Hiring managers handle hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of job search requests per day. It is imperative for the smart job hunter to find a way to stand out from the crowd. The first impression that a potential employer forms of a job seeker is usually based on viewing a resume. If the employer likes your resume, you will hopefully get a phone call.
For Job Seekers
Is it a constant battle for you to find what you need at work? Where are those note cards? Where are all the pens?! Who took my stapler?!!
This week’s employment tip is all about reclaiming your desk at work so that you can, well, work! Here are some ideas:
Continue reading “Getting it Together: How to Organize Your Work Desk!”
We all remember this quote from Ben Franklin. Of course, there has been quite a bit of inflation since his time, so let’s forget the pennies and think of how to save a few bucks during your work day.
As soon as you leave the house, you are already spending money. Minimize your expenses during the day and maximize your earnings!
Try to look at purchases as time spent working. For example, let’s say on Monday you spend $4 on coffee, $10 on lunch, $5 on snacks, and $3 on a couple of bottles of water. That’s $22 that you have purchased throughout the day. Hypothetically, let’s say you are making $14 an hour. That means that you are making about $11 an hour after taxes. You have just spent two hours of your day working hard just to eat and drink these items!! You have labored away a quarter of your day to buy these consumables that are now nowhere to be seen.
Here are some suggestions to help you get off the hamster wheel and hang on to your money!
Continue reading ““A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned”…Protect Your Paycheck!!”
Job Search Log
Searching for a job is tough – it’s exhausting, time-consuming and nerve-wracking. You’ve sent out reams of resumes, called countless companies, sent out endless emails, and joined job sites you never knew existed.
How do you know when to follow up, when to send your resume again, when to send a thank-you card??
Easy! Make a job search log!
Someone told you to fix up your resume. You haven’t looked at it in months. So, you spend hours revising it – you shift items around, fight with your computer for space, and try to keep your eyes from crossing. You proofread it and have someone else look over it. There are no errors. It looks clean. You’re done. Don’t have to do anything with it for another year or two. Right?
Wrong.
A resume is a work in progress. It is a living and breathing textual representation of your experience and capabilities, both of which are constantly evolving. It’s best to come to terms with the fact that you will always be tweaking and adjusting your resume.
You finally have a promising interview lined up. You have your resumes printed and ready to go. You have researched the company and position. You have mapped out the route to the interview location and know how long it will take to get there. You know you’re going to look great because you have your interview suit dry-cleaned and ready to go. Your shoes and accessories are carefully matched.
Great! But you’re not quite ready yet. We’ve all been told not to judge a book by its cover. However, the reality is that in the professional world your appearance is closely scrutinized – especially at a job interview. But personal appearance goes beyond just the clothes you are wearing. Follow these tips to be seen in the best possible light by potential employers.
Continue reading “Beyond the Suit: Personal Appearance for an Interview”
It is always a good idea to research a company before the interview. The more you know about the company, the more confident you will be. This, in turn, will impress the prospective employer.
There are many ways to obtain company information. Some ideas may be to check local newspapers and magazines for recent articles or ask friends and family if they have heard anything about the organization. The Internet is an excellent source of information. A company’s web page usually gives a thorough description of the company’s mission, accomplishments and sometimes employee bios. Any information, statistics or current developments concerning the company that you can learn in advance will give you a competitive edge when interviewing.
Be prepared!
An interview is your opportunity to make a good first impression. This is why it is imperative to be on time. Whether it is a phone interview or an in-person interview, being on time shows that you are responsible. If you have a morning interview, be sure to check and double-check your alarm the night before to be sure it is set for the correct time. Get up extra early so that you are well-prepared and alert by the time of your interview. Although it is generally good to be early, don’t be too early. Employers schedule interviews for a specific time for a reason. They often are interviewing on a tight schedule, and showing up more than 10-15 minutes before your scheduled interview can throw off the schedule. It is best to arrive a few minutes early or right on time. If you arrive at your destination earlier than planned, sit in your car or go to a coffee shop down the block until it is time for your scheduled interview. Also, be sure to bring the phone number of the person you are meeting. If you are running late for any reason, call the interviewer as soon as possible.
Great! You got an interview! Now what? You need to do your homework. Don’t try to wing it. You have to prepare extensively. Adele Scheele recommends the following ways to prep yourself successfully for an interview.
There are millions of people that want to know why they should use LinkedIn. They already have Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc, so why do they need to join yet another networking website? The answer is simple. LinkedIn is a unique, professional network that helps you exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with a broader network of professionals. It is your online resume that showcases your abilities and recommendations. Below are some top reasons to jump on the LinkedIn bandwagon:
