The Best Career Strategies
Get Hired, Get Noticed, Get Ahead!
JobSpice: A Cool Resume Tool
Aug 28th
I recently received the following email:
Dear Bonnie,
My name is Andrea Simmons, and I’m a huge fan of your blog! I graduated from Seattle University, and started reading it when I was doing my own job search! Since then I have joined a small startup company that helps students (and professionals) build great-looking resumes in 15 minutes and then publish them online.
Anyway, your recent blog post on ‘When Does Your Interview Really Begin’ was so totally relevant to what we’ve been working on here at JobSpice that I felt I had to write you and tell you what we’ve been up to (as I agree that the interview starts way before the actual meeting; I think it starts with the resume). In the last few months, we’ve gotten dozens of large universities, (Northwestern, University of Washington, ASU and more) signed up to use JobSpice, and we’re expecting about 250,000 students to have accounts on the site this Fall. But we want to do more than help students build resumes.
In the feedback we’ve gotten from students who are already using the site, most say that they love the ability to post their resumes online and then tweet the URL to friends or potential employers. I just thought I would write to you to tell you about all that JobSpice has been up to because I feel our web application could really benefit your readers!
Anyway, I’d love to hear back from you and hear your thoughts on what you thought of JobSpice.com and the ease of building a resume with our web application. I’d really appreciate your advice!
I receive many solicitations to promote other sites, and to be frank, most of them are crap (the solicitations and the sites themselves). But Andrea is one smart cookie. Her email to me was NOT a “canned” generic request like 99% are; she made it obvious she’d actually read my blog; and she appealed to my ego by paying me a compliment before making her request. How could I refuse?
I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. JobSpice enables you to quickly create an attractively formatted resume by following the prompts and filling in the blanks. You can choose from several format designs. The prompts guide you on the type of content to consider including in your resume. So I like the resume-builder at JobSpice.
But I also like the fact that JobSpice includes helpful articles on topics like making the resume CONTENT more effective. The best resume design/creation tool in the world won’t help a clueless job seeker to get hired if he/she doesn’t understand how to effectively communicate accomplishments. If you decide to use JobSpice to build your resume, be sure to read the articles on its blog first.
I do recommend JobSpice. It’s a useful, and even fun way to create and post your resume. It has a free trial, and if you like it, it’s only $20 for a year of service. That seems like quite a bargain to me. I suspect they’ll raise the price as their service gains in popularity. Check it out here: JobSpice.com.
How to Quit Your Job With Style
Aug 10th
I don’t know if this is reality or clever fiction, but check out this post from The Chive on how “Jenny” decided to quit her job with the help of a white board, photos, and email — click here: Girl Quits Job.
I suspect this entertaining story is fiction, designed to do what it’s doing: go viral on the web and bring “Jenny” lots of attention. She may be a model or wannabe actress. This may actually be her version of a resume rather than a resignation.
If you’re tempted to quit your job in a similar fashion, consider these points before you do anything rash:
1. Once something is released on the Internet, it’s very difficult to take back. It may be out there “haunting” you forever. Employers often do online searches of job candidates. Not everyone will think quitting in this way is cool. Most would never hire anyone who makes a public mockery of her boss (even if he deserved it) — and by extention, the company she worked for.
2. I can easily imagine Jenny (or anyone doing something similar) getting sued for defamation of character or whatever by her ex-boss and his attorney.
3. General rule not specific to Jenny’s example: don’t quit your job until you have a firm (written) offer of employment somewhere else. There are exceptions, of course. But whenever possible, try to land your next job before leaving your current one.
But all that seriousness aside, I must admit I enjoyed viewing Jenny’s probably-fake resignation.
Should You Use an Unexpected Job Offer to Bargain for a Raise?
Aug 7th
Photo by: German G
What would you do if a recruiter called, or an old colleague asked if you’d like to come work for him at a different company–and he offered you more money? Would you be tempted to use that job offer as a bargaining chip for a raise or promotion?
It’s a risky move, but one worth looking into… carefully.
The first thing you need to do is decide how appealing the new job offer is. How much better is it than what you have now? Would you seriously consider leaving your current company and starting over with a new employer? What would need to change in order for you to decline the new offer and stay where you are? A promotion or raise? More responsibility?
Before you talk to your boss, decide what you want, and what you’re willing to do if you don’t get it.
If you really don’t want to leave, don’t pretend you do just to negotiate a raise. Your boss may call your bluff! Just explain that you received an unsolicited offer that you are not seriously considering, but it’s prompted you to want to discuss your future.
More >
When Does Your Interview Really Begin?
Aug 1st
Photo by: Alex France
Most job candidates think their interview begins when they are introduced to the interviewer at the start of the question-and-answer session.
If you wait until then to display your “best interview behavior,” you may lose the job before you answer the first question!
This is a rather extreme example, but one of the nation’s leading airlines often flies job candidates to their headquarters for job interviews. The airline provides the round-trip airfares. What the lucky candidates don’t realize is that their tickets are tagged to identify them as job applicants on their way to an interview with the airline.
Those candidates are being evaluated from the moment they enter the airport. If candidate Mary Smith is inconsiderate to fellow passengers or rude to a flight attendant, for example, this information is reported to the hiring manager before Mary arrives for her interview. She’ll go through the interview, may do a great job answering the questions, and will be totally mystified about why she is NOT selected for the position.
Here are more typical situations where your interactions with people prior to your interview may affect the hiring decision:
More >
Job Interview? 7 Ways to Shine!
Jul 21st
So you’ve managed to secure a job interview for a position that fits you PERFECTLY. Now comes the moment of truth: Are you REALLY ready for the interview?
If you’ve rehearsed what you’re going to say and know the perfect answer to every potential question, you’re half way there. There’s just one important thing you’ve forgotten:
Yourself.
How do you sell yourself and show your potential employer how valuable you can be to their company? You want to make them hire you today and not even think about other applicants. You know you’re the right person for the job, so how do you make them see that? Here are seven easy steps you can take to really make yourself shine during the interview process.
1. First, find out everything you can about the company you’d be working for. Who are its customers? What is its mission statement? How does the job you’d be performing relate to the company’s goals? Finding out this type of information gives you great insights on what kinds of questions to ask your interviewer and shows them that you’ve done your research and already have some background in the company’s business and objectives.
Is It Time To Brag About Your Age?
Jul 2nd
Photo by: Foreversouls
I have never personally experienced age discrimination. But I know it happens every day, even though it’s illegal (in the U.S.). It’s hard to prove, so the fact that it’s against the law doesn’t discourage all companies from doing it.
If I had to find a new job today, at age 52, I’m sure it would be difficult for me to compete successfully against younger candidates… even though I’m an expert at job interviews (and appear young for my age… at least in my mind).
Strategies for trying to avoid age discrimination during the job search include:
But let’s be realistic.
More >
What’s Your Most Important Asset? (Most Get This Wrong.)
Jun 23rd
Photo by: Thomas Hawk
When you’re looking to get hired or get promoted, what do you think is your most important asset?
Your experience? Knowledge? Skill? Talent?
While all of those are advantages that will help you achieve your goals, there’s one thing that’s more important than all of them combined.
Your attitude!
I attended a board meeting recently. It should’ve been spelled “bored.” Just about everyone’s eyes were glazed over as one dull presentation after another was foisted upon the meeting attendees.
Then something changed.
Thoughtful Thank-Yous
Jun 18th
Image by: See-Ming Lee
I get asked these questions a lot: “Should I send separate thank-you notes to everyone who interviewed me? Can I just send one thank-you note to the hiring manager and ask him/her to thank others involved in the process?”
The answers are yes and no, respectively.
Send a separate thank-you note to everyone who interviewed you, whether it was an informal pre-interview phone call, an interview lunch meeting, or the final formal interview after a lengthy process.
Don’t be stingy with your thank yous!
Sending thanks is an easy thing to do, it will only take a few minutes–and it will make the recipients feel good about you! Why wouldn’t you jump at the chance to do that?
You can make your thank-you notes relatively short. They can be sent via snail-mail or email.
(There are differing opinions on which is best. I prefer the now “special” touch of a real letter over the routine method of email; others think email is best because it’s faster. Just remember that what you say is more important than how you send it.)
Make each thank-you note slightly different by mentioning something in particular that you and the recipient discussed. This is a good reason to do your thank-you notes right away, while the interview is fresh in your mind. You might even want to take notes for this purpose.
Here’s a great tip that will really impress the hiring manager: add a P.S. that mentions how helpful someone was, by name. I’m not talking about people directly involved in the interviews; they should get their own thank-you notes. But if there was a receptionist, an HR assistant, or someone else who was helpful during your interview process, say so. Those people are rarely recognized, but may have influence with the hiring manager. The boss will think of you as someone who appreciates his team, notices things most other people overlook, and goes the extra mile.
Why make this a P.S.? Studies show that most people read the P.S. before (or even instead of) reading the main body of a letter. This P.S. will get attention and impress the reader, which will get your entire letter read and your thoughtfulness remembered!
P.S. Thank you for reading this. 
What Makes You Happy?
Jun 14th
Photo by: Dey
If you’re feeling dissatisfied at work and think a bigger paycheck is your key to happiness, you better think again.
According to studies done by the Templeton Foundation in England, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S., and the University of Illinois, once your basic needs are met, having more money does little to make you more satisfied with your life.
What does make most people happiest? Spending time with family and friends, and contributing to the lives of others.
The two biggest things that lower people’s happiness levels? Losing a spouse, and losing a job.
If you’re feeling low, here are five steps you can take to lift your mood:
Five Powerful Tips for Summer Interns
May 15th
Photo by: adpowers
Interning is a wonderful way to gain work experience and lay the foundation for your future career. But to get the most out of it, you have to do more than just land the job and show up for work.
Here are five tips that will help you get the full benefits of interning:
1. Pay Attention. This is more than a job, it’s a valuable learning experience. And unlike school, this is the real world — where you’ll be spending the rest of your life after graduation! Your coworkers know you are new to this and will want to help you, but they can’t spend all day explaining things to you. So when they answer your questions or show you how to do something, pay attention. Also pay attention to what’s going on around you. How do your coworkers talk to each other? How do they treat the boss? What are their goals and concerns? Learn the culture and customs of the work world.
I’m a “Top 50 Career Advocate”
May 12th
I just received an unexpected honor from eCollegeFinder.com. Here’s an excerpt from the email they sent me:
“Hi Bonnie! Congratulations, you have been selected from our competitive pool of nominees as one of eCollegeFinder’s Top 50 Career Advocates! Your dedication to fostering career building and professional advancement deserves to be recognized, and this award is intended to do just that.”
What’s great is that, as they point out:
“This award is not only intended to commend the Career Advocates’ efforts, but to provide students and job seekers at all levels a valuable resource to aid in the next step of their professional journey.”
They’ve created a special page for those career resources with lots of links and advice. Go check it out.
What Do You Want?
Apr 27th
Image by: Mira d'Oubliette
My free newsletter and this blog are read by thousands of people.
Yet only a handful of readers send me feedback or leave comments.
I do understand; most of us are very busy, or we just don’t feel compelled to respond.
But because I’m really horrible at reading minds and crystal balls, I’m going to ask you to do something for me.
Don’t worry — I promise it won’t hurt, it won’t be difficult, and it won’t cost you anything (except a few minutes of your time).
What I am going to ask you to do is to interact with this particular blog entry.
To do that, all you need to do is scroll to the bottom of the page and leave a comment.
What should you do that?
Well, one reason is so I can make sure I’m giving you value through this blog and my newsletter. Even though these resources are free, when you read them, you’re spending time on that when you could be doing something else. I really do appreciate that, and I want to make sure you’re getting your time’s worth.
Another reason is that I want to get to know you a little better.
But if you want to leave your comments anonymously, that’s okay.
I just hope you DO leave comments. If only a small percentage of you participate, I may be missing out on valuable feedback — which means I may not be able to give you what you want and need.
So here goes…
Funny Job Application Comments
Apr 26th
Allegedly, these are actual statements written on job applications. Whether that’s true or not, I think they’ll make you smile. (I wonder how many of them got hired.)
• “I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreadsheet pogroms.”
• “Am a perfectionist and rarely if if every forget details.”
• “Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.”
• “Wholly responsible for two failed financial institutions.”
• Reason for leaving last job: “Maturity leave.”
• “Failed bar exam with relatively high grades.”
• “It’s best for employers that I not work with people.”
• “Let’s meet, so you can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over my experience.”
• “I was working for my mom until she decided to move.”
• Marital status: “Single. Unmarried. Unengaged. Uninvolved. No commitments.”
• “I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse.”
• Personal interests: “Donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.”
• “Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chainstore.”
• “Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping’. I have never quit a job.”
• Marital status: “Often.” Children: “Various.”
• “The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.”
• “Finished eighth in class of ten.”
• References: “None. I’ve left a path of destruction behind me.”
How to Tie a Tie
Apr 24th
Photo by: sparktography
Although tips on how to properly tie a tie will probably be of primary interest to my male readers, female readers should check this out, too. You may have a significant other who could use this information, or use your help when he’s getting all snazzied up.
My husband only wears ties to funerals, weddings and job interviews, so he struggles with getting the knot “just right” every time. (And no, that’s not him in the photo.)
So I was happy to find this website that shows exactly how to tie a tie. It provides detailed instructions and videos on how to tie Windsor, Half-Windsor, Four-in-Hand and Pratt tie knots. (I personally have no clue what those are, but guys who wear ties should know.)
Here’s the link: How to tie a tie.
The Background on Background Checks
Apr 23rd
Photo by: Clover_1
In one of my past lives I held a Top Secret security clearance as a Civil Service employee working for the Air Force. So I am familiar with background checks. (Which is why watching “24″ and seeing so many infiltrators/spies and/or people with family/financial/emotional problems working for CTU each season drives me crazy.)
But many job seekers are not all that familiar with the process, so here’s a little background on background checks…
More companies are doing background checks on potential employees these days than ever before. Why? Here are just a few of the reasons:
1. Studies show that 30-40% of all job applicants put false information on their resumes or applications, and “exaggerate” their qualifications during interviews. Can you blame employers for wanting to verify claims made by desperate job seekers?
2. Lawsuits for “negligent hiring” are on the rise. If an employee’s actions hurt someone, the employer may be liable. So when considering an applicant, it’s in the company’s best financial self-interest to find out if that person has done anything in the past which might indicate future problems.
Green Jobs (Happy Earth Day)
Apr 22nd
Photo by: Green4All
Today is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.
Are you interested in green jobs? You’re not alone. Many people want meaningful work that allows them to feel good about what they’re doing, and helping Mother Nature is a noble cause.
According to a recent national survey by CareerBuilder.com, 10% of employers have added “green jobs,” otherwise known as environmentally-focused positions, in the last 12 months, and nearly 10% plan to add more in 2010.
You don’t have to be a new to the job market to take advantage of the growing green movement.
According to “How Boomers Can Help the Nation Go Green” (a 2-part series at SustainLane.com): “Green jobs are a natural fit for many boomers seeking encore careers, work in the second half of life that benefits society. Many skills from other fields easily transfer to the green economy, such as construction and maintenance; finance and planning; marketing and information technology; and engineering and entrepreneurship.” and “The challenges to reverse or lessen the impact of decades of abuse to our planet require talent backed by years of experience.”
Here are the top green job categories and opportunities:
Handling the Dreaded “Why Did You Leave?” Question
Apr 21st
Photo by: anitacanita
If you left your last job under less-than-ideal circumstances, you probably dread the “Why did you leave?” question that almost always comes up at job interviews.
Here’s how to handle it.
1. First and most important, never lie. If you were fired, don’t say you quit. It’s very easy for companies to do background checks that will reveal this lie; it will probably come back to haunt you. Besides, you don’t want to start off your relationship with your next employer with a lie, do you? Admitting to being fired is not such a big deal these days… it’s happening far too often.
2. KISS. No, I’m not referring to the ancient rock band or kissing up to the interviewer. Keep It Short and Simple. Tell what happened — you were terminated, you quit, your job was eliminated — whatever. Do not go into detail unless asked.
Web of Trust? WOT is Going On?!
Apr 18th
Yesterday I called up my other website, Best-Interview-Strategies.com, and was shocked to see a big red banner appear saying “Warning! This site has a bad reputation!” What the hell?
You’ll only see that warning if you have the Web of Trust (WOT) plug-in loaded on your browser. I do have the plug-in on my Firefox browser, because I believe its intentions are good. WOT is designed to protect people from scammers and phishers. We all know there are far too many of those on the Internet.
Anyway, because I believe I am the opposite of a scammer and I take my online reputation very seriously, I tried to find out how on earth my site got such a horrible rating.
Apparently, someone in the WOT community found a site they didn’t like that has links to MANY other sites (mine among them). They posted that site and the dozens of linked-to sites in the WOT forum and asked people to rate them all as scammers. I’m not sure if you can view the forum discussion in question unless you’re a registered WOT user (it’s free, by the way), but here’s that discussion.
