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.
Energize your job search with Jobvertise. Contact us to post your resume free, receive job alerts, and get your free resume web page.
Friday, April 18, 2014
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.
Jobvertise is the world’s largest free job and resume database. Contact us to access more than 250,000 jobs in the US, Canada and worldwide with thousands of new jobs added each week.
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.
Jobvertise is the world’s largest free job and resume database. Contact us to access more than 250,000 jobs in the US, Canada and worldwide with thousands of new jobs added each week.
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.
Search more than 250,000 jobs worldwide for free at Jobvertise. Contact us. We are the largest free job and resume database.
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.
Search more than 250,000 jobs worldwide for free at Jobvertise. Contact us. We are the largest free job and resume database.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Search Jobs Free and Feature your Resume
There are many methods of job hunting that cost little or nothing like being able to search jobs free online. However, it may be worth the investment to pay for premium tools such as being able to feature your resume. The extra visibility can help you to land a position faster and get a better job.
When you consider using any premium service online, there are many important factors to consider.
These tactics are important because there is stiff competition for jobs online. You may be competing with more than a million other jobseekers.
You have probably heard about the advantages of responding to an advertised opening quickly. When employers have to sort through hundreds or thousands of applications, they are likely to cut the process off after they identify a certain manageable number of qualified applicants.
The same phenomenon is true online, and it is even more intense. If you are looking for work in a crowded field, your resume may sometimes be overlooked unless it is seen quickly.
Jobvertise is free to jobseekers because we generate our revenue through advertising and premium services such as Featuring your Resume. Contact us to search jobs and post your resume free, or to learn more about our additional services.
When you consider using any premium service online, there are many important factors to consider.
- Use a secure method of payment like your credit card or PayPal. Check the published statistics on the amount of traffic on the site to see how many employers are likely to see your enhanced resume.
- Review all your options for pricing and terms. If you believe that your job search may last several months or more, you can often find a discounted price on longer plans.
- Featuring a resume generally means that you will appear at the top of the search results. In addition, your resume may appear in bold or otherwise be formatted to help it attract more attention.
These tactics are important because there is stiff competition for jobs online. You may be competing with more than a million other jobseekers.
You have probably heard about the advantages of responding to an advertised opening quickly. When employers have to sort through hundreds or thousands of applications, they are likely to cut the process off after they identify a certain manageable number of qualified applicants.
The same phenomenon is true online, and it is even more intense. If you are looking for work in a crowded field, your resume may sometimes be overlooked unless it is seen quickly.
Jobvertise is free to jobseekers because we generate our revenue through advertising and premium services such as Featuring your Resume. Contact us to search jobs and post your resume free, or to learn more about our additional services.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Need to Find a job? Overcoming the Negative Stigma Associated with Tattoos
With the number of applicants at an all-time high, employers these days are being extremely picky as to whom they hire. If you have tattoos, finding a job can be even more difficult due to the negative stigma associated with them. Here are some tips to help you find a job that will increase your odds of being hired despite having visible tattoos.
Cover it up
Perhaps the best thing you can do during an interview is to cover your tattoo up. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. If it’s not possible to cover it with clothing, consider wearing makeup to hide it instead. When doing so, be advised that this might be something you would need to continue even after you are hired if the tattoo is especially offensive or overly distracting.
Dress Conservatively
This should be obvious during any job interview, but it’s especially important whenever you have a tattoo that cannot be covered. A clean cut hairstyle, professional clothing and limited number of piercings will help soften your image a bit, and this is important because many employers view tattoos as a sign of rebellion.
Be ready to explain
You may need to give an explanation for your tattoo, so be sure to have an answer ready. What your potential employer does not want to hear is that you got your tattoo while you were intoxicated or as part of a dare. Accept responsibility for your decision, and if it was a bad one, then say so. Even if you don’t regret getting the tattoo, the fact that you have a reasonable explanation for it shows you do put at least some thought into the decisions you make.
Focus on your qualifications
Rather than dwelling on your tattoo, aim to impress your employer with your skills and knowledge instead. He or she could just be so impressed that you’ll be offered the job despite the fact that you sport a little body art.
Most hiring managers advise against mentioning tattoos unless the interviewer brings the subject up first. Should the topic arise, handling the matter in a dignified manner can go a long way toward undoing any negative vibes an employer might have. Contact us for even more helpful job hunting tips.
Cover it up
Perhaps the best thing you can do during an interview is to cover your tattoo up. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, so it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. If it’s not possible to cover it with clothing, consider wearing makeup to hide it instead. When doing so, be advised that this might be something you would need to continue even after you are hired if the tattoo is especially offensive or overly distracting.
Dress Conservatively
This should be obvious during any job interview, but it’s especially important whenever you have a tattoo that cannot be covered. A clean cut hairstyle, professional clothing and limited number of piercings will help soften your image a bit, and this is important because many employers view tattoos as a sign of rebellion.
Be ready to explain
You may need to give an explanation for your tattoo, so be sure to have an answer ready. What your potential employer does not want to hear is that you got your tattoo while you were intoxicated or as part of a dare. Accept responsibility for your decision, and if it was a bad one, then say so. Even if you don’t regret getting the tattoo, the fact that you have a reasonable explanation for it shows you do put at least some thought into the decisions you make.
Focus on your qualifications
Rather than dwelling on your tattoo, aim to impress your employer with your skills and knowledge instead. He or she could just be so impressed that you’ll be offered the job despite the fact that you sport a little body art.
Most hiring managers advise against mentioning tattoos unless the interviewer brings the subject up first. Should the topic arise, handling the matter in a dignified manner can go a long way toward undoing any negative vibes an employer might have. Contact us for even more helpful job hunting tips.
Friday, March 14, 2014
Discover Work Opportunties at Job Fairs
Career fairs, also called job fairs, are an excellent way to find jobs. Companies come to you to find employment and you go to them in hopes that you're the candidate of choice. You spend one day to attend a place where companies gather together to fill a void in their company. Take advantage of work opportunities provided in one location. You'll never know where it may take you.
Job fairs bring a first impression like no resume can. There's nothing like interacting with company representatives face-to-face and getting a feel for the company. The same is said of companies attending. Seeing the person with the resume or application in hand is better than just reading the resume/application. Some companies will conduct interviews on the spot. Polish your interview skills and dress appropriately. Be sure to ask questions. Employers like answering questions because it shows that you listen, you're proactive and you're thoughtful. However, don't ask questions that are answered on the website or about money/benefits. This hurts your first impression.
You don't want to end up in disappointment, so do your homework prior to attending. Read up on each company attending to see what the company is about, what jobs are open and if the application can be filled out online. Not all businesses are companies; some are non-profits, some are colleges and some are government agencies. Still it's important to research as some companies will have what you're after. Only go to a job fair if the application isn't online; you can fill those out at home. If it's in PDF or Word form fill it out and hand it to them at the fair. Otherwise polish those resumes. Tweak it to match the job. If one job consists of clerical and the other is marketing make two resumes for those industries. Have plenty to hand out. The goal isn't to meet with every company at the fair. The goal is to chat with companies that match your interests.
Job fairs are a great way to gain job opportunities, network and meet new people. As long as you perform due diligence it will be time well spent. Contact us for more information.
Job fairs bring a first impression like no resume can. There's nothing like interacting with company representatives face-to-face and getting a feel for the company. The same is said of companies attending. Seeing the person with the resume or application in hand is better than just reading the resume/application. Some companies will conduct interviews on the spot. Polish your interview skills and dress appropriately. Be sure to ask questions. Employers like answering questions because it shows that you listen, you're proactive and you're thoughtful. However, don't ask questions that are answered on the website or about money/benefits. This hurts your first impression.
You don't want to end up in disappointment, so do your homework prior to attending. Read up on each company attending to see what the company is about, what jobs are open and if the application can be filled out online. Not all businesses are companies; some are non-profits, some are colleges and some are government agencies. Still it's important to research as some companies will have what you're after. Only go to a job fair if the application isn't online; you can fill those out at home. If it's in PDF or Word form fill it out and hand it to them at the fair. Otherwise polish those resumes. Tweak it to match the job. If one job consists of clerical and the other is marketing make two resumes for those industries. Have plenty to hand out. The goal isn't to meet with every company at the fair. The goal is to chat with companies that match your interests.
Job fairs are a great way to gain job opportunities, network and meet new people. As long as you perform due diligence it will be time well spent. Contact us for more information.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Search for Work-at-Home Job Listings
Getting up in the morning, searching for job listings online, and applying in person to businesses is only half the battle. Job seekers must continue to find ways to seek employment. Volunteer work, internships, apprenticeships, part-time work, full-time work, networking and temp work staffing agencies are some of those ways. Another trick to add to your sleeve is work-at-home jobs. Work-at-home jobs are jobs that are completed at home using a computer and/or some equipment like a phone and a headset. The pay is decent and it will bring some income to the household.
Looking for work-at-home jobs is work. It's not going to come at your front door. In fact it's harder to find a legit work-at-home opportunity than a job because there are so many scammers. Type in a career and the words "work-at-home" for results. Companies will also hire people directly just for work at home jobs. Another option is to go to job websites and look for your career followed by one of these three words "work-at-home," "freelance" and "telecommute." Tons will pop up; you'll have to weed out the scammers from the legit jobs. It won't be easy. Some will be obvious (upfront payment, the runaround to collect payment, etc) while others are hard to pinpoint. In that case you will have to work for them (trial and error) until cashing in your first payment to see if they are scammers. What job seekers must do is research. Research the company, read online reviews and trust your instincts. Payment methods should be clear as glass; commission based, hourly, lump sum, part-time or salary.
When you're ready to apply, go for it. Follow their instructions. Some companies will want samples of your work; others want a resume and cover letter. Keep track of where you applied. Depending on the company and industry you will either get a response saying you got the job or be selected for an interview. Interviewees need to be prepared. Some interviews are in person or on the phone while others are online using Skype, instant messaging, email or an online interview system.
Be prepared to be flexible and patient in the work-at-home business. Unless you work for a company that hires work-at-home employees, you are better off working for more than one company to make a decent living. Combine a few part-time work jobs or work freelance for a better chance of finding legit work. Patience is required because the majority of the time is spent weeding through scams. Here are the main jobs that have work-at-home opportunities.
Looking for work-at-home jobs is work. It's not going to come at your front door. In fact it's harder to find a legit work-at-home opportunity than a job because there are so many scammers. Type in a career and the words "work-at-home" for results. Companies will also hire people directly just for work at home jobs. Another option is to go to job websites and look for your career followed by one of these three words "work-at-home," "freelance" and "telecommute." Tons will pop up; you'll have to weed out the scammers from the legit jobs. It won't be easy. Some will be obvious (upfront payment, the runaround to collect payment, etc) while others are hard to pinpoint. In that case you will have to work for them (trial and error) until cashing in your first payment to see if they are scammers. What job seekers must do is research. Research the company, read online reviews and trust your instincts. Payment methods should be clear as glass; commission based, hourly, lump sum, part-time or salary.
When you're ready to apply, go for it. Follow their instructions. Some companies will want samples of your work; others want a resume and cover letter. Keep track of where you applied. Depending on the company and industry you will either get a response saying you got the job or be selected for an interview. Interviewees need to be prepared. Some interviews are in person or on the phone while others are online using Skype, instant messaging, email or an online interview system.
Be prepared to be flexible and patient in the work-at-home business. Unless you work for a company that hires work-at-home employees, you are better off working for more than one company to make a decent living. Combine a few part-time work jobs or work freelance for a better chance of finding legit work. Patience is required because the majority of the time is spent weeding through scams. Here are the main jobs that have work-at-home opportunities.
- virtual assistant
- call center rep
- tech support
- medical transcriptionist
- online tutor
- writer
- editor
- translator
- web designer
- computer programmer
- teacher
- travel agent
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