Jun
26
Job Hunting – Your Job Between Jobs
Filed Under Job Hunting | Comments Off
Catherine Z Jones asked:
Ronald Reagan once quipped: “A recession is when your friend loses their job. A depression is when you lose yours.”
We’re either dipping or narrowly skirting a recession, and getting good job hunting skills (or refreshing your existing one) is becoming a growing priority for millions of Americans and Europeans.
(A brief aside about lies, damned lies and statistics – while Americans worry about 5-7% unemployment rates being the sign of a recession, in Europe, the usual rate is closer to 10%, due to different measurement metrics and having more people on the dole. Conversely, it’s much harder to let an employee go in Europe, where holding a job is considered a fundamental right.)
First things first – look at your expenses each month. Then look at your income from unemployment insurance (if available), and at the burn rate on your savings. The longer you can spend job hunting before feeling the financial pinch, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. And while you’re job hunting, also look at doing some freelancing in your field if you can – many job types, such as copy editors, writers, and spreadsheet gurus, can make decent money on the side doing freelancing work.)
Next – there are fundamental basics of job hunting. Make sure your resume or CV covers the high points of your experience and is easy to read. Make sure that your cover letter explains, succinctly, why you’re the best candidate for the job, and every time you get a nibble on a resume, send an interview thank you note. (Here’s a trick – write the thank you letter the same time you write your cover letter, update it with the name of the person you’re interviewing with, and have it printed, and in a stamped envelope to drop off in the mail box on the way out of the interview.)
Next, be prepared to work at finding a new job. Expect to make 40-50 telephone calls per week, and to send out at least 15-25 resumes or CVs per week. Be diligent in following these up. While you’re aiming for making a high quality contact, this is a numbers game. Conversely, don’t fixate on one job and get depressed if you don’t get it. Again, the numbers game rules.
Flexibility is also key in job hunting - be willing to take on contract-to-hire positions, or work through a placement firm. Be willing to relocate. Focus on the upside, and maintain your full flexibility as a prospective employee.
If times are slow, consider taking an extra class or two, or getting a certification, to help you get an edge up in the job market. More and more, employers are forced to look at certifications to avoid charges of discrimination – you might as well get them and use this to your advantage.
Finally, be on the lookout for posted and non posted jobs. Even when times are good, fewer than 20% of all jobs get publicly posted. Talk to people in companies and work with them to find jobs that aren’t publicly posted. Likewise, assume any job listing online is getting hammered with resumes and act appropriately.
Find out more about effective job hunting here.
Tej
Ronald Reagan once quipped: “A recession is when your friend loses their job. A depression is when you lose yours.”
We’re either dipping or narrowly skirting a recession, and getting good job hunting skills (or refreshing your existing one) is becoming a growing priority for millions of Americans and Europeans.
(A brief aside about lies, damned lies and statistics – while Americans worry about 5-7% unemployment rates being the sign of a recession, in Europe, the usual rate is closer to 10%, due to different measurement metrics and having more people on the dole. Conversely, it’s much harder to let an employee go in Europe, where holding a job is considered a fundamental right.)
First things first – look at your expenses each month. Then look at your income from unemployment insurance (if available), and at the burn rate on your savings. The longer you can spend job hunting before feeling the financial pinch, the happier you’ll be with the outcome. And while you’re job hunting, also look at doing some freelancing in your field if you can – many job types, such as copy editors, writers, and spreadsheet gurus, can make decent money on the side doing freelancing work.)
Next – there are fundamental basics of job hunting. Make sure your resume or CV covers the high points of your experience and is easy to read. Make sure that your cover letter explains, succinctly, why you’re the best candidate for the job, and every time you get a nibble on a resume, send an interview thank you note. (Here’s a trick – write the thank you letter the same time you write your cover letter, update it with the name of the person you’re interviewing with, and have it printed, and in a stamped envelope to drop off in the mail box on the way out of the interview.)
Next, be prepared to work at finding a new job. Expect to make 40-50 telephone calls per week, and to send out at least 15-25 resumes or CVs per week. Be diligent in following these up. While you’re aiming for making a high quality contact, this is a numbers game. Conversely, don’t fixate on one job and get depressed if you don’t get it. Again, the numbers game rules.
Flexibility is also key in job hunting - be willing to take on contract-to-hire positions, or work through a placement firm. Be willing to relocate. Focus on the upside, and maintain your full flexibility as a prospective employee.
If times are slow, consider taking an extra class or two, or getting a certification, to help you get an edge up in the job market. More and more, employers are forced to look at certifications to avoid charges of discrimination – you might as well get them and use this to your advantage.
Finally, be on the lookout for posted and non posted jobs. Even when times are good, fewer than 20% of all jobs get publicly posted. Talk to people in companies and work with them to find jobs that aren’t publicly posted. Likewise, assume any job listing online is getting hammered with resumes and act appropriately.
Find out more about effective job hunting here.
Tej
Jun
26
A Job Hunting Plan
Filed Under Job Hunting | Comments Off
Ron Coleman asked:
If you suddenly find yourself out of employment, you need a plan in order to find suitable work as soon as possible. Here are procedures you can follow which will increase your chances of a fruitful job hunt.
1. File For Unemployment Benefits
You need to start money flowing in as soon as possible so you can keep up with the costs of living and the costs of job hunting. In most states you have a week or two waiting period, and the waiting period doesn’t start until you file. So the sooner you file, the sooner you will begin to receive payments. When you are out of work this should be your first priority.
2. Register With Employment Agencies
Usually you will file for unemployment benefits at your state employment agency. While you are there register with them as seeking work. Check their job boards, if they have one, or their website where jobs are often posted. Talk to any of the counselors who might be able to help you in your search. For example, if you are a veteran, you should talk to the V.A. representative at their office. Very often these counselors know of programs which you are unaware of — for example, an acquaintance of mine wanted to work as a truck driver. Through the V.A. counselor he found out about two federal grant programs which would pay for his truckdriving training.
After you have registered with the state employment agency, register with private employment agencies. You want as many people as possible looking for you when you are seeking employment. Don’t forget about temporary employment agencies. It doesn’t hurt to have temporary work assignments while you are looking in order to keep the money flowing. Many employers like to try out employees on a temporary basis and quite often temporary employment can lead to permanent employment. One thing to keep in mind, however — legitimate employment agencies don’t usually charge a fee to employees for registering. If an agency asks you for money up front, don’t register with them.
3. Let Friends and Acquaintances Know You are Looking
Your friends or acquaintances may learn of employment opportunities where they are working.
Oftentimes these openings are not advertised and having a recommendation from one of their existing employees is a big plus for you.
4. Search The Internet
There are a number of good job search websites and you should register with some of them and upload your resume. Internet jobs are very competitive, but on the other hand you save a lot of time by applying this way.
Check Newspaper Ads
Usually you won’t find your best opportunities through the newspapers but it doesn’t hurt to look. One problem with newspaper ads is that a lot of people apply for each job that is advertised. You must be prepared for heavy competition for these jobs.
Consider Union Hiring Halls
Oftentimes union employers hire through union rosters. Although these jobs are usually only open to union members there are times when a union must hire from outside their base, especially if all of their members are currently employed. For example, the motion picture craft unions work this way. If you are a carpenter and apply with the motion picture propmakers union, you won’t find employment unless all of their members are currently working. There are times, frequently, when production is heavy, where all of the members are working and they need more people to fill job requisitions from producers. In these instances, an outsider will be hired as a “permit” employee. After working for a short time as a “permit” he is allowed to join the union roster. Union jobs are worth pursuing because the pay and benefits are often better than you would find in non-union jobs.
7. Hit the Pavement
Once you have other people looking for you, it is time for you to begin looking for yourself. You should make it your day’s work to apply for jobs. Hit as many places as you can, and consider places others might not consider. For example, everyone wants to apply with the town’s biggest employer but there are lots of small companies in industrial parks of which most job applicants are totally unaware. When you apply with these companies you have less competition for the jobs.
As you make your rounds you should carry a notebook. After a while you won’t remember what different prospective employers have told you and you need notes to refresh your memory. For example, if one employer tells you to check back in a week, you want to be sure to do that.
8. Follow Through
A big mistake many job hunters make is to sit back and wait when an employer indicates he may be
calling them. Until you have an actual job offer, keep looking. If you have a cel phone, employers can reach you even though you’re out looking for work.
An important part of finding a job is to keep checking back with employers. Rarely does an employer hire you the first time they see you. If you leave an application or a resume, don’t assume they will call you when an opening occurs. You should check back at least once a week to see if anything has come up. Pretty soon that employer will begin to remember you and they will know you are serious about wanting to work for them. Then when an opening does occur, you may very well be the first person they call. How well you follow up will be critical in how many job interviews you get. After you get your interviews, don’t stop looking. Keep looking until you have an actual job offer.
The techniques I have just outlined are ones that I learned mostly from a class I took in high school and they have worked very well for me in the past. In my forty years of working I was only unemployed a couple of times and in each instance that period of unemployment lasted less than two months. I have only two years of college and no degree, yet I was able to quickly find employment following these techniques. It’s easy to panic when you find yourself unemployed, so the first thing to do is organize and follow a plan such as this one.
Dominic
If you suddenly find yourself out of employment, you need a plan in order to find suitable work as soon as possible. Here are procedures you can follow which will increase your chances of a fruitful job hunt.
1. File For Unemployment Benefits
You need to start money flowing in as soon as possible so you can keep up with the costs of living and the costs of job hunting. In most states you have a week or two waiting period, and the waiting period doesn’t start until you file. So the sooner you file, the sooner you will begin to receive payments. When you are out of work this should be your first priority.
2. Register With Employment Agencies
Usually you will file for unemployment benefits at your state employment agency. While you are there register with them as seeking work. Check their job boards, if they have one, or their website where jobs are often posted. Talk to any of the counselors who might be able to help you in your search. For example, if you are a veteran, you should talk to the V.A. representative at their office. Very often these counselors know of programs which you are unaware of — for example, an acquaintance of mine wanted to work as a truck driver. Through the V.A. counselor he found out about two federal grant programs which would pay for his truckdriving training.
After you have registered with the state employment agency, register with private employment agencies. You want as many people as possible looking for you when you are seeking employment. Don’t forget about temporary employment agencies. It doesn’t hurt to have temporary work assignments while you are looking in order to keep the money flowing. Many employers like to try out employees on a temporary basis and quite often temporary employment can lead to permanent employment. One thing to keep in mind, however — legitimate employment agencies don’t usually charge a fee to employees for registering. If an agency asks you for money up front, don’t register with them.
3. Let Friends and Acquaintances Know You are Looking
Your friends or acquaintances may learn of employment opportunities where they are working.
Oftentimes these openings are not advertised and having a recommendation from one of their existing employees is a big plus for you.
4. Search The Internet
There are a number of good job search websites and you should register with some of them and upload your resume. Internet jobs are very competitive, but on the other hand you save a lot of time by applying this way.
Check Newspaper Ads
Usually you won’t find your best opportunities through the newspapers but it doesn’t hurt to look. One problem with newspaper ads is that a lot of people apply for each job that is advertised. You must be prepared for heavy competition for these jobs.
Consider Union Hiring Halls
Oftentimes union employers hire through union rosters. Although these jobs are usually only open to union members there are times when a union must hire from outside their base, especially if all of their members are currently employed. For example, the motion picture craft unions work this way. If you are a carpenter and apply with the motion picture propmakers union, you won’t find employment unless all of their members are currently working. There are times, frequently, when production is heavy, where all of the members are working and they need more people to fill job requisitions from producers. In these instances, an outsider will be hired as a “permit” employee. After working for a short time as a “permit” he is allowed to join the union roster. Union jobs are worth pursuing because the pay and benefits are often better than you would find in non-union jobs.
7. Hit the Pavement
Once you have other people looking for you, it is time for you to begin looking for yourself. You should make it your day’s work to apply for jobs. Hit as many places as you can, and consider places others might not consider. For example, everyone wants to apply with the town’s biggest employer but there are lots of small companies in industrial parks of which most job applicants are totally unaware. When you apply with these companies you have less competition for the jobs.
As you make your rounds you should carry a notebook. After a while you won’t remember what different prospective employers have told you and you need notes to refresh your memory. For example, if one employer tells you to check back in a week, you want to be sure to do that.
8. Follow Through
A big mistake many job hunters make is to sit back and wait when an employer indicates he may be
calling them. Until you have an actual job offer, keep looking. If you have a cel phone, employers can reach you even though you’re out looking for work.
An important part of finding a job is to keep checking back with employers. Rarely does an employer hire you the first time they see you. If you leave an application or a resume, don’t assume they will call you when an opening occurs. You should check back at least once a week to see if anything has come up. Pretty soon that employer will begin to remember you and they will know you are serious about wanting to work for them. Then when an opening does occur, you may very well be the first person they call. How well you follow up will be critical in how many job interviews you get. After you get your interviews, don’t stop looking. Keep looking until you have an actual job offer.
The techniques I have just outlined are ones that I learned mostly from a class I took in high school and they have worked very well for me in the past. In my forty years of working I was only unemployed a couple of times and in each instance that period of unemployment lasted less than two months. I have only two years of college and no degree, yet I was able to quickly find employment following these techniques. It’s easy to panic when you find yourself unemployed, so the first thing to do is organize and follow a plan such as this one.
Dominic
Jun
15
Questions On Job Hunting
Filed Under Job Hunting | Comments Off
Mario Churchill asked:
Okay so you have already graduated. You have passed your finals, breezed through all your classes and finished your thesis. Now what?
Welcome to the real world.
Now everything becomes even harder. With thousands of students graduating every year, it can be extremely hard to find a good job. It takes a combination of good grades, excellent credentials and job hunting skills to land a job that others will envy!
Below are just some of the frequently asked questions about job hunting. Read on and you might learn a thing or two that can help you get your dream job.
What do I need to prepare?
Although application requirements will vary from one company to another, there are basic things that a job applicant need to have. The first thing is of course the resume, which will basically show your capabilities and your credential.
The resume is one way to put yourself across and promote yourself without having to brag. The resume will include your education, your previous job experience if there is any, your skills and your achievements. Everything can actually be found in the resume.
Is a cover letter really necessary?
The cover letter will basically state the position that you want to apply for in the company. It is also used by personnel managers to gauge your language abilities as well as how well you compose a correspondence.
Do I need a portfolio?
If you are in the creative fields or the fields wherein you have to produce sample works such as in advertising, arts, journalism and other areas, you need to create a portfolio of your most recent works. Even if you have not worked yet, the projects that you have done in your class and in your school organization is already enough.
Do I need to inform the people in reference list?
It is a good idea to inform people that you are going to use them as your reference. This way, they will be able to prepare just in case they are contacted by potential employers.
How do I look for jobs?
Most job postings can be seen in newspapers. Here you will find the job positions available as well as the requirements for the job. Most companies will ask applicants to respond by sending a cover letter as well as their resumes, which will be evaluated. Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. Some companies also use the World Wide Web to look for applicants. They post job openings on their websites. This is actually one of the ways that companies make sure that their candidates are internet savvy and computer literate.
There are also job search engines that can help those who want to apply for jobs. The process is actually pretty simple. All they have to do is to register and accomplish an already prepared resume sample.
Job positions that fit their qualifications will then be sent to their email addresses. If they wish to apply to a position, all they need to do is to go to the website and accomplish a series of documents.
Another area that job applicants should look into is through one’s network. Ask around for job openings in the companies that they work for. Chances are they will be able to help you get in by putting in a good word for you.
Hanni
Okay so you have already graduated. You have passed your finals, breezed through all your classes and finished your thesis. Now what?
Welcome to the real world.
Now everything becomes even harder. With thousands of students graduating every year, it can be extremely hard to find a good job. It takes a combination of good grades, excellent credentials and job hunting skills to land a job that others will envy!
Below are just some of the frequently asked questions about job hunting. Read on and you might learn a thing or two that can help you get your dream job.
What do I need to prepare?
Although application requirements will vary from one company to another, there are basic things that a job applicant need to have. The first thing is of course the resume, which will basically show your capabilities and your credential.
The resume is one way to put yourself across and promote yourself without having to brag. The resume will include your education, your previous job experience if there is any, your skills and your achievements. Everything can actually be found in the resume.
Is a cover letter really necessary?
The cover letter will basically state the position that you want to apply for in the company. It is also used by personnel managers to gauge your language abilities as well as how well you compose a correspondence.
Do I need a portfolio?
If you are in the creative fields or the fields wherein you have to produce sample works such as in advertising, arts, journalism and other areas, you need to create a portfolio of your most recent works. Even if you have not worked yet, the projects that you have done in your class and in your school organization is already enough.
Do I need to inform the people in reference list?
It is a good idea to inform people that you are going to use them as your reference. This way, they will be able to prepare just in case they are contacted by potential employers.
How do I look for jobs?
Most job postings can be seen in newspapers. Here you will find the job positions available as well as the requirements for the job. Most companies will ask applicants to respond by sending a cover letter as well as their resumes, which will be evaluated. Successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. Some companies also use the World Wide Web to look for applicants. They post job openings on their websites. This is actually one of the ways that companies make sure that their candidates are internet savvy and computer literate.
There are also job search engines that can help those who want to apply for jobs. The process is actually pretty simple. All they have to do is to register and accomplish an already prepared resume sample.
Job positions that fit their qualifications will then be sent to their email addresses. If they wish to apply to a position, all they need to do is to go to the website and accomplish a series of documents.
Another area that job applicants should look into is through one’s network. Ask around for job openings in the companies that they work for. Chances are they will be able to help you get in by putting in a good word for you.
Hanni
Jun
9
A Personal Injury Case is a Job Hunt Disadvantage
Filed Under Job Hunting | Comments Off
Ajeet Khurana asked:
Job hunting is something that most of us hate doing, but can’t get out of. Perhaps you’ve just had a baby, or been downsized, or got fired because of the personal injury case you filed against the guy who practically ran you over in the parking garage. So what if the guy just happened to be the CEO. The fact is, you absolutely need a decent job with a decent income again. When you are job hunting, there are a few do’s and don’ts that act as general rules of thumb as far as things that you can do or avoid in order to nail the position. You can search online for any job hunting or resume building tips that will get your foot in the door and a seat in front of an interviewer. The interview stage alone is a process that carries with it an entirely separate guidebook on things to say, things not to say and things to do, or things not to do. When you are job hunting and preparing for that next career move, try to use some of the following tips.
1. DO have a professional resume and cover letter. Again, there are several guides and tools available on the Internet that can help you achieve this.
2. DON’ T put impertinent information on your resume. The name of your personal injury lawyer on your cover letter looks really bad. Also, your interviewer really doesn’t care that you knit booties for kitty orphans in your spare time. UNLESS you are seeking employment at a kitten orphanage.
3. DO make it a point to be honest. If you have lost a job, be honest about it. Chances are if you aren’t, your prospective employer will find out anyway. You don’t need to mention the parking garage, just be honest about the fact that you’ve been let go previously.
4. DON’T state things that bring no value to the interview. For example, if you are there because your settlement hasn’t come through yet, and you need to pay for your professional injury lawyer, you may want to leave that out. When it comes to the “Why do you want to work here question?” say something about seeking new challenges or something to that effect. They love that.
5. DO be honest about weaknesses, because you will be asked. Don’t say that your personal injury case has left you with a bad back and you can’t sit still for long periods of time. Say something that will make the interviewer reflect your weakness back on the position. “I’m a perfectionist!” works very well in this situation. Pretend you are a perfectionist even if you are not.
6. DON’T mention the word lawyer at all; not unless you are applying to a LAW FIRM. Do not use the word lawyer. AT ALL.
7. DO be prepared with an interesting topic to make easy conversation with the interviewer. Review #6 before you pick a topic however.
These are just a few general tips that can help you in the job market and pin down the position of your dreams. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. A good interviewer will be just as concerned with making you feel comfortable, as you are in getting the job. Good luck!
Maury
Job hunting is something that most of us hate doing, but can’t get out of. Perhaps you’ve just had a baby, or been downsized, or got fired because of the personal injury case you filed against the guy who practically ran you over in the parking garage. So what if the guy just happened to be the CEO. The fact is, you absolutely need a decent job with a decent income again. When you are job hunting, there are a few do’s and don’ts that act as general rules of thumb as far as things that you can do or avoid in order to nail the position. You can search online for any job hunting or resume building tips that will get your foot in the door and a seat in front of an interviewer. The interview stage alone is a process that carries with it an entirely separate guidebook on things to say, things not to say and things to do, or things not to do. When you are job hunting and preparing for that next career move, try to use some of the following tips.
1. DO have a professional resume and cover letter. Again, there are several guides and tools available on the Internet that can help you achieve this.
2. DON’ T put impertinent information on your resume. The name of your personal injury lawyer on your cover letter looks really bad. Also, your interviewer really doesn’t care that you knit booties for kitty orphans in your spare time. UNLESS you are seeking employment at a kitten orphanage.
3. DO make it a point to be honest. If you have lost a job, be honest about it. Chances are if you aren’t, your prospective employer will find out anyway. You don’t need to mention the parking garage, just be honest about the fact that you’ve been let go previously.
4. DON’T state things that bring no value to the interview. For example, if you are there because your settlement hasn’t come through yet, and you need to pay for your professional injury lawyer, you may want to leave that out. When it comes to the “Why do you want to work here question?” say something about seeking new challenges or something to that effect. They love that.
5. DO be honest about weaknesses, because you will be asked. Don’t say that your personal injury case has left you with a bad back and you can’t sit still for long periods of time. Say something that will make the interviewer reflect your weakness back on the position. “I’m a perfectionist!” works very well in this situation. Pretend you are a perfectionist even if you are not.
6. DON’T mention the word lawyer at all; not unless you are applying to a LAW FIRM. Do not use the word lawyer. AT ALL.
7. DO be prepared with an interesting topic to make easy conversation with the interviewer. Review #6 before you pick a topic however.
These are just a few general tips that can help you in the job market and pin down the position of your dreams. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. A good interviewer will be just as concerned with making you feel comfortable, as you are in getting the job. Good luck!
Maury
Jun
6
Job hunting tips during this recession?
Filed Under Job Hunting | 4 Comments
Enlightenme! asked:
I have just got out of the worst job of my life! (contract ended).
I am so relieved.
I have just got out of the worst job of my life! (contract ended).
I am so relieved.
Now I have to face the dreaded job search. Since we are in a recession, I would like to know some tips so I can find a job quicker.
I have a mix of teaching experience, customer support, and IT experience.
I greatly appreciate all your suggestions in advance!
Cristie