Entry level job seekers may not always find writing their resumes as an easy task. It takes some thought to organize your information in a way that's clear and concise, as well as marketable to your readers. There is nothing wrong with asking for help with your resume; as a matter of fact, you should. I certainly did. One problem you may encounter when creating your resume is writer's block. Check out these tips from Wellness and Writing Coach, Rochelle Melander.

1. Use mind mapping to collect your ideas.
2. Think small.
3. Think in drafts.
4. Set deadlines.
5. Get out of the house.
6. Pay attention to your energy level.
7. Get examples.
8. Walk away.
9. Get support.
10. Call the professionals.

Writing a resume can be a challenge for anyone, especially if your mind won't cooperate with you. These tips could give you a new perspective on how to write a successful resume.

For more information on these tips, go to http://www.jobseekerweekly.com/newsletter.php?news=334.

Posted by William F on June 30, 2008 at 10:53 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Many college graduates may be in need of some advice before they enter the real world also known as the workforce. After all, they've been used to having structure in a school environment for a long time and now must create their own path to success. Here are some tips from career coach, Bobbie Twa, to help prepare you for your transition into the workforce.

Remove tongue rings and other distracting piercings from your face. An employer wants to focus on you, not what you're wearing.

Leave kids and friends at home when going on an interview. You need time to focus on the interview and be relaxed before it takes place.

A sloppy application is the best way to get eliminated. To avoid this fate, make sure your application has no mistakes in spelling and grammar, and clearly presents your thoughts.

Research and know about the company you are applying at. The more knowledge of the company you have shows an employer that you've done your homework, and can also prepare you for a potential interview with the company.

Keep track of your achievements and accomplishments. This information is good for your resume to show an employer what type of worker he or she can expect to have if you are hired for the job.

Find someone to mentor you. Having someone within a company as a reference who has experience and who you trust never hurts.

Don't burn bridges with past employers. When you leave a company, do so on good terms. A former employer might be a key resource to help you find a new job, or you might need to work for that employer again in the future.

You're not entitled to a job - you earn the right to work for an employer. Jobs aren't handed out for free. You must put in the time and energy it takes to get the job you want.

Hopefully, these tips will give entry level job seekers graduating from college some guidance as they head off into the real world.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=951

Posted by William F on June 27, 2008 at 11:12 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Personally, I've never been late for a job interview and I highly recommend that you not be either. However, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you will be late there is a great way to handle the situation.

If you are going to be late to a job interview, call ahead to the office and let them know that you anticipate being late. Then ask if they would still like you to come or if they would like you to reschedule. Never assume that you are the only person on their schedule for the day.

Some great ways to avoid being late to an interview.

1. Give yourself extra time on the day of the interview.


2. Do a pre-run drive to the location so you know where you are going and to see if there will be an construction or other delays you can avoid.


3. Be prepared.

Remember, there really is no good reason for being late. Yes, there are things you can't anticipate happening but being prepared in that case will help you look good in the employers eyes if you can handle the situation with ease.

-- Submitted by Chrissy from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 25, 2008 at 11:55 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Speculation surrounds the idea of recessionary recruiting for businesses all over the U.S. For instance, employers shed 63,000 jobs in February, 20,000 in March, and April's numbers are unknown. What can employers do to counter these issues without losing key talent in their organizations? It is unknown currently, but we have a few suggestions for preparing for these types of events. Recessionary recruiting should focus on sales and marketing talent from competitors and preparation for economic downturn.

Sales and marketing are the most profitable sectors of any organization and recruiters need to consider recruiting entry level talent to increase the bottom line.

Multi-Faceted Recent Grads

Job cuts in today's companies provide recruiters with opportunities to recruit highly talented grads with sales experience. Gen Y has entered the workforce with an aptitude for entrepreneurship and is waiting for a chance to prove their worthiness to employers. The recession has led the strongest candidates to sales positions in companies across the nation. The additional sales and marketing jobs are answers to most companies' profit loss.. Directors of talent management should handle this responsibility in their organizations so each department remains flexible and prosperous.

With the inclusion of Gen Y, an organization recruiting talented sales and marketing grads will have a better experience during the recession.

Recruit Competitors' Sales and Marketing Talent

Have you recruited top sales and marketing talent from your competitors? This is a risky decision to make, but it can help your company gradually rise above recession. Some recruiters may ask how or why they should consider their competitors' talent; well, sales and marketing talent can add profits to your bottom line.

With company headcounts slashing across the nation, your sales force should be stronger than ever. Consider top performers who were discarded due to your competitors' impulsive cutbacks. Your company can take advantage of their mistakes by acquiring these leaders to increase sales leads, generate objectives, and promotions to distinguish your company in your market.

Prepare for Economic Downturn

The economic downturn continues to effect employers just as much as employees due to post-Boomers' focus on family and entrepreneurship, which is addressed in Recession's Impact on the Job Market. Recession is hurting the overall optimism of 2008 graduates, but it keeps their hopes high if companies enact their workforce plans for this time of economy. The talent demands will continue to rise as more graduates enter the job market, but employers' capability to hire is of prime factor. With this said, workforce planning is needed due to the economic downturn we have experienced the last four years.

What can you do to help your company counter recession?

You should look for the best entry level sales and marketing candidates that will stay with your company through bad times. Companies offering great benefit packages and refusing pay freezes have a greater return on their investments in Gen Y. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, remember the bottom line and the talent available.

By: -- Tahjia Chapman a Staff Writer for CollegeRecruiter.com, the leading job board for college students searching for internships and recent graduates hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 25, 2008 at 9:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

There is a new factor for entry level job seekers to consider when looking for a job. Well, in case you are unaware, this factor is gas prices. According to one staffing service, hiring agencies and recruiters should take notice, as job seekers are becoming more concerned about the distance they travel to get to work due to increased gas prices.

The gas factor could cause entry level job seekers and others not to take certain jobs they might be qualified for. I believe I heard one of our presidential candidate's say he talked to someone who said that gas is so expensive that it's hard to go out and look for a job. Hiring agencies and recruiters must realize that the travel distance to work is more important now than before for job seekers. One option for employers to hire more people might be freelance job opportunities.

In the meantime, if you're facing this dilemma, stay positive in your job search; you never know, the job you're looking for could be right around the corner, literally.

Source: http://www.thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=950

Posted by William F on June 24, 2008 at 12:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

I already have my dream job! I'm a pubished writer who also created the Advice Sisters and several online publications, including two web sites, a blog, and an Ezine. I help readers around the world make life easier, more successful and more fun!

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

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 24, 2008 at 9:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Guest Blogger, Natalia Valderrama is a Sodexo intern

For the last week and a half, I have been working with Sodexo as part of their Future Leaders Internship Program. When I was assigned to work with the Sodexo Foundation, I knew their mission was to eradicate hunger. I knew this in the abstract--but last evening, during the Annual Sodexo Foundation Dinner, I got a real live perspective of the many dimensions of poverty in our country, and how much we can all do to make difference. In times where people are making the choice between filling up their gas tank or putting food on the table, it seems like an ever more daunting effort to fight poverty and hunger. Last night, it became evident that much can be done, and that Sodexo is committed to being a part of the solution.

The evening began with a moment of silence for the 35 million people in the United States who, unlike us, would not be having a fine, three-course meal. At the dinner, I learned so much about the many contributions that Sodexo employees, their families and their communities make every day. For example, I learned that during the month of April, when Sodexo holds its annual Servathon, we served 100 tons of food to 33,000 people nationally. I saw video clips of familiar faces making a difference through their service.

At the dinner, Sodexo provided scholarships to five youth who had demonstrated outstanding service to fight hunger in their communities. These award recipients ranged in age from 9 years old all the way through a junior in college, underscoring for me that you do not need to be a big company like Sodexo to make a difference--each one of us can help in our own way. In particular, I was so moved by the story of Hannah Yoxall, a nine year old child from China who received a scholarship for her tireless efforts to raise donations to food banks by kids from her school and the community. While most 9 year olds are on the couch playing the Wii, Hannah has been instilled with the drive to eliminate hunger since she was 5 years old, having been an orphan in China, with first hand experience of hunger.

It is heartbreaking to know that there is so much hunger, poverty and suffering, but it also made me feel optimistic that if people gain awareness at such a young age, there is a potential to make real change. I feel proud to be with a company with such a commitment and passion. Many companies have slogans that live only on paper.

Sodexo's is to Make Every Day a Better Day--and it is clear to me that this is the core of the company, not just a slogan.

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

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 19, 2008 at 12:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Barbara Walters once told the graduating class of Sarah Lawrence, "Follow your compass, follow your gut." This intuitive approach to decision making may hold some truth in the world of internship searches.

We've all experienced those "Aha!" moments. Those times when everything felt so clear and made so much sense that we knew what course to take or what action to choose. I recently had an "Aha!" moment in my frustrating, and seemingly-endless quest for a new internship.

A couple of weeks ago, unforeseen circumstances left me without my reliable internship at a small law firm in my hometown. And so, I embarked on a perilous journey to find a new position.

My major mistake in searching for an internship was that I wasn't quite clear about my intentions, or what exactly it was that I wanted. Had I said from the outset "My intention is to write, plain and simple", which as a matter of fact was my "Aha!" moment later on, I might have found my position at CollegeRecruiters.com sooner.

As I traveled through the murky waters of internships in various occupational fields, nothing felt right in my gut. And my head was getting in the way of everything. Variables such as pay scale, employee benefits, and job location were throwing me for a loop. But when I came upon the spot at CollegeRecruiters.com, I immediately "knew" that it was the right fit.

This intuitive knowing in decision making is backed up by scientific studies. According to one study by researchers at the University of Amsterdam, and as reported in an article by Gareth Cook of the Boston Globe, decisions with many variables (choosing a new internship certainly fits the criteria of the study), are best made when one considers the pertinent factors, waits awhile, and then follows one's gut feeling to make the ultimate decision.

If this holds true, then following ones gut, and getting out of one's head, may be an effective way in choosing an internship. Internships can have many variables -- paid or unpaid, location, the field and nature of the internship, etc. -- and sometimes just going with that "Aha!" feeling, and ignoring the noise in one's head, can be the best bet.

Posted by Rachel Orland on June 17, 2008 at 7:30 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

To be prepared and to perform well in a job interview there are some basic steps you can follow to execute a winning interview.

1. ALWAYS research the company AND the job your are applying for. By knowing about the company, you show your attention to detail and willingness to find out the things you need to know to make an educated decision if an offer is extended to you. By researching the job, you can learn more about the functions you will be expected to operate under and will know about the salary expectations to negotiate when the time comes.


2. Practice your answers to any anticipated interview questions. By practicing you have the opportunity to really say what you mean to say. Practicing also gives you the opportunity to think of different scenarios you can count on when answering behavioral interview questions. Don't fall back on the same example every time.


3. Plan your outfit. Make sure you have a suit ready to go.


4. Do a practice run. Plan your route and drive there once before so you know what to expect on the way there.


5. Prepare your materials. In a portfolio, you should have copies of your resume, letters of recommendation, references, transcripts, and questions you want answered.


6. Get some rest! Don't party the night before.


7. Eat a good breakfast.


8. Go through all your materials one more time and be prepared.


9. Relax


10. Don't be late. Arrive no more than 10 minutes early.


11. Remember, your interview begins the minute you leave your home.

-- Submitted by Chrissy from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 17, 2008 at 9:09 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Honestly, my worst habit is that I drive too fast. I'm very impatient behind the wheel. I've never gotten pulled over for a speeding ticket, but there are times that I would have pulled myself over for going way above the speed limit. If there are any cops reading this, I'm very sorry. So, my impatience behind the wheel is definitely something I want to work on.

Another bad trait is that I jump to conclusions way too quickly. If I send a text to a friend or a crush and they don't return it within an hour or so, I get very agitated and nervous. The dreadful question "What if they are avoiding me?" automatically pops into my head and plays itself over and over again like a broken record. Usually, the person was either a) busy, b) not near their phone, or c) in a place with little or no cell service. When I learn this, I'm always left feeling stupid, but happy that I still have a friend.

-- Submitted by Rachel from Newtown, Pennsylvania, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 17, 2008 at 9:07 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The best boss I've had would not only teach his employees how to 'dress' for success, but would actually buy them a new suit or two!

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

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 17, 2008 at 9:05 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I guess most of us go through some sort of identity crisis at one point or another in our lives .. or maybe two. The midlife crisis is a term most people know well, but what about the new kid in town? I'm talking about the quarterlife crisis that many twentysomethings go through after graduating from college and setting out into the world on their own as young adults.

Sometimes, as a result of their quarterlife crises, twentysomethings become what are known as "twixters." What are twixters, you ask? "Generally speaking being a twixter has to do with a conflicted sense of identity between one generation and another, and the effect that this group of people have on the dynamic of a certain culture," explains Ryan O'Reilly, author of the novel, "Snapshot," a semi-autobiographical tale that follows a young twixter as he journeys around the country, learning, growing, and collecting and leaving behind "snapshots" of life. "It's been going on for a long time," O'Reilly continues, "in the twenties we called them the lost generation, the fifties had the beat generation and now we have the twixters. I would imagine that a lot of twixters have had these quarterlife meltdowns, but it's not a requirement for membership. I think being a twixter simply means that a particular part of a generation chooses to stand up, raise their heads and look higher than the daily revolutions of the worldly machine and ask 'why?'"

O'Reilly supported himself "menially" while living as a twixter, but stresses that this is not necessarily the only way to be a twixter. It is possible to pursue the ideals of a twixter while continuing to work and/or go to college. "Part of this new enlightment, I think, is not being married to one particular career. I think people my age are expected to change careers a couple of times in our lives, and I'm sure that will grow in the future. So if we're going to be doing some career hopping, we should take some time in between to experience the world through travel and adventure. Anyone can do this, it just takes a little imagination and resourcefulness. It's daunting when you are in a career and you think, 'How could I survive without this income?' Once you do it, you realize that it's not that hard. Career and income are just a security blanket - not unlike the one you had when you were still sucking your thumb. We must grow to understand that the world is not a secure place, and to experience it in comfortable, evenly distributed portions is to not experience the world as it is," O'Reilly says.

The life of a twixter can in no way be compared to a "freeter" in Japan, O'Reilly says. Wikipedia describes freeters as "parasite singles" who make little or no contribution to society. "I want to discourage that kind of social hunting and gathering mentality," he adds.

"There must be a way to be free, and still be a productive member of society and we just have to find out what that is. It's very personal to each person, and all we have to do is cast off our blinders and find out what it is. The trick is not sacrificing your own personal freedom for the sake of your career, but then again still managing to do our part to create and maintain a functional world. I think we can develop a new enlightenment for ourselves, but not at the risk of our own aesthetic progress. What kind of world would we have if everyone ditched their jobs and took to the highway?"

The main purpose of O'Reilly's newly released novel, it would appear, is trying to understand who and what twixters are. In it, his twentysomething protagonist quits his job in corporate America to lead a nomadic life working with a touring band. Along the way, he learns some valuable lessons about the "snapshots" we give and receive on our journey through life. Clearly, there's a lesson to be learned on this journey.

"The one thing we know with 100 percent certainty is that we have this life that we are experiencing right now. In truth, your own beliefs in next lives or after lives is completely irrelevant to the point I'm trying to make," says O'Reilly. "Snapshots that we gather throughout life have many dimensions. We have the snapshots of our own experiences and we have the ones of people who have affected us throughout our years on this earth. What's most important to realize now, before much more life is gone, is that when we get to the end of the road, we have to consider not only the snapshots we've accumulated, but also the ones we've left behind for the people in the world.

"So behave yourselves." O'Reilly warns, "you never know who will pick up on what you do and carry that with them as a snapshot memory of you. I think the essential goodness of the human character, if left to flourish with this viewpoint, will guide you into creating the kind of snapshots you will be proud to have with you as you leave this world, and proud to leave behind."

I think that says it all.

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 16, 2008 at 10:11 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I'm finally moving on from my dead-end entry-level admin job that I have been in for now over 1 year. Well, I am actually making the decision to move on to another admin job as I will most likely not have this position in 1 year when the company's new facility will open. I had been mulling over making this change now for some time anyways, so this news wasn't the motivating factor in my decision.

I also am on the verge of getting content published online and in print media publications. I have a degree in journalism and I am excited to finally put myself out there! I thus far only have blogs and a few college newspaper articles published thus far!!!

I am hoping to finally be accepted to graduate school in 2009 in the area of Mass Communications.

So, just thought I'd update on me as I hadn't blogged for some time!

Posted by Amy M on June 15, 2008 at 4:46 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

ABSOLUTELY! You should always send a thank you to those who interview you. You may email a thank you if urgency is necessary but you should also then follow up with a hand written note as well.
Here are 3 great reasons why you should send thank you's.

1. By sending a thank you, you are able to express your thanks to those who took the time to interview you. This is just good etiquette.




2. Sending a thank you sets you apart from the other candidates who won't send a thank you.




3. A thank you note also gives an employer another example of your written work.

-- Submitted by Chrissy from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 10, 2008 at 2:58 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As you begin your career working in an entry level job you are likely to encounter the workplace gossip problem. Often called office politics, this little troublemaker has been the ruination of many promising careers. To avoid having your entry level job wind up on the chopping block due to workplace gossip, it is a good idea to understand how harmful it can be and why.

Workplace gossip is relaying information, true or not, person to person about a third person or even the company itself. Usually, this information is of a negative tone such as impending layoffs or terminations in the case of corporations or snippets of an individual's personal life and derogative commentary on their job performance. As we stated before, this information may be truthful or it could be misconstrued observations or even outright lies. In any case, relaying such derogatory information is a dangerous proposition for those employed in entry level jobs.

The danger comes from the fact that you may be spreading a story that you firmly believe to be the truth, which in actuality is not true, or even worse, was intended as a confidential communication. The company is losing production because the employees are busy spreading the word about the latest gossip while the reputation of the third party is being tarnished by the story being told. It doesn't take a lot of thinking to understand that eventually the story is going to get back to the individual who is being gossiped about or to the management of the company. When this happens, two things can start to happen.

First, the individual will get angry. They may quit the job over the humiliation of having a private matter disclosed in such a way or they may go looking for the source of the information whether it was true or false. If the story being spread is false, there are even laws to protect the individual and the source of the information can be subject to penalty. It is not unheard of for corporations to terminate entry level employees for being involved in such cases.

Secondly, the company can take action. If the gossip being spread is about the company or its private communications is false, you can bet the management will let a few heads roll. Companies don't like it when their happy employees become disgruntled because some wise guy decided that the memo about a possible layoff next winter needed to be spread around as a plant closing in June. The wheel of blame gets shifted easily and anyone who relayed the message can be held accountable for it.

Final thought: If you want to keep your entry level job, keep your mind on your own business. Workplace gossip is destructive and costly to companies. By steering clear of office politics, you make yourself a more productive worker.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those seeking to find entry level jobs in a particular trade, the going may be a bit difficult. More and more, entry level positions are being filled before their availability ever becomes public knowledge. The reason for this is the use of word of mouth advertising by companies offering entry level job opportunities. The way this works is the CEO of corporation A says to his management staff that they have an opening in department A and they in turn spread this message to their staff. Very often, a member of this staff has a friend, relative or even a casual acquaintance who has the necessary skills for this entry level job and they relay this information to that individual. By doing the hiring portion of business in this manner, companies save money on advertising for new employees, improve the morale of their current crew (after all, who doesn't want to work with their friends?), and can hire new employees at a lower cost.

The trade association comes into play because powerful networking connections can be made at this level. By joining such an association, you are rubbing shoulders with individuals who work for some of the largest firms in their various trades, those same firms who are offering entry level jobs. When you join a trade association, take the time to communicate with the other members of your group and let them know you are looking for an entry level job in your field and you may quickly find that the spirit of brotherhood among these groups is overwhelming as entry level job opportunities start flooding in.

In addition to the entry level job hunting aspects of trade associations, there are other substantial benefits to membership. Often these associations provide special services for their membership at a discount, such as group life and health insurance rates or the opportunity to participate in educational events. Often trade memberships offer a magazine subscription filled with trade related news and information to keep you current with new information regarding your trade. All of these things join together to make finding entry level jobs much easier for the trade association member.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:47 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

College students are beginning to experience the call of the recruiter more and more often these days. Entry level jobs are being offered and negotiations being made every day for the entry level employment of current college students. With this being the case, you may be wondering just why recruiters are putting such an emphasis on hiring you as a future graduate.

To put it simply, recruiters make the best return on their company's investment by hiring early. On average, it cost the recruiters corporation anywhere from three thousand to six thousand dollars to hire a new employee to fill an entry level job. Typically, it takes thirty days before this individual will decide to take the position. By starting the recruitment process earlier, the recruiter gets first access to the very best students in their field while their relative value in the workplace is still quite low due to lack of experience. Thus, a recruiter can be fairly confident that those who choose to accept the offer of an entry level job upon graduation will have up-to-date skill sets and the ability to perform their job functions at a much lower salary than seasoned professionals in their field. In other words, work experience is a valuable commodity and companies expect to pay a premium for it. Those with less experience but equivalent education can be hired for a lower price so early recruitment efforts are on the rise. When you consider, the average employee increases a companies annual revenue by $150,000 and, in some of the major corporate players, this figure can go as high as $300,000, it is a matter of simple mathematics to understand the potential for increased profits that is the bread and butter of the college recruiter.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:44 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

While no one can guarantee what the future will bring, looking at past performance is often a very good way to predict what will happen with surprising accuracy. As humans, we have learned this lesson and applied it to many of our sciences and endeavors. To illustrate, if you want to invest a large sum of money in the stock market, most people will research a good number of stocks and select from these the ones that have shown a consistent pattern of earnings or that fit into the profile of a similar investment that was successful. By doing so, the majority of the individuals investments will return a profit rather than losing money.

You, the college student, are making a far more important investment. This investment will determine the course of your life and the degree of success you can attain. The time, money and energy that you are putting into your education can reap rich rewards or return catastrophic failure, depending upon how you handle the investment. By referring to historical data on labor statistics, you can determine what areas have consistently provided high paid entry level jobs and in what fields the entry level job market has suffered during business cycle fluctuations. By using this information, you can formulate an accurate idea of what the future corporate world will have to offer you upon graduation and adjust your curriculum accordingly. By taking the time to research the past, you can find high paid entry level jobs in your future.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:41 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

As you set out to find an entry level job in your chosen field, you will likely hear people mention several terms that may be unfamiliar to you. Many of these things have an effect upon the area of the job market you are seeking to enter so understanding some of the more important ones can be very helpful to your entry level job search. One of the most important phrases you are likely to hear discussed is the unemployment rate. Though you may already understand what the unemployment rate is, knowing its effect on the entry level job market can make the process of finding entry level positions much easier.

The unemployment rate is an average arrived at by figuring out how many people are unemployed as compared to the total number of people in an area. To give an example, a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics showed that the state of Michigan had the highest unemployment rate in March of 2008. The states unemployment rate at that time was 7.2% meaning that just over seven out of every one hundred people residing in the state during March of 2008 were unemployed.

Understanding what the unemployment rate means isn't enough though. What this will do to the entry level job market is even more important. What can we deduce from unemployment rates from the perspective of an entry level job seeker? To continue with the example already cited, a 7.2% unemployment rate, would equate to stiff competition for available entry level employment opportunities. This competition would also lead to lowered salaries and less appealing incentive plans because the companies offering entry level jobs would have more applicants to choose from. To the inverse, a very low unemployment rate, such as the 2.5% rate of South Dakota in March of 2008, would indicate a growing economy with more entry level jobs than applicants. This lack of competition for jobs leads to higher wages and incentive plans designed to attract new recruits.

By understanding the principles which govern the entry level job market, you can use a knowledge of your areas economic situation to find the best opportunities for entry level jobs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:36 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Recently published statistics show some interesting facts for the entry level job seeker who is currently attending college. As graduation dates approach the majority of students will not have received offers of employment but seventy-four percent of all students are confident that they will have an entry level job within six months of their graduation... and their confidence is not without good reason.

Employers are seeking new graduates to fill entry level positions and doing so actively. It is reported that seventy-one percent of the employers who took the survey intended to offer entry level jobs to the new crop of college graduates and a full forty-one percent have already done so. This has resulted in an amazing twenty-two percent of graduating college students having a firm entry level job offer waiting for them upon graduation.

With these statistics, it is easy to see that college recruiters are becoming more competitive in their search for new talent and this bodes well for current college students. Why? Because it means that entry level job recruiters will have to work harder to secure the new employees they want from the graduating class. Job offers will have to include perks such as insurance, better salary structures, vacation time and other benefits to attract the attention of entry level job seekers who are being courted by other companies as well. These benefits are not a one sided proposition though. By offering such attractive entry level employment opportunities, recruiters are insuring loyalty to their companies thus increasing the amount of time that new hires will stay with their company and increase revenues.

The votes are in and the numbers show that the entry level job market for college students is booming. If you want to find your place in this market, the resources at collegerecruiter.com can help.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:32 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you have an interest in entering a particular field but aren't completely sure you could spend your whole career doing that job? Are you wanting to experience a career first hand but don't have the time for an internship opportunity? Do you want to know more about a particular field of work before setting your major or applying for an entry level job? If so, there is a way to find out all you need to know.

The way to get the answers you need is by requesting a job shadowing experience. This unique opportunity gives you the chance to follow a professional through their daily work routine and see just what is involved in a particular job. While not every company will offer job shadowing opportunities, there are many who will be very happy to give you the chance to tag along with one of their employees for a day.

So how do you find the opportunity? Check your local employment offices, educational facilities or even make cold calls to companies you have found interesting. Correspond with the individual or company you wish to shadow by telephone, letter or email. Then when you are offered the chance for a job shadow opportunity, show up ready to learn. A little research before the day arrives can also help you to feel more comfortable in the work environment.

If you are offered a job shadow opportunity, make full use of it by asking lots of questions and networking with as many people as possible throughout your visit. If, at the end of the day, you decide the career field isn't for you, send a polite thank you letter for the experience. If you find that it is something you could pursue further, make sure to mention the experience when applying for entry level employment opportunities within that company and incorporate the things you learned during the experience into your letter and interviews.

By making full use of job shadowing opportunities, you can find an entry level job that truly suits you and build your network in the process.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Nearly every college graduate will enter the workforce by way of an entry level job and, while this is a wonderful place to start, the pay scale for these jobs often leaves something to be desired. If you find that your entry level job is not meeting your financial responsibilities, then the time for negotiations is at hand.

To be honest, there are a lot of people currently employed in jobs that should be paying them a much higher wage but one main thing is preventing this... their failure to ask for it. If you honestly can say that you are doing a good job and bringing something to the company where you work, there is no harm in asking for a pay increase. Get over the fear and ask but, before you do that, do your homework.

There are multitudes of resources available for those working entry level jobs to discover just how much their particular job is worth. One of the best places to look is the Internet where one can find tools such as salary calculators, which can give you a fair estimation of your jobs value. Determining what you are worth before sitting down at the negotiation table can help you argue your case better and reduce the impulse to jump at just any offer your employer might make. Understand before you set out that you may not get an offer as high as the calculator says you could be getting but knowing what the job is worth will help you decide if the offer is enough to make you happy.

Finally, make yourself more valuable. Adding experience gained through internships or additional education can go a long way towards increasing your value in the eyes of your employer. An extra class or educational workshop from time to time keeps you current with industry standards and brings this knowledge back to your company's resources. In companies with limited budgets or cross-trained personnel, a little extra education or experience can mean the difference between getting a raise and getting excused.

Negotiating for your raise doesn't have to be hard. By following these simple tips, you can make negotiations for higher pay on your entry level job a simple procedure.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:26 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

We all worked our way through college and made the grade to find entry level jobs in our chosen fields. Our entry level jobs have been successful and we feel quite good about our success so far. However, something is missing. Either we lost interest in a field that isn't as exciting as we dreamed it would be or the profit margin just isn't high enough. Whatever the reason, it has become apparent that it is time to move on. Knowing when it really is time to leave and how to bow out gracefully can make future career moves easier.

Don't burn your bridges.

This little gem is very good advice. No matter how frustrated you are with your current coworkers or employers, don't say anything you may regret later. While your current entry level job may appear to be designed for your own personal torture, six months with no job can make it look like heaven on earth. Always leave on good terms, as you might need to come back later.

Take a vacation.

Sometimes, our frustration with our current entry level job is no more than being overextended. If you find that you are contemplating a new career after years of success, take the time to think about the last time you took some time off. If it has been awhile, consider using a few vacation days to think about it before discarding the time you have spent in your present career.

The boss can't read your mind.

Believe it or not, your employers probably don't want to see you leave. Unfortunately, if you don't ask for what you want, they aren't likely to give it to you. If you are considering a career change based on financial needs, ask for a raise or benefits and support the request with well thought out reasons as to why you need and deserve this consideration.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:23 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

One of the biggest complaints college graduates have about their first entry level job is the low rate of pay. If you are suffering from the same problem, improving your performance on the entry level job can make it much more profitable. Unfortunately, improving ones performance on the job is often easier said than done. Finding your own weaknesses can be a difficult task but for those willing to honestly critique their own performance, the benefits to their on the job performance can be astounding.

The first step to improved performance on the entry level job is being honest with yourself. Put yourself in the shoes of your employer and look for both positive and negative points in your performance. Ask yourself what is causing your problem areas and how you can change them. Look at the areas where you excel and figure out how to use success in these areas to bolster the weaker areas.

Secondly, have goals in place and a plan for reaching them. Both long term and short term goals are critical to the entry level employee seeking to improve their on the job performance. As you attain these goals, set new ones to work towards.

Finally, never stop learning. Your performance on the entry level job is greatly effected by the education you have. To illustrate, let's pretend your job were to stack a set of blocks in alphabetical order. Stacking the blocks is simple and you can perform this function easily. There is only one hitch: You were never taught the alphabet. Without learning this information, where would you expect your performance level to be? Your skills will only take you so far if they are not backed by a solid education.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:20 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Let's face it. When it comes to finding success in our career, none of us are going to complain about hedging our bets. We want to succeed in every aspect of our lives but the area of our careers seems to have a special zone of attention for most of us. If you are beginning your journey down the road to success by looking for your first entry level job, how can you improve the odds?

Internships

Surprisingly, most students are not participating in this rare opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Internships off you the chance to work in a particular field and learn from hands on experience the things you can't learn in a classroom. Employers know this and if your resume shows an internship experience related to the job you are applying for, you have just tilted the odds in your favor.

Networking

I have said it before and I will say it again: Your network is important. Take the time to join a few professional associations or interest groups and see how great of an effect it has on your job hunting opportunities.

Research

You wouldn't go hunting a dangerous animal if you knew nothing about it. No, you would do some research and learn about your quarry and its habits. You would want to know where the animal lived, what it ate, what its tracks looked like and what you would need to capture it. Hunting for an entry level job needs just as much attention. Do your research to learn about companies you are applying to, the entry level jobs they may have to offer and their corporate values. This extra effort will pay off by putting you in a position of knowledge during your interviewing process and it will insure that the entry level job you are offered will fit your needs.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:16 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Pink Floyd chanted the anthem for at least two generations of teens when he sang the lyrics, "We don't need no education..." Little did his listeners realize that the seeming freedom from tyrannical instructors and educational systems that they were chanting about wasn't really the nirvana that they were imagining. Luckily, most of these youth weren't quite as revolutionary as they imagined themselves to be and went on attending class and even college. Had they truly turned their backs on their education, they might have found a world far more frightening than Pink Floyd's depiction of the Machine or learned just what it was like to be a brick in the wall.

The reasoning behind this statement are sound. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has released a report that details the projection of availability for entry level jobs through the year 2014 and the educational requirements that will be required to obtain entry level jobs within these industries. Known as the Occupational projections and Training Data, or Bulletin 2602, this compilation of research was released in February of 2006. Dividing jobs into categories based on the level of education required, the projections indicate that the majority of available entry level jobs through the year 2014 will require at least some college education and those possessing degrees will have even greater chances of successfully finding entry level employment in their desired field of work.

What does this mean to the college student today? Basically, don't lose hope. Even though attending classes and balancing the student lifestyle and budget can be difficult, the entry level employment opportunities of the future will require you to demonstrate the skills you are learning today.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:14 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Telephones have become a part of our daily lives. Many of us carry one on our belt or in a pocket. Nearly everyone has one or more phones in their home. Yet, even with their widespread usage, the telephone is often overlooked for some of its more valuable uses like following up interests when applying for entry level jobs.

Because our past experiences may have taught us that a plethora of phone messages can be a bit irritating, we try to make a good impression with employers offering entry level jobs by not calling to follow up on any interests they might have in our application. Unfortunately, not calling at all can be worse than calling too much. When you take the time to call, you are showing a self motivated attitude and an interest in the entry level job they have to offer. If you are polite and let the secretary know that you will call back again, the prospective employer won't be irritated by a list of phone messages but will see just how much you want the entry level position you applied for.

Before you call, know what you want to say. Take the time to consider the phone call carefully and even rehearse the call before you call the prospective employer. This serves two purposes; you will be more relaxed and conversational on the live call and you can effectively reply to anything that you might be asked on the call.

As a final point, breathe once in a while. If you have ever attempted to hold a conversation with a teen-aged girl, you know just how annoying nonstop babble can be when there is no room for you to join in the conversation. It is just as annoying in the real world. By taking the time to pause and catch your breath, you open the door for the other half of the conversation to speak. You never know what valuable information you may learn by this method.

In conclusion, following up on entry level job prospects via telephone can be a very good way to insure your chances for employment in entry level job positions.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 6:09 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

It is better to be a little over rather than a little under dressed when you go to a job interview. If in doubt, ask the recruiter or hiring manager with whom you'll meet about how the people you'll be meeting with that day will likely be dressed.

It isn't important how people across the organization or throughout the facility are dressed because different departments and different levels may dress very differently. In addition, they may have casual Fridays so if you interview on a Friday then the appropriate dress will be quite different than if your interview were on a Thursday.

If the people with whom you'll meet typically wear slacks, a jacket, and a tie, then wear either the same or a suit. But don't show up in a suit if they're wearing jeans and polos. You'll likely feel uncomfortable and you'll likely make them feel uncomfortable.

If you do show up over dressed, take off your jacket or otherwise do what you easily can to tone down your outfit.

-- 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 June 4, 2008 at 4:42 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Partnering with a staffing firm is an opportunity to reduce your recruiting time. Most of the work is taken care of by professionals with years of experience. Partnering with a successful staffing firm is a good step in managing your recruiting campaigns. Staffing firms have a database full of highly qualified candidates that could match your organization's needs. Your responsibility is to choose a reputable firm with experience in high retention rates. Why are the experience, reputation, and successful retention rate important in choosing a staffing firm? We will review the details of this in our article because we want you to choose a partner that will get the job done.

Experience

An experienced staffing firm has a methodological way of acquiring new talent for their clients. The firm should have experience or expertise in finding candidates with the right skills and abilities to ease into your organization. Their interviewing processes should include virtual assessments, face-to-face meetings, and thorough background searches. Your prospective partner should have several years of experience in recruiting candidates in highs and lows of your industry's demands. The staffing firm's experience and reputation tell a story of how well they work with their clients.

Reputation

The reputation of a staffing firm is a supreme factor of their capabilities in placing qualified candidates in your organization. What are the clients saying about the staffing firm's abilities? Can you contact previous clients to inquire about the process used to place candidates within their organizations? Use your HR skills to screen potential partners by using the best practices in recruiting. Your potential partner should have data stating the retention rates of their placements in organizations. If this information is unavailable, you should consider finding a company that has that information available. Remember, the data is concrete and you need to feel confident in their abilities to assist you in your recruiting efforts.

Retention Rates

How long has the firm worked with a particular organization? You can ask for professional references from clients who have worked with the recruiter for years. The retention rates of their placements should explain their ability to coordinate candidates to fit into certain organizational cultures. For instance, would you hire a candidate with no intentions of monitoring their adaptation to the company culture? Your company's needs must match suitable characteristics of candidates. Staffing firms with high retention rates, strong reputations, and experience are the best partners for any business.

Please consider the above factors during your search for a strong staffing partner. If you want to learn more about the benefits of partnering with staffing firms, check out Benefits of the Temporary Help and Staffing Services Industry. The increased work week has left many businesses turning to the staffing industry for help in coordinating talent. Take advantage of the skills of other recruiters to locate the best candidates for your organization. This will not only make you look good, but it will help move the company forward.

By: -- Tahjia Chapman a Staff Writer for CollegeRecruiter.com, the leading job board for college students searching for internships and recent graduates hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 4, 2008 at 3:05 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

You have just spent four years in college and have a nice new degree to exhibit that you have what it takes to succeed in the academic world. Unfortunately, you are flat broke and still haven't found a job. The refrigerator is empty and, no matter how much salt you put on it, that degree isn't going to be edible. You need an entry level job and you need it now.

It's not for lack of trying. You have posted your resume on the various job boards and mailed hundreds of letters to different corporations who had entry level jobs available. You have been on the phone every day calling new prospects and even went to a number of interviews. It just seems that every time you apply for an entry level job, someone else gets it. If this is the case, maybe it is time to make some changes.

In a recent survey, employers were asked what the most important thing was when they were hiring for entry level jobs. Surprisingly, it wasn't the college degree or work experience. It wasn't even the individuals grades. Instead, employers were most interested in how an individual would fit into their corporate culture.

If you seem to always be the odd man out when it comes to finding an entry level job, it may be time to spend a little more time researching the feel of the corporation you want to join. Take the time to look over their web sites, advertisements and other media to ascertain their corporate values and find a better way to blend these into your resume. By doing so, you may find yourself fitting in to a new entry level job.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 11:54 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The athletically inclined college student may be seeking ways to continue an association with their sport after completing their education. While a career in the field of athletic sports as a professional athlete may be short lived at best, there are careers in the athletic field that can be very rewarding and offer adequate amounts of job security. Finding these careers can be a little difficult as there is a great deal of competition for entry level jobs in this field but they are attainable.

One of the entry level jobs in the athletic field is that of the coach. Generally, athletic coaching jobs in the school system are given to on staff teachers with experience in the sport who are looking to supplement their income. In special cases, where none of the current staff has interest in the position or education in the sport being proposed, outside coaching staff may be hired for the position. For those seeking to become college sports coaches or even work with professional sporting events, these entry level jobs through the lower levels of academics are often a good opportunity for gaining experience and demonstrating your abilities in the coaching field. For these reasons, college students seeking to find entry level jobs and eventual careers in the athletic field should be advised to consider guiding their education towards teacher training and education related curriculums.

The entry level job of coaching has various requirements and job duties according to the area where you will be working and the level of the sport you are dealing with. All coaches, regardless of level, are responsible for the safety, training and instruction of their players. By teaching proper technique and correcting problem areas, the coach can minimize the risk of injuries to players while improving their abilities within the game.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the athletic field, consider using the entry level job locator found at CollegeRecruiter.com to assist you in this effort.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 11:50 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The world of finance is a very big place and often the small fish in the pond has trouble getting a starting point offer. If you desire to be in business for yourself, have dedicated the time to earning a degree in the field of finance and are self-motivated, you can create your own entry level job opportunities.

One such entry level job is that of the personal financial consultant. This is a great opportunity for the college graduate who just needs to get their name into the financial circles. By offering advice on all things related to finance, such as college planning, taxes and investments, you can create your own home based business opportunity, gain valuable work experience and build a reputation based on your skills.

If you find that working for yourself is not your forte, other entry level jobs in the field of finance include banking positions and financial counseling services, among other things. Leads on finding entry level jobs or internship opportunities in these areas can be found at collegerecruiter.com along with a wide variety of tools, educational articles and blog postings to assist you in finding the entry level job that meets your needs and utilizes your education.

The world of finance is indeed a big pond but with the proper skills and the resources found at collegerecruiter.com, you don't have to be a little fish any longer. CollegeRecruiter.com is here to help level the playing field so you can swim with the big fish and find your successful career in an entry level job in the field of finance.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 4, 2008 at 11:45 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Visionary, hard-working, good work ethic.

-- Submitted by J. H. from East Palo Alto, California, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on June 4, 2008 at 8:36 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

Always start with doing an internet search for the companies own website. This is a great place to start your search and to get the information straight from the source. I would also call the company and request any promotional materials that they might send prospective clients. Then you can google the company to see if there are other links to the company out there. Check local newspapers for any press releases or stories about big things happening.

You absolutely should know as much about the company you are interviewing with and about the field you are applying in.

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

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on June 3, 2008 at 1:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

How does your company measure up to the demands of talented graduates? Implementing effective workforce planning strategies reduce the unfortunate layoffs during economic downturns. These developments have created a new trend among human resource professionals - workforce planning . In this article, we will look into three aspects of workforce planning: increasing HR personnel's involvement in company plans, discovering weaknesses in the organizations, and focusing on the organization's growth.

HR Is the Decision-Maker

Human Resource managers and supervisors are major decision makers in the hiring process. Companies that exclude the HR department face failure in recruiting top talent for their company's needs. According to the Global Workforce Planning Survey, companies that integrate workforce planning are flexible for economic changes such as this recession that slashed over 100,000 jobs. Employers with highly skilled personnel kept the hard-to-find talent while hiring new grads with exceptional skill sets. With this in mind, the HR department's goal should be to align talent demands by discovering the company's weaknesses before we hit another recession. In "Benchmarking 'The Value of Workforce Planning'", Candice Arnold reviews the impact of workforce planning for organizations that plan to lose skills, talent, and knowledge during company cutbacks. This recognition of potential weaknesses is one reason of why workforce planning is vital to finding weaknesses in an organization during recession.

Discover Weaknesses in the Organization

Is there a weakness in the talent of your organization? Industry standards change every year, so your company must remain involved to stay globally competitive. Your can do this by allowing HR personnel to adjust the educational needs of employees through workforce training programs. The training used by personnel will sharpen and strengthen weak skill sets throughout the organization. Companies that practice on-going training are considered the top in their industries; if you want to strengthen your organization, allow HR personnel to decide which educational programs are appropriate for advanced training.

Focus on the Organization's Growth

Workforce planning allows companies to focus on growth by forecasting talent needs for three to five years. Experts suggest the value of workforce planning exceeds other preparations necessary for successful recruiting. In some organizations, the lack of recruiting budgets can keep an organization's talent low. High employee retention is the number one issue for most organizations without proper workforce planning strategies. Would you like to succeed through future recessions? Remember the reasons why workforce planning will leave your company flexible. According to Peter Rowes, CEO of Infohrm (the Global Workforce Planning Survey administrators), "We are eagerly anticipating the 2008 results to clarify how progressive organizations establish a strong foundation for workforce planning." It's apparent that the opportunity to compare last year's results with this year will provide invaluable insight for HR professionals implementing workforce planning.

By: Tahjia Chapman is a writer for CollegeRecruiter.com at http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com, the leading job board for college students searching for internships and recent graduates hunting for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Posted by Lisa Colbert, CollegeRecruiter.com on June 3, 2008 at 9:10 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

The first thought that automatically came to mind was, "I would be able to pay off all my college expenses!" To be out of college and dept free would be an amazing thing. A new car would definitely be nice, and a new house would not be a bad idea either. Without a doubt, I would love to travel around Europe with a few close friends, and I would pay for all of them. The last thing I would do is donate a big chunk of money to a charity or ministry that I wanted to support (and I am not just saying that because it sounds good). The rest of the money would be put into savings, and just used where needed. To be financially stable before the age of 20 would blow my mind! I would still work, but love knowing that in reality I didn't need to.

-- Submitted by B. C. from Kailua, Hawaii, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on June 3, 2008 at 8:26 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

My first job with a company after my successful career in baby sitting was with Trinity Christian School. Working with kids has always been very fun for me, and becoming a teacher's aid was a great step. Not only did it show me how an elementary school was run, but it also helped me see if I wanted to be a teacher. I learned so much from working at TCS; most importantly that teaching was not the thing for me. Don't get me wrong; I love kids. I am just not meant to teach them in a classroom setting.

-- Submitted by B. C. from Kailua, Hawaii, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Posted by Facebook Career Blog on June 3, 2008 at 8:26 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the individual interested in making their start in an entry level job of the entertainment sector, there are a few college courses that may assist you in your career. With the push towards animated films and video gaming, computer science related courses are becoming associated with the entertainment field as well as with their more traditional roles.

If you are interested in finding entry level entertainment jobs, positions are available for animators, editors and sound effect personnel as well as a variety of other technologically demanding jobs. For these positions, degrees in the field of information technology, multimedia or animations are excellent starting points to work from in finding an entry level job.

Other entry level entertainment positions include different skill sets such as the planning and implementation of advertising campaigns for the industry or the location of talent. These various career opportunities can be prepared for by seeking out college courses that relate to the necessary job skills and requirements for the individual position.

To gain additional work experience and further your network of industry contacts, consider devoting some time to an internship in the field. The use of internships to augment work experience and education is widespread in the field of entertainment and the skills you learn during your internship period may prove extremely valuable to your long-term career goals.

If you are seeking an entry level entertainment job or an internship opportunity in this field, consult the entry level job and internship pages at collegerecruiter.com to find opening in your area of expertise.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 11:15 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the college student seeking to recoup their educational expenses quickly, entering the field of construction can be the fast track to highly paid entry level jobs. One of the best ways to enter this field and locate these high paid entry level jobs is by joining one of the various trade unions as an apprentice.

Joining a union is usually a simple task of filling out the applicant information and paying the dues required for membership. Even though these dues can seem a bit high at the time of the application, you should be able to recoup this money in short order within one or two assignments. Entry level jobs vary according to the individual trade and the length of the job as well as the pay scale are equally variable but most union jobs will pay very handsomely and offer some very nice perks, such as a retirement fund or discounted health insurance.

Entry level jobs can be found in any union but many people just starting in the construction field have found the laborers union to be a perfect fit for their needs because the tasks required of the entry level employee are usually not very complex and are basically easy to learn. Other unions, such as the boilermakers, electrical workers or pipe fitters, may require some knowledge or special skills before the worker is ready to be sent out on entry level jobs. The pay scale for these union employees is typically a bit higher but if you do not plan to establish a long-term career in these industries, then the less formal unions may be more suited to your present needs. Almost all unions will require a certain amount of travel and this can often encompass 90% of their available work so if you are wanting to be home with your family every night, this isn't the option for you. For the newly graduated college student who doesn't yet have the constraints of family life, the union offers nearly unparalleled opportunities for travel and profit.

In fewer words, the various unions offer a closely bound network of fellow workers and the ability to locate entry level jobs quickly that the individual may have trouble finding on their own. The union brotherhood and camaraderie, as well as the training supplied make entry level construction jobs as a union laborer a wise choice for the unencumbered individual seeking to pay down college debts quickly.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 11:11 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Many people with large amounts of debt to pay have resorted to working a second job, sometimes called moonlighting, but before you decide to live the lifestyle of the night owl, there are a few options and facts that you may want to consider.

In the year 1995, it was estimated that 6.3% of all employed individuals held more than one job. The most common reason for taking on a secondary entry level job was the need to earn more money than the primary occupation was providing. Other reasons included special benefit packages or non financial motivations.

The dangers of working second jobs include decreased job performance and increases in on the job injuries as people are not getting the rest needed to adequately and safely perform their job functions but the lure of saving for the future or paying off a specific debt can often prove motivation enough to overlook these problems.

While it is plain that finding a secondary entry level job can mean more money coming into a household, it is a good idea to weigh this against the negative effects that you may foresee and the other options for increasing your current earning potential. One of these options to a secondary job is that of overtime on the primary position. Due to national labor laws, overtime pay is significantly higher than base pay so that, if your present entry level job offers the opportunity for the extra hours, the pay received will be much higher than that earned on a secondary entry level job. Additional earning can also be generated on a primary job by continuing your education. In fields where education equals pay, a weekend workshop that supplies you with the proper credentials can equate to a much larger profit over time. A third option for those needing the extra money or benefit packages of a secondary entry level job is asking your primary employer for them. Many employers would much rather create a benefit package or pay increase than have their employees loyalty going to a different company or experiencing the decrease in efficiency that often accompanies moonlighting.

Taking these options and your reasons for needing a secondary job into consideration allows you to make an informed decision about whether you really need a secondary entry level job.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 11:06 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For the college student entering the workforce with their first entry level job, some advice is indispensable. There are several opportunities for ones career to go astray during the time when you are learning work ethics, office politics and the rules of the work force. Learning how to deal with problem coworkers can be a very important lesson and knowing the techniques before starting your first entry level job is a great way to insure that your career stays on track.

Problem coworker number one is the dishonest employee. This is the fellow that tells you how to shortcut everything in the office. He will tell you that arriving late is fine if you have your friend clock you in on time, an extra five minutes in the break room is no problem and taking a few office supplies home is okay because no one will miss them. The dishonest employee can cost you your job and your reputation. Solution: Don't get involved with this guy or his methods. Let him know that you are honest and value your reputation with your employer. If you can prove that he is doing something dishonest, it is also your duty to report this to your supervisor so make sure this problem coworker knows where you stand.

Problem coworker number two is the lazy employee. Working in your first entry level job, you value the opinions and experience of those who have been working in the field for a while but it is easy to be snared by this fellows game. He is the guy who asks "hey, can you help me out?" over and over again. What you are seeing as a favor at first, quickly becomes a doubled workload for you. Solution: Don't confuse respect with being a private servant for this fellow. An occasional favor to help a coworker is one thing but if the employee can't pull their own weight on a daily basis, how do you expect to do his job and yours? Politely decline the request and let them know you have your own workload to handle.

By knowing how to recognize these two problem employees, you can save yourself a lot of stress on your entry level job and keep your career on the right track.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:59 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Are you a college student interested in a well paid entry level job that can lead into a productive career? Do you have a great deal of patience and empathy for those who are experiencing disabilities? Can you communicate effectively with others, both by listening and making yourself clearly understood? If so, then the field of audiology may provide an entry level job to suit your needs.

Expected to make a major up turn in hiring as the current group forming the middle aged generation continues to age over the next ten years, the entry level job market in audiology will find itself very understaffed. This will result in decreased competition and increased salary for available entry level employment opportunities for today's college students. If you want to be part of this growing trend of the future and reap some of the benefits for yourself, action is required today.

At present, entry level jobs for audiologists require a completed masters degree in the field of audiology as well as licensing requirements in most states. Additional work experience or internships are also considered prerequisite in many areas. On a national level, the ability to pass the Praxis Series of the Educational Testing Service is required of any audiologist seeking certification in the field. The earning potential of entry level jobs in audiology is far ranging as illustrated by a report from the U.S. Department Of Labor in 2002 that estimated the annual salary of these workers to be in the range of $32,000 to $73,000 with the average audiologist earning $52,000 in that year.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:56 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Were you the kid who always dreamed of hearing your voice on the radio? Did you carry a tape recorder around so you could interview everyone from the guy waiting for the bus to your grandmother? Did you watch the sports channel with the sound turned off so you could provide the commentary for you and your friends?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then an entry level job found in the entertainment field may be a perfect fit for you. On the radio, they are known as disc jockeys. On television, they are known as reporters. in the sporting arena, they are called sports announcers. No matter what name they are called in their specific function, as a group, they are on air personalities. A class of workers we all feel a kindred spirit with even if we have never personally met because every morning their voices come through the speakers of our car stereo to join us on the way to work, every night their familiar faces stare back at us from the television screen and their voices come to us over the noise of the crowd to tell us who's winning the Super Bowl or our local sporting events.

If you want to join this elite class of on air personalities by finding an entry level job in this industry, expect stiff competition for any available positions because the sheer number of applicants far exceeds the available job openings. To place the odds a little further into your favor, consider the use of an internship opportunity, even an unpaid one, as these often lead into further career opportunity in the form of entry level jobs. Additionally, college courses in the sciences of communications and computers, drama and public speaking can all be very beneficial to the college student seeking entry level opportunities in the entertainment field.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:53 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

When you have found an entry level job in the career field of your choice, you feel like taking on the world. The job matches your needs perfectly and offers terrific opportunities for corporate advancement. Unfortunately, many of the entry level positions also offer the potential for burn out.

Burn out is usually the effect of working too many hours or in an excessively stressful environment. It can make the entry level job that looked liked a dream a few months ago turn into something that gives you nightmares. Burn out will add to your stress levels and diminish your job performance so it is very important to avoid this danger when possible. To do this, a few simple tips should suffice to keep you enjoying your entry level job for a much longer time.

Tip #1: Know when to say NO. Even though it is a simple two letter word that many of us learn very early in life, it seems that we forget how to use it once we enter the workforce. If the boss calls and says we are needed for a double shift, we can't seem to refuse even if its the third time this week. Unfortunately, this workaholic tendency has the inherent ability to cause burn out. After all, there is a reason they call it burning the candle at both ends. An occasional extra shift or project is fine and will help you build a fine reputation with your employer but too much is too much. If you are working doubles more than twice a week or taking work home with you at night, then you are risking burn out and need to learn this word again.

Tip #2: Avoid office gossip. You're probably wondering what gossip can possibly have to do with burn out, right? Actually, quite a lot. The politics of the office can be a fickle thing and being involved in the distribution of gossip or keeping up with the latest juicy details is not only time consuming but can be quite stressful. When you are worrying about who's doing what, you aren't concentrating on what you are doing. You will make mistakes in your own job and increase your stress. Being involved in the rumor mill also sets you up to be the fall guy when the wheel turns again. Gossip is harmful to reputations and the victims usually find the source. Avoid the stress and you will be much happier with your entry level job.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

For those considering their future careers, they want to be sure that the money and effort they expend on their education and training will prove to be worthwhile. After all, a doctorate in a given field is just a useless bit of paper if there are no entry level jobs available in that field when you are looking for work. Although no one can guarantee the future, there are some very good indicators available to today's college students who are trying to decide upon a career path. One of these resources is the information provided in reports distributed by the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics.

Over the years of 1994 to 2005, the department collected historical data to determine which careers are affected by business cycle fluctuations and which jobs seem to be more secure during these periods of flux. The results of the study show some interesting figures that the entry level job seeker may benefit from.

The report indicated that the least secure entry level jobs in times of business cycle fluctuations were, by and large, in building supply and furniture manufacturing areas of the job market although there were a few exceptions to this rule, most notably the industry of personnel supply services. In times of market fluctuation, entry level jobs in the manufacturing sector of these fields can make drastic moves up or down according to the markets. During these times, the use of personnel placement services also takes a distinct hit due to the large number of regular staff who are already displaced and awaiting call back to work, thus making the need for extra employees negligible.

On the inverse side, entry level jobs in the fields of work generally entered by college graduates, such as education, communications and professional services, traditionally see far less variance in job availability with the fluctuation of the various business cycles. If you want to secure your economic future, training in these career paths while in college is a wise choice.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:48 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The college student who is considering a career in the field of drafting would be well advised to add a course in AutoCAD their curriculum. This specialized program for computer-aided drafting is a prerequisite for many entry level jobs in this field and the trend becomes more defined every year. By attending courses in how this program works and how to coordinate its interactions with other programs, you are expanding upon your skill set and making yourself a better candidate for future entry level job opportunities which will only be available to those with skills in using this program.

Various programs have been designed for drafting students with an interest in learning AutoCAD and you can expect to gain more than just a basic knowledge of the program and its application. You can expect to learn the skills and commands necessary to schematic drafting of electronics and electrical systems as well as the construction and design of geometric objects and their proper dimensioning. Additional information included in the course will teach you about drafting materials and media.

By learning the AutoCAD system and familiarizing yourself with all its details, you can expect to find entry level jobs in a market with explosive growth projections. Current estimated earnings for individuals with skills in this program are expected to approach $60,000 in annual salary. The skills acquired in these courses can be applied to several areas of both engineering and drafting thus creating an opportunity to be hired into entry level positions in a variety of fields through engineering firms specializing in architecture, mechanics and civil engineering and design or to work in private practice.

Posted by Larry Ray Palmer on June 2, 2008 at 10:43 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Do you like experimenting with makeup, playing games, or drawing? What if you could earn a living doing what you love? It could happen. Michael Jordan did it. Bill Gates is doing it. Why not you, too?

Tamar Kamen, product development manager for Estee Lauder loves makeup, so she got a job that put her on the R&D side of things. Imagine being part of a team of people instrumental in the creation of a new type of lipstick, foundation or mascara. In her article, "Dream Big," Vicki Salemi, for MSN Encarta, more or less, advises readers to "Go for it!" and I say, "Why not?"

Other careers mentioned in the article include comic book artistry - or you could try being a graphic novelist - video game tester - perhaps designing your own video game is of more interest - and toy maker. Can you think of a more delightful job than toy maker?

Despite doing jobs that follow their passions, the people featured in Salemi's article are professionals who state quite plainly that a bachelor's degree is a must if you hope to achieve success in any of these areas. Internships in your chosen industry will further increase your value to potential employers.

So, if you want an entry-level job in the makeup, video game, or comic book industry, take a look at Salemi's article, then get busy pursuing your dreams. They do come true sometimes.

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 2, 2008 at 2:35 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

The topic of soft skills is rapidly becoming one of the hottest. Employers want them and candidates need them. Our company newsletter covered this topic in the May edition. Some still believe that soft skills only come in the "warm and fuzzy" variety, but they're wrong.

It is true that good people skills are a large part of soft skills, but they aren't the only part. Knowing how to problem solve is a highly valuable soft skill, as are organizational skills and an ability to prioritize. Believe it or not, knowing how to properly shake hands is considered a soft skill. And there's nothing wrong with trying to get along ... so don't knock it.

Doing your job well is a must, but working well on a team is a definite plus. With summer internships getting underway and recent college graduates entering the workforce as entry-level employees, it's a good time to start adding soft skills to your overall skill set.
They will serve you just as well throughout your career as will keeping your technical savoir faire up-to-date.

Posted by Candice Arnold on June 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM | Leave a Comment (0)