Friday, June 27, 2014

5 Minute Guide to Finding a Job Coach You Can Trust for Exploring Work Opportunities

If you are exploring work opportunities, you may be wondering if it is worth the expense to consult with a job coach. There are many qualified professionals who will give you an excellent return on your investment. Unfortunately, there are also situations where you could be deeply disappointed. These are a few suggestions for playing it safe.

Choose your coach carefully. Research any history of complaints. Contact the Better Business Bureau and any relevant licensing agencies. Check for online reviews at places like Yelp. Read the testimonials on their website as well as conducting a reference check of your own. A coach should be willing to provide the names of a few happy clients with backgrounds similar to your own. Of course, personal referrals may be the best leads of all so check with family and friends.

Assess the initial interview. Try to get a sense of the criteria they are using in their screening process. You want someone who is looking for clients they can assist effectively rather than anyone who will pay their fees. Listen for people who describe realistic results rather than making excessive promises. They should be candid about how much work you will need to do. If the cost is prohibitive, ask about the possibility of a group rate if they can work on that basis.

Give their recommendations a chance. Of course, you will only get out of a coaching process as much as you are willing to put in. It is ironic that people often pay for services and then continue to stick with their old habits. Give the suggestions you get from your coach a fair trial.

You spend much of your life at work so use every resource you can to find the right job for you. Contact us to post your resume free and search thousands of new jobs each week.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Network with Other Job Seekers While You Search Jobs Free

The ability to search jobs free online is a great asset, but you may be neglecting an important part of your network if you’re not connecting with other job seekers. Look at all the ways you can support each other so that everyone can find a better quality job in less time.

Informational support. You may have already experienced the trend towards interviewing people in groups or scheduling them so closely that you bump into each other in the waiting room. Turn the potential awkwardness to your advantage by introducing yourself. If people seem open, chat about your backgrounds. Volunteer to keep an eye out for the kind of positions they are searching for and exchange contact information.While you’re searching online, take note of other positions you come across. They may be just the thing that someone else is looking for even if they are not a match for you.

Emotional support. It can be difficult for family and friends to understand the psychological toll of unemployment. They might not understand how you spend your time, especially if they have held the same job for years. Share your compassion with someone going through the same struggle as you.

Social support. You are bound to make a better impression and get more job offers if you appear upbeat. Make new friends who have free time during office hours and would appreciate some no cost fun.
If you are nervous about attending networking events alone, use the buddy system. You can shore up each other’s confidence and use your time more productively. You look more approachable when you are already engaging in conversation. You will also have someone to critique the event with afterwards.
Employers, recruiters and job seekers can all connect with each other on Jobvertise. Contact us for the world’s largest free job and resume database.

Friday, June 13, 2014

5 Modern Rules to Search Jobs Long Distance

When you search jobs long distance, you expand your opportunities. Unfortunately, you’re also likely to run into more obstacles. Improve your odds by taking a more strategic approach with these 5 steps.

Be realistic. The job market is still highly competitive so long distance candidates start off at a disadvantage. Employers typically think you will not be as convenient as prospects close to home because you cannot drop by for a last minute interview or start immediately. You’ll need patience and support to see you through.

Appear local. You do not want to start the relationship off by being less than truthful, but you can spin the facts to put yourself in the best possible light. Use your cover letter and other materials to stress that you are already moving to the area or want to do so. Leave your address off your resume and use a cell phone with a local area code.

Budget carefully. Companies may decline to pay your travel expenses for interviews, but there is no harm in asking tactfully. If you have to cover the bills yourself, they may be tax deductible in some circumstances.

Suggest Skype: Propose an interview by Skype. Video interviews give you a fuller picture than a phone call alone. You may still want to meet in person before accepting an offer, but you will be in less danger of wasting your money on a dead end.

Schedule other business: With adequate research, you can get more out of any trip to any location. Check out the regional chapter of your professional association. Read the hometown newspaper and call the chamber of commerce. Book an appointment with a local search firm or visit the career center at the closest university.

Looking for a job far from home can be challenging. Contact us for free information and assistance including access to more than 250,000 jobs in the U.S., Canada and worldwide.

Friday, June 6, 2014

How to Apply your Military Experience to Civilian Job Postings

Your military experience can be a valuable asset when you are looking through civilian job listings. Learn how to make a successful transition from military service to civilian work life.

Preparation. Rest assured that many of your skills and accomplishments can be transferred to a variety of nonmilitary workplaces. In fact, it is likely that your background will be so broad that you will need to make a deliberate effort to narrow your focus to fit specific positions.
Of course, researching online job openings can help you become familiar with common job titles and descriptions. You will also want to extend your network to get to know people in the fields that interest you.

Resume Writing. Make sure you translate military terms into wording that your potential employers can understand. That means referring to people as executives rather than officers and describing your responsibilities as logistics rather than G-4. Try to eliminate specialized acronyms or spell them out if you must use them.

You may also need to shorten your resume so that you have a 1 to 2 page version ready. Look for irrelevant awards and training that you can omit.
If your past budget and staff responsibilities were much larger than the openings you’re now looking at, it would be wise to adapt your approach. Show that you can be content and effective working on a smaller scale.

Transition Assistance. Take advantage of programs that seek to reward you for your service. If you are interested in a career that requires further education, check out veteran scholarships from the government, universities and other sources.

Consult with your military transition office. For example, you and your family may be eligible for assistance from The Army Career and Alumni Program (ACAP). That can include counseling, workshops and other services.

Start your civilian job search at Jobvertise. Contact us to learn more about the world’s largest free job and resume database.