|
Be tougher than the recession
By John Davis, RN
SPARKS, NV -- The current recession has hurt a lot of workers and their families, and many analysts predict things may get worse in the near term prior to any recovery. Job losses are high, with many sectors of the economy laying off employees. Times are tough, but that is NOT the signal to just roll over and die. You need to develop a tough mindset. Hey, you were here before this recession, and you'll be around when it is gone.
The trick is to never quit. If you were just laid off from a job (or facing an upcoming layoff) develop or update your resume. Get in touch with friends and associates and network like mad. Have a set of "interview clothes" always ready. Be willing to work outside your regular profession. If you have any kind of degree, chances are you could be a substitute teacher. Health care jobs are probably as close to recession-proof as any line of work can possibly be. Working as a nurse's aide is hard and mostly thankless, but the world will always need caregivers, and it provides a steady paycheck.
Make a personal inventory of your strengths and skills. Chances are, you know how to do a lot of things, if given the chance. Look for every opportunity, and when you don't see one, find a way to CREATE one. Without a doubt, the current recession is tough. Be tougher!
Laid off? Try a new approach to your job search
Staff Writer, The Career News
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA -- There's nothing easy about job searching. What's frustrating for many job seekers is a disappointing response rate. However, it's important to note that a job search is a numbers game. For example: If you get your resume in front of 1000 employers, you should get 10-50 quality responses leading up to 5 interviews. If you don't pay attention to 'how' you are sending your resumes, your actions might only serve to put your resume in a pile with hundreds of others.
Consider a more focused approach to your job search. A search that increases the number and quality of responses by using a targeted list of industries and decision makers who are looking for people with your skills. This new type of search also employs an affordable delivery system that ensures your resume will be seen by the right person.
We recommend using a service called JobsByFax. This service is simple to use and an affordable way to ensure a more focused and satisfying job search. You'll have instant access to information on thousands of companies and their decision makers. JobsByFax combines quality and quantity by faxing your resume to potential hiring managers. In fact, it's been statistically proven that sending 1000 resumes using JobsByFax can yield from 10 to 50 quality responses. Take control of your job search by going to JobsByFax.
How to jump start your job search
Abridged: WWLP-TV
SPRINGFIELD, MA -- There are ways to improve your chances of getting hired in a tough job economy. One way is to take advantage of local resources like career centers, and job networking groups. Career Centers can help you organize your job search efforts, restructure your resume and cover letter, and improve your interview technique.
Also, think about how you can improve your skill set. Computer skills and knowledge of software are often requirements of many jobs. Learning programs like Word, Excel, and understanding how to navigate the internet can set you apart from the pack. Online networking sites are also excellent resources for uncovering job leads. There are many career and business focused social networking sites that can assist you in your job search and help you post your resume.
Finally, don't underestimate your job history and experience. It's easy to overlook everyday natural skills and qualities that are valuable to employers. Make sure your resume lists all of your accomplishments and unique skills.
Job seekers network for motivation, hope
Abridged: Charlotte Observer
CHICAGO, IL -- As unemployment rates rise, local professionals get together to share leads, tips and support. Experts and networking group leaders offer this advice for job seekers: The bigger your network is, the better. Let family members, friends, friends of friends and strangers know you're looking for work. Try to visit a variety of networking groups - some close to home, others far away.
Come up with a branding statement, a quick line about why someone should hire you. Carry a resume with you at all times. Get business networking cards, easily found online at little to no cost. They should include your name, e-mail address, phone number and relevant skills or a branding statement.
With unemployment rates reaching highs not seen in decades, career experts say networking has become more important than ever. New networking and support groups are springing up, and old ones are seeing new life. Employment experts estimate that more than 70% of jobs are found through personal contacts, such as those found at networking groups. Job seekers who participate in these groups say the networks offer leads, tips, motivation and, most importantly, hope in tough times.
Networking business cards--free for job seekers
Staff Writer, The Career News
BOSTON, MA -- Up to 80% of job seekers today find their jobs through networking. That's because it works. Some great places to network are Alumni Events, Job Fairs and Professional Industry Association functions. No matter where you go though, employed or not, you must always carry a fresh supply of business cards to hand out when the time is right.
There's nothing worse than making a great contact, searching for a pen and writing your number on a napkin - that they're sure to lose. Personal business cards project an image of professionalism and leave a lasting impression.
Complimentary for The Career News Subscribers: Get 250-free-premium quality, full color business cards, an $85 value (there is however a very small shipping and handling fee). Using pre-designed online templates, you can create professional, attractive business cards in seconds. Instantly preview the cards online before submitting your order. To get your complimentary business cards, follow this link.
Fresh insights for job seekers in 2009
Abridged: The Examiner
DENVER, CO -- In today's job market, recruiters have so many candidates available, and so many applicants applying, that opportunities disappear before job seekers even get a chance to apply. Recruiters find themselves stating they are not taking any more resumes and apologizing that a position was still online, even a mere 48 hours after posting it . It appears that the window of opportunity for cattle call job sites is even shorter.
Employers, who aren't living in a job seeker's daily reality, vastly underestimate the response they'll receive. They're quickly overwhelmed, effectively trampled in the job hunter's version of the Running of the Bulls. Let's face it, the odds are pretty good that there will be at least one reasonable job candidate in the first fifty resumes received. Fifty applications is a conservative number. One hiring manager stated that they had received over 65 applications and were interviewing only five. This was a job that wasn't advertised anywhere but on the company's website.
It's getting tougher for job seekers trying to beat their online job competition to land an interview. Most have better things to do than to hit refresh on Craigslist all day like it's a Blackhawk slot machine. This is why focusing some of your time at networking events is increasingly more important! Continue to stay up to date in your industry and follow the trends. Update your skills and consider taking online courses to make yourself more marketable. You may even try taking a class on effective business plan writing. That way if no one will hire you, you can consider running your own business and hire yourself!
Get the job first, before your competition
Staff Writer, The Career News
LOS ANGELES, CA -- To land a job over the competition, you have to work smarter. The hard part is to get your resume into the hands of the hiring manager first! Good jobs aren't on the market very long. To succeed your resume has to be available to the employer the moment they decide to fill a position.
One easy way to be found by employers who are looking to hire someone with your skills, is to post your resume on all the top career websites. As soon as an employer needs someone, this is the first place they look. It's a proven, documented method of successful job searching. While it may take a fair amount of time to find and fill out the forms of all these websites, you will definitely multiply your chances of landing a job.
If you want all the benefits without all the work, you can let a service like Resume Rabbit do it for you. You fill out one simple form and they'll instantly post your resume on up to 85 career websites like Monster, Job.com, CareerBuilder, Net-Temps, Dice and more. Then you'll be seen by over 1.5 million employers & recruiters daily. It takes only 5 minutes to complete, and saves you 60 hours of research and data entry. Give Resume Rabbit a try today!
Use Twitter for your job search
Abridged: Keppie Careers
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Twitter is a great tool to leverage for your job hunt. You can tweet yourself to a job opportunity 140 characters at a time! It's a great way to stay on top of industry news and trends too. Statistics show that job search networking is much more effective when you make "loose" connections - touching base with people beyond your immediate circle whose networks and contacts are much different from your own. With over 3 million users, Twitter offers an unparalleled opportunity to create an extended network. Not convinced? Read on ...
Twitter can afford you access to other professionals in your field. When you follow industry leaders, you'll know who spends time with them, what conferences they attend, and what they're reading. This is great information to leverage for your job search. Twitter provides exposure and credibility as well as personal and professional relationships when you connect to others in your industry. It's a venue to demonstrate your expertise and share information.
You'll find an array of people on Twitter, including CEOs, top-level executives, hiring managers, recruiters and everyone in-between! It's casual and immediate and a great place to meet informally. You'll be surprised to find that stars in your field (mentors) may follow you if you reach out to them!
How to receive complimentary trade magazines
Staff Writer, The Career News
LOS GATOS, CA -- To help you stay current on the latest trends and opportunities in your industry, The Career News has arranged for its readers to instantly subscribe online to practically every leading industry and business publication. Select from a huge selection of magazines -- and subscribe to them, using a quick online sign up form. No games and no payment needed.
You might be wondering how these magazines can be sent to you with no subscription fee? It's simple really. The publisher gives you the subscription gratis because they need qualified subscribers in order to sell advertising. In essence, your subscription is paid for by the advertisers. It really does make business sense once you understand it.
To qualify for a subscription, you simply fill out a short online survey to verify that you have been professionally involved in some aspect of the industry the magazine discusses. And Presto! Great monthly magazines in your postal mail box and you're never billed for them. So sign up now for your complimentary trade magazines. |
