The Best Career Strategies
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10 Steps to Getting Maximum Benefit from Job Fairs
Apr 15th
Photo by: Argonne National Laboratory
Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs these days, especially with so many career advisors telling them to use LinkedIn, Twitter, and other Social Media tools.
Plus job fairs are crowded, busy, competitive, and sometimes confusing events.
But where else can you visit dozens of potential employers in person — who are actively looking for people to hire — on the same day and in the same place?
And you know what? Despite their “old-fashioned” offline nature, job fairs can help you land a job — if you know what you’re doing.
Here’s how to get the most out of these events:
1. Do advance research. You goal is to target the most promising employers at upcoming job fairs. To do that, you need to know who those employers are and what they offer. Usually, the promotional materials or advertisements for job fairs will list participating employers and the general types of jobs they have open. Get online and search for information about the companies you are interested in. Knowing more about the companies than the other job seekers who visit their booths will help you make a memorable impression. The more you know, the better.
Ever Thought About the “Perfect” Job?
Apr 14th
Photo by: coolmonfrere
Do you love your job? If so, congratulations! (You can skip the rest of this article!)
Many people actually dread going to work each day. Others are rather ambivalent… they can take it or leave it.
If you do not love your job, perhaps it’s time to give some thought to your chosen career. After all, you’ll spend a huge part of your life at work. Wouldn’t it be better if you actually enjoyed earning a living?
So, what do you enjoy? What’s your idea of the perfect job? Have you given any serious thought to pursuing that — what it would be and how you would obtain it?
There are thousands of interesting and exciting professions in the world. How many of them have occurred to you?
Performance Review Funnies
Apr 1st
Just for Laughs… these are supposedly actual quotes from employee performance reviews:
1. “Since my last report, he has reached rock-bottom and has started to dig.”
2. “I would not allow this employee to breed.”
3. “He is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won’t be.”
4. “Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.”
5. “When she opens her mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet.”
7. “This young lady has delusions of adequacy.”
8. “He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.”
9. “This employee is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.”
10. “He should go far, and the sooner he starts, the better.”
11. “Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thingy to hold it all together.”
12. “A gross ignoramus — 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus.”
13. “He doesn’t have ulcers, but he’s a carrier.”
14. ” I would like to go hunting with him sometime.”
15. “He’s been working with glue too much.”
16. “He would argue with a signpost.”
17. “He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room.”
18. “When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.”
19. “If you see two people talking and one looks bored, he’s the other one.”
20. “A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on.”
21. “A prime candidate for natural de-selection.”
22. “Donated his brain to science before he was done using it.”
23. “Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn’t coming.”
24. “He’s got two brains cells, one is lost and the other is out looking for it.”
25. “If he were any more stupid, he’d have to be watered twice a week.”
26. “If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you’d get change.”
27. “If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean.”
28. “It’s hard to believe he beat out 1,000,000 other sperm.”
29. “One neuron short of a synapse.”
30. “Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled.”
31. “Takes him 2 hours to watch ’60-minutes’.”
32. “The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead”
Can’t Get a Job? Try These Strategies
Mar 30th
Photo by: davidjelkerud
There’s a great article over at the Career Hub Blog by Jean Cummings that offers three strategies to try if all else has failed during your job search:
1. Know where the jobs are in your field and redirect your career towards them.
2. Change your career & get certified in a new field.
3. Get creative, follow your passion, and channel your inner entrepreneur.
Jean’s advice makes a lot of sense.
Get full details on the three above strategies by clicking here to read the entire article.
What To Do If Your Boss is An Asshole
Mar 29th
Is your boss an asshole?
Is your boss an asshole? Bully? Bitch? Jerk? Egomaniac? Idiot? Chauvinistic pig? Stinkin’ ratfink bastard?
Yes, it’s sad but true — such people CAN and DO get promoted into positions of authority.
But take heart. If your boss is someone you’ll never get along with, admire or respect — no matter how hard you try — there are a few things you can do that won’t get you arrested:
1. Wait. Is your boss close to retirement or promotion — or even better — termination? If so, try to bide your time and wait until that happy event happens.
2. Bite your tongue. Keeping anger and frustration bottled up inside is not healthy, but neither is complaining about your boss at work. So if your family can tolerate it, vent at home instead. It’ll make you feel better even if it does nothing to help your situation. It may be tempting to complain about your boss at work, especially if coworkers are talking about the same problems. But resist that temptation! There’s bound to be a brown-nosing snitch who will rat you out to your boss. When your boss finds out, your life at work will become much worse.
5 Signs You Should Run Screaming from the Job Interview
Mar 24th
Photo by: Elizabeth the Queen of All Things
I usually say there’s no such thing as a bad job interview, because each one is an opportunity to practice, learn, and improve your interviewing skills.
But there are exceptions.
Here are five signs that the job interview is not going well and you should get the hell out of there:
1. The interviewer can’t remember the name of the company she works for.
2. The interviewer asks only personal questions that have nothing to do with the job (“Are you married? Do you come here often? What’s your sign? Want to pose for our company calendar?”).
3. The interview answers all of your questions about the position with, “I’m sorry. That information is confidential. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.”
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
Mar 23rd
Photo by: Hebedesign
This post is written from the perspective of a boss writing a letter of recommendation for a soon-to-be former employee. But the tips can also be used by people writing their own letter of recommendation.
A good letter of recommendation provides an overall description of the candidate’s abilities in enough detail that it helps the hiring manager decide whether or not he or she is right for the job — especially if it’s not possible to talk to all references.
“Candy Date was a terrific employee” is not going to cut it.
If you are composing your own letter of recommendation for your boss’s signature, keep in mind that you have two audiences: your boss and the recipient. Try to write it from your boss’s perspective.
The more personalized and specific the letter of recommendation is, the more effective it will be.
Here’s the step-by-step process for writing the letter.
Letters of Recommendation: Should You Write Your Own?
Mar 21st
Photo by: Caitlinator
Here’s a brief excerpt from my Job Interview Success System:
“STEP 7: PLAN WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW
“At a minimum, bring a few extra copies of your application and/or resume. If you have letters of recommendation, bring copies of those, as well. If you don’t have any letters of recommendation but have time to obtain some from your past employers or character references, do so–even if you have to speed things up by writing them yourself and getting your references to sign them. Having letters of recommendation ready to hand out at the interview will give you another leg up on your competition, and make you stand out among many applicants.”
I used to be a civil service employee working for the Department of Defense and was married to a military spouse. I had to change jobs every 3-4 years when my husband was transferred. My bosses and coworkers transferred every few years, too. Because it was very difficult for me to provide current contact information for my references, I always obtained letters of recommendation before leaving each job. I also asked departing bosses for such letters.
Even if you’ve already been hired by your next employer, getting a letter of recommendation from each boss you leave behind is a good idea, in my opinion. Employers would prefer to talk directly to your references, of course. But when that’s not possible, a good letter of recommendation is the next best thing.
So I was eager to read what Nick Corcodilos, author of the “Ask The Headhunter” book, blog and e-newsletter (which I highly recommend) said in answer to a reader’s question: “I asked my boss for a letter of recommendation. She in turn asked me to write it myself, and said she’ll sign it. Should I write my own reference letter for my boss to sign?”
30 Jobs Needing Workers
Mar 18th
Photo by: Ta7za
Thinking about changing careers, or wondering what to do after you graduate? While I do not advise going after “hot” jobs without serious self-evaluation to determine whether or not you’d be a good fit for them (or they’d be a good fit for you), if you’re totally clueless about what you’d like to do, it may help to see a list of options. And if those career options are expanding instead of declining, so much the better.
CareerBuilder.com recently compiled of a list of 30 jobs that will add the most workers in 2008-2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Several of them aren’t very sexy or high-paying jobs: food service workers, retail sales people, office clerks, landscapers/groundskeepers, etc. But these and similar jobs are good entry-level positions in growing demand. They don’t require college degrees or a ton of experience, and can be a good first step toward worthwhile career paths.
If you think you’d enjoy caring for people, good options include registered nurses, nursing aids, home health aides, medical assistants, and — if you’re really ambitious and have lots of money for school — physicians and surgeons.
The list has something for everyone. See all 30 jobs, along with their projected growth rate over the next 10 years, here.
24 Things You Should Never Say During a Job Interview
Mar 9th
Photo by: Avantard
Job interviews are stressful situations. Even the most capable candidates sometimes say things they regret. To help you avoid doing that, here’s a list of things you should never say during a job interview:
1. “I’ve never heard such a stupid question.”
2. “I have a problem with authority.”
3. “Can we wrap this up? I have another interview in 20 minutes.”
4. “What is your company’s policy on frequent absences?”
5. “Can my mom come in and talk to you about the job?”
6. “If I get an offer, will I have to take a drug test?”
7. “How much money do you make?”
8. “My parents told me I need to get a job, so that is why I’m here.”
9. “I’m really not interested in learning new things.”
10. “I hate questions like that.”
11. “Can you speak more softly? I’ve got a killer hangover.”
12. “Are you busy later? I know a great little Italian place.”
13. “What does your company do?”
14. “My last boss wanted me to work my ass off.”
15. “How long before I can take a vacation?”
16. “Mind if I take this call?”
17. “If you don’t hire me I’ll sue you for discrimination.”
18. “Mind if I smoke?”
19. “I don’t have any weaknesses.”
20. “I don’t really want this job. I just need proof that I’m applying for work so I can collect unemployment.”
21. “Can I video this interview and post it on YouTube?”
22. “Wow. Your LinkedIn photo must’ve been taken a long time ago, huh?”
23. “I’m a lone-wolf type and would rather not have to work with other people.”
24. “You should hire me because I really, really want this job.”
20 Things I Wish I Never Had to Do
Mar 4th
It’s recently been pointed out to me that I haven’t shown much of my personality in this (relatively new) blog. That’s dumb. Of me. Because I know personality is important for bloggers who want to make their readers happy, and their blogs successful. When I think of my favorite blogs, I realize they’re my favorites because the people writing them are brave enough to let the world see their true selves.
There is a risk associated with letting your true self (your personality) show: some people won’t like you. That’s why many bloggers prefer to be “bland” — it doesn’t offend anyone.
It doesn’t excite anyone, either.
Besides, if you aren’t offending anyone, you probably aren’t making a difference in people’s lives, right?
So anyway, that’s a ridiculously long and dull way to explain why I’m writing this off-topic post about things I wish I never had to do. (And here I am trying to be more interesting. Dammit.)
Some bloggers writing about things they hate or things they love. But I thought the following list would be more fun, more interesting, and more original. So, without further ado…
THINGS I WISH I NEVER HAD TO DO
(in no particular order)
How to Respond to Inappropriate Job Interview Questions
Mar 3rd
Photo by: Andres Thor
I received the following email from a reader: “How should I respond to inappropriate questions such as: ‘Do you have a stable home life?’ and ‘Tell me about your family situation.’ Are these inappropriate questions? It has been so long since I interviewed for a job, your suggestions about the most helpful responses would be appreciated!”
Those are, indeed, inappropriate questions that should not be asked at an interview.
Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you. An employer’s questions — on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process — must be related to the job for which you are applying.
That does not mean, however, that you will never be asked inappropriate questions.
Some companies have poor HR support, some interviewers are untrained and unaware of inappropriate questions, and some even ask them knowing they should not.
You won’t have much chance of getting the job if you respond to such questions by saying, “Hey, that’s an inappropriate question. You can’t ask me that!”
So you have a few options.
More >
17 Ways to Annoy Potential Employers
Mar 1st
Photo by: tourist_on_earth
The job market is tough enough; do NOT make things harder on yourself by doing any of the things on this list!
1. Apply for jobs you are not qualified for.
2. Send a generic cover letter that doesn’t identify the position you’re interested in, or match your qualifications to the job.
3. Put a useless, seen-it-a-million-times “Objective” on your resume that says you want a “challenging opportunity with a forward-looking company where I can utilize my knowledge, experience and skills to our mutual advantage.”
4. Make your resume a list of past duties instead of accomplishments.
5. Lie, brag or exaggerate about ANYTHING.
6. Keep making repetitive “notice-me” calls to ask if your resume was received.
The Secret to Selling Yourself During a Job Interview
Feb 26th
Photo by: Zoomar
A very effective tactic when selling something is to promote its benefits as well as its features. Very simply, features are what something has; benefits are what those features do for you.
For example, if you’re selling your dog, one of the features you might mention is its small size.
If you focus only on the feature, you’ll say, “This dog weighs 8 pounds and is quite small.” (Yawn)
But if you promote that feature with its benefit, you could say, “This dog is small. At only 8 pounds, he’s perfectly sized for curling up on your lap, riding around in your backpack, or wearing the sweaters your baby has outgrown. He won’t knock you down or drag you along when you go for a walk. Best of all, he doesn’t eat — or poop — large amounts!”
See how that makes a more powerful impression? The potential buyer can visualize how this small dog may fit perfectly into her lifestyle. Use the same tactic for each feature of the dog, and (Ka-ching!) you have a much quicker sale.
When you’re preparing your resume or answering questions during a job interview, you’re selling yourself, so use that same tactic: sell your benefits along with your features!
Here’s how:
More >
Job Interviews at Lunch: Are You at Risk?
Feb 22nd
Photo by: Basheem
Sometimes a hiring process will include having lunch with the hiring manager. Despite anything said to the contrary (like “It’ll just be an informal lunch so we can get to know each other”), this is a formal part of your interview!
This can be a very tricky situation.
Impressions made in a restaurant are just as important as those in an office or meeting room.
If you don’t want an “eating malfunction” to ruin your chances at a new job (or a promotion if you’re dining with the boss), follow these four tips:
More >
Stop Spending So Much Time “On the Job”
Feb 19th
Photo by: Lara604
Do you spend too much time “on the job”?
I don’t mean physically at your place of employment. I mean bringing it home with you.
Do you vent your frustrations by telling your family about what a lousy day you had, or how much of a jerk your boss or co-worker is?
Even if they listen politely, do you think they really want to hear that every night?
It’s OK to express your frustrations at home once in a while, and it can be good to get what’s bothering you off your chest. If you can’t complain at work, it’s better to complain at home than to keep it bottled up inside until you explode and get yourself fired.
But don’t make it a daily habit.
If you constantly force your family to listen to your grumblings, it means two things:
(1) You hate your job and should look for another one;
(2) You selfishly put yourself and your pain ahead of your family and the pain they go through every night having to listen to you!
So deal with it in another way, and stop spending so much time “on the job”! (Your family will thank you.)
5 Steps for Requesting a Raise
Feb 17th
Photo by: Steve Wampler
Do you think you deserve a raise? Of course you do! But what does your boss think?
Here’s how to go about convincing your boss that you’re worth more than you’re currently being paid.
1. First, you must realize that doing a great job is NOT a good enough reason to justify a raise. Your boss EXPECTS you to do a great job. So your performance must be “over and above” what other employees in similar positions are doing.
And you can’t rely on your boss to recognize your true worth without help from you. If you don’t ask for one, you may never get a raise.
2. Make a list of your specific accomplishments that EXCEED the job you were hired to do. Make your list as specific as possible. Provide a detailed record of how you’ve beaten goals, taken on additional responsibilities, and contributed to the organization’s success in ways that were significant.
