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3 Questions to Help You Refine Your Job Search

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
May 7, 2012

When you’re on the job hunt, it’s tempting to apply for any and every job you run into. While you do want to apply for lots of jobs, you don’t want to become distracted by jobs that aren’t practical for you, or that won’t help you reach your career goals. In a tough job market, this is easier said than done. However, focusing your job search will prove to be beneficial when it helps you get closer to your career goals and you save your time for the best jobs out there.

What Are My Goals?

When you are searching for a job, ask yourself what your goals are. Are you interested in pursing a job as an administrative assistant, an accountant or a business analyst? If so, you’ll probably want to try to submit your resume to employers looking for people to work in business-related capacities. Decide what your career goals are, and then try to find jobs that will help you achieve your goals.

It’s important to think outside the box too though. In most cases, you won’t start your career doing exactly what you plan on doing. But, look for links that will lead you to your dream job, or jobs that have transferable skills you can take with you as your pursue your career.

What am I Looking For?

Don’t lose track of the type of job you are looking for. If you are only able to work part time, try to steer clear of applying for full time jobs. If you need to earn a certain amount of money each month, look for jobs that are offering at least this much. This tactic will save both employers and you lots of time. Employers looking to fill positions in their company don’t want to have their time wasted by applicants who probably aren’t a good fit for the job. If details like hours and wage aren’t what you need, don’t waste an interviewer’s time.

Of course, by avoiding jobs that don’t fill your needs, you are also saving yourself lots of time. Applying for jobs takes time and effort, and you should put that time and effort into jobs that will pay off. Try to stay somewhat flexible, but don’t be so flexible that you begin applying for jobs you won’t be able to take if you are offered them.

Does the Employer Value Me?

Job interviews are not just a chance for employers to feel you out; they are a chance for you to feel employers out. As you apply for jobs, meet with HR representatives and attend interviews, try to get a feel for the company and the position. Decide if you can picture yourself working for the business and if the employer is someone you can spend your time working under. If the job doesn’t seem quite right, don’t waste your time with follow up emails or second interviews. Don’t give up on a job just because it isn’t your dream job, but if you would be miserable with the job, you might as well focus your efforts elsewhere.

Searching for a job takes time and practice. By asking yourself these three questions, you can narrow your job hunt down to jobs that will be fulfilling and help you move your career forward.

 

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How to Stay Positive During a Job Search

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
May 2, 2012

Looking for a job is hardly ever easy. The tough economy, lots of competition and just the fact that you want to find the right fit for you, are all things that make finding employment that much harder. If you’ve just graduated from college, you are probably looking for your first career-centered job. This can be daunting, and sometimes it’s easy to become pessimistic and lose hope.

However, if you stay positive during your job hunt, you’ll not only be happier, but you’ll convey a sense of confidence and optimism that is attractive to employers.

Stay Open Minded

One of the biggest keys to finding a job is to stay open minded. When things are rough, you may not find the exact job you had in mind. For example, as you graduate from college with a degree in information technology, you may have to start at the bottom and work your way up to the ideal information tech careers.

Also, remember that as you earned your degree, you probably developed lots of transferrable skills. Skills you learned in marketing, could easily translate into skills needed for an advertising job. Look for related jobs, and you might be surprised that you are fully qualified for many of them.

It Will Take Lots of Applications

Very, very few people get one of the first jobs they apply for. Searching for a job is all about getting out there, pushing your resume and yes, going through some interview flops. To find a job, you have to search for one, and sometimes that search will take you places you don’t really want to go. But, it’s OK! Remember that interviewing is the only way you’ll find employment, and you’ll probably have to try several times before you run into the perfect job.

Networking is Essential

As you search for a job, be sure to tell all your connections that you are looking. Tell your friends on Facebook, your past professors and your professional connections on LinkedIn. These people may not be able to hand you a job, but they may be able to point you in the right direction. They may have advice for you, or they may be able to recommend you to their connections that are hiring.

Above all, don’t give up. Remember that you are skilled, trained and qualified. You didn’t earn that college degree for nothing. Finding the right job is all about thinking outside the box, interviewing for as many jobs as you can and tapping into your network of friends and colleagues.

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Building a Software Engineer Resume

Filed Under: Resume Tips by talavera — Comments Off
April 21, 2012

No matter what industry you plan to go into after you graduate, there is a certain type of preparation you should do before you start searching for that first job out of college. There are also certain things you should add to your resume that will be attractive to employers in the field you want to work in.

A software engineer resume is no different. If you are earning your degree in computer science, computer programming or software engineering, you’ll want to make sure you have a strong resume that shows how qualified you are to work in the field.

Certifications

The computer industry has numerous certifications. You can be certified in web languages, software languages, computer skills, software skills and so many other things. It’s very wise to earn as many of these certifications as possible while you are still in school. Not only will it help you compete in the job market, but it will also help you be better prepared when you land a job.

Areas of Expertise

Since the technology and programming field is so vast, many professionals decide to specialize in a certain area. As a software engineer major, you may have taken more classes in one area than you did in another. Or, maybe you have lots of web language certifications but not as many computer hardware certifications. If you have a niche area that you are talented in, be sure to highlight it in your resume or cover letter.

Internships

Doing an internship while you are in college will help you hone your skills, learn what you like and don’t like and, perhaps most importantly, show your employer that you have had some hands-on experience. Even if you aren’t able to land an internship in software engineering, interning as an IT technician or a computer repair specialist, or any other related position, is still valuable experience.

Personal Projects

If you have had time to tinker around with programming and have created some working projects, now is the time to show them off. When you hand in your resume, include links to websites you have created or CDs with samples of your work. Nothing tells an employer that you are capable of the job like a sample of your work.

Building your software engineer resume will help you be more competitive in the job market and will help you develop a stronger career. As you work through college, take these tips one at a time and by the time you graduate you’ll have a solid resume to show employers.

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10 Questions to Ask During an Interview

Filed Under: Interviewing by talavera — Comments Off
April 6, 2012

It’s a well-known fact that job interviews aren’t just an opportunity for employers to ask you questions. Interviews are also an opportunity for you to ask employers questions. This is your chance to get a feel for the job, company, management and whether or not the job will be a good fit for you.

Of course, you want to be tactful when you ask questions, and there are certain questions that shouldn’t be asked in a first interview. To help you jump this hurdle and ask the right questions, here’s our list of the top 10 questions to ask an employer during an interview.

 

  1. What would my day be like if I were offered this position? What would my responsibilities be?
  2. How does upper management view this department and its contributions to the company?
  3. Does this position have room for growth or will I have chances to be promoted?
  4. What can I do to be a good (insert position title here) at this company?
  5. In your opinion, what is the best thing about working here?
  6. How does the company view this position?
  7. If I were offered the position, would I report to you?
  8. Why is this position open?
  9. How would I be evaluated with this position?
  10. What is your time frame for filling the position?

Usually, at the end of an interview, the employer will ask if you have any questions. Saying no can send the message that you aren’t interested in the position or that you aren’t passionate about what you do. Of course, these perceptions are probably false, but you still need to be careful that you don’t give the wrong impression.

If you come to an interview prepared to ask a few questions yourself, you leave a great impression on the employer and you’ll learn more about the position, industry and the hiring process for business careers.

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How to Write a Nursing Resume

Filed Under: Resume Tips by talavera — Comments Off
March 29, 2012

As you graduate from your nursing program, you are probably starting to look for nursing jobs. One of the best ways to land an interview is to have a shining resume. Your nursing resume will look very similar to a regular professional resume, but there are a few things you should be aware of.

Focus on Clinical Experience

As a recent grad, employers won’t be expecting too much experience to be on your resume. However, what little experience you have been able to pick up here and there will go a long way in helping you stand out from the crowd. If you have done clinicals or medical internships, give those a prominent spot on your resume.

Show Off Your Certification

The medical field is one field where you’ll need certification if you expect to move up the ladder. Be sure to dedicate a section of your resume to certifications. List every certification and license you have. Of course, this shows that you are eligible for the job, but it might also shed some light on other areas, not listed on the job posting, you are certified to work in. This could open doors to promotions and future positions within the organization.

Mention Health Field Skills

In the skills section of your resume, make sure you put an emphasis on specific health skills you have. Of course, you should also include computer, office and teamwork skills, but try to highlight medical skills. Things like being trained to draw blood, conduct certain medical tests and to operate medical equipment are attractive to employers who hire nurses.

Leverage Your Volunteer Experience

As a health care student, you probably had lots of opportunities to volunteer in hospitals and doctors’ offices. If you haven’t had any volunteer experience, it’s not too late. When you include these types of things on your resume, your employer can see that you have a passion for the industry and have had a chance to learn some skills in a hands-on setting.

Nursing resumes are very much like any other resume, just with a few minor differences. With a few adjustments, you can turn your professional resume draft into a resume that can help you get your start in the nursing field.

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Seasonal Jobs: The Perfect Student Gig

Filed Under: Careers by talavera — Comments Off
March 17, 2012

If you’re enrolled in school, or taking classes at one of the top online colleges in your area, you are probably extremely busy. It’s hard to find work if you are a student because many times you are looking for a short-term gig that can carry you over until the next semester, or that can help you earn some extra cash during a school break.

That’s where seasonal jobs come in. They may not sound all that attractive, but seasonal jobs can be perfect for college students. People who hire seasonal workers are looking for someone to hire for a short period of time, in contrast to other jobs that usually expect long-term commitment from their employees.

Here are some seasonal jobs that will fit your student lifestyle, giving you the opportunity to earn money and gain experience.

Landscaping or Nursery Work

During the spring, many landscaping companies and nurseries expect a surge of business. They often hire people on a short-term basis to help manage an influx of customers and work, as people start getting their lawn into shape.

Department Store Holidays

Around Christmas, lots of big-name department stores buckle down and prepare for a bigger inventory and a much busier store. You can often find short-term work at a department store during the holidays working as a cashier, inventory worker or shelf stocker.

Swimming Pools and Parks

When pools, parks and even amusement parks open and pick up during the warmer months, they often hire more employees. You could get a summer gig as a lifeguard, tour guide or concessions server.

Sports Organizations

Spring and summer sports like baseball, track and soccer all translate into more jobs. Sports venues, children’s leagues and community recreation centers need to hire mentors, coaches, ball boys and equipment managers. If you’re a sports fan, this could be the perfect job for you.

Explore your area to find seasonal jobs that can help you earn some money and stick to your school schedule. You might be surprised at what kinds of opportunities seasonal jobs can provide.

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Adjusting to a 9 to 5 Job

Filed Under: Job Success by talavera — Comments Off
March 3, 2012

When you land your first job after you graduate, you’ll probably have to adjust to a new schedule. As a student, you could schedule your classes anytime you wanted, your work schedule likely changed periodically, and of course, you had a big social life. But, when you start a full-time job in the industry you majored in, you will be at work all day, every day.

Of course, if this is a job you enjoy, spending all day working won’t be a big deal. However, for many, a 9 to 5 job is a big change of pace. Don’t worry; you’ll get used to it and you’re social life won’t suffer.

Stay Busy

Time will drag if you don’t have anything to work on. If you suddenly find yourself without enough work to keep you busy for eight hours, talk to your manager. When you have something productive to work on, time will fly. You’ll also build a reputation of being a hard worker, and willing to dig in on any project you are assigned.

Take Mini Breaks

Most office jobs aren’t thrilled about giving their employees regular breaks. Instead, you’re expected to stay busy while on the job, and get your assigned tasks done. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t stretch your legs or take a quick mini break once in a while. When things start to drag, take a trip to the drinking fountain, walk around the office to stretch your legs and check in with other employees, or grab a quick snack.

Count Tasks, Not Hours

When you focus on the job, and not the hours you are spending at your desk, time will go much faster. In fact, your whole attitude will change from just being there to put your time in to being there to achieve things, which makes you a much better employee. Focus on making the project you are working on the best it can be. Practice your skills and find ways to do your job better.

Adjusting to a full-time job after college isn’t always easy. But, by staying busy, taking short breaks and focusing on your job rather than the clock, you’ll be an office pro in no time.

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Are You Qualified For One of The Fastest Growing Jobs in the Country?

Filed Under: Education by talavera — Comments Off
February 22, 2012

Recently, MainStreet published a list of the 10 fastest growing jobs in the United States. These jobs are in industries that are expected to grow quickly in the next few years. They aren’t necessarily the jobs that will bring you the biggest salary, but they are jobs that are most likely to have more openings and will most likely bring more job security.

The list:

  1. Personal Care Aides
  2. Home Health Aides
  3. Biomedical Engineers
  4. Brick masons, Block masons, Stonemasons, Tile and Marble Setters
  5. Carpenters
  6. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
  7. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
  8. Physical Therapist Assistants
  9. Pipe layers, Plumbers, Pipe fitters, and Steam fitters
  10. Meeting, Convention and Event Planners

Do you have what it you need to start a career with one of these jobs?

A College Degree

Interestingly, the top two fastest growing jobs in the U.S. are in the health field. To start a career in this area, you’ll need a college degree, and maybe even some hands-on training. The best way to start a job as a personal care aide or a home health aide is to earn your degree.

To work in the event planning industry, you’ll need to enroll in classes that teach you how to become an event planner. To start a career as a carpenter, brick mason or other technical professional, you’ll need a college degree plus some internships. With these professions, it’s hard to gain all the experience you’ll need in the classroom. Internships and volunteer programs can help fill the gap between what you learn in the classroom and hands-on, practical experience.

In short, all of the jobs on MainStreet’s list require a college degree. Despite what some people think, a degree is much more than a piece of paper. A degree shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable in the field and can accomplish big tasks, and give you an edge over other job seekers.

A Strong Portfolio

Even if you’ve already graduated from college, and are beginning your job search in one of these areas, there are things you can do to make yourself more competitive. For example, building a portfolio of your work is a great way to show off your skills. A strong portfolio can set you apart from other graduates who have a degree, but no experience. Even if your portfolio mostly consists of class projects, it shows your employer you have what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Other Certifications

Many of the jobs on this list are very specialized. They are in niche areas of larger markets. For example, pipefitters are specialized professionals in the plumbing industry. If there are any extra certifications or training courses you can complete in your area of interest, do it as soon as possible. These show employers you take your career seriously, put time into perfecting your skill and may be more qualified than candidates who aren’t certified.

Even though MainStreet’s list of the fastest growing careers includes jobs from a wide variety of industries, there are a few requirements all have in common. Earning a degree, building a portfolio and earning extra certification are all ways you can increase your chances of landing one of the fastest growing jobs in the U.S.

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JobsMiner

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
February 19, 2012

When it comes to looking for a job, your personal connections can make it or break it. Many times, new jobs come by way of acquaintances, professors and old classmates. One of the best ways to connect with people who can help you land a job is through social media.

You can find job opportunities through social media with the passive approach of posting things that tell others you are on the hunt. This may encourage someone to approach you about a job, or one of your connections to tell you about an opening he knows about. Or, you can take a more active approach and look for those opportunities, rather than waiting for them to come to you. However, sometimes it’s tough to dig through social media feeds and pages to find information about job postings.

That’s where JobsMiner comes in. This new website is the first ever job search engine that searches social media websites. When you type in a search term and location, JobsMiner searches through Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, LinkedIn and even blogs and forums for job postings that match your criteria.

Studies show that the vast majority of job seekers, an amazing 82 percent, use social media to find their jobs. Other job search engines are great resources for searching through job postings, but they are limited to searching sites that are dedicated to job listings. You can search through social media on your own, but you can only get so far

with your limited search capabilities. JobsMiner makes it incredibly easy to search social media for information about job openings, so social media as a job-search tool is even more powerful.

When you begin looking for a job, add JobsMiner to your list of websites to use. With this site, you’ll be able to find job opportunities posted on social media sites, and may even find yourself a job faster than you thought possible!

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How to Find a Software Developer Job

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
February 8, 2012

Even in this tough economy, there are still software developer jobs to be had. People in this industry remain in high demand as the technology world moves and develops at an extremely fast rate. New programs, operating systems and smartphone apps are always being developed, and it takes a software developer to do it.

So, how do you land one of these jobs? Like most other jobs, it helps to earn a degree first. A software engineering degree will teach you about computers, operating systems and how they work. You’ll learn how software is developed and what makes it run smoothly. A degree will also give you an edge over other applicants.

While you are earning your degree, try to get certified in some coding languages. Computer programmers who have credentials like Java or C++ certification are much more likely to land jobs. When it comes down to it, if you are competing with another applicant for a position, your education and certification levels might help you beat them out and land the job.

Once you know some languages and can develop some simple websites, programs or apps, show off your skills. One of the best ways to do this (if you don’t already have a computer programming job) is by doing some projects on your own. Create a portfolio website or even put an app on the Android or iPhone App market. This not only proves that you are capable of doing the job, but also shows that you have a passion for it. It shows potential employers that you are willing to put time into projects and learn the details you need to know to make your work professional.

In short, finding a computer programming job is much like finding a job in any other industry. You need education, specialized skills and a way to show off your work. When you combine all three of these with a specialty in computer programming, you instantly become more marketable and your chances of finding a job increase.

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How and Why to Brand Yourself

Filed Under: Personal Branding by talavera — Comments Off
February 3, 2012

Branding yourself means creating an image that people think of when they hear your name. For example, when you hear the name Steve Jobs, you automatically think “Apple,” “computers,” and “business savvy.” When you hear the name Diane Sawyer, you think “reporter” and “broadcast journalist.”

You don’t have to be famous to brand yourself though. Branding yourself within your circle of friends and contacts can help you land a job and build a resume.

Find a Niche

It’s important to be flexible as you search for a job, especially early in your career. However, as you enter an industry you will probably  find certain skills you are stronger in and certain areas that interest you more than others. Try focusing on these areas and developing your specialized skills. Then, as people see your resume, they will begin to see you as branded in a certain area.

Advertise Yourself

Use your resume and social media profiles, like LinkedIn, to tell people who you are. In your short bio, list your strong points and skills you are developing. Use sentences that tell a potential employer who you are, not just what your degree is in. For example, you could list that you are proficient in HTML or that you have experience in preparing taxes. This way, instead of an employer seeing you as just another programmer or just another accountant, they see you as a professional with real value.

Build Your Portfolio

Now that you have found your niche, and have begun to identify yourself with it on your resume and online profiles, you need to build a portfolio. A specialized portfolio will back up your branding, and prove yourself to employers. Saying you are a great graphic designer is completely different than showing that you are. Some industries are more visual than others, but in most cases, you’ll be able to find ways to show off your work and back up the branding you are building.

As you begin your career, stay flexible, but also work toward an area of expertise. Doing so will help you land jobs and help you develop your job into the career you are looking for.

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Take Full Advantage of Your Next Networking Event

Filed Under: Networking by talavera — Comments Off
January 26, 2012

Most good universities, programs and even top online colleges host networking events for students. These events often have speakers, panel discussions or workshops that students can attend for free. The purpose of networking events is to give student more insight into their industry, and to have a chance to connect with professionals in their field.

However, these networking events will only be valuable if you take full advantage of them. If you don’t put any effort into making the most out of networking opportunities, you won’t have much success in making new connections that could be very beneficial.

Do Your Homework

Do some research into what kinds of professionals will be at the networking event before you go. If you have to choose between speakers or workshops, decide before you go which you want to liste to. Then, make a list of questions you have that the professionals could answer. More questions will come to mind as you listen to speakers, but getting started ahead of time will help you be more prepared and help you see what you want to get out of the event.

Set Goals

Before you attend the event, set some goals to help you reach out and take advantage of the resources there. Maybe your goal is to meet three new people and to trade business cards with them. Or, you could set the goal of asking at least five questions. These types of goals will help you get out of your comfort zone and participate more fully in the event.

Bring Supplies

When you attend a networking event, be sure to bring things that will help you get the most out of it. Things for taking notes and to give to professionals will give you an edge over other students.

Consider bringing things like:

  • A notebook and pen
  • Several copies of your resume
  • Business cards (if you are currently in the work force)
  • Portfolio work (writing samples, case studies, class reports, etc.)

By being prepared with these things, you’ll be ready to make some strong connections and leave an impression with the professionals you talk with.

Before you attend any networking event, do your homework and set some goals. Then, when you pack your bag, bring things that will help you make connections and stand out. As you follow through with these steps, you’ll get much more out of networking and learn much more from the professionals in attendance.

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Moving Past Flipping Burgers

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
January 18, 2012

You’re probably like most college students: working a part-time job that is nowhere near what you want to end up doing for a career. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. In fact, most college students work part-time jobs at places like fast food restaurants, grocery stores, movie theaters, department stores or landscape companies.

But, once you graduate and are ready to move past flipping burgers at the McDonald’s just off campus, it can be tricky to get where you want to be. Breaking into a new career is always hard, but definitely worth it.

Baby Steps

You probably won’t land that perfect job right out of college. However, you can land a job that is a stepping stone to that perfect job. Getting where you want to be in your career is all about taking opportunities as they arise, and building steps until you get to where you want to be.

Start at the Bottom

No matter what kind of job you get, you’ll most likely have to start at the bottom of the totem poll. This means instead of getting the director of marketing job, you may get a marketing assistant job. Or, instead of getting a high school teaching job, you may get a teacher’s aid position. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. These positions are good baby steps to where you are headed, and once you have your foot in the door at a company, it’s often easier to move up.

Related Jobs

In your job search, you may find that you qualify for jobs that are related to the field you graduated in, or the field you want to work in. There is nothing wrong with branching out and trying new things. These related jobs will only add to your resume and your list of skills so when the right job comes along, you are that much more qualified. It will also broaden your capabilities, making you more qualified for more jobs.

As you quit your part-time college gig and search for that first job out of college, don’t be afraid to take small steps and start at the bottom. Being patient and sometimes working in related fields will pay off in the end when you finally get that job you are after.

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No Experience? No Problem.

Filed Under: Resume Tips by talavera — Comments Off
January 12, 2012

When you are fresh out of college, it’s hard to land that first job because it seems that every job posting requires at least a few years of experience. If you’ve just barely graduated, you probably don’t have that required experience. Or do you?

Some jobs require industry experience, where others are a little more loose. Even if you haven’t had a job in the industry before, it’s possible you have some experience that will impress your interviewer.

College Classes

First, keep in mind the classes you took as an undergrad. Of course, you learned a lot in the classroom, but some of the required class projects probably gave you some good experience. Case studies and research projects can show an employer that you know and understand the field. Even if you don’t have “real-world” experience, you have studied the industry.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities like student associations, clubs, the school newspaper, band and student plays all provide valuable experience. If you’ve participated in these, be sure to highlight them on your resume and tell your interviewer about them. If the activities relate to the job you are applying for, even better. If not, you can still use them to prove that you are committed, dedicated and able to succeed in several things at once.

Internships

Of course, one of the biggest ways to show your level of experience is to tell your interviewer about your internships. Some programs require their students to do an internship before they graduate, and this is a great way to help students prepare for jobs that require experience. You can tell your employer that you got your feet wet in your internship, even if it only lasted for a summer.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is also very impressive. If you’ve had a chance to volunteer, make it known, especially if it is industry related. Maybe you spent time volunteering for youth programs at your local YMCA, which would be valuable experience as you interview for physical education jobs. Or maybe you volunteered to help plan events for a nonprofit, which would impress someone interviewing for a public relations or marketing position.

While it may seem like you don’t have the experience needed to land your first job out of college, by highlighting certain college activities on your resume and telling your interviewer about internships and volunteer work, you just may have enough experience for the job.

 

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How to Survive a Group Interview

Filed Under: Interviewing by talavera — Comments Off
January 5, 2012

These days, lots of companies hold group interviews. It is definitely an employer’s market right now and there are usually lots more applicants than there are job openings. Employers have to find a way to handle a larger load of resumes and interviews and group interviews is one way to do this.

Normally, a group interview is held with five to six applicants and sometimes more than one employer from the company conducts the interview. This style of interviews is a good way to handle several applicants and to see how job candidates react in a group setting.

With the number of people involved, group interviews can be even more intimidating than a regular job interview. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure the interview goes smoothly.

Stand Out

It’s easy enough to get lost in the crowd of candidates for that job you want, but even easier when you are lumped into a group. Make yourself stand out by providing unique details about yourself. If you can find something you have in common with an interviewer, this is a great place to start. You can also mention unique hobbies and skills, and of course, give insightful, unique answers.

Come Early

Being a few minutes early may provide you with the opportunity to meet with your interviewer one on one before the group interview starts. This will give you a slight edge as far as introductions go and may also help you stand out from the rest of the crowd. The easier you make it for an interviewer to match your face with your name, the better.

Be Active

Make sure you don’t blend into the background or get drowned out by the other interviewees. Answer questions clearly, and be sure you have the chance to show the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job. However, don’t ever dominate or interrupt, these are traits your interviewer is not looking for.

Respond Well

As other interviewees make points and answer questions, feel free to add to their answers. This is a great way to get around the problem of having someone else make your point before you do. You’ll also show the interviewer you are a good listener and can work well with a team.

Leave an Impression

After your interview, be sure to send the interviewer a thank-you note. Your gratitude will speak volumes about you and your personality. In your note, mention something specific you spoke about during the interview, if possible, to help remind the interviewer who you are.

Above all, be confident and do your best. Find ways to show the interviewer why you are the perfect fit for the job. Group interviews can be scary, but by being prepared, you’ll make a great impression. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information on how to do well in a job interview.

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5 Surprising Things To Leave Off Your Resume

Filed Under: Resume Tips by talavera — Comments Off
December 27, 2011

When you’re searching for a job, often the first impression people have of you comes from your resume. Your resume is your foot in the door. If the employer likes what they see on paper, they will likely call you in for an interview.

Because this is your chance to wow a potential employer, it is vital that your resume is as close to perfect as it can be. Of course it must be typo and error free, but it should also contain only the needed information. Otherwise, you risk looking unprofessional.

Here are five surprising things you can leave off your resume:

1. Graduation Year

While it used to be common to include the year you graduated next to your degree, that is no longer necessary. It’s important to include your degree and school information to show off your qualifications, but there is no reason an interviewer would need to know what year you graduated in. If needed, they can contact your school to verify that you did graduate. In fact, leaving your graduation year off your resume can make it less likely that you’ll be left out of the runnings because of age discrimination.

2. References

References were once a common part of job applications. However, these days most employers don’t except a candidate to provide them unless they are specifically asked to do so. Not including your references on your resume will make room for more important things, like your skills and qualifications.

3. Social Security Number

Believe it or not, some job candidates feel the need to include this extremely personal information on their resume. There is absolutely no reason a potential employer would need your social security number. If you land the job, you’ll provide it to human resources for payroll and insurance purposes. But, until then, keep it personal and don’t risk identity theft.

4. Head Shots

For some reason, some recent graduates include a head shot with their resume. Unless you are applying for a job in a field where looks could be a determining factor in the way you perform your work, don’t include a head shot. You may have needed to do so for major applications or for identification in college, but doing this on your resume may make you come of as arrogant.

5. Summer Gigs

Unless your high school jobs and part time gigs over the summer relate to the jobs you are applying for, it’s time to take them off your resume. Chances are the person conducting interviews for medical assistant jobs isn’t interested in how fast you could flip burgers last summer.

Leaving these five things off your resume as you graduate from college and embark on your job hunt will help you look more professional and may even make it more likely that you will land that big job.

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How to Find a Job Fast

Filed Under: Job Search by talavera — Comments Off
December 22, 2011

Sometimes, finding a job fast is a must. If you’ve been laid off, need to earn some extra money from a second job, or just graduated with your bachelors or associates degree, you don’t have the luxury of time.

In this economy, finding a job is tough. It’s not easy to land a job, let alone one you enjoy or that pays well. However, if you’re wiling to work and start at the bottom, there are jobs to be found. Here are three ways you can speed up the job-searching process.

1. Stay Active

Finding a job quickly means you have to stay active. Don’t just apply for jobs when you happen to hear of an opening. Check job boards on a daily basis and apply for any and every job you qualify for. Instead of just asking around to see who is hiring, apply everywhere. Sometimes, an employer doesn’t know what he needs until he sees it.

2. Pursue Multiple Tracks

Instead of just checking one job board, or sticking to your local paper, search for jobs in lots of places. While it’s true that some companies post jobs on several websites, some just stick to one or two. So, by not keeping up to date on multiple sites, you may be missing opportunities.

3. Get the Word Out

Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Don’t be shy to talk to past employers, professors and your friends about possible work opportunities. Sometimes people know of places that are hiring, but don’t say anything unless they are asked about it. Another great way to get the word out is to use social media. However, be sure to stay professional, so potential employers won’t be turned off by your online presence. Use Facebook to let your connections know you are on the job hunt, and make sure your LinkedIn profile is current and speaks to your strengths.

Finding a job is hardly ever easy. But, by following these three guidelines, you may be able to speed up the process a bit, and find yourself employed sooner than you thought you would.

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