There are several assistance programs available to help ex-offenders in their job search. The assistance officers at these programs interview the applicants and refer them to employers that are willing to hire them. The process also entails some screening of the applicant's criminal record to prevent possible temptations or situations that may lead to the repetition of the crime. The assistance officer will for instance not refer a person with a record for fraud to a position where he will be tempted to do the same crime again. These programs help ex-offenders to find suitable employment and become part of the community.

People with criminal records may find the job search in their preferred career field difficult since the majority of companies in the USA follow strict policies of thorough background investigations. People who come out of drug or alcohol rehabilitation find that companies are more lenient towards them. The human resources officers are willing to give a chance to the person with a minor violation of the law on his record.

Why do companies employ ex-offenders?

The main reason for employing people with criminal records is the creation of support. A second reason for this is to get valuable work skills back into the corporate and job environment. Rather than having ex-offenders turn back to crime, companies provide opportunities for these people to become part of the productive workforce.

One of the assistance programs is geared towards incentives for the employers. It is an insurance cover for employers that protect them against damages that may result from the employment of ex-offenders.

Another incentive for employers is tax credits for up to a maximum amount of just over $2 300 for every person with a criminal record, hired. The employer receives tax reductions when they hire ex-offenders in applicable categories. The USA Labor Department has full details for employers.

Disclosure rules and regulations

The law in the USA states that no employer may discriminate against ex-offenders. The law however is aimed at persons with minor offense records. Serious offences such as rape, murder and violent acts do not fall in the scope of protection.

Several types of criminal offences are pardoned after a certain period depending on the nature of the offence. Imprisonment of six months or less is seen as pardoned after seven years, while minor offences are excused after only five years. If you were imprisoned for more than 30 months, the record is never wiped or excused. If an offence took place before the age of 18 years, the period is halved.

You are under no obligation to disclose an offence that has been pardoned and the employer may not discriminate against you on the grounds of pardoned offences. Certain jobs such as senior positions in financial institutions, working with disabled people, children or senior citizens, law or protections services, military positions, pharmaceutical jobs and specific prison positions are exempt from this and you will have to disclose pardoned offenses.

When is it applicable to disclose offenses?

Whenever there is a question on the application form or when the employer asks you in an interview, you should disclose offences. The best way to disclose your offenses is to attach a separate page to the application form with a full explanation for the reasons and the type of offences, as well as the date and relevant rehabilitation steps taken.

The Criminal Records Bureau acts as a policing agent to protect innocent people against persons who get employment, where they work with children or older people while they have a record of offences, such as child molestation, rape, murder, or violent acts. Employers may make use of their services when they screen applicants for certain job types.

Correctness of your record

It is your responsibility to make sure that the information on your criminal record is correct. You can obtain a copy of your criminal record from the relevant authority in your state or country. The Police Records Office is a good starting place.

Other tips for the job search

Be honest about your past on your application form. If an employer finds out that you have lied, you will be disqualified as a candidate and if you are already employed you may be fired right away.

Make use of the functional CV, which focuses on all your skills. You can indicate what types of relevant experience or skills you gained while you were in prison.

Develop interview skills. Prepare for possible questions about your past. You need to show repentance and should be able to demonstrate that you have changed.

Emphasize your achievements and determination to enhance your job skills.

You can for instance mention your attendance of night classes to get certification in a certain career field.

Networking is essential in the job search process. Talk to your friends, former colleagues and family about your career interests, skills and expectations. They may able to refer you to a relevant employer and may serve as character witnesses.

When you list your job experience, also consider the jobs you did while in prison as well as any part time positions held, while you did the job search.

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I know of a couple who went through a divorce after their children married stunning everybody with their decision since they were thought to be one of the most exemplary husband-wife duos. While dissecting the matters to get at the root of such a drastic step after almost 27 years of marriage, the shocking truth was revealed. Marcela had resented bitterly that she had to sacrifice her identity and life to bring up the kids (all four of them), while Martin built a successful career. She was a first class micro-biologist and she had dreams of her own that she had to forgo to bring up the kids and make a comfortable home for her family. This would have definitely never built to such a climax, if Marcela could have found a way to feel economically productive and socially useful. And this is what this article is trying to deal with.

There are many such couples in this world where the husband is a high-flying executive and the wife has to compromise to a large extent on her dreams in order to keep things smooth in the marriage. For some women this turns out to be their calling and they revel in home-making; while for some others it becomes very frustrating to find that they have to see their lives passing them by. For this category of wives this article gives a few tips on how to find productive jobs.

Identify your strengths:

When the husband is a highly paid executive, he might be getting such lucrative offers that the wife automatically takes the second place on her career matters. This need not be so. You need to identify your strengths and then pursue a career that capitalizes on those strengths, while at the same leaves you enough scope to look after your home and children. For example, if you are a great secretary, you may like to take up part-time office management assignment where you either spend 2-3 days per week in the office full-time or spend everyday a few hours for secretarial work.

Put aside a definite amount of recurring time:

It is important that you are serious about pursuing a career, even if in the beginning it starts with part-time work (and payment). For this purpose you will need to allot and plan for the time that the job will ask of you, and stick to the plan conscientiously.

Keep the communication open with your husband:

The worst mistake women do when they are upset about something (such as moving away or not getting a job, or not being able to take up a job, etc) is to shut everyone else out - including the husband. You need to communicate openly and constantly with your husband to see what avenues are open for you and the career you choose and how much involvement you would need from him in this regard. If you are serious about taking up a job, it is important to have each other's support; your husband's support and understanding will go a very long way in this regard.

Check all available avenues diligently:

When you make up your mind to start working, you may first start in the company your husband works in - unless he is really an ill-adjusted member of the company, you will definitely get a good welcome and possibly a reasonable offer. Many work places offer good package to couples to join as they save on medical facilities and housing expenses.

Update your skills and knowledge base:

The technology being what it is today, things change with every day that passes. You need to keep yourself abreast not only with the economical and political scenario but also skill wise. In case you have taken a 3-4 years break to give your full attention to your children and family and decided that time is ripe to take up a job, then you would do good to check out certain short/crash courses in your line of interest which would put you back in touch with the latest development and trends. Your CV will also look much better if it has the latest job jargons and terms included.

Write a good CV:

It is normal to have the problem of less experience when you write your CV. In order to make your CV attractive, you will need to attract the attention of the reader to your skills, qualifications and aptitude for the job you are applying so your experience (or lack of it) takes a back seat.

Network heavily good time before you want to start your job:

The best way for a housewife to land a job is through networking. Six months before you plan to start your job, let people around you know that you are ready to start-kick your career. Tell it to your husband, his friends, neighbors, your grocery storekeeper, your friends, your family and so on. You will be surprised to see how many leads can come up through this way.

Enroll in job-oriented training programs:

There are a number of job-specific training programs which on completion will offer employment openings such as computer training in Tally (accounts & finance), medical transcription and call center operations; others will include travel and hospitality industry as well as secretarial courses. Identify courses that best describe and enhance your basic aptitude and skills for best results.

Volunteer work: Be open initially to start working anywhere even if it means working without pay. For example you could volunteer to teach in the local school, work for the women's association, volunteer as a health worker in slums, etc. Once you are in the field you will find a myriad of opportunities unfolding right before your eyes. The exposure will also put you into contact with many like-minded people for better networking.

Entrepreneurship:

Wherever you are the best way to get a job is to create one. This is why entrepreneurship is always the best choice. Identify your best features, look at the market around you and then apply it into making it a commercial venture. Some ideas could be:

• Are you good with children - you could open a play school or crèche or baby-sitting centre
• Do you have green fingers - you could start a nursery
• Are you obsessed with cleanliness - you could start a residential cleaning service
• Are you good in teaching - you could open you coaching center
• Are you good in baking/ cooking - you could open your catering center/ bakery/ fast food counter
• Are you good with clothes tailoring - you could open your own modest boutique or offer tailoring classes/ tailoring services (not only clothes, but also patch quilts, embroidery, etc)

There are is no stopping you if you really want to get employed and entrepreneurship will always offer you a bit extra satisfaction since it has the power to create employment for others as well.

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By matching your requirements with the jobs available in the job market, you will have a clearer idea of your options. Some of the job profiles will seem more interesting and you will be drawn to them. These are the things you envision yourself doing. Now is the time to decide the direction you want to take.

• Remember to consult the lists you made. Your chosen industry should come as close to those lists as possible.
• Be practical. It is quite possible that none of the options match your needs perfectly. That is why you need to prioritize. Be aware of the factors you do not wish to compromise and be prepared to let go of some things.
Consult a career counselor if you have any problems deciding for yourself. They can help you find out more about your chosen field and even give you an aptitude test.
• Explore the financial aspects and other practicalities of the chosen field. If your highest priority is to have a high paying job, you will have to let go of fields where you cannot hope to earn much.
• While you are at it, learn who the biggest employers in that field are. Try to gather information about their recruitment process.

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You may get disgruntled at society when you try to apply for a job as ex-offender because of discrimination policies. It is also true that ex-offenders are for the most part unemployed for the first few weeks after rehabilitation. Many are unemployed for longer periods. If people stay unemployed for long periods they are likely to return to crime to get an income. It is for this reason that programs have been established around the world to assist you when you apply for a job as ex-offender.

Although many employers are not willing to hire ex-offenders, a number of companies see it as part of their social responsibility to provide ex-prisoners a second chance. It is thus not all lost for you if you have a criminal record. You are however required to disclose information about your past for most job applications. These guidelines have been prepared to assist you in the application process.

Basics

• Start by examining your mind-set. If you need to get a positive outlook, then start right away.
• Don't delay the job search. Start with any available and legal job. Volunteer to work without pay for the first two weeks so that the employer can evaluate you.
• Get the assistance of a career guide and write your CV.
• Get in contact with friends, former colleagues, family members, acquaintances and support groups. Let them know that you are looking for a job. They may know about openings and can help you to get a reference.
• Practice your job interview ability. You will have to answer questions with regard to the offenses and the possibility that you may do the same crime again.
• State a strong goal. Show that you are determined to work hard and succeed.
• Inquire about support groups, programs and financial aid at government labor offices.
• Get additional training to get a job.

Assistance

Program Assistance Offices are operated on behalf of the UK government employment office. It includes employers from the private sector, state employers and volunteer associations. These job centers will assist you in the search for work and when you apply for a job as ex-offender. Most countries have employment programs for ex-offenders. Contact a job club or program center in your country. They will be able to help you in the preparation of your CV and help you to prepare for interviews. The centers in the UK for instance, help with particular job searches for people who are older than 25. If you want to participate in the program you are required to:

Search for a job, and not be training for a job.

To be present at the program centre on a regular basis where you will receive training to enhance your job skills and build your self-esteem.

The centers normally have the facilities for effective job searching such as telephones, paper and newspapers. Your job search is monitored throughout the period that you participate in the program.

Disclosing information

People with minor offenses on their records are protected by the Rehabilitation of Offenders law in the UK. Although not all countries have this type of protection, the general terms can be applied at most European countries. According to the Act you don't have to disclose your record if the felony has been excused. Another term for it is that the record is wiped clean or the felony is spent. It means that you cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of the offense. You don't need to disclose your record when you if your offense is spent:

• minor records become forgotten after a period of five years
• imprisonment of less than six months are forgotten after a period of seven years
• imprisonment of less than 31 months are forgotten after 10 years
• imprisonment of more than 30 months are never forgotten

Most employers will ignore your record if the offense is not applicable to the job. Use the guidelines for disclosing information when you apply for a job as ex-offender. If the recruiters or employers want information about your criminal offenses, they will indicate it on the application form. You should then attach a document to explain the circumstances surrounding the offense and indicate how you have been rehabilitated.

When you reach the interview, you should however disclose your record. Prepare for possible questions and how to show that you have repented.

Your record is kept for at least ten years. Before you apply for a job as ex-offender contact your parole officer or the police records office about your record. You should know exactly what it states.

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Now that you know what you want, you should look at what is available. Knowing the job market is essential to a successful job search. There are a number of ways to explore the job market.

• Job Search Engines: Search engines and online sources allow you to match your location, requirements, interests and skills to the jobs available in the market. Reading through the results will also give you a clear idea of various job profiles and the responsibilities and duties involved.
• Magazines, newspapers and periodicals: Besides the classifieds, you can read a number of articles about how to conduct effective job searches, finding the right job, writing a good resume or preparing for an interview. You can also keep abreast of changes and trends in the job market.
• Keep up with the latest news: Learn about the industry that you hope to enter. You may find useful contact information or learn about an opening that could translate into the right job for you.
• Job Fairs: These are places where you can meet and interact with prospective employers directly. You can learn a lot about their expectations and requirements. Watch other job hunters and you might pick up a few pointers on preparing for an interview. You will discover many unknown career profiles. Once you have a good idea about what kinds of job options are available for you, you can move on to the next level.

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As always, fore-warned is fore-armed. Knowing before hand what the employer expects from you will reduce a considerable amount of frustration which may arise if you plunge into Project Job Hunt without any preparation.

The Hiring Process

Hiring processes are like snowflakes each one is different from the other. But some basic guidelines that companies follow are rather common. These are Recruitment, Screening and Selection.

Recruitment

A recruitment ad does not necessarily mean that the company is hiring. Sometimes they just need to enroll applicants to have a database ready for future vacancies.

The different ways in which companies organize such enrollments are:

• Advertising: Using every possible medium
• Internal Posting: Only existing employees get to see this kind.
• Referral: Employees can refer candidates whom they know.
• Placement Service Providers: These are agencies that can carry out the task of recruitment on behalf of the company.
• Personnel Staffing Services: They provide employees on contract.
• Job Fairs: A great place to fill the company database.
• Internet: Where the company can find all kinds of people and still maintain anonymity.
• Other Recruitment Sources: Like educational institutions.

Screening

The hundreds of resumes received in the recruitment process have to be screened for prospective candidates to be interviewed.
As a first step the company discards all those that do not have the right qualifications, experience and skills. Then they may conduct a screening interview either in person or over the phone. Make sure you use all the keywords that they may have mentioned in their ad or else your resume may be discarded by screening software.

Selection

This is the final part of the process and a wrong decision can cost the company dearly. Hence they painstakingly interview the candidate not only for technical skills but also other important aspects like personality and how much he will cost.

The Hiring Structure

Most companies have a hierarchy in place for people involved in the hiring process.

Advertised Jobs

There'll be hundreds of jobs advertised using all the possible media. But remember you are not the only one who will see them. There will be countless applicants for such jobs. And not all of these jobs are worth applying to, so don't raise your hope too high. Apply immediately even if the address is only a post box number, but don't pin your hopes only on advertised jobs. If possible, address your application to a person and not to 'whomsoever this may concern'. Follow up.

Today's Job Market

The job market today is an extremely changed world from what it used to be. The employers today don't even bother expecting people to stay with the same company for too long as used to be in the past. Job hunting is now an inherent part of everyone's career.

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The early bird catches the worm or that is the way the saying goes. In reality if you want to procure that summer internship you better start to apply while the other students are still enjoying their winter hibernation. If you leave it till the last minute you can be sure that only the crumbs will be left and you will end up with the job in the mail room or mopping floors. Getting started always seems to be the hardest part, but look at the guidelines set out below and hop on it.

Internship

All the prominent companies offer their summer internship in early spring and if you don’t apply early the internships will be snapped up right in front of your nose. Internship means you will work in a company without receiving any remuneration.

In exchange for your hard work you will receive a letter of recommendation or a reference for your resume.

You shouldn’t frown on summer internship. Students who got a grand internship will have an edge on students who didn’t. Companies recruiting, usually look at their summer interns first before advertising the vacant positions. Like everything else in life a summer internship doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the job, but it will be an opportunity you might not have had otherwise.

A job in the real world

Finding a job in the final year of college might turn out to be a permanent job in itself. You will have to get your CV out there and market yourself. You need to find out whose advertising and which job offers are available. You should make time to do this, because in June all the good jobs might be gone and you will end up waiting an entire year before you will be able to apply for any good jobs. Companies tend to give students applying early preference and you might be left out in the winter cold. Seeing that you will have to start job hunting sooner or later, why not start now?

The strategy

First – list your top ten companies. These are the companies that you would prefer to work for. Some companies will have an application form with all the criteria you need to comply with on their website. Some companies will not. These companies will have to be approached through the human resources officer. Send your CV accompanied by a cover letter to the officer requesting a summer internship.

You might not be successful the first time around and the odds are that the first few CVs you send out will not be successful. Also remember to network – your parents have friends and they have friends.

Now is the time to make use of the friendships. Get your mom on your side and let her help with the job hunt. Use your friends and their parents as well and give them a copy of your CV.

The career centre

Before you start sending out CVs and cover letters, take it to the career centre on your campus. They have trained professionals that will assist you with your cover letter and CV before you send it out. A proper CV and cover letter could mean the difference between a great summer internship and being a bottom feeder in the mail room. Remember you will not have free access to the career centre for the rest of your life. Once you leave college you enter the real world where you will have to fend for yourself and make it on your own. Now is the time to use the resources at hand and make sure that you start you career with a bang.

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Jobseekers are often faced with situations where they are not selected because they have no job experience. In the course of your search for a job of your choice, you might be faced with a similar situation. It is very important therefore to work towards gaining relevant experience. There are a variety of ways in which you can go about this. You can take up part time or temporary jobs or take up small projects or internships.

LEVEL 1: Part Time Jobs and Temporary Jobs

Organizations look out for temporary workers or part time workers, who can match their staffing requirements on short term projects. A quick research on job related websites will give you a listing of a variety of temporary jobs that might be of interest to you. Alternatively, you could approach agencies, who employ people for short periods of time and depute them to organizations. Working on such jobs will establish the following:

• You can be a responsible employee
• You can interact with customers
• You are aware of corporate work culture

This can also lead to the part time employer offering you a permanent job if they are impressed with the quality of your work. Part time jobs in which you have worked during your summer break as a sales representative or a waiter is also of considerable value as those also establish your credibility as a prospective employee.

LEVEL 2: Small Projects and Internships

If you are a student, you could take up internships and small projects that organizations offer as they can free up their resources for more strategic work. Some educational institutions have clients which offer such work to students on a regular basis. Some of these projects are very strategic in nature and can be included as relevant experience in your resume. Working on such projects will establish that:

• You have an idea of delivering projects as per specifications
• You have a few valuable contacts within few organizations
• You have the experience of doing industry relevant work

Working on short term jobs goes a long way in boosting your confidence, while providing you with the credibility of being a valuable prospective employee.

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You have just graduated out of college; it is your first job and your employer asks if you have had any work experience before. Yes, today most organizations, expect their employees to have the primary knowledge about the industry and some hands-on experience on the field.

The only thing that would come to your rescue at this crossroad will be the internship that you had taken up during those mid-term breaks.

Now, internship would not approach you, it is you who must find an internship for yourself.

It is not as difficult as landing in a job of your choice; however an internship can definitely make it easier for you to land in a job of your choice.

So, here is how you could go about finding an internship for yourself.

Alma-mater caters - Check up with your university or college if they have been approached by companies with summer projects or a short stint for the students with their company during the fall.

Teacher's pet, is that you? - Professors can be of great help in finding the right internship. Why, you could probably even assist your professor during your mid-term break. Your faculty, coupled with advising you right, can also put you through the right source.

Acquaintance Assists - No more than six degrees is what separates or should I say bonds people. Approach your family, friends, relatives, et al for contacts and sources. It always helps a little more when an acquaintance refers you to someone.

Career Canopies - Career fairs have become a frequent event. Keep vigil for such similar events on newspapers and magazines where they are widely advertised.

World Wide Web - Each one of us has a direct access to the Internet. There are numerable sites that provide information about companies and their profiles. Internet gives us the freedom to roughly have a glimpse of the companies before choosing which one would be ideal for an internship.

And last, but not the least is to plan your internship well in advance, so that you can find the internship of your choice.

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Your resume is like your representative - it tells a prospective employer all about you. Writing a good resume will make the best possible first impression on your behalf. Your resume should show the prospective employer clearly, why their job and your skills are a perfect match. Here are a few things to keep in mind while writing a good resume:

• Be relevant: Don't list information that has nothing to do with the position or your qualifications for it.
• Create an Internet-ready version: When you apply for a job online, the formatting in your resume may not translate properly and may render it difficult to read. Prepare a text-only version with no formatting for such purposes.
• Use design to your advantage: The layout of your resume will determine its value, and yours. Use highlighting, bold face and bullets to attract attention to key achievements. Choose a font that is easy to read. Make use of the white space on the paper to draw the eye where you want.
• Be correct: Make sure there are no typos or spelling mistakes. Proofread your resume ten times before even thinking of sending it. If possible, have someone else read it for you.
• Clear and Concise: Be specific and use short sentences or phrases. Employers usually scan through resumes and only read those that make the best impressions.

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An interesting summer job is not too hard to find so long as you know where to look. Follow a few simple steps and you could soon be laughing all the way to the bank.

The right place to start looking out for summer jobs would be at the local Human Resource Development Center. It's possible that you may find a summer job that matches your interests and needs. Another source to look for summer jobs is on the Internet. Make use of the technology available to land you a good summer job. Various companies do place advertisements on different sites for job openings. It could very well turn out to be a one-stop shop for your summer job needs.

Try and take up work you are passionate about. If you are an art buff, see if you can work on jobs that are even remotely connected with art. You will soon find that work does not seem like work anymore. It will also add strength to your resume.

Another great way to look for jobs is at job fairs. Schools, universities and colleges also receive a lot of job advertisements. Find out if there have been any job postings. If you have a particular place in mind you'd love to work in, don't hesitate to jump right in. Sport a nice professional look; arm yourself with a good resume and references. Package yourself well and create a good first impression and you may be one step closer to your dream summer job.

A work abroad program is another option. It may seem expensive, but the experience gained could be immense. You would be exposed to interesting cultures and a new way of life. It may give you an interesting life experience that could be of great help.

So first find out what you want from a summer job and then go get it. It could be yours if you try hard enough.

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The job search for people with disabilities need not be difficult. Certain employers indicate their willingness to hire disabled people. You just need to know how to identify them. Apart from positive employers, you can also get disability grants while you conduct the job search.

Disability Benefit payments

Disability benefit payments is compensation that can be awarded to you whether you are unemployed or not participating in a workshop or training, when you disability or mobility requires assistance and meets the conditions for payment. This type of benefit payment stays intact until your care needs change. If you return to your job because your disability and required care has changed, then you need to contact your Unemployment Benefits Office or the department in your country that works with workmen's compensation. The benefits officer will make adjustments to the benefit payment.

Incapacity Aid

If you receive payment that allows you to do certain types of work, then you are not entitled to receive additional wages or income related payment benefits such as housing subsidy or income supplement support, unless you declare this. The benefits officer will evaluate your case and decide on a decrease or increase of your benefits according to the merits of your case.

Getting new skills

If you gain additional skills, it will make your job search easier since you will become more eligible for certain types of work. The Learning Council in the UK assists people with training and guidance. People who live in other countries can contact their Department of Manpower for assistance.

Should you disclose your disability in your job application?

Although employers around the world are bound by laws not to discriminate against people with disabilities, most employers are positive towards disabled persons without consideration of the laws.

You can easily identify employers who are positive towards people with disabilities by the following :

• If they have the symbol on their advertisement or place of employment for disabled people.
• Many employers state in their job advertisements that they are equal opportunity employers.

Both types of employers indicate their commitment to the employment of people with disabilities through their display of symbols and advertisement wording. You will have an equal opportunity to get an interview and possibly the job.

Job search places for people with disabilities

When you do a job search you are more likely to find the right kind of employer by looking out for the following :

Can you submit the application form in several ways?

Does the employer ask whether workspace adjustments needs to made to accommodate you?

Did the employer advertise in several formats, for instance, used large print and radio?

Where is the advert placed? Employers who place adverts at disability centers do so because they know that people with disabilities may find the advert while they conduct their job search.

Is the application form also available on tape, video, or in large print?

Volunteer for work

While you conduct the job search, you may consider doing some volunteer work or getting job experience. Many churches and community centers welcome the assistance from people with disabilities. Apart from providing a service to the community, you also obtain experience; build new skills, and contacts that may help you get a job.

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Effective communication is essential in any job; if you are searching for a job, it becomes even more important. Language skills are very important, and can make the difference between success and failure in a job search. Because language skills are so critically important, this article includes some vital information to keep in mind regarding your language skills.

The native language that someone speaks-be it English, Spanish, French or even Swahili- is of course the main way that communication with others in their culture takes place. When looking to fill an open job, employers are always looking for someone who has the language skills to interact productively with co-workers, subordinates and superiors. This is why it is so important to speak your native language exceptionally well. Without solid language skills, a person is prejudged to be less educated than they actually are, and that spells disaster when searching for a job.

Beyond this, if you do happen to get the job, not being able to properly tell others something can lead to mistakes on the job, and in the worst cases, can lead to expensive mistakes, injuries, or even death. If someone cannot tell someone something in the case of an emergency, it can truly be a tragedy. This leads to the consideration of language skills in a second language.

Your chances of a successful job search can be greatly increased if you can speak a second language well. Especially in light of the increasing cultural diversity that so many countries are encountering given the modern world where people routinely relocate in search of better opportunities, the average person is bound to find themselves working with people who speak another language, causing a communication problem. If you are able to speak a second language well, this will be a huge plus in terms of the job search itself. As a matter of fact, those who are fluent in a second language often are able to secure well paying jobs in government, law enforcement, and more because of their ability to bridge the language barrier and simply get things done effectively and correctly. Language skills, as you can see, are not limited simply to one's native tongue.

If you do not have solid language skills, do not despair. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help someone to either sharpen skills in their own language or expand their abilities by learning to speak a second language fluently. If the second language that a person wishes to speak is in high demand in a given profession or community, many times, free training in the language can be obtained. Jobs can even be obtained upon the promise of learning a given language.

Be flexible, and take the chance- it could be the break that you are seeking! To sum it up, the more language skills you can develop, the better off you will be, whether you are looking for a new job or simply to improve your image in the eyes of others. To communicate well is to relate to others in a new way, and it will definitely be worth the effort.

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So you ready to plunge into the business of building contacts, but don't know how to start. These insider's tips for effective networking should get you started. Networking is a system used for building a contact list of people that can aid your in your job search and is easier to use than you think.

What to say

You can start conversations in a number of ways. A really simple but effective networking method is to ask assistance or indicate that you would appreciate advice. Most people love to share their knowledge and once the conversation is going, you can drop a comment about finding a suitable job.

Whenever you can, you should include the word 'network' in your conversation. By stating that you would like to network with a person, you immediately get his attention. Remember, people always want to know what they get from a situation.

Prepare a very short summary of what type of job interests you as well as a description of your skills, qualifications and experience. Don't assume that since a person has known you for years, he would know what makes you tick or what your job aspirations are. Use your CV objective and personal profile to build the summary. Two to three sentences should suffice. If more information is required the person will ask.

There are instances when you need to provide more detail for example, when you meet someone for the first time. Keep the summary short even under such circumstances. Think about the time limit when you start a conversation with a person in a bank line. You need to get the message across in less than forty seconds and preferably within twenty seconds. Prepare your short and longer version for these occasions.

Make the most of the opportunity

Wouldn't it be sad if you created interest and left no contact details? The person may want to reach you or forgot the particulars of the conversation and has nothing to remind him. For effective networking, you should always have business cards to hand out. The problem with most business cards are that they don't provide enough information and people forget why they received them in the first place. Turn your business card into a compact résumé by adding a short summary of your résumé objectives on the back of the card. Even though you may not own a business or are not employed at a certain company, you can use a personal or network card for effective networking. They remind the person of your skills and don't land in the normal CV or business card pile.

You should include your name, surname, contact details, occupation or profession, and main career interest on the front of the card for effective networking.

Sign it for effective networking

Apart from the network card, you can also use e-mail signature as part of your effective networking strategy. Few people use the signature facility of their e-mail program for more than stating their names, contact details, and position at a company. You can easily include more information such as your qualifications, experience and tell people that you are looking for a job in a specific field. End it with an action statement such as: 'Please forward information on any related jobs.' If you are currently employed, you should however not include the end statement.

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If there's one word in a resume that every prospective employee looks for and every applicant mentions, it is 'Skills'. That's proof enough to show how important it is for one to know his /her skill set and to expand it to include the ones that are required but missing.

There are different types of skills which can be broadly classified into the following categories:

• Foundation Skills:
  These skills are a must for any employee. They are classified as Basic, People, Thinking and Personal Qualities. They all fall into the following two categories.
• Marketable Skills:
  These are skills which are useful to your employer. They include
  • All the different types of skills mentioned in the foundation skill set above.
  • All the skills that the employer has specified in the advertisement for the job.
  Other than these two sets, any extra skills that you have, which are of absolutely no use to the boss are unmarketable skills. For example, singing a song backwards no matter how good you are at it!
• Transferable Skills:
  These are the skills that are useful in more than one kind of job. The more you develop these, the more are your chances in the job market. An employer might be attracted to your profile even if he has no immediate use for your extra skills, if he foresees any use for them in the future. The most common skill in this category is computer literacy. Armed with this, one can be a typist, a helper in a store, a document writer and a variety of other things.
• Motivated Skills:
  There is a saying that goes like this 'Find a job you love and you will never have to work a single day'. This is what motivated skills are all about. Things that you want to do, not things you have to do.

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Many people perceive networking as a new trend even though it has always been used. Every person has a network of friends, colleagues, teachers, managers, career consultants, business contacts, and more. We don't always think of it as networking although referrals stem from networking. The people that know how to network gain the most benefits in the long run. Apart from building solid relationships, it also enhances career possibilities, business expansion, and general goodwill. Even when you attempt to build a career, you will notice how knowing the right people can be a benefit.

There are a few things that people assign to networking that are not true. Many persons regard networking as a work method when it is actually an integral part of our lives.

If you want to know how to network, you should start with who you already know. Make a list of people that you know and people you once knew. Include neighbors, school friends, colleagues, business owners, teachers, lecturers, and people in your support group, the parents of your children's friends, suppliers, clients, and service providers. The list will get longer as you start to remember. Use your old address book, emails, correspondence, business cards, and greeting cards.

Function of the reference list

Update the list at least once a week. Note birthday dates, addresses, interests, business types, positions held, expertise, level of acquaintance, and names. You will use the list to bring people in contact with each other and you may sometimes have to make use of one of the contacts for something you need. It is however not always about what you can get from the contacts, but how you can assist people.

Expecting something in return

If you do something for another person, don't expect that he must return the favor. Refer people in goodwill and you will eventually reap the benefits. If you however need assistance, a product or a service, you must ask help. Others cannot be expected to know what you need if you don't ask for assistance. If you need assistance then ask in such a manner that it is possible for the person to say no without being embarrassed but also makes it a pleasure to say yes. This is what people who know how to network do.

Treat people as valuable and not merely as tools

Networking isn't a term for using people, but rather for assisting people. Persons, who know how to network, do it in a manner that enhances their relationships and brings advantages to all parties. Make two lists. The first list is for those you have done something and the second list is for those who did something for you. Most people want to return a favor and will gladly assist you when you call in the marker in a polite manner. Start returning favors, lunch, tickets, advice, or assistance, and referrals for those who already did something for you. Networking is about sharing and returning favors.

What do you have to offer?

We all have some knowledge, skills, and resources that we can share with others. Make lists of the things that you can do for others. You may for instance be an excellent hostess and can host an event for a friend or colleague, or can do sign writing, build a website, take pictures, have an extra couch available, or can proofread a document. The list can become endless.

The do's of 'how to network'

• Give recognition for assistance, gifts and referrals.
• Keep in contact with the people on your lists.
• Share your resources, skills, knowledge and ideas.
• Be someone who is involved.
• Deliver on your promises.
• Sometimes just surprise someone with a gift, note or even lunch.
• Recommend people and be sincere in your compliments.
• Keep your contacts updated on new events.
• Always follow up on conversations and referrals.
  

How to network - never:

• see networking as sales
• judge people too quickly
• name drop without the knowledge and permission of a contact
• force a relationship on others
• force your opinion on others when they didn't ask for it
• accept recognition for the work and ideas of other people
• just take without giving something in return
• blame others for your mistakes
• ask personal questions
• make a nuisance of yourself
• pressure people
• stand too close to people
• forget to admit when you are wrong
• tell lies or exaggerate
• discriminate on any basis
• fear to risk

These guidelines on how to network should help you in building a large network of reliable contacts.

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They say 'Face is the index of the mind.' Likewise, 'Corporate culture is the index of a company'. Every organization has a strong culture associated with itself in terms of protocols of dressing, demeanor in office, work timings, compensation and benefits, vision, core values and many more such parameters.

Level 1: What is Corporate Culture?

It is important for employees to be aware of the corporate culture of their organization as otherwise it could hamper the growth prospects of the employee within the organization. Consider the example of an employee coming late to office. Some organizations do not permit this and the conduct of the employee may be viewed seriously and it may even affect the employee's overall performance rating.

One might ask whether it is equally critical for prospective jobseekers to know the corporate culture of a potential employer. The answer is a big YES! This could give immense mileage to the possibility of selection. To cite the same example, if a candidate arrives late to an interview oblivious of the fact that the prospective employer is very particular about timeliness, the candidate may not even be considered

Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the corporate culture of the company that you are associated with or are looking forward to get associated with.

Level 2: Understanding Corporate Culture

Following are some ways to go about understanding the corporate culture of an organization:

• Read the career section/ corporate culture section of the organizations' website.
• Read the corporate culture section in annual reports.
• Visit the organization and watch the way the employees interact with each other.
• Visit the organization and feel how the company interacts with visitors.

All the above methods will allow you to get a glimpse of some of the organizations' core values, such as behavior, customer service, timeliness of help and many factors, which are vital to the organizations' culture. The more aware one is about the corporate culture of a particular organization, the more is the possibility to strike the right chord with that organization, be it a job, a sales deal or a partnership.

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Minding your P's and Q's is important anywhere. If you are part of an online discussion group take some time to absorb and understand the way people conduct themselves within the group so that you do not commit a cyber faux pas.

Once you have identified a few people you would like to contact, correspond with them via email in the correct manner.

Do not post a general message to everyone in the group. Send a personal message to the person you would like to speak with.

Do not be long winded. Tell them as concisely as possible why you have contacted them.

At this initial phase it would be extremely opportunistic to send a copy of your resume. You are simply gaining information and introducing yourself at this point. Besides, the very art of networking involves a long term connection, which must be nurtured. It is not just a one time exchange. Allow yourself and your contact time to get to know each other before giving them your resume.

Request your contact for a follow up and give them a choice about how they would like to be contacted, via phone, mail or a personal meeting.

Contacting people via email is perhaps best for contacts you find online, but is not necessarily effective for people you meet in person. A phone call or letter to request an interview is perhaps the best way to catch their attention.

Contacting people over the phone

• When calling remember to cover this vital information
  • Your introduction
  • Your purpose
  • Request an appointment at a time suitable for both of you
  • Mention the name of the person who referred you, in case there is someone.
• Prepare yourself for the conversation by jotting down what you will say. This will help you stay calm and clear on the phone.
• Trying to get through to the person may be difficult as receptionists or secretaries may not put you through. Polite persistence can pay off and so can calling at a time when you the receptionist may not have arrived as yet or have left for the day.
• Try and request a personal meeting and find a suitable time for both of you.

Contacting people by letter

• Check the format, spelling and grammar of your letter.
• Mention clearly in your letter, in the conclusion, that you will call on a given date to arrange for a suitable time for a meeting.

The Power of Networking

• You never know how the person you met at a coffee shop yesterday could help you tomorrow? The power of and advantages of networking is remarkable. Your list of contacts could include anyone from your neighbors to your classmates to your boss's cousin you met at the Christmas party! Continue to add to your networking list and you will be amazed by the opportunities it presents you with.

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Some firms hire a third-party organization to identify a college student whom they can employ. The third-party organization may be recruiting on-campus, advertising the company's requirement at a career festival, screen resumes received by e-mail or on the net, etc. Many colleges have a recruitment center of their own, which works with these job employment agencies and the students. It would be wise for the students to be familiar with the issues related to the functioning of these job employment agencies.

Third-party recruiters are defined as 'agencies, organizations or individuals recruiting candidates for temporary, part-time or full-time employment opportunities other than for their own needs' by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Third-party recruiters can be classified as follows:

• Employment agencies: These have a database of prospective employers as well as employees. They charge when a match is made. If you don't find the words 'fee paid' anywhere in the contract, make sure you know who's going to be charged before you sign the agreement.
• Search Firms: Search firms are those that are paid by an employer to find a candidate to match his specifications.
• Contract Recruiters: Employers hire them, on a contract basis, to represent them in the recruiting process.
• Resume Referral Firms: As the name suggests, these firms share their database of resumes with employers. When you send in your resume to be included in this database, make it clear to whom it can be sent and the purpose for which it can be used. A fee may be charged to the employer, the applicant, or both.

Questions to Ask

Being assisted by a third-party recruiter does not mean you can wash your hands off all responsibility. Be aware of what is happening and why things are happening the way they are. After all, it's your job that's at stake. Ask questions about everything that perplexes you, no matter how silly they may sound. Do not be coaxed into signing anything that you haven't understood. Consult a lawyer if necessary.

Listed below are some of the questions that you should know the answers to:

• Is there any kind of discrimination between applicants? If you match the specifications, is there any chance of not being selected solely on the grounds of nationality, race, color etc.?
• Whom is the agent going to charge? Before sealing an agreement, find out whether you have to pay the agent any fee.
• In my field of interest, how many vacancies are still to be filled? As far as possible, keep tracks of the numbers of vacancies available. From this information, try and figure out whether your resume is actually being considered for the job or is it merely being stored in a database whose volume the recruitment agency is trying to increase. This happens quite often, as the size of their database is a strong magnet to attract clients to use their assistance.
• Whom will you pass on this information to? Make it very clear to the recruiting agent that the information you give him is to be shared only with the firms that you want him to share it with. He shall not pass on any of your information to anyone outside of your list of choices, which you have to state in writing.

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How do you go for interviews and conduct a job search while you are pregnant? This is one of the most common concerns for women who just started their careers and find they have a new sibling on the way. Although we can plan pregnancy to fit in with our career goals, the sorry truth is that there is probably never a good time.

Wear loose clothing

One way of hiding pregnancy when you do a job search is to wear loose clothing and do to the job hunting early rather than waiting until you are showing. It may not always be possible though and when this happens it is time to highlight your excellent skills and how you can complete projects quicker than anyone else without compromising quality.

Disclose or not disclose?

You don’t have to declare that you are pregnant when you conduct your job search since the law prohibits any questions to the effect and is suppose to protect you against discrimination. Unfortunately you also have to consider how the interviewer sees it.

Will you hire a person who is going to take maternity leave in a couple of months when there is another applicant with no strings? You will rather hire the candidate who is not pregnant. For this reason it is better not to disclose your pregnancy right from the start. First get a job offer and negotiate terms. When you have accepted the offer, try to tell your boss as soon as possible.

This may sound rather unethical but will help you not to be discriminated against. If you are already showing, it will not work. If however, this approach seems like something you just cannot do when do a job search while pregnant, you should just focus on your positive attributes and also commitment to the company.

How to handle the interview when you disclose your pregnancy

You can for instance state that you are the ideal candidate since you have a baby on the way and thus will have expenses to cover. For this reason alone, you will already be more reliable and committed to giving your best as you do not plan to lose your job while having a sibling at home. You also need to reassure the employer that you have an adequate support network and that having a baby in the house will not affect your work performance.

That being said, your best option is to do a job search before you get pregnant or wait until the bay has been born. If you do need the income right away, try finding work where you can stay at home. Writing, design or internet based work is off course ideal. Although many ladies are not interested in this, you should consider this type of remote work if you are already showing and in need of a job.

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Job searching is a job by itself. This endeavor will not bear the right fruit until you take it seriously. You have to be both consistent as well as perseverant at this task; you will need to apply yourself fully and treat this endeavor as a mission.

Of course, for every great task, there should be a master plan that would guide you and keep you focused on the goal. Without a good plan, the best of efforts would collapse since they would lose sight of the target after while. Do you have a plan drawn up for your job search or are you at it with sporadic efforts?

Your success (or lack of it) would be very much dependent on how organized a manner you apply yourself to this task. Below are a few points that would help you stay focused and have all your energy directed to this one goal, i.e. your job search.

• Start at the beginning – do you have the right type of CV? Does it reflect your strengths? Since your CV would often need slight tweaking in order to reflect your strengths in the light of the job requirement, it is better that you do not mass print these. Rather, you should have your achievements and qualification listed in bullet points and when you apply for a job each CV should be written specially for that organization (with emphasis on the job you are applying for). In case you are not sure whether you are doing the right thing or not – do not take the trial-and-error method. Rather, consider using a professional CV writing agency, which can help drawing up professional stop-in-tracks CVs. Remember, if your basic tool is wrong, then your chance to land your favored job will remain a pipe dream forever.

• Have things organized – keep all the relevant material and information in one place, well organized. Make copies of every cover letter and CV you send, so you could be able to refer to what you wrote if you are called for an interview.

  You should not be running in confusion here and there when you need paper to print your CV, or an envelope or the dairy where you will need to enter the details of your day to day tasks regarding the job search.

  It would be good if you have a corner that you consecrate to work and have placed there a desk, with a computer, printer, experience certificates' files, and all information required for writing a CV. In this way, you will feel more relaxed and focused when you write that cover letter or the tailor-made CV – than, stopping every time to get hold of some relevant information or other from elsewhere.

• Follow-up – This aspect cannot be stressed enough. You have to keep at it, all the time. You sent your CV, make a note of it in your dairy and then after 5 days without any response, follow it up either with a phone call or an email enquiry. Be brief, but make sure you find out (a) whether they are considering your application; (b) when to revert for more news; (c) what is the method on informing their call for interview or rejection?

  If you are proficient with the computer an excel spreadsheet would serve this purpose extremely well. Otherwise, you could also use a plain regular dairy or the electronic digital dairies which have an alarm (which can remind you to call) system for 'to do' tasks.

• Set a target for yourself – Make a list of the best organization you want to work in – whether these are in your state or country and then organize yourself to apply for the vacancies coming up accordingly. Keep a master list with the following headings:
  

• 1. your most favorite companies (your dream companies) - max three
  2. companies that you would be willing to join intermediary vehicle for your final destination (your dream company) – about 4-5
  3. companies that would interest you, given the right breaks (right opening/ job) – about 4-5
  4. companies that would sustain you economically, but do not contribute to your career goal - about 4-5
  
  
• You will then have to identify at least 3-5 under each heading and apply. Once the results are out, you carry on, make a new list and start the process all over again. Only the top most heading will have constant entries; all the others would keep changing as per the results.
• You understand from this task that you should be constantly seeking suitable openings and classifying these according to your priority.
  

• Network heavily – today, the majority of jobs are absorbed through the hidden market. Hence, you will need to have your 'fame' spread far and wide if you want to land the right jobs. You should never leave out any occasion to network and/or promote yourself.

  This should be done subtly, though, so the person with whom you are building a rapport should remain interested in you and your career direction. Be the first to offer help/assistance in your field to anyone in your network. Grateful people can be more than helpful when time comes.

  Other ways to network is by attending workshops, seminars and improvement classes where you are likely to meet a good number of your peers. Networking is a constant and continuous task – remember to stay in touch and on the top of the person's mind without seeming like pest. You could send good wishes on various festive occasions or just plain 'Hi! How are you! I was thinking of you.' type of emails that are short and sweet and give you the opportunity to add a line or two on your latest achievements.

• Believe in yourself – Look up in the annals of history and you will see that those people succeeded who believed in themselves even in the face of the worst personal or professional losses. The best example is President Abraham Lincoln. Another example is Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers – and the list goes on. Rejection is just a matter of opinion. Do not let it stop you; do not let it waver your belief in yourself. You are special and you have a niche out there that is specially made for you. No one can take that – the point is to be perseverant enough to find it.

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Being proactive can bring you a good deal of success in life. This principle works exceptionally well in the field of job seeking, particularly with regard to gaining access to the hidden market.

The most effective techniques involve ways and means of keeping yourself fresh in the minds of as many people as possible in your profession. How can you achieve that? You will find the following tips highly effective:

1. Research the market and adapt – know at all times what professions and jobs are in demand in the market. You also need to know what level of importance your profession occupies. In case the market is low for your type of job/profession, it would be good to seek and acquire allied training/ expertise. People who can multi-task with ease are highly sought after everywhere.
2. Check out companies’ websites – often knowing how is the key to finding/achieving your goal in the shortest possible span of time. You are aware that above 75 percent of the jobs are never advertised and you wish to be privy to that intelligence. The best place to start is the company’s own website. In more than 90 percent of cases, the vacancies in any company are immediately posted on their website. Starting here would give you a great edge in searching and possible getting a job in the hidden market.
3. Cold calls – there is a lot of power in cold calls even today. The emails have made it possible to reach anybody at anytime. You need to keep people aware that you are ready for a career move, you draw-up a crisp self-marketing letter (mailer) not longer that three paragraphs and send it to the recruiting managers of the companies you seek to join. Be careful to differentiate between the HRD Head and the recruiting manager – many times these are two different people.
4. Network at grassroots level - most of the time people aim to catch the attention of the highest echelons. However, often you will get the push in the right direction from those who mind the files and office work. For example, a job has come up and the receptionist/ secretary are among the first persons in the office who comes to know about it since they usually type and circulate the memos. At this time, a slight mention of your name could be just the right break for you. Therefore, it is good to network with those who mind the office of the highest echelon officials. Treat them well, keep them on your list for Christmas and Season greetings and you will reap rich rewards.
5. Become an expert – while this might not be applicable in all conditions and jobs, it is an excellent stepping stone into the limelight of the hidden job market. Organizations always need people who excel in their profession, and hence if you get a reputation of being an expert in your field, offers will seek you out wherever you are. In order to become an expert, you should always endeavor to stay one step ahead of what is the demand in the market, i.e. you should never rest on your laurels. Go ahead and train yourself extensively, take up professionals’ courses, up-dating courses, and tangent courses. Be always totally in charge in your profession. Build up a brand of being an expert.

The above tips can be further complement by your ability to stay in the news. In order to do this, you should be able to attend conferences, training programs, write articles, publish and stay on the top of things, generally speaking. This is a continuous and ongoing process which will end only when you wish to retire or fade into an ordinary professional existence.

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You might have heard about the hidden market, where more than 80 percent of the jobs are filled through recommendations. These references are from people who ‘know’ the incumbents through different channels.

How to find the hidden market?

Everybody who works/ worked in a company/organization is aware that when a position falls vacant the job is first discussed internally to see who 'could do fit in the position'. Things start moving from here and people tend to send recommendations regarding people who might be ‘just right’ for the job internally and externally. This is depending on your network; you might get the hint to apply for so-and-so job, since it has fallen vacant. Your candidature would again be seen in context with the reference you receive, i.e. Does the person (who recommended you) know you well professionally?, Did he/ she work with you before?, Did he/she appraise your work capacity?

From the above, you will notice that the most important thing is to be sufficiently networked so your name would be the choice of recommendation for as many vacancies as possible. Hence, in order to be part of the hidden market, you ought to be on that deserving candidate list.

How to gain entry on the recommendation list?

Logically speaking, you are a commodity in the market of jobs. Your employability will depend on:

1. Advertisement - how well you ‘advertise’ yourself in the market will be critical to your figuring on that list. People should know about you, about your whereabouts, about your latest achievements and expertise. You would need to have the information circulated as often as possible, so those who know you should immediately think of you when the opportunity shows itself in the form of a job.
2. Brand - the strength of your professional branding is yet another critical aspect towards this goal. You need to be known in your circles as THE professional in your field. Hence, you brand image should be strong and clear. People who hear your name should simultaneously think of your professional prowess.
3. Professional repute - your reputation with your past employers and colleagues is very important. People from the same profession tend to exchange notes all the time. Therefore, if you were known as a rebel or as an undependable person, be sure that the word would be out. You need to have and maintain an impeccable professional reputation if you are to gain entry on the ‘recommendations’ list.
4. Networking – networking is the greatest and most efficient tool you can have at your disposal to use as entry into the hidden market. There is nothing more powerful than having an excellent network. You should cultivate a peer group network as well as one with senior and juniors. Your availability, your professional strengths and your choices of work should be well aired on these networks. Whenever a vacancy will fall free, any of these people would be able to recommend your name.
5. Grape vine – you are aware how powerful this informal system can be in carrying and propagating information. You should make it a point to use this system to your advantage. Always feed the grape vine with positive feedback. At the same time, ensure that it is known that you are looking for a career move if the right opportunity presents itself. You will be surprised how efficient the grape vine can be when used well. Remember, you could cultivate the grape vine in more organizations other than your own, with the help of your network. Here, the motto, 'Any publicity is great publicity' seems to work well.

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What is computer literacy by definition? 'Computer literacy' generally bears indication to the ability of a person to use computer applications. These people are also called 'power users'. Those who know to program these machines are known as programmers.

Computers are today part and parcel of our lives and just as being literate is being taken for granted so is computer literacy taken for granted. A professional is expected to know to use computers and their application in his/ her field of operation, even if it is at the most basic level possible. Besides the fact that every job today entails some or other requirement of computer knowledge, finding a job itself is highly dependent upon the level of one's computer literacy.

Let us see how computer literacy can help you in your job search:

• Education: There is a see of wealth on the Internet on how things can be done best when applying for a job. There is advice on how to conduct yourself at interviews, how to dress, how to answer questions and also what question to put to your interviewers. The advice extends itself on how to handle trick questions and how to take care of many things that are crucial to bagging a job.
• Wide coverage: There is a tremendous coverage that one can get through the Internet. A computer literate person can use the Net for his/her advantage and apply to a global market electronically rather than regional on pen and paper regionally. There are a wide range of online job search engines which will match your CV to the best suitable job available. In this way you not only can get a vast number of jobs to choose from, you also are able to reach out to far off regions in your country and even other countries. There is no other way to cover so much geographical area other than with the help of the computers.
• Immense opportunity: When you are looking for a job you are not having instantly the exact company and exact type of job that you really want - unless you are a doctor or engineer (and even there you can still have a lot leverage in choosing). For all others the Internet will offer you a great wide array of choices that you can never find otherwise in the physical world. The opportunities out there are mind boggling - but without the computer and the knowledge of harnessing its capacity, you can never discover them; with a computer, your opportunities are just a click away. All you have to do is key in your job requirements and the search engine will give you a sea of jobs to choose from.
• Time saver: Today with the help of computers your one uploaded CV can simultaneously reach thousands of companies in one instant. This simple and amazing thing can actually bring to your doorstep a great number of offers within an extremely limited time. Time which you could actually use to get the job and start earning rather than continuing to apply to different companies intermittently. The saving of time has another great side effect - i.e. it helps a job seeker enjoy a much higher level of confidence because he/she will be constantly assailed with job offers; people who apply through post or answering advertisements are much more slower in receiving offers than while using the Internet.
• Tailor made CV and applications: Knowing computers will help you apply to a thousand companies on an individual manner with a tailor made cover letter specifically written with that company's needs in mind. In this way you raise your odds for being chosen as the right candidate by more than 50 per cent. Actually mass printouts of CVs for applications are one of the main reasons for receiving rejection. A company likes to see that the candidate that wants to fill a vacancy with them takes the trouble to know what they need and how their skills and knowledge match the company's requirements. The HR personnel has most of the times only about 10 seconds to decide which CVs are good and which are not for the first shortlist; and only those CVs which can at a glance focus on the best match, will stand a good chance.
• Training opportunities: Computer literacy best plus point is that it gives you access to a world of training programs and material which will indeed help you in bettering yourself for any job whatsoever. The training and self-study material available on the internet is limitless. There is no topic that does not have some indepth answer on the Internet and for the person who know how and where to look, one can build up sufficient knowledge base to outperform the best available hands in the market.
• Online degrees: Though this is not directly connected to searching of a job, an additional degree will definitely improve anyone's chances to land their dream jobs. Today the Internet brings within the reach of the common man the greatest universities of national and international repute; this is called distance education through the Net. You do not need to leave your present work place, or residential area, or even go for applying for admission. All you have to do is open the Internet and register online for any degree you need or want to pursue for a satisfying career.

Computer usage is at its best when you put the Internet to work for you. And harnessing the strength of the Internet is possible only when you master the medium that houses it, i.e. computers. Hence, you need to be a computer literate to be able to use apply your best foot forward when searching for a job. For those who are still green about computers - do not worry. Computer courses are the most popular crash courses across the globe today. Just check your neighborhood out for a class and sign in TODAY. Be a winner TOMORROW.

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