Job seekers everywhere tend to fret about interviews. However, when the occasional phone interview comes up, preparation is throwng against the wall. Keep in the mind, that a phone interview is a good thing. Instead of becoming confused about the process, just keep in mind that the employer wants to know a little bit more about you. They want to put a voice to your resume. You have to nail this part of the interview process to get your foot in the door.
Treat the phone interview the same as you would a real interview. Keep in mind that you will have more ammunition for the face to face interview as well. Most of the time, the employer will still call you to schedule a future phone interview, so use this time to research the company, and re-research the position you applied for.
As long as you take the interview seriously and stay composed, you will do fine. Then you get to worry about the face to face!

Posted by jdisandro on March 31, 2008 at 7:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Tremendously. My paternal grandfather was an entrepreneur. My father is an entrepreneur. And I'm an entrepreneur.

I love running my own business. Those who have never done so often misunderstand. They think you work less and have no boss. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most entrepreneurs work more and every client and potential client is their boss. Running your own business is not for most people but I love it.

-- Submitted by S. R. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 31, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Heather over at One Louder posted yesterday about Facebook and the silliness that takes place - a beer here a beer there, friend invites from people who have nothing in their profile, dating stalkers, who's hot who's not, etc. I posted about this a few months ago too.

She has inspired me to post about LinkedIn recommendation requests. What is the protocol here?

I asked my former boss to write a recommendation for me - he was also on my reference list when I applied for and was offered this position. That seems like a reasonable request, don't you think? I will one day ask my current boss for a recommendation - I'm still new with the company - maybe at 6 months I'll ask. There are several co-workers that I have started to draft a recommendation for not because they have asked but because I have been impressed with them. I think this is a reasonable approach to the LinkedIn recommendations - don't you?

So here is my question. Is LinkedIn just for professional references or can it also be for personal references?

For example, last month I received a recommendation request from a friend. I've never worked with this person and although I consider her a friend, we don't reach out to each other and really only see each other on occasion. So what do I say in my recommendation?

"Sally" is a lovely person, who is always well dressed, well spoken, organized, and eager to volunteer. Her children are very well behaved and very polite which is a direct reflection of their mother. The articles she has written for our local community magazine are always very entertaining and informative. Although I have never worked with Sally, I would welcome the opportunity.

It just doesn't seem right, does it? Or does it? Again, I have to ask the question is LinkedIn just for professional references or can it also be for personal references?

And for those who ask people they really do not know, have never even met, and probably will never meet for a recommendation... I would love to ask them if they are joking! Now, I know THAT is just not right.

Courtesy of Sodexo Careers Blog Making every day a better day.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 28, 2008 at 3:46 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

depends on the vigor of the hours and of the work. if it's average for both- $60,000

-- Submitted by E. L. from Lafayette, California, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 1:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

There comes a time when all of us make important decisions about our future. Whether you are moving to a new location, going back to school, or taking a new job, you must consider all of your options, and which one is best at any given time. Once you know what you want to do, then you can create a plan to do so. While you may ask for other people's advice, the decision is yours.

An entry level job search truly begins when you have an idea of what kind of job you desire. The more specific you are of the job, the better the chance of having a successful job search; the reason being that you will have a sense of direction, which can provide steps to any goals you have. In other words, knowing what you want can motivate you to succeed. However, even on the path of success, entry level job seekers may encounter challenges, but should believe that they can overcome them.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=914

Posted by William F on March 27, 2008 at 1:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

No matter what the final result of a job interview is, entry level job searchers should appreciate the chance to have met a potential employer. Sometimes your timing for applying for a job is right, as well as your qualifications for it, and you get the job. At other times, you may not be the right person for the job. Entry level job seekers need to understand that they may not always get every job they interview for; rejection can come with the job search. However, they do have control of how they respond to an employer after an interview. So, what is the appropriate response to an interview?

Entry level job searchers need to write a thank you letter or e-mail soon after an interview. This is an opportunity to re-emphasize to an employer why you are the most qualified candidate for the job you want. You can also point out anything from the interview that may have impressed the employer, and can make you stand out from other candidates. Make sure to send out your thank you letter no later than 24 hours after the interview.

Once you have sent your thank you letter but have not received a response, you may call the employer to check on the job's availability. The most important thing to do regardless of whether or not you get the job is to write a thank you letter after an interview. By doing so, you show an employer how much you appreciated their time for an interview.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=914

Posted by William F on March 27, 2008 at 12:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are an entry level job seeker, say a college student or graduate trying to find employment, it might seem difficult at the moment. May be you have been looking for a long time and just can't catch a break, especially with our nation's current economic situation. After a while, you might feel like giving up on your job search. However, entry level job seekers must remember two important qualities that will renew their spirit as well as their job search: patience and persistence.

At first, looking for a job can seem exciting because it's a new experience. When no one is hiring you, though, your confidence can go down. Now, you must find help to refocus your job search in a positive direction. Talk to people you trust, and ask for their honest opinion concerning how you are conducting your job search; they might have some good advice to share. If you keep a positive attitude, you will find a job. Remember, be persistent, yet patient in your job search.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=914

Posted by William F on March 27, 2008 at 12:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

My goal is to finally get started on learning French!

-- Submitted by R.L. from New York, New York, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:13 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Always talk with your manager if you're upset or concerned about something.

I worked with someone who quit a job that he loved to go to work for a competitor for $1 more per hour. He needed the dollar, gave his two weeks' notice, and didn't burn any bridges on his way out. But after my co-worker left his manager said to me that if the co-worker had just asked for a raise then he would have been given one. The manager made the mistake of underpaying my co-worker, but the co-worker ended up working in a job that he hated because he incorrectly assumed that the manager wouldn't give him a raise. That was a costly mistake.

-- Submitted by S.R. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

My philosophy towards work is that it's necessary for survival; however, if you can earn a living doing something you love, then it doesn't feel so much like work.

-- Submitted by C.A. from California through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I'd like to think that I would make a great supervisor because I am friendly and reliable.

-- Submitted by from New York, New York, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Denver, CO. It is warmer than Minnesota and similar in lifestyle. It also has many more cities with attractions than Minnesota.

-- Submitted by from Waterloo, Iowa, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Good question. I have never asked a boss to dinner.

-- Submitted by L. C. from Waterloo, Iowa, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Yes I do!

-- Submitted by R. L. from New York, New York, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Not too long ago I'd gotten a job as a Gallery Sitter. For those unfamiliar with the term, the job requires sitting and watching a Gallery, occassionally marking when people enter the air space and sometimes, on an eventful day answering the phones. In short, I get paid to sit. Friends, think this is great, it's the essential I-do-nothing-and-get-paid-for-it stint. Though, I find it unsettling that I get paid as much as I do to practically nothing and the times that they do expect me to do something extra I do it begrudgingly for I'm not used to having to do anything. Usually, it's sloppy and rushed because I want to get back to doing nothing. It's a strange situation. Thoughts on getting paid to sit?

Posted by JM_Foch on March 27, 2008 at 9:24 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

My philosophy towards work is that it's necessary for survival; however, if you can earn a living doing something you love, then it doesn't feel so much like work.

-- Submitted by C. A. from through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 25, 2008 at 5:08 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Always talk with your manager if you're upset or concerned about something.

I worked with someone who quit a job that he loved to go to work for a competitor for $1 more per hour. He needed the dollar, gave his two weeks' notice, and didn't burn any bridges on his way out. But after my co-worker left his manager said to me that if the co-worker had just asked for a raise then he would have been given one. The manager made the mistake of underpaying my co-worker, but the co-worker ended up working in a job that he hated because he incorrectly assumed that the manager wouldn't give him a raise. That was a costly mistake.

-- Submitted by S. R. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 25, 2008 at 3:39 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Yes and no. Money is important for a couple of reasons.

First, you need to be able to pay your bills. If you are careful with your money and don't waste it, then you'll feel less financial pressure. Given that Uncle Sam takes about 1/3 of your income in taxes, for every dollar that you spend you have to earn about $1.30 just to break even. If you blow $50 on an unnecessary dinner and make $25 per hour, that dinner cost you about three hours of work. Ouch.

Second, money can be an important yardstick. For sales people, business owners, and others whose incomes are largely tied to their work performance any increase in income generally means that they're doing a better job. They may not be working harder but that's okay. They're being more productive and at the end of the day that's what really matters.

-- Submitted by S. R. from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 24, 2008 at 7:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are searching for your first job, it may seem difficult to understand exactly what the prospective employer is looking for. In this post, we will discuss a few of the main points that play in an employers decision as to whether or not to hire a new employee.

First, employers hire for entry level jobs because they need extra employees. If a business isn't successful, you will never see a help wanted posting anywhere. That being said, they don't want to give these valuable entry level jobs to just anyone. They want employees who will help them to remain successful. They acquire these success generating employees by following a few simple rules, such as hiring those with experience or those with educational backgrounds that demonstrate a reasonable ability in their chosen field.

Going hand in hand with the first point, corporations hire people with experience and ability for entry level jobs. If you can exibit even a small amount of working experience, you have placed yourself well above your peers who cannot, even if they may have scored higher than you in the academic environment of college. If you demonstrate the successful use of your skills and abilities, you become more valuable because now you are a proven performer rather than a hypothetical situation.

Third, employers who offer entry level jobs want loyalty. The jobs are called entry level jobs because that is exactly what they are, a starting point to a career. When an employer agrees to hire you for an entry level job they are betting that you will stay with the company for an extended period of time rather than training and jumping to the next opportunity. They plan to grow and they want you to grow with them. If your resume is filled with a long list of pirate style job hunting, working one job for a month or two and then jumping to the next, the employer has no reason to trust that you will make any long term commitment to their corporation.

By understanding these three keys to the prospective employers mind set, you can situate yourself to be more appealing when opening for entry level jobs appear. By doing so, you can qualify yourself for a rewarding career.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 3:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those with a desire to find an entry level engineering job or internship, few places offer the varied resources available at CollegeRecruiter.com. Designed around the needs of new job seekers and college students, the resources are cleverly outlined in a way that makes getting advice on your job search and locating entry level engineering jobs quite easy.

The blog's section of CollegeRecruiter.com offers eight separate channels of advice and tips on job searching, internships and various other points that are crucial knowledge when planning the path to a successful career.

The articles section, with it's well written and informative pieces on a variety of useful subjects for new job hunters and seasoned veterans alike, will offer educational points and true life anecdotes that can prove very useful in finding entry level engineering jobs and turning them into successful and rewarding careers in the engineering field.

In addition to the resources already mentioned, there are entry level engineering job and internship location tools found at CollegeRecruiter.com in the form of the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page, which offers advanced search capabilities including a job index, search by channel and search by employer links. With multiple methods of conducting searches, you can customize your search experience to your own personal preferences and needs to make finding the entry level engineering job that meets your needs perfectly a very simple process.

By making use of the various tools and resources located on CollegeRecruiter.com, you can find the perfect entry level job to suit your needs and set your career's future out on solid footing.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 3:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are seeking to find an entry level accounting job or internship, few places offer the resources available at CollegeRecruiter.com. Designed with the new job seeker in mind, the resources are cleverly outlined in a way that makes getting advice and locating the entry level accounting jobs quite easy.

The blog's section of CollegeRecruiter.com offers eight separate channels of advice and tips on job searching, internships and various other points that are crucial knowledge when planning the path to a successful career.

The articles section, with it's well written and informative pieces on a variety of useful subjects for new job hunters and seasoned veterans alike, will offer educational points and true life anecdotes that can prove very useful in finding entry level accounting jobs and turning them into successful and rewarding careers.

In addition to these resources, there are entry level accounting job and internship location tools found at CollegeRecruiter.com in the form of the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page, which offers advanced search capabilities including a job index, search by channel and search by employer links. With this powerful search tool, finding the entry level accounting job that meets your needs perfectly can be very simple.

You are looking for the best entry level accounting job you can find and CollegeRecruiter.com want to help. With CollegeRecruiter.com, you can be ready to face the challenges of the corporate world and find the entry level accounting job or internship you want.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 2:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are seeking to find an entry level job or internship, few places offer the vast quantities of information and search tools as the Internet. By putting these resources to good use, you can find your foothold on the corporate ladder and begin working towards a successful career.

The Internet has created a wealth of information and many people are posting their knowledge in small easy to read articles such as the one you are reading now. Known as blog's, they are a quick and efficient way to disperse information or tips and thus lend themselves well to sharing experiences. There are many places to find career related blog's around the Internet, such as CollegeRecruiter.com which offers eight separate channels of advice and tips on job searching, internships and various other career conscious points.

There are also powerful entry level job and internship location tools found on the pages of the Internet such as the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page of CollegeRecruiter.com, which offers advanced search capabilities including a job index, search by channel and search by employer links. Internship job posting boards are also abundant and offer internship opportunities in a variety of career fields.

Within a few moments of logging on to the Internet, one can generally find hundreds of opportunities for entry level jobs or internships within their chosen field and with the ease of access to these powerful tools, the search for a foothold on the career building ladder in the form of an entry level job or internship has become much easier.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 2:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are seeking to find an entry level job or internship, few places offer the functionality of CollegeRecruiter.com. Designed with the college student in mind, the resources are cleverly outlined in a way that makes getting advice and locating the entry level job or internship in your field very simple.

The blog's section of CollegeRecruiter.com offers eight separate channels of advice and tips on job searching, internships and various other points that are crucial to the college student who is preparing to start out on their chosen path to a career.

There is also an articles section with well written and informative pieces on subjects that will help new job hunters and seasoned veterans in finding entry level jobs and turning them into successful and rewarding careers.

In addition to these resources, there are also powerful entry level job and internship location tools found at CollegeRecruiter.com in the form of the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page, which offers advanced search capabilities including a job index, search by channel and search by employer links, and the Internship Job Postings, which include many notable internship opportunities in a variety of career fields.

By availing yourself of these resources and tools, you can go from being a college student wondering what happens next to being a college student in charge of your corporate climb. With CollegeRecruiter.com, you can be ready to face the challenges of the corporate world and find the entry level job or internship and the successful career you want.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 1:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking a career in the computer programming field, finding the first position can be difficult. In a field with such a high degree of competition and flux, companies tend to look for proven track records of performance before they are willing to extend an offer of employment and the creation of such a track record is difficult to obtain outside of the workplace leaving many stuck in the revolving door of experience being necessary but unattainable.

Fortunately, entry level computer programming jobs are still available with many major corporations as can be seen by referencing the entry level job finding resources found in such places as CollegeRecruiter.com. Through these portals you can find hundreds of well paid entry level jobs, along with paid and unpaid internships in the computer programming industry. With a little research and time, you could find the entry level computer programming job or internship that is right for you.

When you find an entry level computer programming job you are interested in, make use of the provided contact information and forward your resume to the prospective employer. Enclose a sample or two of your work and letters of recommendation by others in the industry and you have went a long way towards getting your first chance at the entry level computer programming job of your dreams. By availing yourself of the tools available at CollegeRecruiter.com, you can land the entry level computer programming job or internship that will start you down the path towards your successful career in the computer programming industry.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 1:06 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

While finding the highest paying entry level computer jobs may not be the simplest of tasks, it is possible with a bit of careful planning. By knowing what it is that you want from your entry level job in the form of long term job security versus using a current entry level job as a rung in the ladder to your corporate climbing or if you truly need dental or health insurance benefits in lieu of a higher salary, you can find the entry level computer job that meets your current needs and future goals.

Next, figure out what you have that the prospective employer would see as an asset. It is often lamented by job seekers that employers want work experience but they cannot get work experience without first having a job. If you have marketable skills or previous work history in your industry, you greatly increase your chances of locating an entry level computer job. Training with proven results is a powerful asset to your resume so list any classes for coding languages, software or technology that relates to the job you are seeking.

As we have covered in previous posts, your resume is your representative to the corporate world and the future employer. When you send in an impressive resume, perhaps even equipping it with samples of your work or citations of your success, you are presenting yourself in a powerful way. By presenting yourself in this way, you can be counted among the numbers of those who have reached job hunting success in finding the highest paying entry level computer jobs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 12:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

With the advent of the Internet, a new trend began. The world became a smaller place and people from all over the world were able to associate with each other like never before. As networking sites cropped up, people began to group together according to their own interests or causes and, eventually, by careers. For the young job hunter today, the Internet is a powerful ally.

By joining a network with others who share the same goals or interests, all can profit from the others experiences. Thankfully, there are many wise, former job hunters who now have high paying careers that are willing to share their advice and experiences with others. By utilizing a network, you can learn the pitfalls others encountered while looking for an entry level job or internships, including scams or less than desirable circumstances. You can also gain helpful instruction on what to expect in an interview or leads on what corporations in your area are offering the highest paying entry level jobs.

Additionally, many of those who successfully climbed the ladder of corporate success are not just willing to share their secrets of successfully obtaining entry level jobs but are also willing to give young job seekers a start of their own by providing entry level jobs and internship opportunities within their corporations.

The Internet is a powerful tool for bringing people closer together. Use its networking capabilities wisely and you may find yourself the recipient of a wonderful entry level job. Then you too can be among the numbers of those who have networked their way to the top of the corporate ladder.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 12:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are preparing to interview for an entry level job, there are a few things you should take into consideration. We have discussed in previous posts the need for preparation and that taking the time to practice can be of great value to you. If you are getting ready to embark upon the process of interviewing for an entry level job, what questions can you expect from your prospective employer?

Do you have experience? -

This seems to be one of the first questions to ever come up in an interview and for good reason. Employers don't want to throw away thousands of dollars training someone who has no clue what they are doing or who will jump ship and take their new found talents to a higher paying competitor next week. Answer the question honestly but make sure you look in your background for anything that could be considered experience to raise your standings. Internships, volunteer projects, workshops and the like, all may be considered useful working experience to the interviewer so don't be afraid to qualify your answers by mentioning these things.

What can you bring to this company? -

Another very pointed question, this one is designed to see how you view yourself and whether you feel you are qualified. After all, if you can't make a decent argument for what you can bring into the arrangement, why should a prospective employer risk the corporations money on an unproven worker? Think about this question carefully and decide what skills and assets you have that would be of benefit when you are given an entry level job with a particular company.

What do you expect from this job? -

Here's a hint: Don't say forty grand a year and two weeks paid vacation or you will soon be looking at the sidewalk outside. Employers don't want someone who is just there for the paycheck or the benefits. They want someone who is looking for more from an entry level job. If you are intending to make a career in your field and you want to start with this job, tell them so and let them know you want to work your way up through their ranks. Tell them you want the experience and training that you are sure a company of such a fine reputation has to offer. Almost anything with a career goal or altruistic purpose will answer this question but never say you are here for the money.

In a nutshell, those are three of the main questions you can expect to encounter while interviewing for an entry level job. Aside from these, make sure your appearance is neat and appropriate, have your resume in good order and arrive early. By doing so, you insure your success in interviewing for an entry level job.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you are in college, you likely already realize the amount of debt that will be hanging over your head at graduation. Student loans and other debts that amass during the college years can be quite formidable. To make sure that you can relieve yourself of these financial burdens, you need to plan now to find the highest paying entry level jobs in your chosen field. With a simple strategy, this planning doesn't have to be difficult. That being said, what can you do today to make your financial future more certain?

Choosing the right major - Sure, we all want to have a career in a job we love. We would much rather spend hours with a canvas and paints than writing code on a computer screen. We would rather test video games than work in a hospital. The fact is we all have some dream job we would rather be doing. Unfortunately, there is that other little fact. Most of these dream jobs are very difficult to actually get or they don't pay very well. If you are seeking to be debt free, major in something that will deliver the highest paying entry level jobs for your field, such as computer programming, and you will find your odds of successfully finding one of the higher paying entry level jobs increasing exponentially. Major in the field that pays and save lower paid fields for your minors. After all, you never know when there may be a sudden boom in your minor field and you may still enter that dream job.

Networking - By developing both a social and a business network, you keep your name traveling the circles that produce the highest paying entry level jobs. You also lend yourself a bit of clout in the job hunters market when you can say I worked for such and such corporation and this person will give me a good recommendation. Knowing the right people often means finding a higher paying job and, if you come highly recommended, the highest paying entry level jobs will appear to fall in your lap.

Keep Current - Fields such as computer sciences offer a lot of growth opportunity because they change on a daily basis. The program or technology that was the height of the field yesterday may be old news tomorrow. To insure that you are ready when the highest paying entry level jobs come along, you have to keep abreast of what is happening in your field. Attending workshops and reading trade magazines helps to keep you aware of current developments, trends and changes in your field.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those who seek to advance their careers, entry level jobs provide a great area for growth. Offering the proverbial foot in the door, they give you a place to work from when climbing the corporate ladder in your chosen field. If you are getting started and want to make sure your career is a success, there are a few things that can help you land that entry level job that will launch you down your chosen path.

Volunteer - Not only will it give you a sense of pride and accomplishment, those little things you do to help other will look great on your resume. They show prospective employers that you care about more than just yourself. Volunteer work also helps you to hone your skills in dealing with those in authority, work ethics and punctuality, all things that will be very important to your new employer once you land an entry level job.

Keep Learning - Continuing education is very important, especially if your career choices lead you in the direction of the technology or computer industries, as these industries are constantly in a state of change. Sign up for any extra courses you can find. Subscribe to trade magazines. Attend workshops to hone your skills. Just keep learning and you will be prepared when your entry level job boat comes in.

Be Prepared - The Boy Scouts lived by this rule and so should you. The key to success in anything is preparation so make sure you have your resume up to date and ready for presentation when entry level job openings become available.

With these simple steps, you can be ready for an entry level job when it is ready for you.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 24, 2008 at 7:24 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

In a economic society where businesses constantly strive to be at the top of their game and experience seems to be one of the all important factors in deciding who is worthy and who is not, it may seem puzzling that anyone would dare to offer an internship position. In actuality though, internships not only make sense for the intern, they are a financially sound decision for the corporation as well. In this post, we briefly discus the reasons for this statement.

Cost effective - Like it or not, the business world works on a system of checks and balances. We spend money on research and development and we get a more valuable product that makes us more money. By offering internships, corporations are making an investment in their future. They are spending their money to train the intern and develop a sense of loyalty to their corporation with the gamble that the intern may or may not produce the result they want to see. Because they are assuming this risk, they often offer a lowered pay rate or even unpaid internships which allows them to cover the odds for those who will not meet their expectations. By spending the money to train and develop an intern, they save money they would have to pay hiring higher level executives and employees away from competitors.

Loyalty - If some one does something nice for you, what is your typical response? Most of us say thank you or even try to return the favor. Corporations who offer internships are counting on that facet of our personalities. By offering us a start when others have turned us away, corporations have given us a helping hand. They know not everyone will return the favor with continued loyalty to their corporation but they bank on the larger number of interns doing so.

Public Image - As the popular saying goes, Image is everything. Corporations know this as well and if they can make themselves look good in the eyes of John Q. Public, they are going to jump at the chance. Offering internships to college students and recent graduates makes the recipient very happy. They are quick to tell their friends, their family, and the rest of the world about their good fortune. Guess who's image just climbed a notch in the publics eyes? If the internship offered is in support of a common cause, it is that much better.

These are just a few of the reasons corporations offer internships. By understanding why they make these internship offers, you can place yourself more strategically to be on the receiving end.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 10:31 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

"Mom, Dad, I decided to be an intern this summer. I won't be getting paid but..."

This comment seems to be the nightmare of many parents who have worked hard to see their son or daughter go through college. They hear the internship part and think "Hooray, this kid finally found a job," and then, moments later, the hope is dashed by the unpaid part. If you are considering an unpaid internship, explaining it to your folks can be a tough part of the decision but it really doesn't have to be.

When you have made your decision and the moment for the conversation has arrived, be prepared and you can win over almost any parent. Take the time to learn about the internship position you will be signing on to and be prepared to answer any questions they might have.

Demonstrate to your parents that you are using sound judgement by pointing out the benefits of an unpaid internship, such as the extra training and work experience that would be difficult or expensive to obtain through other means. Point out that it adds another dimension to your resume, giving you an edge as a person who cares about their causes and does more than just talks about them. Illustrate to them that the experience you gain during the time of your internship makes you a more valuable asset to prospective employers in the future, thus mitigating any present financial losses.

Lastly, be firm and respectful. If you can fully explain the reasons why you have chosen a particular internship opportunity, then you know why you want to take advantage of it. Be firm in explaining that it is your choice and while you respect their concerns, it is a choice you have made. By doing so, you can hopefully win over your parents support for your decision to become an unpaid intern.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 9:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking to advance up the corporate ladder, few things can do more to help their cause than adding a few well planned internships to their resume. The reasoning behind this is simple. Internships provide you with a certain amount of training that goes beyond what can be gained in the realms of academics and they give you valuable work experience.

If you are like so many others who are needing this extra boost, where can you find great internship opportunities? One great source is internship boards, such as the internship listings at CollegeRecruiter.com, which offer multiple ways to search for just the right internship program to suit your needs.

Internships usually come in two forms: paid and unpaid. While paid internships are nice because they offer the chance to make a little financial remuneration for your work, the competition for these positions can be fierce and the pay rate is generally not very high. Unpaid internships lack the financial compensation but are generally much easier to obtain.

While either of these internship opportunities provide the training and experience needed, the choice of what internships you apply for should not be merely decided by financial thoughts. Choose an internship that is important to you based on your personal causes, what you want your career to reflect about you and what you think you can bring to the internship opportunity and you will be much happier with your final decision.

By choosing internship opportunities that coincide with your own goals and causes, you will find satisfaction in your work. By building a complete resume that includes such internships, you will put yourself in line to be recognized by future employers who share similar goals.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 9:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For many people the transition from full time student to full time employee can be a very difficult place to be. While academic study certainly has its place, there is no way that it can possibly prepare you for every situation you will face upon leaving the safe harbor of academics and launching into the real world already saddled with the debt of school loans and fresh starts. The reason many people find this transition difficult is that they haven't properly prepared their thinking.

It has been ingrained into our social consciousness over the last few generations that success requires a college education. Unfortunately, it was not also added that it requires working ones way up the ladder as well and many college graduates are in for a shock when they leave the campus and discover that Bill Gates isn't knocking on the door to offer them a seat on the board at his company. The truth of the matter is success takes hard work.

If you are ready to start paying your dues and climbing the corporate ladder, where do you start? The logical first step is an entry level job such as can be found in the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page at CollegeRecruiter.com. By getting started with an entry level job, you allow yourself room to grow in the corporate world and to create a name for yourself by your successes.

Entry level jobs afford you the opportunity to begin making a measure of money after you leave school but still have room for further growth. For this reason, it is much easier to get signed for an entry level job than for a higher level of the company. Additionally, by signing on to an entry level position, it gives you time to learn the ins and outs of a particular company thus setting you up in a better position for future corporate advancement opportunities.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 8:49 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you have made it past resume submission and entered the realms of interviewing for an entry level job, you have advanced just a little further down the path to a successful career. If you want to insure your success at the interview level, there are a few things you can do.

First, dress for the job you want. Appropriate clothes and jewelry make a statement about your professionalism. By presenting yourself in a manner befitting of the entry level job you seek, you display an aptitude for the position and make your prospective employer more comfortable with you.

Next, rehearse for the interview. You likely already know what type of questions your interviewer will be asking you so take a little time before hand to think over your answers. It inspires great confidence in a prospective employer when you don't have to stammer over your words or grope for your thoughts after every question. Take the time to review your resume so that you have dates of employment and other such pertinent information fresh in mind. Think out your answers for questions such as what you can bring to the company or why you think you deserve the entry level job you have applied for. By taking the time to rehearse, you will make yourself more confident and comfortable with the interviewing experience.

Fashionably late just isn't. Punctuality in the working environment is important and the prospective employer doesn't want you wasting their time. Show up on time, or even a few minutes early, for your interview and you are showing respect for the prospective employer and a good work habit. With hundreds of applicants filing through their office, being on time may make the difference between getting an entry level job and not getting it.

Interviewing is not easy and will certainly cause at least a small amount of stress. By taking the time to prepare for your entry level job interview, you can make your interviewing experience much more comfortable and rewarding.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 23, 2008 at 12:19 AM | Leave a Comment (1)

While unpaid internships are sometimes overlooked due to their obvious fiscal limitations there are some great reasons to consider taking them on. One of the major benefits that internships offer is the opportunity to gain valuable work experience but there is another point that many people never factor into the experience. That point is the social network one gains while working in an internship position.

As a wise man once said, " It's not what you know, but who you know, that's important." This axiom holds true in the business world as well. People are valued by not only their education and experience but by their familiarity and for the young post graduate who is looking for their first entry level job, being able to drop a few names, to use the vernacular, is definitely going to be doing yourself a favor. So how do you build a useful social network?

The first thing you should do is keep your options open. When applying for internships, pick several good ones from the various listings, such as the Internship Job Posting list at CollegeRecruiter.com, and pick the one that will offer you the best package for your needs.

Try to keep your internships with well known names. Larger corporations tend to offer more clout when they are added to your resume because other business owners respect success among their ranks. They know when another company has done well and this is credited to everyone who had a part in this success. If you can equate your name with a major corporation that has exhibited success, you have made yourself more valuable in the eyes of prospective employers.

Join the popular cause. If your internship can't be served with a large corporate name, at least make it with a popular cause. Volunteer work for organizations that do something to improve humanity or the environment are very good causes because everyone can relate to these issues. Try to avoid political causes unless this is the direction you are going with your career because not all prospective employers are going to share your political sentiments.

By improving your social network during internships, you can improve your chances of success in your later career. With these pointers, internship networking is a simple method of insuring your future.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 22, 2008 at 10:54 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are ready to interview for your first entry level job, there are a few things you can do to prepare. One of the most important things is portraying the proper image of yourself to illustrate that you are the person this company needs. So for this post we will discuss those little things that insure you are presenting the appropriate image.

The first rule of dressing for success is to dress appropriately for the job you want. It is likely that you have never seen a lifeguard at the beach in a three piece suit or a CEO sitting at the board meeting in swimming trunks and flip flops. Instead, they dress in a manner that is befitting of their jobs. If you are looking for an entry level computer job, consider a nice polo shirt and slacks or even a button down shirt and tie, rather than showing up in jeans and your college sweat shirt.

Keep jewelry and cosmetics in their place. A small amount of make up isn't a problem for the young lady going to a job interview but keep it under control. If you look like you should be climbing out of a tiny car in the center ring of the circus, you aren't likely to get past the door for most entry level jobs. Jewelry is also great in moderation. This means earrings and, maybe, a necklace for the young lady. Men should omit the earrings or any other visible piercing's and limit their jewelry to a wrist watch or even a modest, chain style necklace. Wedding rings are appropriate for either sex but additional rings can present an unprofessional appearance.

By taking a little extra time to consider your appearance before you interview for an entry level job, you can increase your chances of furthering your career. Dress for success and success will find you.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Once upon a time, after acknowledging the situation with my undergraduate major I was determined to glean marketable skills. You know the ones, that look great on any resume and make you seem like a 'jack of all trades'.

Okay, so I had extra time one summer and believe that I could successfully complete a Pharmacy Tech training course and a Bartending course, drop out of school and be a PharmTech wizard by day and bartender by night. Drop out of school and do both for the rest of my days. Yes, I too would like to walk into a night club and see a 70 year old bartender.

Previously, I hadn't experience in either; what I did have was 3years of customer service experiance under my belt. Depending on industry it either mattered or it didn't. Let's discuss the impact of those three years in concordance with attempting to secure a job as a PharmTech and as a Bartender.

After completing both courses I was, for lack of a better word stoked - after passing the PharmTech course and exam I could put letters after my name - the designation now escapes me and if I wanted to the course instructor had internships available such that you could work as a PharmTech just to gain a bit of experiance before you tried your hand at it. Now, you don't need to pass the exam or the course to work behind a pharmacy counter but it gives you a leg up on the other applicants, allows you to fulfill more responsibilities and log more hours.

Bartending was a different story, you finish the course, you take a test, you get a sparkly new diploma and you're off to a land all your own. The school that I took it through had a job placement website but it was severly out of date. You'd be surpised to know that with only a two week training course under my belt it was not experiance that people wanted but a certain look and personality flair - apparently, I had neither regardless of how many orders I could remember at a time and how well mixed my drinks tasted (in case you didn't know, the interview for a bartender is an audition in which you get judge while working a full shift) and how efficiantly I poured them out. Although only two weeks, the course really was an excellent way to gain experience and what to do was easy to remember. Though, not having the right look eliminated me from the night club / sports bar scene and not appearing poised enough eliminated me from the restaurant / country club scene.

Though, I speak highly of the training course as experience in this situation same does not go for a job that required more skill and less personality. As far as PharmTech goes, getting a job at a local drug store is a snap, there are dozens springing up all the time and they always need someone. Although the course harped on chemical compounds, pill shapes, dosage and had details labs it didn't help standing behind that counter. Sure, if you handed me a written exam with ill drawn out pictures and multiple choice questions, I'd pass to this day but throw me in with customers, new prescriptions coming about daily and a need to pair it with 30+ hours of new material yearly to keep your certification and it is a fight. You continually need behind the counter experience to understand your new classroom experience and vice versa, it's cycle that is not forseeable within the confines of a training course.

In short, the simplier the career the greater a small course can aid you tremendously..

Posted by JM_Foch on March 21, 2008 at 4:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you are finishing out your academic studies, you will no doubt hear many people talking about entering upon an unpaid internship over the course of summer breaks or similar times. Facing huge debts to pay for your education and living expenses, you might be puzzled as to why anyone would agree to work and not receive a pay check. No, your friends haven't lost their minds and they are most likely not in any better financial shape than you are. In this article, we will discuss the various reasons why unpaid internships make good sense for those seeking to further their careers.

Experience - Almost every employer is seeking a worker who has at least some measure of on the job experience. Even though you may be more skilled or have better qualifications for a certain entry level job, the odds are the person with more experience will be taking it home. Unpaid internships help with this because an employers takes the chance on recruiting you and provides you with work experience that can be used further down the line.

Training - Everyone who has ever tried to assemble a child's toy or a new computer desk with the help of the manufacturers printed instructions knows one thing: Reading and doing are two very different things. Your college education is valuable to be certain, but, until you actually have hands on experience you are still largely in the dark. Unpaid internships provide the extra training you can't receive in schooling atmospheres.

Aesthetics - Let's face it. Your resume is your face in the business world. Internships can be the little bits of cosmetic appeal that make your resume look even better. Since many internships involve charitable organizations or large corporations, having these names on your resume adds the appeal of eye candy in the form of familiar names and causes.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking a career in the computer related industries, it can be difficult to get one's foot in the door. Companies tend to look for proven track records before they are willing to dole out large salaries or handsome benefits yet it is nigh on impossible to create such a track record without having the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in a working environment. If you have found yourself stuck in the revolving door, what can you do?

Luckily, there are entry level computer jobs available from many major corporations. By checking entry level job finding resources, such as the Entry Level and Internship Job Search Page at CollegeRecruiter.com, you can find hundreds of available opportunities in the computer industry. With sites such as the one mentioned above, there are multiple ways of searching the records so that you can customize the experience to your own needs and preferences. Within a few clicks of the mouse, you could find just the entry level job you have been looking for.

Once you have found the entry level position you are interested in, simply use the provided contact information to forward your resume to the prospective employer. By using the resume tweaking tips discussed in previous posts, you can make your resume stand apart from the crowd and represent you as a skilled professional in your field. By availing yourself of the tools at your disposal, you can land the entry level computer job that will launch you into a successful career in the computer related industry.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

While entry level jobs are not known for their high salaries, the occasional exceptions to the rule do exist. When you are just starting out in your post college career, how can you find the entry level job that will make all those years of academic study pay off? Is there some magic word or special technique that allows some people to find terrific entry level jobs straight out of school while others seem to flounder?

While finding the highest paying entry level jobs in your chosen profession may not be a simple task, it can be done with a bit of research, knowing yourself and careful planning. First, ask yourself what it is that you want from your entry level job? Do you want a position that will offer long term job security or do you intend to use the entry level job as a stepping stone to bigger and better things? Do you require perks such as dental or health insurance benefits or can these be put aside until further down the road in favor of a higher salary now?

Next, ask yourself what you have to offer a potential employer. It is often lamented by job seekers that employers want work experience but they cannot get work experience without first having a job. If you have marketable skills or previous work history in a certain industry, you greatly increase your chances of locating one of the highest paying entry level jobs in your chosen field. Ask yourself what is in your background and experience that would qualify you for a high paying entry level job? Then decide how to market these skills to prospective employers.

Finally, put your resume to work for you. As we have covered in other posts, your resume is your face to the future employer. When you send in an impressive resume, you are presenting yourself in an impressive light. Send in a sloppy or poorly edited resume and the entry level position of your dreams may stay in your dreams and never materialize. By knowing what you want, what you have to offer and presenting the information in a powerful resume, you can be one of the lucky ones who find the elusive highest paying entry level jobs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 12:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As we discussed in Tweaking Your Resume Part 1, your resume is the way you make your first impression on a prospective employer. That being said, it is easy to understand that making your resume stand out in the crowd is of great importance but once you get past the point of getting noticed, how do you make your resume go to bat for you?

For those seeking entry level jobs or internships, the market can be highly competitive. Thousands of graduates are flooding the markets and every one of them has a resume to present. Getting noticed is great. Getting the entry level job in a career field you always dreamed of is even better. To give your resume staying power, where it will really hold onto your prospective employers attention, there are a few basic tweaking rules.

First, make sure your resume is current. Just as you don't want to sit down and read last weeks newspaper, the prospective employers who offer entry level jobs and internships don't want to hear yesterdays news, they want to know what is happening now. If you are applying for an internship or entry level job, make sure you have updated your resume with current information such as recent work history or experience, any classes or training you have received and any groups you may be part of. While you are updating these areas, it is also a good idea to check the status of your contact information. Many well qualified job seekers have missed out on opportunities just because they could not be reached using the contact information supplied in their resumes.

Next, make sure everything is accurate. It has become a routine for many businesses to do a pre-employment background screening of prospective employees and this is especially true in the case of high paid entry level jobs. By providing accurate information of your resume, you make this process easier and also give yourself the opportunity to explain things which might otherwise reflect badly such as problems with your credit report or other minor faux pas. Remember, also, that omission is seen as a sign of dishonesty so be sure to include everything and explain yourself, if necessary.

By keeping within these simple guidelines, you can make your resume work for you to land that internship or entry level job you have always dreamed of.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

As you move forward into the workforce after college, the reality of the work force can sometimes come as a slap in the face. Most of us entered college because it has been drilled into our very being that good jobs and financial success require a college education. In the world of twenty years ago, this was true but today's work force is so saturated with college graduates that more than academic knowledge is required. Today's employers want to know that they aren't throwing their money away on an untested employee. Instead, they want those workers who can display a solid background of work experience.

If you find yourself newly thrust into the work force, internship opportunities in your chosen field provide an excellent option for gaining valuable work experience. These internships are supervised training positions where you can receive a level of training that goes beyond mere academic knowledge, sometimes referred to as on the job training. While internships are usually paid at a slightly lower scale than that of typical employees, the extensive training and work experience gained can do much to further your career.

Employers benefit from the internship equation as well by risking less of their capital by offering internships thus making it a wise financial decision for the corporation. By utilizing internships, large corporations can be certain of getting the top college performers thus allowing them to obtain new talent while minimizing their financial risks in hiring a worker who is new to the work force.

Employers are seeking experienced workers. As a college graduate, you want to get started in cultivating your career and putting your academic studies to work. By availing yourself of the internship opportunities available in your field, you can get the training and work experience necessary to find work in today's market.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 9:37 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

With the work force becoming saturated with college educated job seekers, more than good grades, a new suit and a set of credentials are needed to make the move from an academic knowledge to gainful employment in the career field of your choosing. A conundrum has developed in the fact that employers want to hire workers with experience but an individual who is new to the work force cannot acquire this work experience without working. If you have found yourself trapped within this cycle, what can you do to gain the experience you need to move from college and into a career?

One very effective method of gaining this necessary work experience is the use of internship opportunities in your chosen field. Internships are typically supervised training periods, sometimes referred to as on the job training, that are paid at a slightly lower scale in exchange for the further training and work experience gained.

Internships offer employers the chance to hire college educated workers at a lower pay rate thus making it a fiscally responsible move for the corporation. Internships are also a way for large corporations to insure that they have their pick of the cream of the college crop while not putting themselves under serious financial obligations for an untested worker.

Employers want experienced workers. As a college graduate, you want to begin your career. By making use of the internship opportunities available in your chosen field, you can get the work experience needed to land the job you want.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 9:29 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking their first post college job, finding the highest paying entry level jobs can be a challenge. While the job market has become highly competitive, there are two very simple measures you can take with your resume that will insure your success in pursuing a new career that coincides with your education.

It is commonly acknowledged that by having a prepared resume that list all of your work and educational experience, as well as valid personal experiences such as volunteer work or groups you have participated in, you have the perfect base for introducing yourself to prospective employers. To further enhance the effectiveness of submitted resume's, you can create a customized cover letter for the employer you are seeking to impress. This cover letter should address the employer's company, or even the interviewer themselves, directly and explain what you have to offer the company specifically. This cover letter is your introduction to the firm and this is the place to make a good impression and land your entry level job. By making use of a personalized cover letter, you will create a more personal feel to your resume that will stand out among the hundreds or thousands of resume's the employer may look thru that week.

Another often overlooked area of resume tweaking is visual appeal. Just because the job you are seeking is an entry level position, there is no need to expend less than you would on getting a chair on the board. By adding a picture of yourself to your resume, you put a face with the name. By using eye catching color combinations or stationary quality paper, you add visual appeal that makes your resume stand out from the crowd.

By applying these two tweaks to your resume, you can gain the entry level job you want and begin working towards your career.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on March 20, 2008 at 9:22 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Before applying to college I was told that it was a necessary evil. They told me I had to go or else. They being the forces that be, you know the ones that dictate the socially acceptable and create a status quo. We're forced to love them and their ultimatums. They; every high school teacher, parent, relative and dead end job associate swore to us that upon graduating college the world would be at our finger tips and we'd be able to take the world by storm, get an amazing job and live a financially comfortable existence for the rest of our days. Sitting here, over three years later, leafing through internships, entry level positions I'm realizing their faux pas. The world at my finger tips is not one of guaranteed financial stability - I chose the wrong major. (Art History if you're curious.) There is very little out there for those us that chose majors not linked to the sciences, computers or business. What is out there requires experience, extra degrees and occasionally smacking yourself on the head for not majoring in business.

In all fairness though, someone did once promise me that a college degree was golden. They never said there would be stipulations. I understand that the after college job market is what you make it but believe me when I say we thrive off false hope.

Watching friends in similar situations I have to say that a Masters is the new Undergraduate for many of us. Though, I don't want to get there and realize that a PhD is the new Masters.

I'll further chronicle this adventure in due time.

Posted by JM_Foch on March 19, 2008 at 4:28 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

While an internship is a great opportunity for college students and graduates to gain experience in a field of interest, it can also be a springboard to find an entry level job. Katharine Hansen describes one example of how a summer intern used a proactive approach to create a job opportunity for himself. This approach is just one among several strategies that can help you go from an intern to an employee. Here are others offered by Hansen:

• Intern with a company you wouldn't mind working for
• Fit in with the company culture
• Work hard
• Watch your every move on the job
• Be the best worker you can be, and treat others the way you want to be treated
• Look for additional assignments
• Do well in school to impress employers
• Have a good attitude and a desire to learn
• Develop your skills
• Be creative
• Track your contributions and accomplishments
• Be a team player
• Ask for feedback on your performance as an intern
• Ask about a permanent job opportunity
• Network
• Find a mentor
• To move from an internship into an entry level job, stay in touch, and be persistent

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/turning_internship_to_job.html

Posted by William F on March 19, 2008 at 12:34 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It seems that most of today's college students understand how important an internship is on the path to finding an entry level job that can lead to a career. A recent study reports that nearly 9 out of 10 college graduates finished at least one internship. You can see why more college students and graduates value these opportunities due to the concern of employers looking for work experience from their potential employees. Once you have taken the steps to find an internship, how can you fully take advantage of it? Randall Hansen offers 12 tips not only to a successful internship but also a successful career.

12 Tips to a Successful Internship

1. Set Personal Goals- Decide on specific, reasonable objectives you want to achieve as a plan of action during your internship.

2. Have Regular Meetings with Your Supervisor- Make sure you communicate with your supervisor to keep them up-to-date on what's going on with your internship.

3. Tackle All Tasks with Enthusiasm and a Positive Attitude- No matter what assignments you're asked to complete, maintain a good spirit about them as a professional would do.

4. Avoid Negativity- Don't do anything that will rub any of your co-workers the wrong way such as complaining and being disrespectful.

5. Never Shun a Chance to Learn More about the Company/Industry- Take the time to enhance your knowledge of the company/industry you're involved with.

6. Get as Much Exposure as Possible- See what opportunities are available to take on new assignments, and meet new people; your company/industry knowledge will increase.

7. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions- As an intern, you won't have all the answers. Ask questions when you don't understand something; that's the smart way to go.

8. Take Initiative- It's good to want to solve problems at work, but be sure your employer knows what you're doing so you don't go beyond your authority.

9. Find a Mentor- This is an individual within the company who has a position of high rank that looks out for your best interest. A mentor is an important source who will listen to and address your job concerns.

10. Network, Network, Network- It's a good idea to establish business relationships with management; they can offer you advice and information that can take your career to the next level.

11. Leave with Tangible Accomplishments- Once your internship is completed, gather evidence of your hard work to use as a reference when searching for future employment.

12. Enjoy Yourself- While your main priority during an internship is to learn about a particular field of study, have some fun along the way.

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/internship_success.html

Posted by William F on March 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Internships are a great opportunity for college students and graduates to learn about a particular field of interest. With most employers looking to find the most qualified workers, it doesn't hurt to have real life experiences similar to the workforce, especially for entry level job candidates. So, how do you find the right internship for you? It's a three-step process according to Randall Hansen: determine your internship goals, prepare/polish your job search skills, and find/track down internship sources.

Determine Your Internship Goals

Think about the following questions:

1. What are your specific career interests?- An internship can help you identify what field you want to get into or a certain career path to take in that field.

2. Why do you want an internship, and what do you hope to gain from it?- You must answer the first part of this question, and then set out to enhance what is necessary to be successful.

3. What type of organization are you interested in?- Consider features important to you such as the size, ownership, and the corporate culture of a company you would like to intern for.

4. What industry would be best for your needs?- Once you have decided which field you want to pursue, find out what part of that field gives you the best opportunity to succeed in the workplace.

5. Where do you want to have your internship?- This decision will be based on the time of your internship, during a college semester or the summer time, and other goals you may have.

6. Will you consider both paid and non-paid internships?- If you can afford to, consider both types of internships; I agree.

7. Do you want college credit for the internship?- Some colleges may offer credit for internships. Find out the ones available to you, but that can also best fit your needs.

Prepare/Polish Your Job Search Skills
With the competition for internships on the rise, college students and graduates need to develop solid job search skills. Continue to improve your skills in:

• Cover letter writing
• Resume preparation
• Interviewing strategies

Find/Track Down Internship Sources
Here are sources that can help you find the right internship:

• Career Services Office
• Major/Minor Department
• Networking Sources
• Internship and Career Fairs
• Alumni Office
• Company Websites
• Internship Websites (like CollegeRecruiter.com)
• Books and Periodicals
• Cold Contact

After following this three-step process, be sure to follow-up your internship requests appropriately. For example, give a thank you call, or write a thank you letter showing how much you appreciate a company's time taken with you to discuss the internship.

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/finding_ideal_internship.html

Posted by William F on March 19, 2008 at 10:48 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It looks like here in South Carolina, more people in the Pee Dee area can expect to find work in the next few months. This idea goes against the national trend stated in a recent Manpower's Employment Outlook Survey. The type of jobs available are "temp-to-permanent" ones, where an employee begins working in a temporary position, but will gradually become a permanent worker. This might be good news for entry level job candidates just looking to get into the workforce.

The Hartsville area is currently hiring more workers than it did a year ago, and expects more people to be employed in the coming months. Most of these new jobs are in the industrial sector. In my hometown of Florence, job expectations aren't quite as strong according to one source, but I believe we'll bounce back. We've had several new businesses open in the last year or two, especially restaurants; new jobs are a good sign for our city's economic future.

Overall, the Pee Dee's best job opportunities look to be in construction and the service industries, while many fields such as education and public administration, and real estate will remain solid in their hiring rate.

Source: The Morning News

Posted by William F on March 18, 2008 at 2:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

A cover letter is a document that allows an entry level job seeker to offer more specific and detailed reasons for wanting a certain job. Information included may be relevant work experience that relates to the job, your qualifications for the job, and any skills you can bring to the job. One career consultant and facilitator talks about cover letter tips from a handout from HIRED, an employment and job seeking company she's associated with. The company provides a cover letter structure of three paragraphs:

1. Paragraph One- Gain immediate interest from your reader, and explain the purpose of the letter. Why is this job important to you?

2. Paragraph Two- Explain what qualifications you can bring to the job of interest. Talk about things important to the job that can't be found on your resume.

3. Paragraph Three- Take the next step. Request an interview. Specify what you want as opposed to using a general statement in reference to a future meeting.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=913

Posted by William F on March 18, 2008 at 1:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

While most resumes begin with an objective statement, many recruiters and hiring managers may prefer entry level job candidates and other workers use a positioning statement. Objective statements tend to focus more on an employee's concerns; it is like a profile. However, a positioning statement clearly speaks more to an employer's needs than an employee's needs, much like a resume objective. A positioning statement may read like this: "A marketing manager with five years of experience promoting campaigns to sell products." From this statement, an employer can see how you could benefit a company.

It may be harder for entry level job seekers to write a positioning statement than an objective statement. Because you know what you want, you're not exactly thinking about an employer's needs thanks to a "me first" mentality. In reality, though, you must consider an employer's needs to get the job you want.

Allow your resume to speak for you. Make sure it is an accurate representation of who you are and what you have done. After all, your resume is a huge factor that can make or break your chances of getting the entry level job you want.

For additional information, check out two of my previous entries: The Resume Objective and Writing Objective Statements.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=913

Posted by William F on March 18, 2008 at 1:27 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Submitted by Lisa from Waterloo, Iowa, United States through Facebook Career Blog:

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on March 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When it comes to looking for an entry level job, candidates can make various mistakes. They may not use all of the resources they have, use these available resources incorrectly, give up, or not try at all. It is up to the individual to take the initiative to find a job, as well as take advantage of the tools that can advance him or her to do so. In other words, your success will depend on your effort.

One insider says that entry level job seekers are making a big mistake when it comes to the online job search. Because today's technology easily allows job candidates to post online resumes and create profiles, they get too dependent on these tools, and stop networking. He says not to limit the number of job boards you post resumes onto, but remember to interact with other people. While job opportunities may come from this method of the online job search (I have seen it myself), don't forget about your other resources. You never know which one will lead to a job.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=913

Posted by William F on March 14, 2008 at 8:32 PM | Leave a Comment (1)

It's great to walk into an internship or job interview and show off all of your experience on your resume, but if it's causing the ink to roll onto a second page, then you may want to consider some careful revising.

The biggest thing you can do is relate all of the information on your resume to the position you are applying for. If you're applying for an internship but don't have a lot of work experience, then you may want to include clubs or courses you have taken that relate to that position. This will show the potential employer that you have knowledge in the field. If you have a lot of work experience, choose the jobs that displayed the skills you would need in this internship. This use of relevant material will more easily navigate the employer to your experience in the field. You can always include other work experience later if you have enough room.

Also, be sure to name the skills you have that relate to the position. Be sure to provide an example in your cover letter if you can't display it in your resume. Always be sure to revise and look over your resume before submitting it. Remember, your resume will decide whether they ask you in for an interview or not, so keep it neat, up-to-date, and focused.

Posted by Tori S. on March 14, 2008 at 4:48 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

With the Eliot Spitzer (former NY Governor) scandal came many repercussions for Ms. Ashley Alexandra Dupre. Once the scandal broke she found out journalists knew more about her than she wanted them to. They had pictures of her. How did they know these things? She has Myspace and Facebook profiles.

She, like most on network sites, connected to all of her friends on these network sites. Journalists googled her and found her Myspace and Facebook profiles, of course! They see your pictures, your friends nice (and not so nice) comments, your interests and anything else you make public. When an employer is googling you, what will they see? Will you get the job you really want after they look at YOUR MySpace?

Ashley was not able to tell her friends what to post on her MySpace, but there is a function that only allows friends to see certain parts of your profile. That is true for FaceBook also.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on March 14, 2008 at 12:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Have you ever thought about how job searches will be conducted in the future? In the past, and still even today, recruiters have utilized newspapers, television, the radio, and websites to find qualified entry level job candidates. However, new resources such as blogging have given employers a new way to search for more job seekers. With technology constantly getting better, so perhaps will the opportunity for more people to find jobs. How so? Well, the more resources people have available to them, the greater the chance to learn about new job opportunities.

Many recruiting companies are finding recruitment podcasts and videos helpful in interacting with potential entry level job workers. You would have to ask an employer who uses these types of resources how much of a difference it makes to see or hear a candidate, as opposed to looking at a paper or online resume. Who knows, we may even witness the day when interviews take place online. One thing is certain; the future of job searches remains to be seen.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=913

Posted by William F on March 14, 2008 at 10:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to one recruiting industry veteran, the primary reason that anyone (including entry level job candidates) interviews for a job is to obtain a follow-up interview, not the job itself. She describes the interview process as a "performance", in which you must put your best foot forward. I would say an interview is like acting also. You're trying to convince your audience that you are believable, just like an actor before a crowd of people, and an entry level job candidate before a potential employer.

In order to accomplish this performance, you should get inside the company you're interviewing with. Use the Internet and other accessible resources to enhance your knowledge of the company, as well as the competition, challenges, leaders, and industry trends. This information will probably impress the interviewer by showing that you have done your research. In the big picture, you can be an insider, and take a step towards a new career opportunity.

As a job interview insider, your goal is to prepare a successful strategy that will help land that entry level job. Our expert says to speak clearly during an interview because not doing so is more damaging than even having no work experience. In addition, answer the following questions:

What is the best reason for an employer to hire you?
What can you offer an employer as it relates to experience, credentials, and personality?
In a statement, explain why you want to work for the company you're interested in?

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=913

Posted by William F on March 14, 2008 at 10:32 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

References may make or break a job search. While it is important to be a strong worker, and be able to sell yourself at an interview, employers may rely too heavily on what others say. Knowing this, make sure you carry a reference sheet that has some powerful recommendations on it. Employers tend to want to see professional, but do not be afraid to include a personal one or someone like a coach.
The key is being able to offer every dimension of yourself as a possible employee. So, after drafting your list, make sure everyone on it knows they are on it. Follow up with them and make sure they are giving you good referrals. Like I said, it is important to have these guys on your side.
It is usually save to say, have at least three people ready to account for you. But remember, back up what you say with them. Follow up to make sure they are not ruining your rep, and always keep the references professional.

Posted by jdisandro on March 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Entry level job candidates must understand how important it is to possess the right tools for success in their entry level job search. They need to continue to improve their resumes, cover letters, and interview skills. For any college students who believe they don't need to update their resumes, think again. When doing so, make sure to highlight any relevant accomplishments, and mention how you can benefit your potential employer.

As for interviews, continue to develop the qualities you need in order for them to be effective. Even if you're confident with your interview skills, there is always room for improvement.

Also, don't rely on your current job title to get another job. It's a competitive job market out there, and to get the job you want, you must be well equipped in your entry level job search.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=912

Posted by William F on March 12, 2008 at 1:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Have you ever heard of "The Domino Effect" when it comes to your entry level job search? It says that not using certain stages, or using any of these stages incorrectly, may lessen the success of your job search. The Domino Effect, created by Katharine Hansen and Randall S. Hansen, includes five parts: marketing preparation, a dynamic cover letter, an excellent resume, strong interviewing skills, and a timely follow-up.

Marketing Preparation- How well you prepare for an entry level job search may determine how far you go in the process.

Dynamic Cover Letter- If you use a cover letter, make sure it addresses a specific person and immediately catches the eye of the reader to read further.

Excellent Resume- A resume is a marketing tool used by job searchers to convince a potential employer that they are qualified for a certain job. It should emphasize your work experience, education, training, and skills, and inform an employer on how you can benefit his or her business.

Strong Interviewing Skills- Once you know the rules of an interview, you can present a professional image (on the inside and the outside) to an employer. Practice makes perfect.

Timely Follow-up- This stage of the job search gives you the opportunity to show an employer how much you want a particular job. In other words, you give the proper feedback to an employer's response to your job proposal.

With the correct use of these stages, your entry level job search can avoid The Domino Effect.

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/domino.html

Posted by William F on March 12, 2008 at 12:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I recently read an interesting article by Alexandra Levit, a young lady who thought she had it made after graduating from college. She talked about a reality check she faced after imagining how her new job would be. From Levit's experience, she has come up with six tips to assist entry level job candidates looking to get into business:

1. Develop a marketable corporate persona- Learn how to sell yourself by focusing on your skills, achievements, and appearing to be professional.

2. Establish profitable relationships- It's all about networking with other people to obtain important information and contacts that can give your career a push forward.

3. Master transferable skills such as goal setting, effective communication, and time management- Be clear with your boss on what goals you want to reach in your current job to move up the ladder of success.

4. Stay motivated despite trying circumstances- Maintain a positive attitude on life to counter any negativity that surrounds you.

5. Get people to cooperate- When working with other people, create a win/win situation for everybody involved; this will probably make it easier to gain support in any given situation. I think I learned about the win/win concept in a business management class in college.

6. Be proactive about your career growth- Find out if your work on the job is in good standing with your employer, and think about how you can improve it. Who knows, the next step may be a new promotion.

Source: http://www.quintcareers.com/succeeding_in_business.html

Posted by William F on March 12, 2008 at 12:18 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Clerical jobs involve work done in an office setting. Responsibilities may include typing, answering phones, entering data into a computer, etc. These entry level jobs in clerical work have a salary range between $10,000-$30,000. Here is a partial listing of clerical entry level jobs (along with administrative and support jobs):

Entry Level Clerical, Administrative, and Support Jobs

• Admitting Clerk


• Agent Licensing Clerk


• Consumer Payment Processing Clerk


• Courier/Messenger


• Employee/Personal Records Clerk


• File Clerk


• Level 1 Data Entry Clerk


• Level 2 Data Entry Clerk


• Receptionist


• Records Clerk

To see a complete listing of clerical entry level jobs and the others, along with their salary reports, go to:

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_salaryrangenarrowjob_10_OF01.html

Posted by William F on March 12, 2008 at 12:01 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The Millennial generation, born 1977-93, is the largest in American history, and is already causing profound changes in the way organizations are managed. In the US, Millennials are known for being ambitious, empowered, efficient, and yes, maybe a little over-entitled. People often ask me what the Millennial situation is like in other parts of the world, and I've been woefully uninformed. That's why I'm pleased to share these facts about Millennials (current 18-25 year-olds) in Asia, courtesy of the Interchange Group:

A Business Week survey of students at China's top MBA programs revealed an unprecedented drive for managerial excellence, Chinese style. Over 25% plan to start businesses in the next five years and the majority intends to pursue careers in China instead of the previously coveted US.

The Society for Human Resource Management reports that the median age of India's workforce is 25. Fewer than 12% have college degrees. With employee attrition as high as 70% in some industries, entry-level workers are successfully commanding high salaries and responsibilities seemingly disproportionate to their skill sets.

The Bank of Japan Review reports that excess employment by older Japanese workers has caused a high rate of unemployment and part-time employment among younger workers. Without full-time job opportunities right out of school, a growing percentage of Japan's youth are being displaced from the traditional career systems found in most Japanese organizations and may never catch up.

If you have more data about Millennials outside the US, please feel free to share. I would love to have it.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 11, 2008 at 8:52 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Time is running out for those of you who haven't landed a summer internship, yet. Luckily, there's a site that can help make your search much easier: It's called InternZoo.

InternZoo's purpose is to bring employers and candidates together for a quality internship experience on both sides. To help facilitate this end, they have advice for students and information for recruiters.

Writing a resume is tough. Writing your first resume probably seems like an impossible mission. It isn't. InternZoo's "Internships Advice" section lists the steps necessary to help any student learn how to write a winning resume and cover letter, what questions to expect from recruiters, and how to conduct a successful telephone interview. The only thing that isn't covered is the proper way to dress. That's simple. When you don't know the company's dress code, it's always better to err on the side of caution and dress as if you were about to interview for a job on Wall Street. A suit and tie always works well for men. A suit, tailored dress, or white blouse and knee-length skirt serves a woman well in any interview. Even if you know the company's dress code is business casual, it's still better to avoid wearing slacks to a face-to-face interview.

For recruiters, there's information about how to post to the site, what it costs, and even how InternZoo markets themselves to candidates.

As with a regular job search Web site, InternZoo has featured employers for students to consider. If you're still looking for a quality internship InternZoo is worth looking into.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 11, 2008 at 5:17 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It seems that some students are willing to settle for second best when it comes to an internship because they don't feel they have a chance at getting the position. If you are one of those students, you should apply for every internship you are interested in, not just the ones you think you will get.

You never know what the employer is looking for. You could be their perfect candidate. Sure, you want to be sure you fit their qualifications, but it goes beyond that. Your personality, the way you handle yourself, and your attitude play a big factor in whether you will be hired or not.

If the position you want to apply for is more competitive, don't second guess yoruself about applying. Even if you don't get the internship, you still got your name out there, and the employer may keep your information on file for a future position. Also, you can get networking contacts out of the whole process, which is very important if you want to get a job right out of college. If you view the opportunity as a positive one no matter the outcome, then you will feel better about applying for harder-to-get jobs in the future, and you will feel more confident about submitting your resume to them.

Always be confident in yourself and show that when you interview and submit your resume. That little bit of self confidence could give you an edge against the competition. Don't apply for the internship thinking, "Oh, I could never get this position." Instead, see it as an opportunity.

Posted by Tori S. on March 10, 2008 at 3:02 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you're interested in the educational field and are in need of experience prior to graduating, or if you're a college student looking for some extra cash here are some entry level job ideas. For starters, if your not one hundred percent sure you want to become a teacher it's a good idea to interview an experienced professional on their current educational occupation. If you can find someone teaching in the area of your interest, ask them questions about the specifics of their job; i.e. what kind of education they recieved, what their daily job duties are, greatest pressures or satisfying aspects of their job, important skills to acquire and any further advice they can offer you. Ask the teacher or professer if you can sit in and observe one of their classes to see how they truly operate, it's a great way to learn hands on.

Go around to different daycares in your town or city, many of them are always looking for an extra helping hand. Working in a daycare will give you the kind of learning experience you'll need to understand how kids function. You'll also learn the value of patience, or get a good laugh every now and again. If you're not into the daycare idea, try searching for a summer/day camp counselor job. Many times you get to enjoy the great outdoors and plan fun activities for your attendees.

Finally, become a college tutor or nanny. There are hundreds of locations throughout the U.S. and they hire students with little or no experience to help you. They offer excellent pay (something you might not recieve working at a daycare), flexible hours, and you can tutor in the subject of your pursuit. I hope these tips will benefit those of you who are invested in the educational department. In my opinion, if you have any doubts or anxieties on becoming a teacher I would definetly take a moment to dig deeper into the field to see if it's something you're really going to stick with for life.

Posted by Cynthia Hoza on March 8, 2008 at 12:04 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Internships can be an easy entry into a future full-time job, but if you don't like the work you're doing, then you won't learn anything and you won't have relevant experience to what you actually want to do. Now I'm not saying that you will like every aspect of your internship, but you should have an interest in at least some of the work you're doing.

When you stick to what interests you, you are more likely to be enthusiastic about learning about the careers in your field, and you will be more willing to put your best work into a project or assignment. Employers look for individuals who want to learn and succeed in their job. By the end of your internship, you should have many examples of exemplar work you have created. If you leave with nothing, then you probably weren't very interested in the job in the first place. If that's the case, you have wasted weeks or months of work, gaining experience in a field you have no interest in. Remember, internships are supposed to help you get a job in the future. If you don't have an internship in a job you hope to receive later, then your chances of getting that job aren't very good. Stay focused on what you want to do in life and where you want to be, and then research jobs or internships that would be beneficial to your learning.

You may not be offered the first internship or job you apply for, but at least make yourself competitive and remembered by being confident in your skills and by having relevant experience.

Posted by Tori S. on March 7, 2008 at 5:21 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Just today I was looking at internships on a job search, and I discovered that several of them had the same qualifications they wanted applicants to have. The first big one I noticed was the ability to communicate with various individuals. It seems that every job requires you to have a good relationship with someone, and good communication skills are the only way to get work done effectively.

Another skill I noticed was the ability to work well with computers. For example, searching on internet databases and pulling research from them. Also, knowing how to work with all the features of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) were skills that were often looked for. Fortunately, if you don't know much about these programs, you can go to the Microsoft Office website and get free tutorials on how to do things. Then, you can at least say you have a working knowledge of the software.

If you are applying for a journalism internship, you will want to have a few writing samples available to submit. Even if you aren't going into journalism, you should still work on your writing skills, because most jobs require writing of some sort.

So, when you are focusing on perfecting your skills, think about communication, computers, and writing. Practice interviewing, get involved in an organization, start blogging, and use the programs the company wants you to have experience with. If you have conquered these skills, then you will feel more confident about applying for the position, and you'll be more likely to receive a response from them.

Posted by Tori S. on March 7, 2008 at 5:12 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's a fact that 60 to 70 percent of full-time jobs come from networking. The problem is that many people don't know how to network properly, or maybe even what to do when you're networking. The first thing you should do is to talk with someone in your field, or with an organization that you are interested in getting an internship with. If you have not yet worked as an intern, you may want to consider applying for one, because 60 percent of internships result in a future entry-level job. A lot of networking can come from an internship. The reason is because you are working with employees of a company, you're meeting other people, and you may even be attending conferences or meetings that relate to your future career.

Besides an internship, a great way to network is to go to job or career fairs, and to city gatherings that are for people in your career field. If you have some business cards, take those and hand them out to people. If you have a really good conversation with someone, you may want to consider asking them if they have an internship program or are looking for an employee. These gatherings are a way for you to get your name out there, and it allows people to see who you are.

You will meet hundreds of people while you are in college, so be sure to keep track of those individuals who might be able to help you get a job when you graduate.

Posted by Tori S. on March 7, 2008 at 12:11 PM | Leave a Comment (4)

With the competition getting high in the workforce, it's important to have an internship under your belt before you enter into your career. Finding an internship is actually not that hard as long as you take the time to research and look for the one that fits you best.

The first and best place to look is through your college or university. Sometimes the internships may be listed by department, school, or maybe even in your career services office. Although many of them may be unpaid, you can usually get away with working 10 hours a week during the semesters, but you still gain valuable experience. They also help beef up your resume.

If you're looking for a summer internship, then you may want to perform a search with your city and the time you are looking for the internship. There are hundreds of internships in big cities and several throughout the small ones. ExxonMobil provides grants to non-profit organizations every summer to pay for interns, so you may want to consider looking into that if you would like to work for a non-profit in the future.

Make sure you have created a resume that is applicable to the position you are applying for. You may also be asked to write a cover letter, so make sure it counts! Double check your spelling and grammar, and highlight your skills and qualities. This is the time for you to show the employer what you can do, and it may be the deciding factor as to whether they interview you or not. Consult a career counselor for a cover letter and resume critique before you submit it to the company.

There are thousands of opportunities for internships, you just have to take the time to research and find a position that you would like to apply for. Trust me, the internship will pay off... paid or unpaid!

Posted by Tori S. on March 7, 2008 at 12:17 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you've been through a few interviews, then you know to expect the "Tell me a little about yourself" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses" questions. It's easy to pinpoint qualities in other people, but when it comes to describing yourself, it seems to be a little harder. Here are some pointers I have received from my university's career services counselors and from some professors I have had:

Make your introduction count by including specific qualities you have. For example, you can say you are a great leader, and then use an example to support that quality. Once you have been through an internship, it is a lot easier to pinpoint exactly what you are good at. Your experience will also provide examples of work you did throughout your time in the internship.

Remember that everyone has weaknesses, But when you are describing yours, include how you hope that this job will help you improve on them. This shows that you have a strong desire to advance your skills and learn more about your career field.

Employers can separate good applicants from the bad ones just by these two questions. Prepare what you are going to say before you get to the interview, so that you don't have to search for answers in the sky. It's important to make a good impression if you are hoping to land an entry-level job.

You may want to consult a career assessment to help you find your best qualities and strengths. But remember that real life experience and examples are always going to help your case and show that you have the knowledge necessary to succeed in the position.

Posted by Tori S. on March 7, 2008 at 12:03 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I know many college students and graduates want to find that entry level job in sales without having any experience, right? Well, here are seven strategies from Chris Lytle that can help you out.

1. Persist- Never give up, and make sure to follow up with companies.

2. Do Your Homework- Be prepared before a potential employer you want to impress.

3. Customize Your Resume- Be specific on your resume when it comes to the job you want.

4. Document Your Achievements and Sell Them- Highlight your proudest achievements in life to show a potential employer just how successful you can be.

5. Have a Philosophy of Selling When You Walk in the Door- Have some prior knowledge in the area of sales, and develop your own understanding of how it is best achieved.

6. Have a Story about Your Biggest Sale- Give an example of how you successfully completed an objective by convincing someone else to help you do so. This shows an employer you have what it takes to get the job done.

7. Be Willing to Take an Entry Level Sales Position- You never know when the right opportunity will come for an entry level job in sales. If necessary, take an internship to ease into a company.

Sales comes with a lot of work, especially for someone with no experience in the field. Only the strong will survive. To get that first entry level job in sales, you must first sell yourself.

Source: http://www.fastweb.com/fastweb/resources/articles/index/104827

Posted by William F on March 6, 2008 at 1:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

If you're interested in turning an entry level job in sales into a career, here are some tips from a couple of sales experts.

10 Sales Tips from Danita Bye
1. Be Uncomfortable Daily
2. Understand Money
3. Be Eager to Learn
4. Find a Company Willing to Train You
5. Track Sales Statistics
6. Create a Support System (group of people)
7. Clarify Professional and Sales Goals
8. Don't Be Afraid of the word "No"
9. Know Yourself
10. Ask Good Questions and Listen

10 Sales Tips from Stephanie McNeil
1. Don't Take Things Personally When Making Calls to Potential Clients
2. Use Different Approaches
3. Learn about Different Personalities
4. Know What You're Selling
5. Ask Questions and Listen
6. Don't Lead with Your Product
7. Don't Tell Consumers How to Solve a Problem
8. Speak with the People Delivering a Product or Service
9. Understand Prospective Clients
10. Believe in What You Sell

Source: http://www.startribune.com/jobs/sales/11392791.html

Posted by William F on March 6, 2008 at 1:25 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Sales is an opportunity to present a product or service in such a way that it can be sold to a consumer. The field can potentially be a huge money maker for employees. How can you secure an entry level job in sales? Here are some steps to get you on your way.

1. Find out which companies have entry level sales job openings- Do your company research and decide if it is right for you.

2. Sell Yourself- Convince a potential employer why you should get a specific job. If you have no work experience, explain how other qualities would benefit the company.

3. Position Yourself- Before a company offers you an entry level job in sales, you may have to prove yourself in another job first, like a customer service representative. If you do a great job, you may open the door for the job you really want.

4. Be Persistent- Make sure to follow up with a company after you have applied for the entry level job in sales, and if you have an interview. By doing so, the company will see how serious you are about the position.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2121532_get-entry-level-sales-job.html

Posted by William F on March 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For most job seekers, a former employer can be a great reference. But lets face it, not all jobs are created equal. There may be many times when you have taken a job that just wasn't for you. Or you had a boss that really was out to get you. Don't sweat it though.
Be cautious of what you say during interviews. Employers will be on the lookout for any sense of negativity you may be harvesting. To you, you may only be venting or spouting the truth. To the employer, it may seem that you are a negative employee. This could bring down moral.
Employers are looking to hire someone who is going to do something for the business. They do not want somebody who is a nay-sayer, or going to leave after a few months.
With that said, don't be afraid of your past employment. Be willing to discuss the subject when it comes up, but highlight your attributes of sticking around in a similar situation. Don't be afraid of the past, but know this: you may be over the past, but it will never be over you.

Posted by jdisandro on March 5, 2008 at 3:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

From the get go of your student career every respectable adult always encourages their young students to go to college and get a degree, so you can obtain a "real" job. With nothing to lose you take out those huge school loans, study your little heart out, earn that degree and never get that good paying position. It seems the only jobs in the newspaper require experience, which many times you can't learn from a college degree. Although internships are of GREAT help, not many of us poor college students can afford to work for little or nothing. These days, the only good paying, entry level jobs that students can acquire always appear to be within the health field. Although a very respectable position, not all of us are cut out for a medical career. The programs are usually very demanding, but the greatest aspect of a RN or LPN degree is the required clinicals offering excellent assisstance in learning.
I have a friend who is about to graducate from the nursing program at Northampton Community College after four years of having her head stuck in a nursing textbook. I'm sure that many are aware that from the start, these demanding nursing programs are anything but an easy learning experience. Now, in her last three months of clinical practices she's finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. She expressed to me the other day that she recently attended a job fair in which one employer was said to offer entry level registered nurses at $26 dollars an hour, fresh out of college. The best part, the last actual job she had was in highschool so she could focus all of her energy on her studies. Don't get me wrong, the job is stressful and can sometimes be traumatic so they definetly deserve every penny of that $26 dollars an hour. What I don't understand is why don't occupations that are just as important, like for instance teachers, get offered the same amount? I guess it all depends on your location, but still, where would you be without all that education? Stuck in college, and trying to find a job...that's where.

Posted by Cynthia Hoza on March 5, 2008 at 2:55 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The more education you have in the accounting field can increase your earning potential. In the not so distant past, all accountants were making between $30,000-$83,000. Most of them made between $37,000 and $61,000, and had an average salary of around $47,000. Depending on what area you work for, you could make more or less money.

The Robert Half International group found in a 2003 survey that experience plays a key role in an accountant's income; accountants with entry level jobs earned between $30,000 and $40,000.

Based on other criteria, here's what some other workers earned:

• Senior accountants/auditors: $40,000-$62,000
• Managers: $48,000-$79,000
• Directors: $67,000-$200,000

For more information on accounting salaries, visit http://www.careers-in-accounting.com/acsal.htm

Posted by William F on March 5, 2008 at 2:01 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

On the whole, it seems like things are looking up in the accounting field. More people are entering accounting programs, which potentially, makes for more competition for jobs. Those who have more professional experience and education will increase their opportunities for success. It is important for all accountants to create an honest and reliable reputation in times when some people are unsure of their financial future.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. expects accounting jobs to grow by 34% in the coming years. The biggest reason has to do with the opening of new businesses, in addition to the proper examination of the finances of these businesses. As the economy grows, so will the demand for accountants with entry level jobs, to do more work for companies like preparing taxes. These workers looking for entry level jobs will also have more job opportunities as people change careers or retire.

Source: http://www.careeroverview.com/accounting-careers.html

Posted by William F on March 5, 2008 at 1:38 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The biggest impact of change in accounting has to do with computers. They make life for accountants much easier by saving them time in finding the information that's needed to be most effective at work. A lot has to do with new accounting software, which reduces manual labor; the World Wide Web is also a key factor. Therefore, entry level job candidates in accounting should become familiar with computer programs and use of the Internet.

The need for personal financial advisors is growing. These workers specialize in preparing taxes, personal budgets, and retirement plans for their clients. Other activities include:

• Developing investment portfolios
• Effectively utilizing assets
• Giving advice on recognizing and minimizing any risks

Source: http://www.careeroverview.com/accounting-careers.html

Posted by William F on March 5, 2008 at 1:22 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Here are three entry level jobs for CPAs for those who are interested in accounting: staff accountants, junior auditors, and IRS special agents. I made reference to them in a previous entry, Entry Level Jobs as CPAs.

Staff Accountants- Accountants main responsibilities are to prepare and adjust financial information in a timely fashion including the monthly close, the board report, and revenue and expense statements.

Junior Auditors- They review audit functions in areas such as accounting and finance; may also report certain audit findings.

IRS Special Agents- Workers have an opportunity to work in law enforcement and accounting.

Companies desire entry level job candidates for CPA positions who have passed the Certified Public Accountant exam before applying for these positions.

Sources

http://www.dovajobs.us/job-details.html?jobid=1253035&jobtitle=staff+accountant&joblocation=brookline

http://ph.jobstreet.com/jobs/2008/2/z/20/1756870.htm?fr=J

http://www.jobs.irs.gov/car_opp_cisaStatus.html

Posted by William F on March 5, 2008 at 12:50 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Have you ever thought about where accountants work? May be a little bit. Well, they work in four types of places: public accounting firms, the government, corporations, and solo (individually).

This is important information for any entry level job seekers in accounting so you can have options for your place of work.

Where to find Accountants

Public Accounting Firms- These accountants establish partnerships in order to meet the accounting service needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.

Government- Government accountants work at the local, state, or federal level, and handle budgets, costs, and analyze programs. Whatever is done can have a huge effect on the public's well being, but anything too political may result in other government intervention.

Corporations- Workers in these small or large firms have accountants capable of handling necessary functions of accounting such as preparing financial statements, tracking costs, etc.

Solo- You may get an entry level job as a CPA first, and down the road, work as your own CPA. If there is a desire to go into business for yourself and a great effort behind it, the benefits can be worthwhile such as increasing your income.

Source: http://www.careers-in-accounting.com/acoptions.htm

Posted by William F on March 4, 2008 at 1:40 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

There are various areas in accounting for entry level job candidates to explore. Consider job opportunities from the following areas: audit, budget analysis, financial, management accounting, and tax.

1. Audit- An entry level job that requires you to check the financial accuracy inside businesses and the government; an understanding of how a company produces its earnings.

2. Budget Analysis- Workers deal in the preparation and overseeing of a company's finances.

3. Financial- Accountants create financial statements from a business' records and are included when meaningful financial decisions are made; the type of work can vary daily.

4. Management Accounting- The key word here is analysis. Accountants major responsibilities are cost analysis, analysis of new company contracts, and to play an active role in managing expenses most effectively.

5. Tax- Many people are in need of these accountants right now. Tax accountants put together corporate and personal income tax statements, as well as make other important financial decisions. These workers possess a profound knowledge of economics and the tax code.

As you can see, there are a variety of accounting jobs to choose from. If you do your homework, you can find the entry level job that may carry you to an accounting career.

Source: http://www.careers-in-accounting.com/acoptions.htm

Posted by William F on March 4, 2008 at 1:20 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to The American Heritage College Dictionary (fourth edition), accounting is the bookkeeping methods involved in making a financial record of business transactions and in the preparation of statements concerning assets, liabilities, and operating results of a business. These include:

• Computing costs and efficiency gains from new technologies
• Participating in strategies for mergers and acquisitions
• Quality Management
• Developing and Using information systems to track financial performance
• Tax Strategy
• Health Care Benefits Management

An entry level job in accounting may potentially lead you to a career in the field. The most important argument is the opportunity to learn how the business works, inside and outside. If you like to work with numbers, accounting might just be for you.

Source: http://www.careers-in-accounting.com/ac.htm

Posted by William F on March 4, 2008 at 12:52 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Once you have reached your senior year of college, you begin to wonder what lies ahead for you in the career world. Often times, the answer is not clear. You may have held a few internships, but you have an entry-level job to focus on getting now. So here are a few tips to get you started:

-Keep a networking list of possible contacts, such as previous employers, friends in the business, and professors in your field. You can also network by attending job fairs and getting the business cards of people you have spoken to about your career field.

-Build up a good list of references so employers can get a better picture of who you are from other people's viewpoints. You may want to include professors you have built a good relationship with or employers that know your greatest work qualities.

-Keep a portfolio of work you have created throughout your college career. This can include projects you have completed in classes, work you have done at an internship, and other things like awards you have received for achievements. Be sure that it is material that is relevant to the job you are applying for. This is your chance to show off what you are capable of doing for the company.

Always be sure to keep a clean, well-written resume that will give you the edge over other applicants. Also, be sure to revise your cover letter to apply to the specific qualities the employer is looking for in their perfect candidate. If you receive an interview, sound enthusiastic about the position, do your research on the company, and ask some good questions to get a feel for what your position would require you to do. If you are organized and well-prepared, employers will see that you are focused and serious about the position you have applied for, and that will leave a good impression with them.

Posted by Tori S. on March 4, 2008 at 12:13 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

My fellow Huffington Post columnist Alvaro Fernandez writes about the recent news emphasis on brain fitness and "brain training," which reflects a growing interest in natural, non-drug-based interventions to keep our brains sharp. Fernandez says that this interest is very timely, given the aging population, increasing Alzheimer's rates, and soaring health care costs that place more emphasis than ever on prevention and changing lifestyle.

An increasing number of companies, such as Nintendo with the Brain Age and Brain Training games, are achieving significant commercial success in packaging brain exercise. Who's buying them? Adults over 50 who want to protect their memory are among the pioneers, and the 78 million baby boomers are eager to try new approaches. K12 education is on board as well: certain brain fitness software packages have shown they can help kids who have dyslexia and related difficulties.

The products, to some extent, do work. You can expect quantifiable short-term improvements in your cognitive skills after a number of weeks of systematic brain training. But as for measurable long-term benefits, such as better overall brain health as we age, or lower incidence of Alzheimer's symptoms, it's still too early to tell.

Fernandez predicts that we will see the brain training trend enter the work world in a number of ways. Perhaps companies will offer incentive programs to employees in order to attract and retain mature workers who want access to the best and the latest innovations to keep their minds sharp. And more and better computer-based tools will be made available to all employees: just as we find a variety of machines in health clubs today, in the future we can expect different brain programs tailored to train specific cognitive skills that are relevant to particular jobs.

In the 21st century, it appears that fitness is taking on a whole new meaning. Hopefully these brain training programs will prove more appealing than the elliptical!

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 3, 2008 at 7:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Companies want entry level job candidates in accounting who have passed the Certified Public Accountant examination, and they must fulfill their work requirements to gain other requirements. These companies provide different experiences, and allow those who apply to learn about the business. CPA positions include staff accountants, junior auditors, and IRS agents.

Entry level jobs for CPAs demand above average computer skills, focus on detail, and being aware of today's industry trends. You can find these jobs from different sources. Some of them are by networking, answering newspaper ads, and conducting an online job search and posting your resume online.

Source: http://www.accountpros.com/accounting_careers_tips.asp

Posted by William F on March 3, 2008 at 10:19 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Here is an entry level job in accounting that requires both education and experience. Applicants need one year of accounting experience along with experience in preparing financial statements. You can earn competitive pay as well as an extended benefits package and help with college tuition.

The entry level job offered is that of a Property Accountant. It involves using your accounting skills to operate the full cycle of accounting.

This job comes from Robert Half Finance & Accounting, a company that emphasizes finding full-time jobs for professionals in various areas such as accounting.

Source: http://www.roberthalffinance.com/portal/site/rhf-us/menuitem.7f3aa9f148b7a94d9a64e9c302f3dfa0/?vgnextoid=4efa7d3a6189a010VgnVCM100000213ffd0aRCRD&javax.portlet.prp_150445c880653b16fa64e9c302f3dfa0_request_type=ViewJobDetail&javax.portlet.prp_150445c880653b16fa64e9c302f3dfa0_job_number=41240193&specificJob=41240193&javax.portlet.prp_150445c880653b16fa64e9c302f3dfa0_single_job=true

Sorry for the long address.

Posted by William F on March 3, 2008 at 9:58 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I've been spending a lot of time in doctors' offices lately. No, I'm not sick - just 36 weeks pregnant. And having a doctor's appointment at least once a week inevitably means that my productivity goes way down. This is because one waits longer for a doctor than for any other professional, and even if you only see the doctor for ten minutes, your experience in the office is often a 2+ hour affair.

I'd like to say that this is a statement about the sad condition of modern medicine, but the truth is, doctors' offices have been this way for as long as I can remember - including the 80s, when health insurance companies paid for everything without questioning it and every man and woman with an MD made a cushy living.

I'm not sure why it's acceptable for physicians to keep patients waiting as long as they do. If a client showed up to meet with me at a pre-scheduled time, and I showed her to a stack of magazines in the lobby and left her there for hours on end, I wouldn't have a job. I am expected to respect others' time and keep to my calendar.

The culture of medicine is such that no one in a doctor's office - from the receptionist to the PA to the doctor himself - cares that you have a life too and are unable to take care of your responsibilities as long as you're there instead of wherever else you're supposed to be. And unfortunately, I'm starting to see this attitude spill into the business world. Senior executives in particular will routinely cancel meetings with subordinates at the last minute, or keep them hanging around the office for a five minute paperwork signoff while they chit chat on the phone or complete every other minor task that comes to mind.

Let's please try to remember that everyone wants to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Think about how your actions may be wasting others' time, and don't allow your lack of planning to become their emergency.

Article by Alexandra Levit and courtesy of Water Cooler Wisdom blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on March 3, 2008 at 9:44 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It is nothing new for corporate recruiters to use the Internet to search for entry level job candidates. However, they are now turning to blogs as well for more worthy job seekers to choose from. Recruiters also want to learn additional information about their potential employees from blogs they don't find out in resumes and interviews. These bloggers desired by recruiters work mostly in media and technology since they understand "the world of blogging". Other important information about job candidates is discovered when they don't write about their careers.

For entry level job seekers, blogging is a great way to market yourself online. This is because your chances increase that employers will find out something about you that interests them. Remember, when you're online, you create an image, and a blog can be a positive resource to maintain it.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=906

Posted by William F on March 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

It seems that more and more people are applying for the same internship or entry-level job you are during college. We always wonder, is there an edge that I can get over the other applicants? Here's the easy answer: do your homework!

I don't mean sitting with a book about your career field and absorbing as much information as you can, and then writing a book review about the material. What I mean is research the company you are trying to work for. The easiest way to do this is to go to their website and click on the "About Me" section. Here, you can find information about what the company's goals are, their mission statement, and any achievements worth noting. It's also a good idea to look into any events they may host, what companies they work with or for, and how they operate their business. All of these factors will help you gain more knowledge about the position you're applying for, and, therefore, make you more enthusiastic in your cover letter and interview.

Try to form some questions to ask during the interview from the materials you find on the website. Maybe you want to learn more about their goals as a company, and what they want you to accomplish if you get the job. Remember, being enthusiastic will make you a better candidate for the position because you will have a better attitude, and will be excited about future work you may be doing for that company.

Posted by Tori S. on March 2, 2008 at 10:33 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It's very common to scroll down an employment opportunity and discover that they want a sample of your work. This is especially common in internship job postings. The reason employers want to see your work is because it gives them an idea of what you have accomplished, and how they can help you improve in your field. For example, journalism internships often ask for a few writing samples. If you have worked at your student newspaper, then save some of the articles you have written and submit those with your application. The same thing applies to an art student. Keep any project that you think demonstrates your ability as an artist and add it to your portfolio.

The key thing is to keep work that you are proud of, and resembles who you are. The work should be your best, since the employer will only see you on paper, before deciding if you should get an interview or not. Since you know that you will most likely be asked for a sample of your work sometime in the future, use that as motivation to do well in your classes or your current job right now.

Once you have a few samples together, you can start to put together a portfolio of all your work. This can include any project you are proud of, certificates of achievement, etc. Then, if you are asked for a sample, you can dig it out and give the employer exactly what they are looking for. Remember that your samples should be related to the career path you want to be on. Always double check to make sure your material is relevant to the position you are applying for.

Posted by Tori S. on March 1, 2008 at 1:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)