tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19413225652391801062024-02-07T17:21:42.701-08:00Job GuideMaking The First Career Decision . . .UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.comBlogger564125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-24837301389825778232007-12-09T11:27:00.000-08:002007-12-09T11:28:41.272-08:00Typical QuestionsUse this list of common interview questions to prepare ahead of time. Although you<br />don’t want to sound like you’re reciting a canned answer, keeping some key points in<br />mind can be helpful.<br /><br />1. Tell me about yourself.<br />2. Why did you leave your last job?<br />3. What are your strengths?<br />4. What are your weaknesses?<br />5. Why should I hire you?<br />6. What are your career goals and objectives?<br />7. How does this job fit into your career goals?<br />8. What do you know about our organization?<br />9. How do you normally handle change?<br />10. What would you last employer say about you?<br />11. If you could do anything in your career differently, what would it be?<br />12. Describe your greatest achievement.<br />13. Describe your most significant failure.<br />14. Which of your jobs did you like the best? Why?<br />15. Which of your jobs did you like the least? Why?<br />16. What kind of employee are you?<br />17. How do you handle authority?<br />18. On your last performance evaluation, what did your manager criticize you for?<br />19. How do you handle conflict with peers?<br />20. How do you normally handle criticism?<br />21. Describe your relationship with your last manager.<br />22. Where do you want to be five years from now?<br />23. Why do you want to work for us?<br />24. Why have you changed jobs so often?<br />25. Why is it taking you so long to find a job?<br />26. Tell me about a time when you handle to handle a crisis situation.<br />27. How do you deal with stress and pressure?<br />28. How much are you presently earning?<br />29. How much money do you want?<br />30. When can you start?<br />31. Can we check your references?<br />32. Where else are you interviewing?<br />33. Is there anything that we have forgotten to ask you?<br />34. Do you have any questions for us?UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-88867825841348004412007-12-09T11:24:00.000-08:002007-12-09T11:26:51.092-08:00“Food, Glorious Food” and Other Challenges of Mealtime InterviewsMealtime interviews pose a unique set of interviewing challenges, which are outlined<br />below:<br /><br />1. Keep drinking to a minimum, or better yet, don’t drink at all.<br /><br />2. Don’t order anything messy. It’s hard to concentrate on the interview when your<br />spaghetti is dribbling down your chin.<br /><br />3. No smoking, please—even if you’re sitting in the smoking section of the restaurant.<br /><br />4. Keep it simple. Never order too much food or choose the most expensive item on<br />the menu. It’s not your last meal and, as you’ve probably heard, there’s no such<br />thing as a free lunch.<br /><br />5. Remember your company manners. No matter how comfortable you feel during the<br />interview, don’t shovel your food into your mouth, talk with your mouth full, or eat<br />with your hands (unless it’s finger food).<br /><br />6. Keep the conversation friendly but professional. While you want to be likeable and<br />charming, you don’t want to turn on the conversational faucet by sharing too much<br />personal information.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-20348534352153779182007-12-09T11:01:00.000-08:002007-12-09T11:23:34.961-08:00Expecting the UnexpectedNothing in life taxes your flexibility quite like interviewing. Here are some of the interviewing<br />scenarios you might expect to encounter:<br /><br />1. Screening interviews usually take place on the telephone and are conducted by a<br />human resources professional or executive recruiter. Their goal is to determine<br />whether you have the minimum qualifications to do the job and then move you<br />along to the next person in the hiring hierarchy.<br /><br />2. Sequential interviews take place in organizations that prefer to hire by consensus.<br />As a result, you may find yourself meeting with several hiring authorities over the<br />course of a day, a week, or a month. The key here is to approach each interview<br />with freshness and enthusiasm. Don’t worry about repeating yourself; this will only<br />make you look consistent—not boring.<br /><br />3. Group interviews can be conducted by a handful of people simultaneously or resemble<br />a regular mob scene (with a cast of dozens). These interviews are usually more<br />about presentation than conversation, but you should still try to establish rapport<br />with each and every person in the room whenever possible. Candidates with group<br />training or facilitation skills definitely have the edge in group interviews.<br /><br />4. Stress interviews are another variety. While most interviews are by definition stressful,<br />stress interviews are intentionally and artificially stressful. The intention of these<br />interviews is mostly to see how you react to pressure and stress—the key is to recognize<br />that you’re in a stress interview and keep your cool!<br /><br />5. Performance interviews often require that you give a presentation to an audience as<br />a way of showcasing your platform skills and expertise. You will usually receive an<br />assigned topic in advance, enabling you to prepare the information that you want to<br />deliver in an organized and articulate manner.<br /><br />6. Many employers like to supplement their interview process with aptitude, personality,<br />and values tests. The experts vary in their advice about how to deal with these<br />tests. My advice is to be truthful and to make sure that you always put the best spin<br />on the truth. Answer questions with confidence, enthusiasm, and skill.<br /><br />7. Computer-assisted interviews are changing the face of the selection process. During<br />a computer-assisted interview, you will often be asked to sit at a computer terminal<br />and enter information into the computer or answer by using a touch-tone phone.<br />The thing to remember here is that you shouldn’t say anything to a computer that<br />you wouldn’t say to an interviewer in a face-to-face meeting.<br /><br />8. Mealtime interviews are a challenge for many reasons. Because of the more relaxed<br />atmosphere, interviewers sometimes ask personal questions that would otherwise be<br />considered illegal in a more formal setting. Don’t be lulled into shooting yourself in<br />the foot. Make sure you use your company manners and keep your game face on.<br />You don’t want to lose out on an interesting opportunity over the price of a steak<br />dinner.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-40787686046977107262007-12-09T10:59:00.000-08:002007-12-09T11:00:24.350-08:00Listening SkillsCommunication is always a two-way street. In order to be responsive to interviewers’<br />needs, you must know how to listen and listen well. To improve your listening skills:<br /><br />1. Focus your attention on what the interviewer is saying. If your mind starts to wander,<br />consciously force yourself to listen for the content, even if the interviewer’s intonation<br />is boring or the questions are phrased in a rambling manner.<br /><br />2. Respond with appropriate nonverbal cues. Smile or nod your head in agreement<br />when appropriate. Conversely, don’t roll your eyes, clench your fists, or grimace at<br />the interviewer’s words.<br /><br />3. Resist the impulse to interrupt.<br /><br />4. Listen non-defensively. Do not be judgmental or critical of what you hear. This will<br />only prevent you from truly understanding what the interviewer is saying.<br /><br />5. Don’t get distracted by trivial things that don’t really matter, like the interviewer’s<br />appearance, accent, lisp, or lipsmacking. Respond to what is being said rather than<br />how it is being communicated. Not everyone is a great communicator.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-57572998055606086702007-12-09T10:52:00.000-08:002007-12-09T10:55:47.110-08:00Interview Do’s and Don’ts1. Do dress for respect—conservatively and professionally.<br /><br />2. Don’t sit passively in your seat and wait for the interviewer to do all of the work.<br /><br />3. Do make small talk and try to find areas of common interest with interviewers, who<br />are—believe it or not—people, too.<br /><br />4. Don’t look as if you are facing a firing squad. Smile and try to relax.<br /><br />5. Do make sure to research the organization before the interview. This shows interviewers<br />that you are genuinely interested in them.<br /><br />6. Don’t be late. This makes a terrible first impression. Instead, make sure that you<br />have proper directions and leave plenty of time (in case traffic is bad, the bus is<br />late, or you get lost).<br /><br />7. Do bring extra copies of your resume in case the interviewer forgets or misplaces<br />your original copy.<br /><br />8. Don’t call the interviewer by his or her first name unless they specifically instruct<br />you to do so.<br /><br />9. Do remember the interviewer’s name and use it periodically throughout the interview.<br /><br />10. Don’t dominate the conversation. Your answers should always be succinct, direct,<br />and well articulated.<br /><br />11. Do learn to listen attentively and show genuine interest and enthusiasm. Remember,<br />employers want people who care.<br /><br />12. Don’t deliver answers to interview questions as if you were making a speech.<br />Although you should prepare responses to typical questions in advance, your delivery<br />should sound sincere and unrehearsed. Remember: Make conversation, not presentations.<br /><br />13. Do ask intelligent questions. Ask about job responsibilities, company goals, and<br />other related topics.<br /><br />14. Don’t initiate conversations about money or benefits until you have a job offer.<br />After you have received an offer, you have a lot more negotiating power.<br /><br />15. Do present a confident self-image that offsets any concerns that you may be hiding<br />something or have skeletons in your professional closet.<br /><br />16. Don’t lie or get defensive. Try to frame negative situations as positively as possible<br />(in terms of a “mismatch,” “different styles,” or what you learned) without speaking<br />badly about past employers or colleagues.<br /><br />17. Do answer the questions fully and punctuate your answers with good stories that<br />illustrate your competencies and style.<br /><br />18. Don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes. It’s part of the process. The important<br />thing is that you learn from those mistakes so that you don’t repeat them in future<br />interviews.<br /><br />19. Do follow up. If you agreed to provide references or additional information, make<br />sure that you deliver on your promises.<br /><br />20. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note either by e-mail or snail mail. In your letter,<br />reassert your interest and qualifications.<br /><br />21. Do continue to conduct your job search and look for additional opportunities. As<br />Yogi Berra is famous for saying, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”<br /><br />22. Don’t sit around waiting for the interviewer to call you. If you don’t hear from them<br />within a week after your interview, make sure that you check in to see where they<br />(and you) are in the process.<br /><br />23. Do remember that “no” doesn’t always mean forever. Although you may not always<br />get a job offer, if you stay on cordial terms with the people who interview you, you<br />may end up hearing from them again.<br /><br />24. Never burn bridges. However disappointed or rejected you may feel, try your best<br />not to take it personally. Make sure that the interviewer knows that you enjoyed<br />meeting them and are still interested in future possibilities.<br /><br />25. Do move on. There are many, many fish in the sea of jobs—your challenge is to is<br />to spot them and catch them.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-31818447275236756352007-12-09T10:44:00.000-08:002007-12-09T10:51:33.652-08:00Body EnglishYou never get a second chance to make a first impression, which means that you have to<br />do everything in your power to make that first impression a good one.<br /><br />1. Dress for success. An interview is a formal employment occasion. Treat it accordingly<br />and wear your best suit or dress.<br /><br />2. Your handshake is as important as your resume. It has to be strong, confident, and<br />assertive.<br /><br />3. Your energy level communicates interest and enthusiasm. Get plenty of sleep and<br />make sure that you are alert and ready to engage the interviewer.<br /><br />4. Posture also communicates energy. Sit up straight and look like you’re alive, please.<br /><br />5. A smile is worth a thousand words. It says “It’s nice to meet you and I’m happy to<br />be here.”UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-13128613693705629722007-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:002007-12-09T10:43:50.418-08:00The Art and Skill of PreparationWhen it comes to job interviewing, winging it is not an option. To find—and get—the<br />best position, you must prepare often and well.<br /><br />✔ Determine your marketable skills. These include technical qualifications, general<br />liberal-arts skills (analytical, communication, problem solving), and character traits<br />(honesty, trustworthiness, dependability)<br /><br />✔ Develop a selling strategy to persuade employers that you have the right stuff to do<br />the job.<br /><br />✔ Learn to tell stories. Review your work experience and be prepared to give examples<br />that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.<br /><br />✔ Anticipate tough questions. For better or worse, employers can be cynical and suspicious<br />that candidates are trying to fool them with lies and half-truths.<br />Recognizing the potential stumbling blocks in your history will enable you to anticipate<br />and strategize effective ways of overcoming these obstacles.<br /><br />✔ Research the company/organization. To understand the needs and values of potential<br />employers, tap into your own network and go online to find out whatever you<br />can about the company and the kind of person they are most likely to be looking for.<br /><br />✔ Deal with sensitive information sensitively. After you gain insight into an organization’s challenges and liabilities, you need to deal with that information tactfully.<br />Like individuals, organizations have emotional sore spots that, if pointed out in the<br />wrong way, can make people defensive.<br /><br />✔ Organize. As part of your interview preparation, you will also need to handle logistical<br />matters. By managing issues of time and place well, you create an impression<br />of competence and professionalism.<br /><br />✔ Negotiate. As you and your future employer explore the question of “fit,” you may<br />be asked to discuss compensation. Although it’s best to postpone salary discussions<br />until you have an offer, you must be prepared to handle the question whenever it<br />surfaces in the process.<br /><br />✔ Practice makes perfect. Great interviewing skills are not learned overnight. To be<br />effective in job interviews, you need to develop a practice-and-perfection mentality.<br />This means learning from your mistakes, revisiting your communications strategy,<br />and improving your responses.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-87577790094506629052007-11-29T09:30:00.000-08:002007-11-29T09:39:39.243-08:00Interviewing: What Employers Look ForEvery year, hundreds of millions of dollars are wasted because candidates are hired for<br />positions they aren’t qualified for, while others are turned down for jobs that they are<br />more qualified to fill. To make sure that you don’t become one of these workplace casualties,<br />you need to take the time to understand what employers are looking for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Shared values</span><br /><br />Companies often espouse a particular set of values and ideals. Review their mission<br />statement to determine what those values and ideals are.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Commitment</span><br /><br />Most employers are fearful of job hoppers. Although it’s no longer expected that<br />employees will spend their entire careers in one place, employers do want to know<br />that you are going to do more than collect a paycheck and use them as a stepping<br />stone in your career ladder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Energy and enthusiasm</span><br /><br />Employers are impressed with candidates who have the desire, enthusiasm, and<br />energy to do the work they are hired to do—and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. An innovative spirit</span><br /><br />Many employers are seeking to gain the competitive edge and, in that spirit, are seldom<br />content with the status quo. Translation: They look for employees who bring a<br />sense of creativity and innovation to their jobs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Responsiveness</span><br /><br />Employers want their people to be responsive to their organizational goals and<br />needs. It’s good to be able to work independently, but it’s also important to<br />acknowledge and be comfortable with the reality that you work for them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Accountability</span><br /><br />The buck has to stop somewhere and there are times when it will stop with you as<br />the responsible employee. This means that you must be willing to take responsibility<br />for your mistakes and be willing to be accountable to the people you work for and<br />with.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7. Team players</span><br /><br />Many employers want team players who can work collaboratively more than they<br />want individual stars. In a technologically advanced, highly competitive workplace,<br />they look to hire people who can work together effectively.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">8. Compatibility</span><br /><br />Managers prefer to hire employees who will improve their own standing in the<br />organization. Demonstrate that you can look good and they’ll race to hire you for<br />their team.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. Communication skills</span><br /><br />The ability to communicate—both verbally and in writing—is an essential skill set<br />in every industry and profession.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Style</span><br /><br />Employers also evaluate how an individual’s work style fits in with their organizational<br />culture. If there’s a match, this can be an important factor in the hiring<br />process.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-7973095737796498622007-11-24T13:31:00.000-08:002007-11-24T13:34:41.906-08:00Secrets of a Successful Job SearchTo conduct a successful job search, you need to manage both the logistical dimensions<br />and your own attitudes and feelings. A summary of what (I hope) you now realize that it<br />takes to succeed:<br /><br />1. You have established your job search goals and objectives.<br /><br />2. You can articulate what you are looking for.<br /><br />3. You can discuss your strengths and qualifications with networking contacts and<br />potential employers.<br /><br />4. You know how to research your job targets and identify job leads.<br /><br />5. You feel positive about your job search direction and strategy.<br /><br />6. You have a network of people you can contact or, in the alternative, a strategy to<br />develop new contacts and resources.<br /><br />7. You have—or can develop—a support system for yourself during your transition.<br /><br />8. You are willing to work hard to find a new job.<br /><br />9. You have the ability and desire to learn from your mistakes.<br /><br />10. You are able to manage your negative feelings and thoughts.<br /><br />11. You can recognize when you need help and aren’t afraid to ask for assistance and<br />guidance.<br /><br />12. You are able to motivate yourself and take responsibility for your actions.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-31691750695666097212007-11-24T13:13:00.000-08:002007-11-24T13:30:23.070-08:00Job Search Checklist1. Do you check several job posting sites (such as Monster.com [www.monster.com] or<br />Careerbuilder.com [www.careerbuilder.com]) every day and submit your resume to<br />appropriate positions?<br /><br />2. Do you subscribe to at least one trade journal or professional publication with job<br />listings?<br /><br />3. Are you member of at least one professional association in your industry?<br /><br />4. Do you have a membership directory for a professional trade group, networking<br />group, or alumni association that you can use for networking purposes?<br /><br />5. Have you reviewed your resume to make sure that it is on target and error free?<br /><br />6. Are you doing Internet research to identify companies that might be interested in<br />hiring you?<br /><br />7. Do you have an actionable networking strategy?<br /><br />8. Are you conducting informational or exploratory interviews as part of your networking<br />strategy?<br /><br />9. Are you persistent in following up on all job leads?<br /><br />10. Have you researched and contacted employment agencies or executive recruiters in<br />your industry or occupation?<br /><br />11. Do you know how to interview, or do you need more interviewing preparation and<br />practice?<br /><br />12. Have you contacted your references to ask permission to use their names?<br /><br />13. Do you know how to communicate your strengths and weaknesses and target<br />employers who can benefit from your qualifications and experience?<br /><br />14. Do you have family and friends who can support you through this process?<br /><br />15. Have you determined whether you can benefit from a career counselor and identified<br />and contacted career counselors who can coach you on job search strategies and<br />techniques?UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-44107479374856542252007-11-16T10:42:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:45:06.455-08:00Time Management for Job HuntersIt’s often been said that finding a job is a full-time job. This advice is fine if you’re unemployed,<br />but it is less useful if you already have a full-time job that requires your attention.<br />To get better control over your job search time, follow the guidelines below:<br /><br />1. Set reasonable job search goals—either by time spent or activity accomplished. If<br />you have a limited amount of time to conduct your job search, strive for efficiency<br />and set your goals by activity rather than the clock. This kind of structure will give<br />you a greater sense of accomplishment.<br /><br />2. Chunk your activities together for maximum efficiency. For example, set aside blocks<br />of time exclusively for Internet research, make several phone calls sequentially, or<br />write your resume. This method will enable you to focus and concentrate exclusively<br />on the task at hand rather than trying to squeeze too many different activities into<br />too little space. Make sure to set achievable goals in each category.<br /><br />3. Create a place to keep track of your job search activities. You can use a simple<br />spreadsheet or word-processor document or make a chart in a notebook to list your<br />activities along with the time you spent on them, the people you’ve contacted, the<br />results, follow-up tasks you need to complete, and any other relevant information.<br />Having such a file will help you quickly locate information you need when an<br />employer or other contact calls.<br /><br />4. Reward yourself when you have completed your job search tasks competently and<br />effectively by doing something you really enjoy.<br /><br />5. When time is limited, procrastination is not an option. Don’t let yourself be sidelined<br />with unimportant activities. If you can’t make your job search one of your priorities,<br />you can’t realistically expect to find a good job.<br /><br />6. Carve out a physical space for yourself that enables you to have some expectation of<br />privacy. The kitchen table is not a place for quality solitude or communication with<br />potential contacts and employers.<br /><br />7. Learn to view each obstacle as a challenge to your problem-solving skills. After all,<br />if finding a new job were easy, you would have done it weeks or months or years<br />ago.<br /><br />8. For those of you who have the opposite problem—meaning that you are unemployed<br />and have too much time on your hands—you need to approach your situation<br />differently. Most importantly, do not conduct your job search in total isolation.<br />If you have access to outplacement services or a transition center, make it a point to<br />go to their offices several times a week because people often find it easier to conduct<br />a job search when everyone around them is engaged in the same activity.<br /><br />9. Make sure that your job search includes plenty of networking time as well as both<br />social and professional activities. If possible, join a professional group or weekly job<br />club and participate in their events. Even if you aren’t a particularly social person,<br />try to force yourself to stay socially motivated. Successful job hunting is often a very<br />social experience—so socialize!<br /><br />10. Don’t get distracted by household tasks or chores. If you’re at home during the day,<br />don’t think that you don’t have anything to do. For you, looking for a job really is a<br />full-time job.<br /><br />11. Don’t neglect your physical or mental health. Job hunting is stressful, and you need<br />to develop your own personal stress-busting strategies in the form of exercise, meditation,<br />gardening, or whatever works for you.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-52371912298753912502007-11-16T10:39:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:42:07.032-08:00Working GloballyThe world is a complicated place, and if you think that job searching within the United<br />States is tough, it’s even more confusing when you want to live and work abroad.<br />Fortunately, there are lots of resources that you can use to get the so-called “lay of the<br />land.”<br /><br />✔ Going Global (www.going-global.com) is a Web site designed primarily to meet the<br />needs of international job seekers and professionals. It contains a comprehensive<br />array of country-specific career information, including resume/CV writing advice,<br />job sources, interviewing strategies, salary negotiations, and work permit and visa<br />regulations. It also has country guides, which you can purchase for a reasonable fee;<br />they are well worth the investment.<br /><br />✔ Expat Exchange (www.expatexchange.com) is a virtual community that connects<br />people who are relocating to, living in, or returning from more than 135 overseas<br />locations. This site provides a great way to network with people who have “been<br />there and done that,” as well as experts and regional contacts who can answer more<br />specific questions.<br /><br />✔ The International Jobs Center (www.internationaljobs.org) is a membership organization<br />that provides extensive information on international jobs. This includes a<br />weekly newspaper with more than 500 job postings, profiles of major employers in<br />the international development market, and an e-mail notification system to alert you<br />to new job openings in your areas of interest.<br /><br />✔ Overseasjobs.com (www.overseasjobs.com) is part of the Aboutjobs.com network of<br />sites (www.aboutjobs.com) that provide free services to job seekers (employers must<br />pay to list positions). The site has lots of useful information, including country<br />guides, informative articles, visa/work permit information, and job listings.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-78042243885471824862007-11-16T10:36:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:38:50.132-08:00Long-Distance Job HuntingLong-distance job hunting poses a unique set of challenges and therefore deserves special<br />consideration.<br /><br />1. Employers prefer to hire familiar faces. Although you know that you are not a visitor<br />from outer space—just another city or state—you may be perceived as an alien<br />from another planet. To overcome this perceptual barrier, you will need to familiarize<br />yourself with the city’s landscape and resources.<br /><br />2. If you already have contacts in your target location, recruit them as allies in your job<br />search. Ask them to send you a copy of the local telephone directory and provide<br />you with the names of major newspapers, business directories, or locale-specific job<br />search books.<br /><br />3. Don’t worry if you don’t have contacts in your target location; you can gather this<br />information yourself by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce to obtain business<br />directories and any other available information.<br /><br />4. If you currently live in a city with a good library, the business librarian (or any<br />librarian who is familiar with the library’s job search and business resources) can<br />help you identify and locate the information that you need.<br /><br />5. Plan to subscribe to the local newspapers. Many newspapers now have online editions,<br />which make it easier to access local information and job listings in a timely<br />manner.<br /><br />6. Join a professional association with a national membership and then obtain the<br />names of the people who head the chapters in your target areas. Network with these<br />people by telephone or e-mail to make new contacts and learn more about the city’s<br />resources.<br /><br />7. You can also use the professional organization’s membership directory to conduct<br />informational interviews by telephone. Also, don’t overlook the many potential contacts<br />available through alumni directories from your alma mater. These directories<br />have proved invaluable to many job hunters who are looking to relocate.<br /><br />8. When you have the names of potential contacts, decide on your preferred method of<br />contact. If you represent yourself well on the phone, you can warm up the conversation<br />with small talk. If you prefer to write first (and call later), e-mail usually works<br />best, as it is quicker and more efficient than traditional snail mail.<br /><br />9. Never send your resume to a new contact person as an attachment because they will<br />probably be afraid to open it. In general, it makes more sense to build some of your<br />resume information into the content of your e-mail and send the resume at a later<br />date after you have established a contact.<br /><br />10. Depending on your profession and level of experience, you can also benefit from<br />contacting executive recruiters who specialize in your target location. If necessary,<br />revisit the information in Checklist 45 for ideas about how to make this strategy<br />work for you.<br /><br />11. Plan to visit the city, preferably around industry conferences and trade shows, so<br />that you can make as many contacts as possible in the shortest amount of time.<br />Also, take the initiative to set up informational or exploratory interviews while you<br />are in the city in order to become a familiar face.<br /><br />12. Stay in touch with your contacts. When you are far away, it is a little too easy for<br />them to forget you. It’s your job to make sure that you become memorable and keep<br />them motivated on your behalf.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-49894643864414676362007-11-16T10:33:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:35:42.942-08:00Finding the Right Counselor for YouIf you decide to explore the possibility of working with a career counselor, it is important<br />to choose someone whose style and values are compatible with your needs. There are a<br />number of ways to identify good counselors.<br /><br />1. Networking is usually one of the best methods. Talk to the people you know<br />(including the career services office at your school or alma mater) about any career<br />counselors who they know to be competent and reputable.<br /><br />2. Use the telephone and Internet Yellow Pages to identify career counselors in your<br />community.<br /><br />3. When you have a name (or preferably a few names) of career counselors, call the<br />counselors and interview them on the phone about their services.<br /><br />4. Ask about credentials. Although career counselors do not have to be licensed in<br />most states, it is in your best interest to inquire if a counselor has an advanced<br />degree in psychology or counseling as well as specific training and experience in<br />career and employment issues.<br /><br />5. If you prefer to work with a counselor who is licensed or certified, you can find a list<br />of those career counselors at the Web site of the National Board of Counselor<br />Certification (www.nbcc.org). Use their CounselorFind feature to search for certified<br />counselors by specialty and geographic location.<br /><br />6. Ask about areas of specialization and experience. Some counselors either specialize<br />in working with specific populations (for example, lawyers, doctors, or business<br />executives) or have extensive experience with certain industries or occupations.<br />Depending on your needs and situation, you may want to choose someone who is<br />knowledgeable in your particular field or profession.<br /><br />7. Counselors vary in regard to their use of testing instruments. If you are interested in<br />testing, make sure that you choose someone who is comfortable and knowledgeable<br />about these instruments and vice versa. You certainly wouldn’t want to choose a<br />counselor who relies heavily on testing if you prefer a counseling modality. Having<br />said that, keep in mind that there are many counselors who provide both testing and<br />counseling, depending on the specific needs of the client.<br /><br />8. Some career counselors make a clear distinction between career counseling and personal<br />counseling. Others, particularly those who are trained in psychology, recognize<br />that feelings and conflicts may surface during a job search or career transition<br />(fear of success, fear of failure, lack of support, and so on) and will work with you<br />to help resolve those issues. If you sense that you might want to delve a little deeper,<br />make sure that you choose a counselor who works psychologically.<br /><br />9. Ask the counselor to provide you with the names and numbers of people they have<br />worked with who can attest to their capabilities. Although some counselors may not<br />be able to provide the names of former clients (for confidentiality purposes), they<br />can and should refer you to professional colleagues who can attest to their capabilities.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-71297293381446928772007-11-16T10:32:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:33:16.465-08:00What Career Counselors DoHere is a list of services career counselors offer.<br /><br />1. Provide individual counseling for career choice, career development, and job search<br />concerns.<br />2. Conduct career workshops and job support groups.<br />3. Administer and interpret vocational tests.<br />4. Teach job hunting skills and strategies.<br />5. Write resumes and cover letters.<br />6. Provide support during transitions.<br />7. Help resolve emotional and psychological conflicts.<br />8. Aid clients in developing career plans.<br />9. Refer clients to outside resources.<br />10. Help clients improve career decision-making and interpersonal skills.<br />11. Coordinate services with other helping professionals (social workers, psychiatrists,<br />psychologists, and so on).UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-37556440673120216902007-11-16T10:29:00.001-08:002007-11-16T10:31:50.365-08:00Do You Need a Career Counselor?A career counselor is a job search coach who can help you develop a career plan and<br />implement a job search strategy. If any of the following situations apply to you, you might<br />want to consider working with a career counselor.<br /><br />1. I often get stuck in stressful and/or dead end jobs.<br />2. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.<br />3. I have trouble getting along with my bosses or co-workers.<br />4. I often get passed over for promotions.<br />5. My work bores me.<br />6. I don’t respect the people that I work for and with.<br />7. I feel like I’m not living up to my potential.<br />8. My work is meaningless.<br />9. I change jobs a lot, but the new job isn’t any better than the last one.<br />10. I have trouble setting or meeting goals.<br />11. I had bigger dreams for myself.<br />12. I often get fired or laid off.<br />13. I have a reputation as a troublemaker.<br />14. People take advantage of me at work.<br />15. I never get any credit for the work that I do.<br />16. I feel like I don’t have any skills.<br />17. It’s hard to get up and go to work in the morning.<br />18. I don’t know how to sell myself.<br />19. I feel like I don’t have anything to offer an employer.<br />20. I never get the salary that I deserve.<br />21. My resume is a disaster.<br />22. I don’t know what I want to do.<br />23. I don’t know how to look for a job.<br />24. I hate authority.<br />25. I can’t stand the people I work with.<br />26. I feel like an impostor at work.<br />27. I’m too much of a perfectionist.<br />28. My work doesn’t fit my personality.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-59084178342087407872007-11-16T10:27:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:29:06.477-08:00Job Search InsanityIt’s both easy and understandable to want to blame the job market for an extended bout<br />of unemployment, but you do yourself a disservice if you aren’t also willing to consider<br />that you are contributing to your dilemma. It’s easy to get frustrated with job hunting and<br />conduct your search in a stale, half-hearted manner. If you continue to do what you’ve<br />always done—network the same way, send out the same resume and cover letter, and use<br />the same group of contacts over and over again—without much success, it may be time to<br />change your approach.<br /><br />To evaluate what you need to change, answer the following questions:<br /><br />1. Which of your job search methods no longer seem to be working?<br />✔ Does your resume generate the kind of response you want?<br />✔ Do recruiters express interest in you and send you out to interview with prospective<br />employers?<br />✔ Do the people in your network continue to send you leads, or do you have the<br />sense that they’re avoiding you or don’t know how to help?<br />✔ Do the Web sites that you visit yield appropriate listings, or do you get the feel<br />ing that they don’t have the kind of position you’re looking for?<br /><br />As you approach the new work week, make a habit of reviewing this information<br />and make whatever changes are necessary to generate new leads, motivation, and<br />enthusiasm.<br /><br />2. Which job search strategies and techniques are working to your satisfaction?<br />Obviously, you don’t need to fix what isn’t broken—you just need to do more of<br />what is working. When you get the kind of responses and feedback that you’re looking<br />for, it empowers you to get and stay motivated and optimistic.<br /><br />3. Is there something new that you haven’t yet tried?<br /><br />✔ A new Web site?<br />✔ An electronic mailing list?<br />✔ A job club?<br />✔ A career counselor?<br />Instead of dismissing these novelty approaches a priori, why not give them a chance<br />to work for you? After all, you never know where your next job may come from.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-2514010264305289872007-11-16T10:17:00.000-08:002007-11-16T10:26:39.777-08:00Eight Ways to Manage the Reference ProcessLearning how to use your references properly is an important aspect of the entire job<br />search process. The following checklist will help get you thinking in the right direction.<br /><br />1. Never provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of your references on<br />your resume or employment applications. You always want to meet with prospective<br />employers first before providing them with any reference information.<br /><br />2. Do not bring a list of your references with you to job interviews and offer them to<br />the interviewer at the conclusion of an interview. After you interview for a position<br />that interests you, you need to give careful thought to the best person to offer as a<br />reference.<br /><br />3. Try not to lose track of former employers, supervisors, and colleagues. If you have<br />lost touch with some people, you may want to track them down early in your job<br />search process so that you can reconnect with them to jog their memories about you,<br />reestablish a connection, and give accurate reference information. If you haven’t<br />worked with your contact person in a while, give them a current copy of your<br />resume and an overview of your current career goals.<br /><br />4. Be creative about your reference choices. While direct supervisors are often useful<br />choices (assuming, of course, that you had a good relationship with that person),<br />other people can speak to different dimensions of your performance, including<br />clients/customers, suppliers/vendors, co-workers, and even subordinates.<br /><br />5. After you have interviewed for a position that interests you, contact your references<br />again to ask permission to provide them as a contact person and give them an<br />update on the position and the company that will be calling them. This information<br />will allow your references to tailor their comments. Also, be sure to verify contact<br />information, including telephone number, e-mail address, and best contact times.<br /><br />6. When preparing your list of references for potential employers, provide some background<br />details as to how you know each reference and the information they can<br />confirm, as well as their name, telephone number, e-mail and physical addresses,<br />and job title.<br /><br />7. Reference lists are professional documents. They should always be typed and professionally<br />formatted, preferably in a font and style that is consistent with your<br />resume. If you send this information via e-mail, send it as an attachment so that it<br />will look more professional.<br /><br />8. After you have received and accepted a job offer, send each of your references a<br />thank-you card to tell them about your success and express your appreciation to<br />them for their help.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-14736640933268312007-11-11T08:37:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:40:03.466-08:00Networking Strategies for SuccessHere are step-by-step instructions on using networking as a strategy in your job search.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Get your goal in focus.</span> Decide what you want to do and where you want to do<br />it. Use earlier checklists to identify key skills and potential employers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Prepare a contact list.</span> Include anyone who might have some information about<br />your field. Think broadly.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Contact your connections.</span> Meet with them to explain your goals, share your<br />resume, and ask for advice and for referrals to others who might be able to help.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Follow up.</span> Pursue any information, other contacts, and potential opportunities<br />you learn about from your contacts. Make sure that you keep in touch with them by<br />following up on leads and checking in for new information.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Say thank you.</span> Be sure to formally thank all the people with whom you meet.<br />Reciprocate by sharing information they might find useful.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6. Attend programs and events.</span> Participate in all networking programs and services<br />available through professional trade associations, alumni groups, and other<br />membership organizations.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-54143456558564301072007-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:37:06.958-08:00More Job Search Myths<span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #1: The help-wanted ads are the best way to find a job.</span><br /><br />False. Current statistics estimate that 60 percent of all new jobs are found through<br />either networking or the Internet.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #2: A headhunter will find me a job.</span><br /><br />Wrong again. Headhunters (or recruiters) work for the companies who pay them to<br />find the best candidates for a job. While a headhunter may help you find a job,<br />recruiters will always tell you that they work for the client companies who pay their<br />fees.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #3: The best place to send resumes is the human resources department.</span><br /><br />Also wrong. Human resources departments are usually in the business of screening<br />out candidates or collecting resumes to pass along to the hiring manager. The best<br />way to make contact with a potential employer is to go directly to the hiring manager<br />whenever possible.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #4: It’s who you know that matters most.</span><br /><br />Yes and no. While it is true that many jobs are filled through word of mouth and<br />referrals, what you know still matters as well. You can have the greatest connections<br />in the world, but if you don’t have the skills to back you up, you could still end up<br />on the wrong side of the employment equation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #5: There are no good jobs for people over 50.</span><br /><br />Wrong, wrong, wrong. Without denying the reality of age discrimination in the<br />workplace, it’s important to realize that there are many people over 50 who are still<br />able to land great new jobs. Before you leap to the ageism conclusion, make sure<br />that you have really honed your marketable skills and can sell potential employers<br />on your qualifications and experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #6: You’ll never get a good job without a college degree.</span><br /><br />Also false. While it definitely helps to have a college pedigree to your name, it’s<br />your job to persuade employers that your practical experience makes you the most<br />valuable candidate. Before you talk yourself into despair over your lack of an education,<br />make sure that you are doing your part to convince employers that you have<br />the smarts and skills to do the work they need done.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Myth #7: The more resumes you send out, the more likely it is that you will be successful </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">in your job search.</span><br /><br />Extremely doubtful. Most research indicates that targeted mailings are more effective<br />than mass mailings when it comes to generating job leads and offers. By taking<br />the time to do some quality research, target employers who can really use your experience,<br />and generate good referrals, you are more likely to advance your job search<br />cause in all of the right ways.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-41382651530694616022007-11-11T08:30:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:33:15.104-08:00Can an Employment AgencyFinding an employment agency that is both reputable and useful to you in your job<br />search requires some skill and persistence. Before you sign up for an agency’s services,<br />you need to ask some or all of the following questions:<br /><br />✔ Does the agency specialize in any specific industry or area?<br /><br />✔ What kinds of people do they prefer to work with?<br /><br />✔ Who pays their fee?<br /><br />✔ Does the job hunter need to sign an exclusive contract with them?<br /><br />✔ Do they provide resume writing assistance?<br /><br />✔ Do they coach candidates to be effective interviewees?<br /><br />✔ Do they have job orders that match your qualifications and experience?UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-78791394283840673662007-11-11T08:27:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:30:12.453-08:00The Recruiter ConnectionExecutive recruiters can provide valuable job search assistance to professionals and executives,<br />assuming you can find the right person for the job. Some of the things you need to<br />know to make this relationship work:<br /><br />1. Recruiters work for client companies rather than individuals, which means that you<br />can’t expect them to assume too much responsibility for your job search campaign.<br />However, they do have access to bona fide job listings and are also rich in contacts,<br />so it makes sense, whenever possible, to add a recruiter’s name to your network of<br />contacts.<br /><br />2. Networking is usually the best way to get connected to a recruiter. Ask your friends<br />and colleagues to recommend recruiters that they have worked with in the past. A<br />recommendation from someone who is currently one of the recruiter’s clients is akin<br />to a magic bullet. It usually hits its mark early and often.<br /><br />3. You can use The Directory of Executive Recruiters to identify recruiters who specialize<br />in your field, industry, or job function. Rather than blanketing the recruiter marketplace<br />with unsolicited resumes, selectively contact those people who work in your<br />target market.<br /><br />4. Some recruiters suggest that candidates telephone first before sending their resumes;<br />other prefer to see your resume first before having any telephone discussions. Given<br />the variation in their preferences, you’ll probably need to work by trial and error to<br />determine which approach is most effective for you.<br /><br />5. Offer the recruiter a quid pro quo. Pass along information, refer them to potential<br />client companies, and recommend other job hunters (who may be good candidates<br />for different positions) in order to motivate the recruiter to want to help you in<br />return.<br /><br />6. Follow up resumes with telephone calls. If possible, try to get the recruiter to meet<br />with you face-to-face as well. It’s always better to be able to distinguish yourself with<br />an in-person meeting.<br /><br />7. Don’t expect a recruiter to get you a job or get mad at them because haven’t sent<br />you out on enough interviews. They don’t owe you a job, and because you haven’t<br />paid them a fee, you aren’t entitled to any specific service. If they can help you, it’s<br />usually because they are working on an assignment for which you really are the best<br />candidate. And if they don’t help, more often than not it’s because they don’t think<br />that you’re the right candidate for the assignments that they are trying to fill. To<br />them, it’s not personal—it’s just business.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-20183907362371863552007-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:26:18.747-08:00Taking Advantage of Career FairsCareer fairs are an excellent place to meet new employers and interview for possible jobs.<br />But you need to do more than make 20 copies of your resume and have your business<br />suit cleaned and pressed. You also need a game plan.<br /><br />✔ Make sure that your resume is well-written and error-free. Generally speaking, you<br />will want to print out copies (rather than use photocopies) because the quality will<br />be better.<br /><br />✔ Read the career fair handout in advance to figure out which companies will be represented.<br />If possible, do some advance research on those companies so that you can<br />present yourself intelligently.<br /><br />✔ Focus on three to five companies that really interest you (rather than trying to cover<br />the universe of employers). Try to engage the recruiters in an intelligent conversation<br />about their company goals and priorities.<br /><br />✔ Prepare a 30-second “elevator speech” to use with recruiters. Basically, this is a<br />succinct introduction of who you are, what you know how to do, and why you are<br />interested in them.<br /><br />✔ When you give recruiters your resume, ask them what the next step in the process<br />will be. Also, get their business card so that you can follow up with them if, for<br />some reason, they neglect to follow up with you.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-5589956351700662582007-11-11T08:23:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:25:02.381-08:00Is Anybody Home?Many people are used to being “plugged in” 24/7. But when you communicate with<br />potential employers, you may want to think through your options carefully before deciding<br />what numbers to give out on your resume and cover letters.<br /><br />1. If you work a traditional 9-to-5 job, it may be most convenient for you to use your<br />office phone number as your primary contact (assuming that your employer doesn’t<br />monitor your calls and that you’ll have enough privacy to respond to a call from a<br />prospective employer).<br /><br />2. If it’s too risky for you to use your office phone, cell phones are another option. If<br />so, give some careful thought to how and when you normally use your cell phone,<br />because you certainly don’t want your seatmate on the train or the kid behind the<br />Starbucks counter listening to your phone calls with prospective employers.<br /><br />3. If you decide to use your home phone number as a primary contact, make sure that<br />your phone message sounds professional rather than cute or overly friendly. (I’m<br />still recovering from the woman who sang opera arias with her husband on their<br />answering machine.)<br /><br />4. If you share your home with other people (especially children), they will need to be<br />instructed to answer the phone courteously and to always take messages.<br /><br />5. E-mail offers another expedient way to communicate with employers. It is usually<br />prudent, for the sake of privacy, to use your personal e-mail account rather than an<br />office address.<br /><br />6. Take the time to create a new e-mail address that reflects your professionalism.<br />Potential employers don’t need to know about the sexual preferences, drinking<br />habits, or favorite hobbies that are often reflected in personal e-mail addresses.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1941322565239180106.post-76626006824718168642007-11-11T08:21:00.000-08:002007-11-11T08:23:22.223-08:00Help WantedSooner or later, almost every job hunter turns to the want ads hoping for an easy way to<br />find the job of their dreams. Knowing how and when to use advertised listings is an<br />important part of your job search.<br /><br />1. Identify the newspapers, magazines, and trade publications that are most likely to<br />advertise the kinds of positions that you are looking for.<br /><br />2. Read the entire classified section from two or three past issues to get a feeling for<br />how the information is organized.<br /><br />3. Make a list of the job titles and section headings that are most appropriate for you<br />and make sure that you check those job titles and section headings each and every<br />time you read the ads.<br /><br />4. Cut out or make copies of the ads that you want to respond to.<br /><br />5. Review the ad carefully before responding. What qualifications are required? What<br />are your greatest strengths and selling points? How do they prefer to receive<br />responses? Remember to take your lead from their cues—if they say “No phone<br />calls!”, that means no phone calls.<br /><br />6. If the ad requests that candidates send resumes, write a strong cover letter to send<br />along with your resume. In your letter, stick as closely as you can to the language<br />and information that is highlighted in the ad.<br /><br />7. Make sure that you include an address, telephone number, and e-mail address<br />where you can be reached.<br /><br />8. If you haven’t heard back from the employer after one week, follow up your letter<br />and resume with a telephone call. In that conversation, confirm that your resume<br />has been received, discuss your qualifications, and request an interview. FYI: Some<br />employment experts estimate that follow-up phone calls increase the likelihood of<br />getting an interview by 25 percent or more.UltraJobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16012257627387210374noreply@blogger.com0