Tony Jacowski asked:


In order to conduct an effective job search, you have to know what you are looking for, why you are looking and how to go about it. There are a few common myths and misconceptions to be aware of so your job hunt stays on the right path.

-After college, jobs come easily: You should never expect that you will get job offers immediately after you graduate. It will take time for you to find a good job. The fact is that some people will be lucky while others will have to wait longer. You need to have patience - on average, finding a suitable job takes 3-4 months. Don’t waste your time simply waiting. Until you find a good job, try working in a smaller one, at least part-time. It may not pay you as much, but it will at least keep you occupied.

-Putting your resume on the Internet means more offers: This is not always true. Think about what recruiters must be going through. They get more than a hundred resumes everyday, and it is definitely not possible for them to consider each and every one of them. The best advice here is to personalize your resume to meet the requirements of each job that you apply to.

-Classified ads make up the majority of job openings: Agreed - ads in the newspapers and on the Internet do make up a good deal of job openings, but not all of them. The jobs that offer a big position and a huge salary are usually not advertised everywhere. This calls for some savvy networking. Try to approach companies even if there is no opening advertised, and don’t forget to leave your resume with them. If there is an opening, be being proactive, you may receive a call for an interview.

-Job-hopping is bad: This is a very popular misconception that everyone seems to believe. Though this used to be a fact some years ago, but now the mindset of the average employer has changed. Changing jobs frequently was once viewed as instability in character. But now it is okay to change your job after a year, as this now indicates your ambition to learn and advance in your career.

-If you’re over 50, it’s over: This issue can never pose as a problem as long as you have the proper education, relevant experience and the right attitude. Having the right attitude means being open to new ideas, team spirit and contributing to the company.

expertvillage asked:

In this free video clip series, our expert will give you advice and tips for your job search. Learn how to network, write an impressive resume, develop search plans, and promote yourself to potential employers. Job interviews pointers and negotiation techniques are included. In this clip: how developing product knowledge can help you land the job.

expertvillage asked:

In this free video clip series, our expert will give you advice and tips for your job search. Learn how to network, write an impressive resume, develop search plans, and promote yourself to potential employers. Job interviews pointers and negotiation techniques are included. In this clip: the art of perfecting an excellent resume. In this clip: develop your job search plan.

n_cam5626 asked:


I’m trying to get a job to take off some of the finacial weight off of my husband. Does anyone have any tips on what websites i can use to do a job search, and which are the best websites?

Paul Megan asked:


One of the most dramatic changes in the 21st Century job market is in the way employers consider you when they first lay eyes on you.

For example, if you think that it’s your resume that will get you a job, you’re in for a long, LONG job search!

Or if you’re intent on proving yourself based on your work history . . . what you used to do for someone else . . . get ready for disappointment and rejection.

And if your confidence is based on your ability to passively answer all the questions an interviewer throws at you, you already lost.

Today’s employers are looking for people with energy. And they pick up on your energy before they even formally meet you. Do you exhibit the energy employers are looking for?

Energetic people exude vigor, enthusiasm and drive. They want and need to be active. Employers can sense this quality in a person almost as soon as they enter the room. They have a spring in their step and a drive that puts a sparkle in their eyes.

All this occurs even before you open your mouth. We know from experience that an employer or interviewer will make a go/no-go decision about you in a matter of seconds all based on the sense of energy you communicate when they first lay eyes on you.

So, if you are not this type of person, it would be wise to practice how to look and act energetically so that you can make a good first impression. It really makes a big difference because job opportunities are literally won or lost depending on how you enter a room.

Being aware of employers’ expectations is critical to your job search success. The old-fashioned job hunting techniques focused all the attention on YOU . . . your work history, your past accomplishments, your academic and other credentials, your qualifications, your objectives.

But all that’s changed. Today employers expect you to know what THEIR needs are and how you can fill them going forward. Displaying energy is the first step.

PAUL BOWLEY asked:


You’re reading this because you want to get ahead. And you recognize that solid job hunt advice can produce job search success. And you know that a quality career change can be seriously enhanced by quality job hunt advice.

Then, doesn’t it make sense to do it the right way?

What if I told you that most folks in today’s complex marketplace are doing it backward? As a result they’re taking months to accomplish what could be done successfully in a matter of days. To do right by your job search success you need to be guided by the ultimate job hunt advice–three golden rules. Master them and you virtually guarantee your job search success!

Golden Rule #1: No employer will be interested in you if he/she can’t be convinced that you can make a real contribution to bottom line or that you can make the employer’s job easier. If you fail to communicate that in your interviews, resume and written or spoken messages . . . you’re OUT!

The burden is on you to prove you can make a difference. That means you have to research what the organization’s goals are and specifically what the hiring decision-maker is looking for. And then be prepared to present specific contributions.

If you think that somehow an employer will figure out what you can do by reading between the lines of your resume or second-guessing your interview presentation . . . well, they don’t have the time or interest to do that. Besides, if you can’t show how you bring value, there’s someone else right behind you who can.

Golden Rule #2: You are in charge of your job search success . . . and only you! If you leave your job search up to chance by using passive, uninvolved strategies you just LOST!

For example, hoping that posting your resume to a half dozen job search website like Monster or HotJobs will get you the job you deserve is worse than wishful thinking. It’s delusion! The same applies to answering endless ads or expecting recruiters or agencies to handle everything for you.

Golden Rule # 3: The most valuable asset you have that can guarantee you a speedy and lucrative job search are your CONTACTS. These are people you already know starting with relatives, friends, neighbors, religious leaders, business associates and customers, people you buy things from (like insurance, financial services, contractors, etc.). However, you can’t turn them off by asking them to find you a job. You need to have a carefully-crafted script that will turn them into career partners.

In short, you need a plan–some powerful job hunt advice–a blueprint that can walk you through the process step-by-step. When you follow a system you can be entertaining a job offer is as little as 14 days!

Anne Brown asked:


1. Focus 90% of your job search on networking, but be sure you know how to network effectively

To be successful at networking, you must reach out to your network in a way that makes people want to recommend you or hire you. One way to do this is to be positive. Instead of sharing frustrations with your job search, talk about what types of positions are appealing to you and what kinds of challenges you are eager to take on.

2. Do not limit your search to only “available” positions

Spend time researching companies you ‘re interested in and make connections with people who work there. Get the name of the person who has the authority to hire you and write him or her a detailed letter explaining why you want to work for that company. Describe what your unique contributions would be. Be proactive and send along your list of references and resume. Be willing to start on a part-time basis or in a contract position. One foot in the door is better than a closed door.

3. Send an end of the year “Happy Holidays” email to all of your close business contacts with a brief mention about your job search

Be sure to include a short description of the types of positions you are interested in pursuing. Keep this short, positive, and professional.

4. Attend holiday events

You’ll especially want to focus on events hosted by professional organizations and alumni associations you belong to.

If you do not currently belong to any, join some. You can always tag along to friends parties if invited as well.

5. Learn how to differentiate between jobs posted by placement firms and jobs listed by actual companies

This is especially important for entry level workers who waste a lot of time on wild goose chases by simply sending a resume to every job posting they find. Be on the lookout for:

• the same contact phone number attached to several job listings

• multiple listings for the same position listed by the same firm

6. Be easy to find

Update your online alumni profile. If you use social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or MySpace make sure your information is up to date.

7. Be Friendly and Meet New People

You never know who is looking to fill a position that you would be perfect for. Better yet, you may just convince someone to create a position just for you. This is a good reason not to blow off your spouse’s holiday party either.

8. Appreciate Informational Interviews

Too many job seekers blow informational interviews off as a waste of time, but they can be an invaluable resource. The person you talk to just might think of the perfect position for you in a week or two, or recommend you to a friend.

9. Keep Your Online Image Clean

If you wouldn’t want your mother to see it, keep it off the Internet. Employers are researching job applicants online in increasing numbers according to a survey administered by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in 2007. Ten percent of employers who responded to the survey said they would review social networking site profiles before making a hiring decision. Out of that ten percent, over half said the information they find online will impact whether or not that candidate is offered a position. The remaining employers surveyed said they are unsure how their online findings should influence their hiring decisions.

If you have a blog, podcast, web site - or you regularly participate on someone else’s - what you put out there may be reviewed by a potential employer. Maintain a professional image both on and off the Internet and you won’t have anything to worry about.

10. Always Have an Updated Resume

Keeping a well written, updated resume handy is critical during your job search because this allows you take advantage of opportunities as soon as you learn about them. For someone who wants to help you find a job there is nothing more frustrating than learning you don’t have your resume finished or updated. Even when you aren’t looking for a job it is important to keep your resume updated. Revisit your resume at the end of each month to add new achievements and information.