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« January 2009 | Main | March 2009 »

Verbal communication is a form of expression that uses spoken words to communicate your thoughts. Everyday, people interact in this way; sometimes their language is casual and other times it's more formal. In the workplace, it is important to structure your words clearly so that a variety of people can understand what you are saying. This is known as verbal communication in business.

College students probably wouldn't talk to potential employers and co-workers in the same way they would talk to their families and friends. As entry level job seekers, they should become familiar with verbal communication in business in preparing to enter the workforce. Here are a few ideas to help in this process:

  • Take a business communication course in college
  • Participate in internships (learn the type of language used inside your field)
  • Talk to relatives and friends about a personal topic
Choosing any of these options cannot only allow entry level job seekers to become more educated in their field, but also give them valuable experience in verbal communication in the business world. How? By challenging them to clearly speak and understand the language used in a professional environment.


Verbal communication in business is the language used in a work setting that everyone can understand. There are opportunities to familiarize yourself with it before getting a job after college. Learning this language may make you a better candidate for job opportunities in the future.

Source
http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/business-communication/verbal-communication-used-in-business.html

We are living in a time where people are losing jobs rapidly. While this is terrible news, they have to figure out what to do next. The answer, of course, is to find other job opportunities. You could say that laid off employees need to take a similar approach to recent college graduates searching for entry level jobs.

I read an article that offers tips to people who have been laid off. However, some of these tips can also apply to entry level job seekers who have finished college.

Network like crazy - Inform your personal and professional contacts that you're looking for a job.

Polish your resume - Highlight any accomplishments on your resume that are relevant to potential employers.

Start the search - Use all available resources in your job search such as the Internet.

Take care of yourself - Don't stress. Finding a job takes time, so keep a positive attitude.

College graduates and unemployed workers may be at different career levels, but both groups can take similar advice when it comes to finding entry level jobs or other positions. The question for everyone is: will the recession get you or will you get the recession?

Information provided by Amy Dominello.

Source
The Morning News


Sales is so unstable right now and a bunch of companies are trying to hire for these gimmic jobs that are commission only. So that, according to them, your income potential is 'unlimited', but in reality what that means is that you're gonna have a hard time making ends meet because of this crappy economy.

-- Submitted by R. H. from Columbus, New Jersey, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.


The job I have now. I absolutely love working with college students who are seeking internships and jobs and interested in making career decisions for their future. I also counsel adults interested in changing jobs and making career transitions that will better meet their personal goals and expectations. It is very rewarding to see people make changes and find their way through the many career options that exist.

-- Submitted by P. L. from through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

Any college students who have an interest in working with art may want to participate in a curatorial internship. This internship will allow you to focus primarily on the organization and display of artwork in a particular setting. These settings might include museums, art centers, and libraries. With the guidance of a curator (an administrative director of a museum collection), the curatorial intern engages in other tasks.

A couple of examples of these tasks are: conducting library and online research on artists and assigned topics, and maintaining artists files. This is some of the work involved in putting together art exhibitions.

Two key qualifications for getting a curatorial internship include:

  • Having a good educational background in art history, and a passion for contemporary art, issues, and visual culture
  • Paying attention to detail, and having strong organizational, writing, and computer skills

On average, curatorial interns make about $14,000; salaries can vary based on different factors such as where you live.

If you're a college student who is interested in working with art, a curatorial internship may be good for you. It could then take you to an entry level job in this form of art.

Sources
http://www.brynmawr.edu/gsas/documents/NEHInternshipFAQs.pdf
http://www.moore.edu/site/bfa_programs/curatorial_studies/internships
http://www.arthousetexas.org/index.php?_page=load_page&_action=load&_id=285&PHPSESSID=b0ffaaf2549407dd72eb588e22147695
http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/search/q-Curatorial+Internships

I once heard a college professor of mine say that you should do your job so well that your employer couldn't afford to lose your services. In a competitive job market, employers are looking to hire the best candidates for entry level jobs. However, some situations may call on employers to go the extra mile to get who they want. One incentive they might consider is a sign-on bonus.

A sign-on bonus is a special payment that may be given to new employees who possess highly demanded skills in certain area during a labor shortage. Most of these bonuses go to workers in top level staff positions and those with manager and senior professional positions (MSPs). However, with impressive qualifications and the right timing, entry level job candidates may find opportunities to secure a sign-on bonus. If approved, full payment of the bonus will depend on the employee's performance at work.

Employers need to find the best candidates to fill entry level jobs. Sometimes, though, they may have to consider an incentive to attract these candidates in a competitive job market. A sign-on bonus is one option they can use in an attempt to obtain your services.

Sources
http://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/Emp/mgrs_sups/selection-process/msp_bonus
http://www.osp.state.nc.us/manuals/manual99/Sign-on Bonus Policy.pdf


fashion

-- Submitted by M. G. from through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

In today's ever competitive job market, it is important for college students to stand out from the crowd of job applicants. People make choices every day when it comes to which brands of products they buy. You, too, must think of yourself as a "brand"; someone whose services can be bought by potential employers. Personal branding may be the key to unlocking the door to an entry level job after college.

Personal branding involves building an image of yourself that appeals to prospective employers. It tells them who you are and how you can benefit their business. Here are five ways entry level job candidates can create their own brand:

Gain Experience/Track Accomplishments - Think about your past accomplishments, and look for opportunities to improve any areas of weakness. College students should find internships to gain valuable experience in particular fields.

Complete Education/Training - After getting your college education, you may be required to have other training in your field. If you're not sure, find someone in this area who can give you information concerning any requirements and/or offer suggestions.

Promote Yourself - Emphasize who you are and the qualifications that make you the best candidate for the job. Start by using a common form of promotion - the resume.

Become an Expert - Find ways to demonstrate your knowledge of a particular field. For example, sharing your thoughts with journalists and reporters to get quoted.

Build Relationships - Establish a network of contacts with people you trust, and allow them to promote you and your qualifications for the job.

College students shouldn't see themselves as just entry level job candidates, but as individual brands. Personal branding gives them a chance to create an image that potential employers will want to consider for their business. Remember, you are the brand and the employer is the consumer; it's up to you to make your brand better than the competition.

Information provided by Randall S. Hansen.

http://www.quintcareers.com/career_branding.html

With Valentine's Day coming up, many of you might be planning something special for your significant other. But what about the people at work who may not be in love with this occasion? They need love too, and what better way to show it than with a Valentine's Day office party.

Here are some ideas to consider if you're having a Valentine's Day office party at your entry level job.

  • Life size cutout of your boss as a Valentine with kind words for his or her employees
  • Hearts toilet paper (for a laugh)
  • Candy heart paper plates with cookies and candy
  • Personalized Valentine's Day candy bar (a way to thank employees for all the work they do)

Valentine's Day is a day that many people celebrate love. Why not share some of that love with employees by having an office party. It could lift their spirits and show how much you appreciate them.

Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that draws many Americans to New Orleans, Louisiana. It is the final day before Lent, a time of prayer and fasting. Mardi Gras keeps people entertained with events such as parades and balls, and features individuals in costumes in an attempt to catch souvenirs liked beaded necklaces.

Perhaps, your employer is planning a Mardi Gras office party. Here are some ideas that could make it a success.

  • Black mask invitations
  • Costume parade
  • Mardi Gras beads
  • Jazz music
  • Custom-created themed signs
  • Decorations with traditional colors (purple, green, and gold)
Even though Hurricane Katrina may have scaled back the celebration in New Orleans, people still look forward to Mardi Gras. With a little effort, you can bring the fun and excitement of this occasion to your entry level job.


Mardi Gras information provided by Holly Hartman and Chris Frantz.

Knowing how to conduct yourself at any holiday office party is important, especially if you just got an entry level job. For some good tips, read Holiday Office Party Advice.

Sources
http://www.party411.com/theme-valentine-office.html
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/mardigras1.html
http://www.party411.com/theme_mardigras-ball.html

My major was journalism and I chose it because I'd wanted to be a writer since I was a child.

-- Submitted by C. A. from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States through the CollegeRecruiter.com Career Blog Application on Facebook.com.

After writing an article on fashion design, I learned that there is a small niche within this field; it lies in textile design. Textile designers work with textiles when creating their designs and seek to enhance the look of clothing and/or other products such as furniture. From what I have heard, there are great opportunities in textile design that people seem to be unaware of.

There are two major fields in textile design: interiors (such as upholstery for furniture) and fabrics for clothing. Some textile designers specialize in certain areas including knit design, and pattern design, which extends beyond fashion design. Others may design items like wrapping paper and greeting cards. Textile designers have many responsibilities; a few of them are:

  • Producing sketches and design ranges for presentation to customers
  • Using specialist computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce a range of designs
  • Developing new design concepts
You will have a better opportunity to find an entry level job in textile design if you have a degree in textiles, knitwear, fashion, or art and design. If you have a particular area of interest in textile design, consider taking specialized courses that are relevant to the work you want to do. For anyone looking to enter this field, the required classes are color theory and pattern design, along with having a general understanding of most fabrics and materials. Even if you start out as a fashion designer, you may realize that working in textile design can advance your ideas as a designer. In addition, any relevant work experience such as an internship or other training will help prepare you to enter this field.


Other requirements for textile design job seekers include:

  • Patience and perseverance
  • Creative flair
  • Business acumen and commercial awareness
  • Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and garment and textile technology
Don't forget that getting an entry level job in textile design may also depend on your ability to network with other people. Building relationships in the industry could provide a lead to a job opportunity.


How far you go as a textile designer is up to you. The usual path is from junior designer to designer, and then a senior design role. Some designers even open their own businesses if they have enough experience, a record of success, and their own customers. Textile designers are hired by various employers such as large fashion and clothing retailers, and interior design and decoration services.

The entry level salary for a textile designer in the United States is around $40,000.

If you're interested in working with textiles to create designs for clothing or other products like furniture, textile design may be the field for you.

If you missed it, here's my article on Fashion Design.

Sources
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&pageno=1&idno=414
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=3
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=5
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Explore_types_of_jobs/Types_of_Job/p!eipaL?state=showocc&idno=414&pageno=6
http://www.graphicdesignbasics.com/textile-design.html
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Textile_Designer/Salary

College students and recent graduates, have you been wondering why you can't seem to get that entry level job? Some of you may say it's the economy, and no one is hiring. Others may believe they don't have enough experience in the real world (consider an internship). Then, there are those who say you have a college degree and a good resume; you believe that is enough to get a job. Or, maybe there are other reasons your job search has been unsuccessful.

I came across a list of reasons that could explain why college students and graduates are not getting entry level jobs. Here are a few reasons to consider:

An unprofessional e-mail address - Come up with an address that employers will take seriously instead of as a joke.

Failing to write a post-interview thank you letter - This letter shows your appreciation for the interview time and serves as a reminder of your desire to have the job.

Bad-mouthing - During an interview, never talk negatively about previous employers or anyone else who works for them. If you do, a potential employer may see you as a bad influence on his or her company.

It's easy to blame someone or something for why you can't get an entry level job. Examine your job search, and see if you are making any mistakes that are affecting your progress. Sometimes the smallest things can make a big difference.

Source
http://www.jobseekerweekly.com/newsletter.php?news=996


Free thinking!

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