resume with you; be able to speak about your experience without continually looking at your paper. 2) Know what the company is all about, know current events at the company; prepare a few relevant questions about the company as it relates to the position you are applying for. 3) Prepare examples of your accomplishments and be able to speak about them clearly and easily. This requires both preparation and practice.

It's also important to be able to demonstrate your 'soft skills' during the interview. The job description usually contains a section that talks about skills which include communication, good listening skills, team work, etc. These skills are getting at the question "If I hire you, can you get along with others here at the company?" Be ready and willing to demonstrate that you have these skills and then relate to the recruiter examples of past experience that show you have achieved success using these skills on the job.

Article by Linda Trignano, Business & Career Coach (www.hrperformancesolutions.com), and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 18, 2007 at 9:53 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- To make a successful job transition, you must first understand the strategies necessary to make such a transition. So let's cover the four bases for making a successful job transition. As you leave the batter's box and head for first base, you have to want to run the bases. So the starting point is to have a passion for what you do. Without enthusiasm, the process will be significantly compromised.

First base is the base for developing exceptional tools. You must create an exceptional resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of references to attract exceptional jobs. Second base is the tactical base where you will develop a comprehensive and measurable marketing strategy to leverage your tools. Strategy means developing a written plan that includes the number of hours a week you will work on job transition, how best to use your network of contacts, and the number of resumes you will distribute weekly.

Third base is where you aggressively market yourself. Third base is simply 'taking action' and promoting yourself - taking advantage of the tools and strategies you created. And if you slide into home plate and are ‘out at the plate' (you fail to get the job), simply get up, dust yourself off and run the bases again and again. Yes, you may want to tweak the tools and strategy, but you must maintain a positive attitude and keep running the bases until you succeed.

Article by Jay Block, Best Selling Author / Keynote Speaker, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 17, 2007 at 6:06 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

POMPTON LAKES, NJ -- Some of the basics in any job search plan include 1) A focused, clear resume 2) Demonstrated examples of the skills and experience needed to do the job 3) Finding and applying for open jobs 4) Networking skills 5) Interviewing skills 6) Negotiating skills.

In addition, I find that most job seekers fall short in two very critical areas during their job search: Failing to preparing fully for the interview and not ensuring that their 'soft' skills (which include communication, good listening skills, team work, etc.) are polished and then failing to highlight them during the interview

Going into the interview prepared, as well as being ready to provide examples of past performance around these desired soft skills often is enough to move you up on the 'short list' of desirable candidates. Many interviewers don't ask questions directly regarding these softer skills and all too often, candidates simply do not highlight this area during their interview.

Article by Linda Trignano, Business & Career Coach (www.hrperformancesolutions.com), and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 17, 2007 at 5:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The holidays are typically a time for reconnecting with family, friends, and business / professional acquaintances, many you may not have seen in quite awhile. How about making those holiday get-togethers yield an even greater return-on-investment than just goodwill? Why not make them opportunities, as Tom Peters suggests, to Purposefully Practice Listening (And Hearing).

Why is that important? From a job search perspective, you never know who your family, friends, and acquaintances may have in their "network", perhaps on LinkedIn or Facebook or simply in their social and business circle. It may be that the very companies and hiring authorities you are targeting for your job search are accessible through your family-friends-acquaintances network. If this seems unlikely, think about this...how many new people have YOU gotten to know in the past year? Couldn't this explosion of connections also be a possibility for your circle of friends?

While you are purposefully practicing listening, you are building a bridge that motivates others to want to reciprocate...by asking about you. Then you can bring up your job search and ask about potential contacts in targeted companies without feeling like it's an imposition.

You may agree with this strategy, but feel uncomfortable putting it into practice...after all, these are your friends and family. Just think of it this way - YOU may have some valuable piece of information or networking connection that would be priceless for the other person as well. Ask what you can do for the other person first, perhaps to help them achieve their goals for 2008, before you ask for yourself.

For more tactical suggestions regarding any networking event (holiday or not), check out Mark Hunter's article 22 Tips to Use at a Networking Event. His tip #8 reiterates the purposefully-practicing-listening advice. The remaining 21 tips are a roadmap for what to do from arriving at an event to the follow-up afterwards. Good stuff...

By Susan Guarneri and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 17, 2007 at 3:20 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Pastel Journal points to a New York Times article linking hobbies to improved job performance.

According to the article, doing something you love stimulates creativity and refreshes a tired mind. But there are also other benefits:

Hobbies also enhance self-esteem and self-confidence. Feeling that you are solely defined by your job — even if it is going well — can raise your chances of experiencing anxiety, depression and burnout, because you don’t have a perception of yourself outside of work, said Michelle P. Maidenberg, a psychotherapist and business coach in New York, and clinical director of Westchester Group Works, a center for group therapy.

“When people rely only on their role at work to foster self-esteem, that alone cannot typically fulfill their needs,” she said. If you are unhappy with your work performance, you are more inclined to define yourself as inadequate, but if your identity is varied — businesswoman, mother, wife, painter, cook — you can reflect on your success in those other things, she said.

As our work days become increasingly stressful and demanding, and technology ensures that our bosses can reach us at all hours of the day and night, I think hobbies - particularly those that are creative in some way - are more important than ever.

Read the whole article here.

By Louise Fletcher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 17, 2007 at 1:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

LOS ANGELES, CA -- These are competitive times and you should steel yourself to expect some rejection. Think about it this way, "Did you get a marriage proposal after every date?" Well, you probably aren't going to get a job offer after every interview.

For every job you apply for there are more than likely three to four equally qualified candidates in line for the same job. Whether you stand out from "the crowd" will depend on your preparation and ability to show confidence in yourself -- believing that you are the "best candidate for this job." How can you possibly sell anyone anything if you don't believe in it yourself?

Preparation will make you feel more confident and less anxious. Can you imagine giving a performance without some practice and preparation? "Winging" the interview in today's market is a big mistake.

Article by Carole Martin, InterviewFitnessTraining.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 14, 2007 at 3:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

PRINCETON, NJ -- If you're unhappy at work, the new year is a good time to examine your options. One way to make your career more meaningful is to determine if your current job could be more enjoyable. Offering to take on new responsibilities, finding a mentor or learning something new may improve the situation.

If there are too many obstacles to achieve happiness in your present situation, you may decide you're ready to jump ship. "Your situation probably won't improve on its own," says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerJournal.com. "It's all about making choices and taking action to find a job you'll be happier in. With the employment market on an upswing, now is a good time to consider making a career change."

CareerJournal.com advises career changers to do their homework to determine the skills they need to qualify for a new job or enter a new industry. Network with business contacts, attend professional meetings and conduct other industry-specific research. On your resume and in interviews, highlight your skills, as well as your interpersonal, management, technological and communication abilities. If you lack required credentials, seek the training you need to bridge the gap.

Article abridged from CareerJournal.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 14, 2007 at 10:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I just found out from Jason Davis at RecruitingBlogs.com that this blog was nominated as one of the best job hunting blogs. Voting begins today. If you like the work that we do, please vote for the CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Career Counselors Blog.

Posted by Steven Rothberg, CollegeRecruiter.com on December 14, 2007 at 8:02 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

NEW YORK, NY -- If you can carve out an extra five minutes, these quick tips can help you make the most of your spare time. Take five minutes to add a few key words to your resume. Remember, computers scan your resume before they are ever viewed by a human eye! Check your profile on MySpace and Facebook. Is there anything on your profile that might make a recruiter question your professionalism?

Network. Tell everyone you meet that you are looking for a job. Take five minutes to phone a recruiter that you met at a job fair earlier this year. Update your online resume. By updating your resume, you'll show recruiters that your resume is current. If you're going home for the holidays, contact your folks and friends ahead of time to let them know you're interested in networking. Check out company websites. Scan over the "About Us" section to quickly learn basic information. If you've applied for any jobs, take five minutes to send a brief follow-up email message.

Best of luck to you in your job search pursuits. This is a hectic time of year, so stay positive and don't be too hard on yourself as you are looking for a new job. Remember, actions speak louder than words, so the tiniest extra effort on your part will speak volumes. Good luck, and go get 'em!

Article abridged from BellaOnline.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 13, 2007 at 3:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

San Antonio boasts a booming economy with projections for continued job growth through the decade and beyond. This south Texas city is home to wide economic diversity and a strong Hispanic speaking population. San Antonio’s cost of living is low which makes housing affordable and accessible, and especially attractive for young people.

Job growth is anticipated in services, trade, government, finance, insurance, and construction over the next several years. There are a wide range of San Antonio jobs from carpenters and maintenance, to financial planners and computer programmers.

With the high presence of Hispanic individuals living in the area, there is a particularly high demand for bilingual employees in all sectors. Hispanics comprise almost 60% of the population of San Antonio. Its close proximity to neighboring Mexico make this a particularly attractive area for immigrants and Spanish speaking men and women.

Considering the following statistics, there is clearly a strong need for highly qualified, skilled, and trained employees who are able to bridge the ethnic diversity in the San Antonio area. The number of workers employed in some of the major industries and business sectors include (based on estimates):

o Over 23,000 in information services
o More than 60,000 in financial activities and banking
o Nearly 100,000 in educational and health services
o Over 85,000 in professional and business services
o 135,000+ in government

The business sectors above, including government, offer outstanding opportunities for business professionals to find jobs in San Antonio. In addition to these industries, San Antonio remains the headquarters for the largest military establishment in the country where the base employs over 70,000 military and civilian personnel. Military presence has a significant economic impact on the community contributing almost $5 billion to the economy.

Tourism has a major impact on the economic growth of the San Antonio area. In 2003, a survey conducted by the Tourism Division of Texas determined that 5 of the top 10 tourist attractions in the state of Texas were in San Antonio. They included the Alamo as the number one attraction and River Walk as the number two spot.

Over 8 million people visit this city steeped in history each year and the financial contribution of the tourism industry is around $4 billion. Not only is this a great location for tourists, but the continual recruiting and training of employees to support the tourism industry provides a broad array of job options for job seekers in many areas of the industry. And, bilingual individuals are highly sought in the tourism area.

San Antonio’s near-Gulf Coast location, diverse population, and phenomenal job growth over the past decade makes it a lucrative market for job searchers. It has become a major city which has deservedly earned top ranking and notoriety among large Texas and U.S. cities.

In the city that is often described as “the place where the sunshine spends the winter,” San Antonio is not only a good place to work, but the climate and geographic location makes it a great place to live and play.

Posted by Joel Cheesman on December 13, 2007 at 2:53 PM

Here is the last installment in my three part series on job search research tools.

The Corporate Finance Sourcebook features over 1,900 of today's top investment sources and over 1,400 service firms.

Securities Industry Yearbook includes information on individual securities firms, such as key personnel and department heads, number of customer accounts, registered representatives, offices, and capital.

Standard & Poor's Security Dealers of North America is a comprehensive guide to brokerage and investment banking firms in the U.S. and Canada. The Directory contains all the facts you need for conveniently locating firms and facilitating transactions. This bi-annual publication includes thoroughly researched listings on over 5,000 main offices and 10,000 branches along with information on key executives and department managers and their addresses, phone/fax numbers and internet and email addresses.

ABA Financial Institutions Directory lists head office and branch listings for all banks, savings institutions, and top credit unions along with names of officers in key departments including finance, loans, operations, and marketing.

Gold Book of Venture Capital Firms is a comprehensive directory of venture capital firms arranged by geographic location with indexes by industry, stage of funding, key principals, and a listing of firms in alphabetical order. Each listing contains key statistics such as a sampling of portfolio companies, amount of capital invested, preferred investment size and industries served.

Careers in Public Accounting: A Comprehensive Comparison of the Top Tier Firms compares "top tier" firms, including profiles and various articles covering current events and trends that might impact the industry and employment within the industry.

Take the time to incorporate some good old fashioned research into your search strategy. You will gain more immediate access to the hidden job market, increase your number of quality leads, and possibly decrease the amount of time you spend in search.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 13, 2007 at 12:03 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

NEW YORK, NY -- Building relationships with recruiters may expose you to career opportunities that you might not learn about otherwise. Most employers don't advertise the positions they hire recruiters to help fill, which are typically a firm's most senior and highest-paying. And search executives usually promote their services to employers, not job hunters.

Identifying and connecting with recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise can be very worthwhile -- though candidates should remember that recruiters are paid by the employer, and will put that employer's interests first. Such niche recruiters aren't always easy to find, so job seekers might need to use creative tactics.

Here are some ways of identifying recruiters who specialize in your area of expertise: 1) Scan recruiter directories online or at the local library. 2) Search for recruiters on networking sites such as LinkedIn. 3) Search online messaging & discussion boards. 4) Read business press for recruiter quotes. 5) Check trade or industry groups for referrals. 5) Call top employers in your industry and ask Human-Resources for a recruiter referral.

Article abridged from CareerJournal.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 13, 2007 at 10:01 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

A recent article in SHRM's HR Magazine (subscription required) suggests that some of today's job seekers have studied interview books so thoroughly that it is hard for the hiring manager to uncover authentic answers to their questions. Candidates are answering questions with what they believe is the "correct" answer as deemed by a book on interview strategy rather than speaking about their specific experiences.

Nothing kills a candidate's chances for a job faster than a perceived lack of authenticity. When I prepare candidates for interviews, I recommend forgetting about the interview books and concentrating on success stories. Write out your stories using the PAR system. Look at Problems faced on the job, the Actions you took to fix the problems, and the quantifiable Results of your actions. Look for trends within your stories and group your experiences into categories based on the story themes. Create groupings of stories that effectively demonstrate your competencies as a leader, decision maker, creative problem solver, collaborative business partner, or anything else that is an integral part of your professional brand.

By using this strategy, you eliminate the need to use stale responses to the hiring manager's questions. Regardless of the question asked, you will have an authentic story that demonstrates your competency within a given area. Good interviewing is all about building a relationship with a hiring authority. Offer responses that showcase your success and prove your value add. You will generate immediate credibility with the hiring authority and score big points in the interview game.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 5:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

LOS ANGELES, CA -- It's true that career-change rookies are at a disadvantage when it comes to convincing a hiring manager that they deserve to make the cut when they've never had a job like the one they want. That doesn't mean they can't find a few creative ways to get around this pothole. When writing their resume, career changers should include relevant information about their background that would appeal to the employer. Piotrowski recommends focusing on functions, rather than previous job titles.

Once an interview has been landed, career changers should take steps to ensure they have plenty of strengths to talk about, despite their lack of experience. "Brainstorm examples of how your background ties to the new position you want. Next, make sure you've got a few powerful stories to share that include What, How and Proof components to demonstrate your achievements and skills.

Finally, create a portfolio to bring along on interviews," advises Piotrowski. This can include letters of appreciation from customers, pictures or samples of work, training certificates, performance reviews, and anything else that portrays you as a powerhouse professional ready to take on a new and exciting challenge.

Article abridged from California Job Journal, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 4:57 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As a follow up to yesterday's post, here are some more great research tools.

The Directory of Top Computer Executives concentrates on organizations that have the highest potential to be supporting large IT functions. For an organization to be listed it must have a full-time VP, Director, or Manager of IT; have a multi-user host computer; or have more than 75 deployed PCs in the U.S. or 25 in Canada. The Directory lists the top-ranking individual over the IT function, such as the CIO or VP, Director, or Manager of information technology. In addition, second-level managers (which directly report to the top executive) include the manager of software development, manager of operations, manager of networking/data communications, manager of microcomputers, and the manager of technical support.

Consulting & Consulting Organizations Directory contains more than 25,000 consulting firms and independent consultants that operate throughout the United States and Canada. More than 400 specialties are represented including finance, computers, fundraising, advertising, and more. It covers top consulting firms and individuals in several general areas of consulting activity including business and finance management, marketing and sales, manufacturing, transportation, operations, computer technology, telecommunications and information services, engineering, science and technology, architecture, construction and interior design art, graphics and communications media, environment, geology, and land use agriculture, forestry, and landscaping, politics and social issues human resources development, education and personal development, health, medicine, and safety.

Thomas Register of American Manufacturers allows you to look up a brand name and find out the name of the company that makes the product.

Standard Directory of International Advertisers and Agencies lists 1,800 advertising agencies, advertising expenditures, personnel, and clients.

The Corporate Finance Sourcebook features over 1,900 of today's top investment sources and over 1,400 service firms.

Nelson Information's Directory of Investment Managers profiles investment managers and investment specialties and includes addresses and web URLs.

Check back tomorrow for Part 3.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 4:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

HERNDON, VA -- Self-confidence can make or break a job or career search. It allows you to have a positive yet realistic view of yourself. With it, you trust your own abilities and have a general sense of control in your life. Without it, you're frustrated and stuck - until you learn that having and keeping it - is really within your own control.

Many job seekers who lack confidence depend excessively on the 'approval' of others in order to feel good about themselves. They tend to avoid taking risks because they fear failure, and generally do not expect to be successful. By contrast, self-confident job seekers are willing to risk the disapproval of others because they generally trust their own abilities. They tend to accept themselves; they don't feel they have to conform in order to be accepted.

Develop personal standards and values that are meaningful to you and do not be dependent on the 'approval' of others. Similarly, if you wallow in "the past has done me wrong", consider that you can become aware of those influences and make a choice to move beyond them.

Article abridged from Management-issues.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 3:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Paul DeBettignies, managing partner, Nerd Search, LLC and an IT search firm recruiter for eight years, says finding a job is a contact sport. The more people you are in contact with the better the odds of a short job search. Making contacts is part of a plan that unemployed workers need to develop. Another part of the plan involves following a daily routine.

"When you had a job, you had a routine," says DeBettignies. "You woke at a certain time, left for work at a certain time. Keep a routine that has you doing your job search and getting out of the house." Details are important. Track every resume submittal, phone call, contact made. Know who you have sent a resume to and when so you can follow up. Keep this information by the phone. If a call comes in, you want to know what resume was sent to this company and for what position.

Look outside your contacts and try new methods as well, such as Joining social/professional networking sites, using the newspaper, searching the internet, joining a job club, contacting nonprofit agencies and attending business or networking event. Don't forget the people in your world such as accountants, real estate agents, health club members or hairdressers. These people interface with many others on a daily basis. They're likely to have a wide network of their own - be sure to tap them as you reach out.

Article abridged from Star Tribune, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 2:48 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Today I spent the better part of the day preparing for another credential I hope to earn. As I was frantically working away, something my client said the other day kept interrupting my concentration…

Quickly, I fell back on my good old counseling lines: tell me more about that; say more about that.

Turns out, I am one of several career professionals my client has spoken with. While I am not sure what anyone else offered up, here's my response to her comment:

1. Pay attention to self and how you’re doing; nobody knows you better than you
2. Listen to your own voice
3. Trust your instincts / intuition
4. Consult brain and go with gut
5. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it
6. When in doubt, don’t
7. Use your own filtering system
8. Ask yourself, does the information I’m being told make sense, or is it nonsense?
9. If 3, 4, or 5 people all say the same thing, then it might warrant your consideration
10. In the end, rely on your own good judgment

Do you have all the answers?

By billiesucher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 12, 2007 at 12:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I love doing research on the Internet and I frequently direct my clients to job relevant resources on the web. But for certain research, you just can’t beat the public library. Some of the best research tools online are fee based, but you can gain access to these same resources in book form at your local library. Whether you need to search for recruiters, networking leads, or decision makers, the library can provide priceless (and free) access to numerous search-relevant materials. Below are a few of my favorites:

The Corporate Directory of U.S. Public Companies contains essential financial and business data for over 11,000 U.S. public companies. The directory is the only publication to provide salaries and ages of officers and directors as well as their full names and titles.

The Encyclopedia of Associations is a comprehensive source of detailed information on 22,000 American associations of national scope. They also publish an International Organization listing of 22,300 associations and a regional, state, and local organization listing with 115,000 entries. Included in the reference book are addresses and descriptions of professional societies, trade associations, labor unions, cultural, and religious organizations.

Kennedy Guide to Executive Recruiters published annually, this national guide includes recruiter names, addresses, phone and fax numbers, and web and email addresses. An international version of the book is also available.

The Directory of Top Computer Executives concentrates on organizations that have the highest potential to be supporting large IT functions. For an organization to be listed it must have a full-time VP, Director, or Manager of IT; have a multi-user host computer; or have more than 75 deployed PCs in the U.S. or 25 in Canada. The Directory lists the top-ranking individual over the IT function, such as the CIO or VP, Director, or Manager of information technology. In addition, second-level managers (which directly report to the top executive) include the manager of software development, manager of operations, manager of networking/data communications, manager of microcomputers, and the manager of technical support.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 11, 2007 at 8:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to a recent poll by SEI (a provider of solutions to the financial services industry) Relationship Managers in the industry are more likely to stay at their current employer based on culture versus compensation.

69% said Culture was making them stay and 56% had said was the original reason they joined - 59% placed brand and reputation as the main reason for choosing.

This is not just going to apply to financial services but many industries. As markets tighten and companies again consider retaining the best and looking for others they are going to have to take in many other considerations in constructing an enticing package.

We are now seeing many companies starting to incorporate the use of personal branding in to their development and training programs as a differentiator - engaging and retaining their brightest and best to be the future leaders.

By Paul Copcutt and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 11, 2007 at 6:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Have you ever been listening to someone and you feel like they're droning on and on? You find yourself wondering when they'll ever get to the point, to the punch line. Would it surprise you to know the same thing happens in networking and interviews? Are you one of those people?

Before your next networking or interview appointment, write down your major benefit (answer the question: Why would anyone want to tell their associates about me?). Now say it aloud, and time it. You may be surprised how long 60 seconds is, and how much you can cram into that amount of time. Speak at normal speed and with variation in your voice, not a monotone.

If you can't deliver a compelling 60-second story of what you bring to the party, start over and practice until you can. Use emotional words and words that create a strong picture. Practice until it feels completely comfortable. Be prepared to expand on this theme. You'll double your odds of a productive meeting.

Article by Pat Schuler, Business Development Coach, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 11, 2007 at 11:06 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

As children, we all heard the question, what do you want to be when you grow up? Most of us had a ready answer: an astronaut, a police officer, a ballerina, a doctor. As we finally began to "grow up", those answers often changed; perhaps we thought we should lower our ambitions, or maybe we discovered new ones better fitted to our evolved understanding of our personalities and goals.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 11, 2007 at 10:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

If you are looking for a diverse, exciting career opportunity, consider going to school to become a surveyor. Surveyors can pursue a wide variety of specializations in their fields, and have the opportunities to work in almost any part of the world.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 10, 2007 at 4:45 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

PRINCETON, NJ -- The longer your experience, the shorter and more direct your cover letter. For some senior executives, this may be the new rule to writing these introductory letters. They're viewing them as lead-ins to their resumes and offering only brief introductions and perhaps a testimonial about their character and leadership qualities.

Take Mike Lorelli, a former president and chief executive officer of Pizza Hut International. Mr. Lorelli left Pepsico, Pizza Hut's holding company, in 1994 and has had several jobs since. He's now the CEO of a private-equity company in New York. He leads off cover letters by mentioning the roles he's held at Pizza Hut and other top companies, which gives him instant respect and credibility with potential employers. "It helps to have a hook," says Mr. Lorelli. "Something creative and relevant that captures the reader's attention."

In a competitive job market, it's crucial to differentiate yourself from the competition. In many cases, your cover letter is your first contact with employers. If you don't impress an employer right away, you may not get the attention you want. Don't bore employers with lengthy descriptions and paragraphs. Make your letter concise.

Article abridged from CareerJournal.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 10, 2007 at 3:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Getting Employees Paid

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

A payroll accountant is responsible for administering the company's salary and wages system and ensuring that employees are properly paid. The payroll accountant may work closely with the personnel or human resources department, but is generally a member of the accounting, finance or controller's department.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 10, 2007 at 3:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Over on the Compensation Force blog, there's an interesting post about internal job posting policies at large companies and their potential impact on employee retention. Companies with strict posting policies that state that employees must be in their current jobs for one or even two years before posting for a new position may inadvertently be sabotaging their retention strategies. The new crop of Gen Y job seekers are ambitious, demanding, question everything, and less loyal to their companies than past generations according to a recent article in Fortune Magazine. Posting policies that were accepted by the Baby Boomer generation may be difficult for the Millenials to swallow. My prediction is that the companies that break away from structured job posting policies will fare better over the next decade and be more successful at retaining key contributors and building increased loyalty towards the organization.

During your job search, it's important to find out as much information as you can about a company's culture. If upward mobility is an important priority for you in your next job, try to learn about the job posting policies in your target companies so you can achieve your career goals at a rate that is appropriate for you.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 10, 2007 at 3:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Yes, This is a Recipe for Success

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Careers for graduates with a degree in culinary arts can be found across the nation and around the world, wherever hungry people come together. For graduates with a degree in culinary arts, this means that relocation or even a very long commute to work are likely to be unnecessary. Graduates with a degree in culinary arts can shop for jobs in part according to the specialty areas in which they worked while still in school. Additional training or work experience can help graduates with a degree in culinary arts to expand their list of job possibilities beyond entry level positions. As they begin their search for a career, graduates with a degree in culinary arts can take great comfort in believing that as much as it is true that if you can read you can cook, so is it true that if you can cook you can have a very satisfying career.

Restaurant Cooking Every whistle stop town in America is likely to have at least one diner, lunch counter or roadside restaurant. The larger the town or city, the more eating establishments one will find and the more careers for graduates with a degree in culinary arts. In our larger metropolitan centers there are career opportunities for graduates with a degree in culinary arts in restaurants that serve every imaginable ethnic group at every conceivable price range. Looked at this way there are literally hundreds of thousands of restaurant career opportunities that might be filled by graduates with a degree in culinary arts.

In every restaurant situation there is of course a hierarchy of cooking positions. With a degree in culinary arts, graduates are well armed to pursue and interview for positions at the upper end of the scale where he or she will have the most authority and the fattest pay check. Out of the list of possibilities, graduates with a degree in culinary arats can apply for top positions that connect with the kind of coking they most enjoy.

Graduates with a degree in culinary arts will find that their personal financial security is based on the overall business success of the restaurant for which they cook. Graduates with a degree in culinary arts just beginning their careers must be selective and try to associate themselves with a restaurant with a solid managerial and business reputation. Even the best cook working in an establishment that has questionable business practices will have trouble surviving.

Institutional Careers Large scale institutions across the country are constantly searching for well qualified , talented and credentialed personnel to take responsibility for feeding large numbers of people at set hours each and every day from menus attuned to special needs or situations. Graduates with a degree in culinary arts make ideal candidates for such positions. Because of their study and work experience graduates with a degree in culinary arts are prepared to deal with large volume preparation needed for schools or colleges. But graduates with a degree in culinary arts are equally ready to adjust their cooking style to create menus that will satisfy the nutritional needs and acknowledge dietary limitations required in hospital cooking.

There has been a relatively recent increase in the number of career opportunities in food preparation for retirement or assisted living institutions. In these positions graduates with a degree in culinary arts are asked to combine a variety of learned skills. They must be able to prepare large quantities of food on a pre-set schedule. They must also build menus that reflect the dietary needs of senior citizens. Additionally, because many retirement or assisted living settings have high end clientèle, food must be prepared and served with elegance. While many of the concerns involved in cooking for an assisted living community are remarkably the same as cooks observe when working for a hospital, somehow the menu must appear to be both appetizing and elegant.

High End Cooking Many of our cities maintain large convention centers used by business , government and community groups throughout the year for annual meetings and group events. Graduates with a degree in culinary arts can find career opportunities providing daily meals and concluding banquets for these gatherings. Such work is demanding not only because of the large numbers involved and the need to adhere to strict time constraints, but also because each group is a client that must come away totally satisfied with the attention paid to their every need. Meals served at conventions can literally make or break the chances of signing clients back again for their next event.Heavy responsibility falls on the cooking arm of the convention center to perform at a high level of efficiency.

On a smaller scale, high end cooking jobs can also be found at country clubs. Here clientèle pay top dollar to use club facilities and club cooking staff to host events like wedding receptions, anniversary or birthday parties, showers, retirement or end of year parties and other small group events. For their money, club members expect elegant dining and excellently prepared and presented food options. For graduates with a degree in culinary arts, country club cooking while demanding can also have its own comfort level. Patrons are often repeat customers with known tastes making meal preparation less anxiety producing and more like working for family and friends.

Probably at the highest end of high end cooking are career opportunities for graduates with a degree in culinary arts who work on cruise ships. Here customers have spent considerable amounts of money and they definitely expect elaborate menus, multiple choices, substitutions and accommodation for every personal taste and dietary need. Cooking on a cruise ship doesn't just mean the customer is always right it means the customer must be pampered at all times - especially in his or her dining experiences. Cooking for a cruise line can be a high anxiety experience but it can also be a dream career that provides wonderful options for world travel and real development of your skills.

Private Business Some graduates with a degree in culinary arts decide to take the plunge by going into business for themselves. To prepare for such a venture, some graduates with a degree in culinary arts load up their undergraduate schedule with business and management courses. Those with financial backing or independent means may be able to get a small restaurant up and running. Individual enterprises are challenging and require major commitment of time and money but they also allow graduates with a degree in culinary arts to have control over what goes into the entire dining experience and also over who reaps the profits.

Those who like working for themselves but don't have the funding for their own restaurant may choose to develop a catering business. Obviously demanding less money up front than the purchase of a restaurant, catering does require some investment for cooking space, equipment and food. Catering is a demanding career choice with challenging requests and irregular hours. But catering also provides graduates with a degree in culinary arts the opportunity to work on their own to develop both a reliable menu and regular clientèle.

Graduates with a degree in culinary arts have the luxury of developing a specialty not only in the things they cook but where and for whom they cook it. As graduates with a degree in culinary arts will be quick to recognize, the recipe for the perfect cooking career may take a few tries before you get it just right . But when its right, it' s just plain delicious.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 10, 2007 at 3:04 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The Washington Post reported that according to a recent study, men and women get very different responses when they initiate negotiations and women's reluctance to negotiate was based on how they believed they would be treated if they did negotiate. The study indicates that both men and women were more likely to subtly penalize women who asked for more.

Does this mean that women can't negotiate for what they want? No. But both men and women should think carefully about their negotiation strategy. Negotiations are most successful when there is a strong relationship between the two parties involved. The interview process allows the job seeker and hiring manager to build this relationship. Repeated exposure through multiple interviews deepens the relationship and solidifies the trust.

Once an offer is made, job seekers can leverage this relationship to negotiate for what they want and need. They should never demand something or give ultimatums to attain their goals. Instead they should ask for things by demonstrating why they are fair and reasonable. Hiring managers have invested equally in this new relationship and they don't want to damage it after they have put so much time and energy into the process.

Negotiating your employment package is a collaborative process where both parties involved want the same outcome. By nurturing the relationship built during the interview process, you are more likely to overcome potential gender bias and achieve your negotiation goals.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 10, 2007 at 1:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

HOPKINTON, MA -- Changing jobs frequently is a reality of working today. Companies conduct layoffs with higher frequency than ever before. Most employees are not laid off for poor performance. Department consolidation, company relocation, merger and improved profit are just a few of the more common reasons for layoffs.

Changing jobs frequently is a common condition in the 21st century, but interviewers still question candidates about why they left jobs. Your response to this interviewer issue must provide information about why you left a previous position and assurances that you're seeking a long-term opportunity. Whether you changed by choice or layoff, you'll need to provide a reason for leaving each previous job. Candidates often include the reason for leaving a position in their resume so they do not get screened out prior to the interview. Your reason for leaving must be concise and reasonable.

Describe the reasons for your departure directly and succinctly. The longer you speak on the subject the more suspicious the interviewer will become. It is important to express that you've always sought and are still seeking a company where you can make a long-term commitment. Tell the interviewer that this opportunity appears to be a place where you can contribute in the short-term and long-term.

Article by Michael R. Neece, , CEO , Interview Mastery, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 10, 2007 at 1:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If this seems like a miserable job, you may just be right. Apparently, there are quite a few folks who seem to be unhappy in their jobs. In fact, a recent Gallup poll reported that 77 percent of workers hate their jobs!

Patrick Lencioni, President of The Table Group, a consulting firm that specializes in organizational health, was interviewed for Management Consulting News on Miserable Jobs, the subject of his book The Three Signs of a Miserable Job. These three "clues" will help you to assess if you rank in the miserable-job category...although your gut may be telling you that already!

For a heartfelt glimpse about the genesis of the book, the three signs, and the potential source of a cure for the miserable job, check out this 3-minute video interview with Patrick Lencioni by Amazon. This prolific writer produces books that are short and easily read, as he says: "...on a flight from Chicago to San Francisco".

Is your career going nowhere in a miserable job?

By Susan Guarneri and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 10, 2007 at 10:02 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Too often people assume the only route to a good job is through a four-year college or graduate program. Although the majority of good jobs today do require additional education and training after high school, bachelor and graduate's degrees are hardly the only avenues available to aspiring professionals who want an enjoyable job that pays well.

Opportunities abound for people without four-year degrees in almost every career field. This comes as promising news to many workers. In fact, between 2002 and 2012, job openings for workers entering an occupation for the first time and who do not have a bachelor's degree are expected to total roughly 42 million, more than three times the number of job openings expected for workers with a bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Not only are job opportunities expected to be plentiful, many will offer salaries higher than the average median salary of $27,380. Although a four-year degree is not required for many jobs, it would give people seeking these career opportunities an edge over competitors. Even without a four-year degree or better, most jobs still require workers to pursue various routes of education and training.

Article by Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing, Inc., and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 7, 2007 at 5:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Over on the Cube Rules blog, there is a post about the fact that people take various career paths following a layoff, but few plan for such an event. People plan for so many life events; weddings, college, vacations...Yet few map out a career management strategy that includes annual goal setting and reflection. As a result, we are frequently caught off guard following a life changing event such as a layoff. I've seen every possible emotion from people following a downsizing from shock to fear to anger to depression and the people who suffer the most are the ones who never took the time to think of the "what if" scenarios.

Employers aren't life partners. The relationship can change on a dime if the business conditions warrant it. If you are currently in a job search due to a corporate restructuring, this is a hard lesson to learn. Take the time to map out a career plan, update your resume, and foster relationships with friends and colleagues who can help you weather the storm.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 7, 2007 at 3:32 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Introduction

"One of the most important uses of...financial records is to help (organizations) comply with federal and state tax laws and prepare tax returns" (Accounting for Tax Purposes).

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 7, 2007 at 2:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- For job seekers, sending a holiday card can be a way to say thank you to those who have helped you in your job search. It can also be a way to network with others and keep in touch with those you have built relationships with.

What the card does is put your name in front of the contact, and it's likely they will reflect, even if briefly, on how they know you, have worked with you, or conducted business with you in the past. It's important to send more generic cards to people rather than religious holiday greetings or even Santa-related greetings. Happy New Year is even safer. There are also cards that creatively address all the holidays in one card.

Keep in mind not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way you do - and you don't always know who that may be. Who you send a card to should be carefully thought out. Send them to people who have helped along the way, where a genuine holiday wish will be appreciated.

Article abridged from StarTribune.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 7, 2007 at 1:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

CHESTERBROOK, PA -- We have all had jerk bosses who caused us to swear that it was high time to quit our jobs. Changes are always difficult and fundamentally we are creatures of habit. There's a comfort in the status quo even if we despise it. However, there are times when packing up and leaving is the best decision.

This is not something to be taken lightly. It cannot be stressed enough that it is always best to get another job before leaving. A replacement job is important not only for maintaining the vital finances and standard of living that you're accustomed to, but it's also a fact that to your next employer you're significantly more valuable if you're currently employed.

It stands to reason for employers that if you are currently employed, you must be a productive useful employee with skills and attributes. A good find that should be snapped up promptly without delay. Thus a higher offer with better benefits must be paid to steal you away from your current employer.

Article by Shaun Stevens, Ace-Training.net, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 7, 2007 at 12:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

QUESTION FROM A SUBSCRIBER:
There is an employee where I work who whines when she 2 things going on simultaneously. Although her hours are 8:30 -5:00, she shows up anywhere from 9:30 to nearly 2:00, and spends hours on personal phone calls and playing around. Meanwhile, I consistently come in to work at 8:00 and don't leave until 5:00 or even later, often eating lunch at my desk to get even more work done. But somehow she ended up getting a bonus this year when I did not. I don't get it!

- J. S.

Dear J.S.,

I totally understand your frustration!

Working hard alone does not necessarily get you better pay and recognition. A big part of succeeding within most organizations is also playing the political game. If you work hard but the people who matter don't know you're working hard or don't understand what benefit you're providing, it might go unnoticed.

From the situation you described, I would imagine your co-worker who comes in late is much better at "managing" her managers. Her managers may even think she's doing a great job and that she should be allowed to come in late because she's a "star." Think about it: if you thought you had Michael Jordan on your team, would you let him come in late? Sure! You'd probably also give him a bonus because you wouldn't want to lose him.

Someone who works long hours might just be viewed as a worker bee. And if the important people don't know what benefit you're providing from those long hours of work, they may just think you're inefficient and can't get things done within regular work hours. I know it sounds cruel, but this is how the game works in Corporate America.

PRINCIPLES OF ACHIEVING RECOGNITION AT WORK

1. Don't treat the job like it's your only hope of success in the world. If you treat a job like you're dependent on it and like it's your only chance of success, your bosses will notice and may interpret your earnestness as desperation. If they think you have no other options, they really have no incentive to pay you more money or to give you a bonus. If they think the job you have now is the best you can do, they'll likely take you for granted. You should be generally aware of other job opportunities at all times. I don't mean you need to be aware of specific jobs, but you should have a general idea of what else is available out there.

If you find yourself in a position where there are no other attractive options out there based on your current skills and experience, your #1 priority should be to enhance your skills and/or experience to change that. This may mean taking college classes at night. It might mean volunteering for special projects at work so that you can get experience with a new system or new skill. To access the JobSearchInfo Education and Skills center, visit this web address: www.jobsearchinfo.com/degrees

The other benefit to constantly working to improve your skills and your overall marketability is that your employer may suddenly perceive you as more valuable. People tend to find others who are aggressive about going after their career goals attractive and more capable than people who seem to be content with their current station in life.

2. Aim to work on projects that are very important to the success of the company/organization. If you're working on projects that don't really matter to the big brass, you won't get noticed. You might not always have a choice. But if you find yourself in a meeting and projects are being given out, and you could at that point recommend yourself for a project that would have more of an immediate impact on the company's bottom line or other success factor, that project would be preferable. The big brass at your company are more interested in getting to know people who are working on critical projects than people who are working in areas that are not on their radar screen.

3. Look for ways to get recognized by important people. For example, volunteering to give a presentation or working on a special project. If there are no special projects available, consider suggesting one yourself. Ideally you want this to be a project that would involve making a presentation or getting yourself other exposure that higher-ups will notice. It could also be spearheading a company-wide or department-wide initiative to improve quality, sales, etc. Or sharing a technique you learned at a seminar or class that others could benefit from.

4. Determine metrics for measuring your effectiveness. Aim to exceed expectations. Most likely, you will need to talk to your boss to determine what these metrics should be. Just the fact that you initiate a conversation with your boss about this will make you come across as a high-performing and valuable employee. If metrics are established ahead of time, there will be an objective way to measure your performance. You may also be able to get your boss to agree to set your bonus and/or raise based on how well the metrics are achieved.

5. Always keep your options open. One of the most important principles is you never want to get into a position where you're dependent on your job. If you have other options, you will be more confident at work and that confidence will shine through in your interactions with other people. In the scenario J.S. wrote about, his co-worker most likely has other options - or else she wouldn't be coming in late every day. One way to keep your options open is by posting your resume on job sites confidentially. Using the PutMyResumeOnline.com service is one effective way to post your resume without revealing your name or contact information.

Article by Scott Brown and courtesy of Article-Wiz Article Directory.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 7, 2007 at 12:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

After you find a new position, the relationships you developed during your search may continue to be important to your career. Here are a few suggestions for maintaining a viable network once you conclude your job search.

Update contact information
Be sure to send information on your new work location to all those who supported your efforts. This includes all personal contacts, recruiters, and other interested parties. Thank them all for their efforts and support. Plaxo and Spoke are great tools for keeping your network up to date.

Stay connected to colleagues
Keep in touch with co-workers, clients, and vendors from your previous position. By proactively managing these relationships now you strengthen the quality of your network and improve the opportunity to leverage these relationships at another point in time. Keep in mind that reciprocity is an important piece of the networking dynamic and by staying in touch you may be in a position to help your contacts should they decide to pursue other employment opportunities.

Keep professional memberships active
Continue to remain active in professional organizations. Contribute your time and knowledge to the organization's events, special interest groups, and newsletters. The visibility you create now will benefit your professional development in many ways. An excellent resource for finding appropriate professional organizations for your industry is Weddles.

Conduct informational interviews
Remember how grateful you were when you were granted an informational interview or networking meeting? Consider doing the same if you are asked to offer advice or information to someone interested in your field or organization. What goes around comes around and such interviews give you the opportunity to source new talent, mentor a colleague, or build a relationship that will benefit both of you in the future.

Go to lunch
The lunch hour is a great time to bond with new co-workers and grow your network. Dine with a diverse group of colleagues across business units and job functions.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 6, 2007 at 7:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to a recent article in SHRM, many professionals feel that their employer's core values are frequently not aligned with their own and this feeling can lead to lowered productivity or even silent sabotage of projects and ideas.

For the job seeker, it is important to determine if the organization you are interviewing with provides a good cultural fit and matches your life priorities and core values. It's acceptable to engage the hiring authority in questions that help you determine fit. Don't be afraid to inquire about the company's values and culture, philosophy on work hours, and strategies the company uses to keep employees fulfilled in their work. Do a Google search to find out anything you can about the company and help validate your perceptions. This type of information will help you make a qualified decision if an offer is extended.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 6, 2007 at 6:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Frequently job seekers ask me if it is appropriate to email a thank you letter after an interview or if snail mail is the preferred method. It is perfectly acceptable to email a thank you letter and sending the letter electronically carries many benefits including:

• Immediacy. I recommend sending a thank you letter within 24 hours of a job interview. Email allows you to reconnect with the hiring manager quickly following the interview. Doing so helps you remain top of mind with the hiring manager.
• Reciprocation. There is a greater likelihood that a hiring manager will respond to an email than snail mail. By keeping the dialogue open with the hiring manager, you strengthen the relationship and improve your chances of being called in for the next round of interviews.
• Efficiency. When you email your thank you letter, the hiring manager can follow your response electronically and easily share it with other members of the team. There is less chance of the document getting lost or misplaced as well.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 6, 2007 at 5:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When the Weather is Your Future

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Yes there really are lots of careers for graduates with a degree in meteorology. While meteorology may not be the most popular major on campus, this field of study still sends graduates with a degree in meteorology into a number of exciting careers each year. In fact in the United States today there are estimated to be more than 30,000 career positions being filled by graduates with a degree in meteorology. What makes the job search for graduates with a degree in meteorology comparatively easy is that many careers for graduates with a degree in meteorology are concentrated among a relatively small number of employers.

Television Meteorologist Perhaps the best known and most visible career for a graduate with a degree in meteorology is that of a television meteorologist. We all have occasions when we need or want to tune in to our local television station to get the latest update of the weather in our area. When we do we can't help but encounter the graduate with a degree in meteorology who is employed by the local station to keep area folk well informed.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 6, 2007 at 4:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

A Quick Guide for People Who Are Personally Curious About or Professionally Interested in These Fields

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

The roles of the architect, engineer and builder have changed considerably over the course of history. Centuries ago, the builder was at the center of things: he would take a rough sketch or drawing and execute all of the details and engineering.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 6, 2007 at 4:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

LOS ANGELES, CA -- On most job boards, you can register to receive emails alerting you to new postings that meet your criteria, such as location or keyword. Most also allow you to select their frequency, such as daily or weekly. It's like having a headhunter keeping an eye out for you!

Email alerts from niche job sites are likely to be even more narrowly tailored to your expertise. So it's also important to create accounts and post your resume on multiple small job boards and niche career sites.

RSS feeds are another alternative. RSS is short for "really simple syndication", which is an automated electronic information-sharing system that allows you to receive content in an easy-to-read format. You can sign up for RSS feeds for postings from many job boards, including Monster, CareerBuilder, CareerJournal and many others. If you have a customized homepage on Yahoo, Google or MSN, it typically only takes a few simple steps to set up.

Article abridged from CareerJournal.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 6, 2007 at 8:21 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The idea of networking is often resisted by job seekers. Since a strong network is the key to a successful job search, it's important to uncover the reasons for this resistance. Here are the most common obstacles people face and some recommendations for how to move past them.

1. I don't want to ask for a favor

   Many people think that when you network you are asking someone for a job. But this is not the goal of networking. When you network, you never ask for a job. You ask for information about an industry, company, or position



2. Fear of rejection

   Many people fear that if they ask for information the other person might not be willing to talk to them. While it is true that not everyone will agree to meet with you, many people will extend help to you and you have nothing to lose by asking.



3. Lack of awareness regarding the effectiveness of networking

   Most people in a job search spend too much time canvassing the open job market, the market everyone gets to see through job posting boards and recruiters. Far fewer explore the hidden market; the jobs that are never posted, but instead are filled through connections. The odds of finding a position through the smaller, hidden market are greater than those in the open market.



4. Not comfortable talking to people they don't know

   60% of the population considers themselves shy. This perception leads to less networking. If the prospect of speaking to someone you don't know is overwhelming right now, start to build your network by talking with people you do know such as friends, family, neighbors, or your doctor or dentist. If they can lead you to others who can help you gain necessary information for your search, your network will grow in a steady, comfortable way.



5. I want to do it on my own

   When you are selected for a position, it's because you have the skills to support the needs of the position. You showcase your individual accomplishments and differentiate yourself from the competition. But in order to tell your stories to the right person you need to cast a wide net. You leverage your network to find the right audience, not to get the job.



6. Uncomfortable talking about yourself

   Many of us were raised to be humble and not to brag. Networking and interviewing requires that you talk about yourself and your accomplishments. When you talk about your skills, you are not bragging. It's only bragging if your discussion contains hyperbole, half truths, or lies.



7. Concerns about others knowing your business

   Feeling too proud to tell people you are in a job search? Examine the cause. Have you assumed that networking is asking for a job? Next, examine the consequences. If you fail to incorporate networking as a method of search, it may take you much longer to find a job.



8. Lack of knowledge regarding the process

   If you don't understand networking, now's the time to learn. To be an effective networker, you need to be willing to share information, build relationships based on trust and reciprocity, leverage existing relationships to create new ones, and create ways to stay in touch to continue giving. Those who don't understand the process, who use people for information and never build the relationship or return the favor give networking a bad name and lose credibility in the eyes of others.



9. Expecting things to move too quickly

   Networking is an ongoing process. Like a child, your network needs time to grow and you need to nurture it along the way. You must pay attention to your network to keep relationships strong. Many contacts are not able to lead you to the person capable of making a hiring decision. You must constantly "stir the pot" to effectively network. Take care of your network and it will in turn take care of you.

What's your excuse? Feel free to share your thoughts so we can help you break through your networking barriers and accelerate your job search.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 5, 2007 at 7:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Man is the only social animal that has the power to think rationally, reason logically and
decide finally. This unique ability causes every human being to form strong opinions and to have their own personal belief system.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 5, 2007 at 5:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Cathy was a typical victim of domestic violence. She'd left her abuser several times, then returned to him. Having three small children to care for and few marketable skills kept her financially dependent.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 5, 2007 at 5:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

For many organizations empowerment is something that is talked about a lot, especially in social services! What is empowerment? Empowerment challenges power, so that leads to the question, what is power?

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 5, 2007 at 4:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Whether you are starting a career or looking to change careers agriculture has a host of opportunities. Many aren't thought of when picturing cows and corn. While there are many that require experience there are also openings for those wanting ground floor experience.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 5, 2007 at 4:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Before you sign on the dotted line of an employment contract or offer letter, make sure that every point you worked so hard to negotiate for is documented. Candidates frequently tell me that they were promised something during the negotiation process, but because they didn't have a written record of the agreement, promises were not always honored by employers later on.

If an employer does not give you a formal offer letter, create your own letter to document all the points that were agreed upon including start date, job title, starting salary, time off, signing bonus, and any perks you have negotiated as part of your package. Ask the hiring manager or HR contact to sign your letter and keep it in your employment file. Be leary of employers who are reluctant to put each point of the offer in writing.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 5, 2007 at 4:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Over on the Jobs in the Money blog, there's a link to an article on networking that recommends networking strategies for introverts. In addition to their recommendations, including attending professional and social events and volunteering for leadership roles in professional organizations, I have one more idea to add.

If working a room isn't your thing, a great way to gain a comfort level with networking is to take advantage of the ever-growing list of on-line networking tools. LinkedIn, Ecademy, and Ryze, just to name a few allow you to connect with members on-line. For introverts, this approach can be a great place to start a networking campaign. The beauty of the on-line world is that you can think about what you want to say and review and tweak your message before you hit send. (Who hasn't wished they could do this at one time or another in a face to face meeting!)

While on-line networking should not replace traditional networking opportunities, it is a great way to supplement your ongoing networking campaign and gain a comfort level with the process.

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 5, 2007 at 3:46 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Going to a pre-employment interview is stressful enough without the added concern of the possibility of discrimination. Even the most experienced hiring managers can accidentally ask potential employees questions that are or boarder on being illegal.

In many cases, the interviewer is not intending to discriminate against the interviewee based on the information gathered. Many workers do not know what kind of questions can be asked in a job interview. By knowing what is and is not legal, handling these possibly discrimination causing questions will become easier. This will also help to make sure that one does not volunteer information that can unlawfully effect the likelihood of being hired.

Most of the questions that are considered unlawful deal with race, age, family responsibilities, and lifestyle. A good rule of thumb for the legality of interview questions is this: Does the question directly pertain to the interviewees qualifications, character, or educational/work experience? If it doesn't, then there is the a good possibility that the employer has crossed the line, whether unintentionally or not.

For example, questions about one's family obligations such as "What sort of childcare arrangement do you have?" or "Are you living with anyone?" are not as innocent as they may sound. An employer concerned with childcare arrangements may be trying to gauge the worker's availability for nontraditional working hours. The second question can be used to make a moral judgment by some employers.

During job interviews, many people accidentally make the mistake of volunteering information that can be used for discriminatory purposes. One of the most common mistakes made is using the open ended question of "Tell me about yourself" to talk about one's children, religion, or marriage. Although this information may not be used against the person being interviewed, it is better to be cautious.

A job seeker should use this question to go into details about their personal characteristics that make them right for the job. For example, replies like "I'm a goal driven, detail orientated person who enjoys a challenge" or "I tend to handle working in groups or by myself equally well" are much safer responses.

Handling these sort of questions requires some foresight, especially since it is often difficult to determine another's motives. In some cases it may be obvious that the interviewer is only being friendly and trying to engage in small talk. In these circumstances, if one feels comfortable that it will not endanger their possibilities of being hired, then it is OK to answer truthfully. This is particularly encouraged if the person conducting the interview has volunteered similar information.

Another way to handle such interview questions is to direct the response towards one’s qualifications and abilities to perform the job. For example, if the employer asks "how will your family feel about the long hours and commitment this job will require" then it perfectly acceptable to respond with "I am accustomed to long hours and believe that a position that calls for dedication makes me feel as if I have a strong purpose." Most interviewers will not press for a more direct answer.

In cases where one feels they have been discriminated against, based on their responses to such questions, reporting the incident will ensure that no one else must undergo such an experience.

Posted by Joel Cheesman on December 5, 2007 at 1:48 PM

Imagine that you're the hiring manager going through a stack of 250 resumes, or 700, or 1,000, whatever the number; many of them, most of them, won't catch your attention. And the reason your resume won't capture a hiring manager's attention is pretty simple:

You didn't sell to need. You missed the mark. You didn't target. You in no way made the hiring manager's life simpler. Nope, you made it more complicated and you created more work for them, not less. You didn't help them, and for sure, you didn't help yourself!

Having said that, what can you do to enhance your chances of getting noticed? Here are five simple things to take a look at on your existing resume. And while you're at it, put on the hiring manager's hat, ask the question, and record your answer:

1. Does your resume have a clear focus to it? In other words, will the reader in a matter of five or ten seconds understand what you're looking for? Yes___ No___


2. Will the hiring manager get a clear picture of why you can do what you say you're interested in? Yes____ No_____


3. Does your resume support, without question, the qualifications that the employer desires? Yes_____ No_____


4. Does your resume present a credible, compelling, enticing story of your brand and the value it will deliver to the employer? Yes____ No____


5. If you were the hiring manager, would you pick your resume out of a pile of 250? Yes____ No____

If you said "No" to some, one, or all of these questions, do yourself and the hiring managers of the world a big favor and rewrite your resume. If you want different results, do something different (and good) with your resume. Develop an interesting, creative, compelling story that will make the reader stop in their tracks (or at least pause long enough to pick up the phone and call you) when their eyes land on your resume. Now that would be a great gift to give yourself this holiday season!

By billiesucher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 5, 2007 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

NEW YORK, NY -- The holiday season can be more fattening, it can be busier, but it's still a time employees are being paid to work. Here are five reasons companies may hire in during the holidays:

1) Many companies must spend the money in their annual budgets.
Hiring "heats up" because hiring managers are trying to reach deadlines to use annual budgets, so that their budget doesn't decrease the following year.

2) People tend to want to tie up loose ends before the new year.
If there are unfilled positions on their staffs, hiring managers naturally want to fill them. "There's that mentality of a fresh start," says Leslie Ruther, HR Manager for Princess Cruises.

3) Many professionals quit this time of year, creating openings.
If no bonus is involved, people often quit and give two weeks notice so that they can be with family for the holidays, while looking for a job to start at the first of the year.

4) Headhunters are more motivated and working harder.
Almost all executive recruiters are paid with upward sliding scale commissions, that reset at the first of the year. So they're motivated to place people at the higher commission level before the year is out

5) The holidays don't affect much of a change in some businesses.
There may be decorations and a few parties, but hiring activities roll along just like any other month, because competitive pressures, growing markets & strategic initiatives don't take a break.

Article abridged from Career Journal, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 5, 2007 at 12:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

The trend in job interviews today is toward longer, deeper interviews, more rounds of them, and many more people involved along the way. To do so within the limitations of most candidates' schedules, employers are increasingly bundling these multiple sessions into one super-interview.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 4, 2007 at 5:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

PRINCETON, NJ -- Once you prove your competency and dedication during your temp job, let your boss know you would like to be hired permanently. The employer might naturally assume you intend to leave after the holidays if you don't say otherwise.

"You don't ask, you don't get," says Ian Grundy, senior vice president of marketing and communications for staffing agency Adecco. "Make it perfectly clear this is something you want to do." But don't wait until the last minute to make your intentions known to your employer. You want to make sure the employer has enough time before your stint ends to get approval to hire you.

If you can't get hired right away, you should try to stay in touch to take advantage of opportunities down the road. Writing your temp boss a thank-you note and checking in occasionally might pay off. Some retailers, for instance, lay off workers in January since it's a slow shopping month. But they rehire in February, ahead of Valentine's Day.

Article abridged from CareerJournal.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 4, 2007 at 4:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

In a recent post, I mentioned several reasons why December is such a great time to network. And at this time of year, many professional associations are hosting their annual holiday parties. I will be attending the Human Resources Association of New York holiday party on December 6 and I'm looking forward to schmoozing with over 200 HR professionals at the event. If you are an HR professional, this is a great opportunity to meet colleagues and learn more about the country's largest chapter of SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management).

Article by Barbara Safani and courtesy of Career Solvers. Barbara Safani is the owner of Career Solvers, has over ten years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. She is a triple certified resume writer and frequent contributor to numerous career-related publications

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 4, 2007 at 1:37 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

A Few Ideas and Suggestions

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

If you are a recent high school graduate and thinking of entering the legal field or if you are thinking of a career change, there are several things that you need to take into consideration. This article will highlight some of the things that you will need to focus on in order to have a successful legal career.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 3, 2007 at 12:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Test Tube Employment

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

Graduates with a degree in chemistry can tell you that everything you see around you is based on chemical elements. The fact that our world is chemically based also means that there are many careers in which graduates with a degree in chemistry help us to work productively with this environment. Because chemistry is an international common denominator, graduates with a degree in chemistry may pursue careers throughout the United States and abroad in accordance with international laws and personal choice. Many graduates with a degree in chemistry will find that opportunities and salaries increase dramatically with additional graduate study, laboratory experience and specialization. But even graduates with a simple degree in chemistry after four years of college study will find that there are career opportunities available in a wide variety of fields.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Companies Having achieved great success in conquering or controlling diseases like small pox, polio, typhus, leprosy, and yellow fever, medical researchers in the United States continue to track down cures for "killers" still on the loose. The fear of life taking pandemics from hybrids of HIV, Bird Flu or Sars has put many nations on alert and put many graduates with a degree in chemistry to work in important, potentially life saving careers.

Certainly the top discoveries made in the world of medical research today are unlikely to be made by graduates toting a simple bachelor's degree in chemistry. But around the leading medical researchers with their impressive doctorates are always assembled huge teams of chemists, men and women graduates with degrees in chemistry, who have worked in medical labs tirelessly testing, recording and retesting to narrow the search for cures for cancer, Aids, paralysis, personality disorders, even obesity. For graduates with a degree in chemistry there are real opportunities to use your education in a career that will provide financial stability and the feeling of assisting mankind.

Medical research is carried out on many levels. There are state and federal government programs and institutes, private studies in medical research facilities and many programs sponsored by the medical arm of large universities nationally and world wide. As a graduate with a degree in chemistry, choosing a career in medical research will also likely mean choosing a work environment that suits your personality and choosing a work place that geographically is a good match. For those driven by financial reward, the big money is of course reserved to those with the big resumes. Working in medical research allows you to add experience to your degree in chemistry in your own portfolio and prepare for larger financial compensation as your career unfolds.

Not surprisingly Pharmaceutical companies employ graduates with a degree in chemistry.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 3, 2007 at 12:28 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Provided By: Associated Content, Inc.

For a business owner on the net, it's tough to figure out how to get from nowhere to somewhere in the virtual land of everywhere. The best way to do this is mapped out below for your easy following and use.

Included is mind work, ways to capture your thoughts and share them with others, the best tool around for learning the languages of the internet, brilliant marketing resources, and ways to off-load the stuff you don't know how to do or don't have time to do.

In short, this list makes you smarter, faster, and more clear so you can grow your business.

Mind42
This is still in beta, but for mapping out your thoughts and allowing those thoughts to "spin off" and go down tangents, it's terrific.

Posted by CandiceArnold on December 3, 2007 at 12:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Reprinted courtesy of TheCareerNews.com

ROCHESTER, NY -- An unemployed person's job hunt doesn't have to go barren over the holidays. In many ways, with good cheer in the air, now is the best time to look. "A lot of people during the holidays think that the job search is not on anybody's lists or minds and will take time off," said Karin Edinger, senior career coach/counselor for Rochester's Career Development Services. "But that's where they're off the mark."

Businesses, as they finish 2008 budgets, might need more workers for the new year making holiday events prime for networking. Continuing your job hunt during this period might also stave off depression - which could set in because you are strapped for cash during a big gift-giving season.

"You should never, never, never let up," said Judie Myers-Gell, a human resource professional who lost her job several months. "It's a hidden job market that tends to be overlooked over the holidays." Myers-Gell, for example, just had an interview in which the company told her that the job wouldn't start until February. "Some companies are now doing their budgets and foreseeing certain openings," she said.

Article abridged from Democratandchronicle.com, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 3, 2007 at 12:03 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Hiring slows down during December but it's the best time of year for you take advantage of your opportunities to network. With more parties and social gatherings, you will have more occasions to mingle. As you casually chitchat, remember to ask where somebody works and learn a bit about their job. File the information away to help you create, advance or develop a networking relationship.

Last year, Kathleen was laid off and was reluctant to network. I encouraged this career counseling client to strike up conversations at holiday functions. At a party she met two interesting people and later scheduled a meeting with them. She was able to get a lead that had her working at a great job, for a new employer, in early February.

Bill felt that he would need to move on to get promoted. I encouraged him to network internally and he met a senior executive at a company event. This initial contact developed into a mini-mentoring relationship, which helped Bill obtain a dream promotion. Networking does work -- in fact, according to the Department of Labor, last year 61% of all jobs where found through networking.

Commonality is a Key

An outside interest or hobby can be a foundation for developing a professional connection. Golfing, skiing, scrapbooking, school fundraisers, photography, working-out, neighborhood parties -- any group activity can lead to new contacts.

Working parents can expand their network by socializing with the parents of their kids' friends. Numerous opportunities avail to meet other parents who can become part of your informal network. Be friendly, and at some point make it a priority to learn what the person does and where they work.

Reconnect with old friends, especially college pals. This network can help you find a new job, get a promotion, secure new clients or customers. Contact your alumni association to get current addresses.

Networking Dos and Don'ts

Do ...

• Take the initiative at a meeting or gathering of people and introduce yourself.


• Learn a person's first name, shake hands and repeat the name in the conversation.


• Make small talk, maintain eye contact and look for a common connection.


• Be active in introducing others and explaining any common link they might have.


• Have a sentence or two prepared that describes the professional you in a concise friendly way.


• Invite someone you want to get to know to a party or event you are hosting or attending.


• Offer to be a resource to others.

Don't ...

• Don't be a pest. Once you cross the line it is hard to recover.


• Don't exclude people. Everyone has connections in both low and high places.


• Skip the one-upmanship. It does not make friends or influence people.


• Don't monopolize the conversation.


• Don't over-drink. It will not make you more charming and it can be a detriment to your image and networking results. Networking is now a strategy for learning how to improve on the job.

Getting to know other people with whom you can share information, explore ideas, and problem-solve will be an asset to your long-term career success. So be happy, jolly and NETWORK this holiday season.

© Copyright 2007 Robin Ryan. All rights reserved. Robin Ryan has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil is considered America’s top career coach. Robin has a busy career counseling practice providing individual career coaching, resume writing services, interview preparation, salary negotiations, and outplacement, to clients nationwide. She is the best-selling 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 dynamic national speaker, Robin has spoken to over 1200 audiences sharing her insights on how to improve their lives and obtain greater success. Contact Robin at: 425.226.0414, or email: RobinRyan@aol.com, or visit her website: www.robinryan.com.

Posted by Sarah Ennenga on December 3, 2007 at 11:40 AM | Leave a Comment (0)