Friday, April 25, 2014

Keep a Record of Already-Applied Job Openings

We are always looking for new job opportunities.  The way we start searching for work needs to change.  Many people start placing applications everywhere.  If a company representative calls for a job interview the last thing you want to say is "what did I apply for?"  Being organized during the job hunt will keep us on our toes.  Technology is making it easy to stay systemized.  Keep a record of every job we go after.

Another reason why recording job openings is vital is prevention.  We have a habit of sending resumes through social media, email, fax and company websites that we forget where we applied to.  This forgetfulness will have us applying to the same job more than once.  Applying to the same job more than once is a bad idea.  The company is aware of you; if they weren't interested in you the first time, the second, third and fourth time will not change their mind.  The company also gets the impression that you are desperate.

Our minds isn't going to remember everything, so record as much information about the job as possible.  List company name, address, contact information, job listings, job description, how you applied to job opening, if you get an interview and additional notes of importance.
Now, onto the record-keeping:
  1. Create a chart manually.  Use word processing or spreadsheet software to manually create a job seeker chart.  Include the information above as headers.  Fill it out and save it.  Save it to your computer or mobile phone.  Create a backup copy on flash drives, cloud software or email it to yourself.  An option is to print out a hard copy of the information.  You can store them in dividers, manila folders, envelopes or other filing accessory. 
  2. Create a profile on job sites.  In addition to searching for jobs on their website, you can create a profile too.  The profile will keep up with the jobs so you don't have to.  Apply for jobs using the provided information and retrieve the information when a job interview arises.  Monster, CareerBuilder, Dice and SimplyHired are examples of this. 
  3. Pay for job seeker web software.  If you're willing to pay some cash for coordination, you can find websites that will keep you organized.  Fill out information using their website and it does the rest.  It keep track of contacts, keep information categorized and offer many features to play with.
We all need work.  We have bills to pay, food to buy and people to take care of.  If we remain organized (no matter how disorganized our brains are) we will be one step closer to finding employment.  Contact us for more information.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Study Says Nonconformity May Help When You Reply to Job Listings

What do red sneakers have to do with responding to job listings? A recent study suggests that nonconformity can help your job search but only under very specific conditions.

To test out the premise that dressing down could increase social status, researchers did a number of experiments. In one scenario, a woman posed as a consultant at a seminar at Harvard Business School. When she wore red sneakers, the corporate executives she was instructing assumed she charged higher fees and had more prestigious clients.

The conclusion was that violating the dress code or other norms may give you an edge as long as people believe you already have enough clout to break the rules, you’re in a situation where there are clear rules, and your conduct is seen as deliberate.

Even if you’re going to keep wearing your best suit to your next interview, there are other ways to make a little individualism work for you:

Divulge some personal information. Regard small talk as an important part of the process. In a crowded field of applicants, employers will be more likely to remember you if you mention something distinctive. It’s even better if the details are designed to illustrate qualities important for the position.

Brag gracefully. In most settings, you probably feel conditioned to avoid crowing about your accomplishments. When you have limited time at a job interview, you need to be able to talk about your strengths directly and comfortably. Rehearse until you get it down right.

Accessorize tastefully. As this study shows, appearances matter. Invest in a signature piece that makes you feel like a winner. It could be flattering eyeglass frames or a vintage brooch.
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Saturday, April 12, 2014

Fight the 3 Types of Burnout That Get in the Way When You Try to Find a Job

It takes hard work to find a job so you have to sweep any feelings of burnout out of your way. Psychologists have identified at least 3 forms of inertia that could hold you back from finding and thriving in a new position.

In a study of university workers, researchers saw the potential to use targeted solutions to help people overcome habits that undermine their careers. See where you may fit in:

Overload subtype: Maybe you are the type who pushes yourself to exhaustion. You apply for hundreds of jobs a month, network relentlessly, and neglect other areas of your life. These same qualities may also make you prone to complaining and building up resentments. Try building more down time into your schedule. Exercise regularly and find ways to relax like meditating or taking a walk. Reach out to people who can provide encouragement and moral support.

Boredom subtype: On the other hand, you may be tired of rejection letters. Now you are spending more time playing video games than looking for work. Fight growing cynicism by doing volunteer work and remembering the things you are grateful for. Set new goals like sending out 3 applications a week and give yourself a reward for completing tasks.

Worn-out subtype: If you have clear goals but struggle to stay motivated, you may need additional techniques for dealing with stress. Identify the major barriers in your job hunt and how you can deal with them. Try to think more flexibly.

Whether you’re feeling down because your job search is stuck or you’re currently in a position that leaves you feeling drained by the time you get home, don’t let burnout stand between you and your next opportunity.

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Friday, April 4, 2014

Evaluate Work Opportunities by Asking Your Interviewer This One Question

When you search for jobs online, you need to gather information to be able to evaluate the work opportunities that you find. Consider one of the most important questions you can ask your next boss or anyone who is interviewing you. You will learn volumes about the company culture and what they really value.

Of course, you probably go to a job interview with a written list of prepared questions. It is an important part of showing that you come prepared and finding out more about where you may be working next.

The problem is that every company is likely to say pretty much the same thing regardless of how they operate. Instead of asking if they appreciate teamwork and initiative, try to get more specific. Ask them to identify who they consider a star employee and why.

There are several advantages to this approach. If you get hired, you will know who to watch and emulate. While you are a unique individual, you can always look for ways to learn from another person and adapt their style to suit your personal strengths and skills.

It is also revealing to see how much enthusiasm goes into the description. If your potential supervisor seems hesitant to say anything favorable about the employees they already work with, that could be a cause for concern. Maybe they are largely focused on themselves and will not be very available to you. Maybe there are serious conflicts and divisions already in place.

On the other hand, if you hear a generous and insightful round of praise, you may feel reassured. It is a good sign that employees receive appropriate recognition for their efforts and that you may get the same treatment.

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