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By Michael A
When you’re looking for a new job you need all the help you can get. If you happen to be laid off you may be offered outsourcing assistance along with your severance package. If you weren’t, or if your looking for a new position for other reasons, there are many resources available to help you in your quest. Too many people attempt to go it alone. It’s never a good idea, especially when the economy is in a slump and jobs are few and far between. Outsourcing can be costly but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few online resources I’ve collected which may be all you need!
http://www.resume-help.org
This awesome site is invaluable! You will find tips, examples, cover letters, a compilation of resume writing services to assist in the hunt, and help in landing the right job. In addition, there is a bank of articles with topics ranging from knowing if working from home is right for you to when to know if temping between jobs is a good idea and preparing for a layoff.
http://www.job-hunt.org
This site is equally helpful in your job search, especially if you haven’t looked for a job online recently! You can download free E-books, get advice from experts, select from a long list of blogs with valuable opinions and advice, direct links to industry specific job posts and location specific postings. There are articles relating to the over 50 demographic in the job market, and, how to safely use the web in your search. Finally, there are links to local job search support groups to assist in the hunt. That should pretty much cover all the bases!
http://www.layoffsurvivalguide.com
To be honest, this site is intended to promote an E-book which is available for a fee. The site offers a lot of information for free though which is why I’m including it as a valuable free online helper. Whether you decide to purchase the book or not (and to be fair, I haven’t read it) the site has a lot of great suggestions for coping with a layoff. A layoff can be a very emotionally challenging time and you may need some help dealing with those feelings. It can also be ongoing for an extended duration so having resources available to validate your feelings, help you share your situation with your friends and family and get your feet back on the ground is a good idea.
In addition to these online resources, select trusted resources from your network to review your resume for professionalism, accuracy and style. It’s always important to have a second set of eyes and as we’ve mentioned many times, you never know what your network knows! Many opportunities come out of personal and business contacts. They are a reference waiting to happen and they extend your network exponentially. Happy hunting!
By Michael A
 What do you do when an employer asks you to do something you are uncomfortable with? It happens all the time; whether it’s something seemingly simple such as a project that doesn’t fall within your job description to something serious that possibly pushes you beyond your moral comfort level. How do you know when to say no? Sometimes you walk a fine line in determining when to say no and when to accept responsibility that may or may not be comfortable for you.
Remember that times are tough and if you are asked to assume more responsibility than you may be excited to take on, it may be in your best interest to do so. Everyone has times in their career when things are uncomfortable or dissatisfying. Sometimes working through them is the best option. You may find that your supervisor recognizes your additional effort and rewards you for it down the line.
If you come to a place where a decision isn’t clear, be careful who you choose to confide in. You don’t want to be viewed as the office “griper”. Discussing work problems with a coworker may seem innocent but you never know who that person may confide in outside of you and the last thing you want is for your boss to hear about your concerns from someone other than you. Until you are ready to address your boss, keep your thoughts to yourself.
Know who you are and don’t jeopardize your integrity to meet the approval of a supervisor. You have to live with your actions. It may not be easy to confront your supervisor but try to make the meeting as professional and non-confrontational as possible. Offering alternative options to solve a problem may make you a stand out employee. If an alternative cannot be reached and your boss is not willing to compromise, you need to make a tough choice as to your level of commitment. Are you able to walk away from a job and are your concerns legitimate? If your answer is yes on both then you know what you have to do. If not, re-evaluate.
Absolutely DO NOT ever break the law under the direction of an employer. Ultimately, you will be responsible for your actions and the ensuing consequences. That’s a lonely place to be.
By Michael A
You’re perfect; who wouldn’t want to hire you?
You may have the perfect resume. You may be charming and enjoyable to be around. You may be intelligent. You may be a social networking genius. You may be available immediately and you may have realistic salary expectations. But if you’re not qualified for the job you’re applying for, your resume may be placed in the circular file never to be seen again.
Shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts
We spend so much time trying to find the shortcuts in life. We spend hours online seeking out the answers to all our job search problems. Interview writing tips, what to say/not to say in an interview. How to most effectively network. What to say in a thank you note and when to send it. What to wear to an interview and how to hide the unfortunate tattoo you didn’t really think through ahead of time. How to eat your lunch during an interview without looking like a slob. The list could go on forever. What no one really stops to say though is that your education and experience matter. It’s not all about how you display yourself (please don’t misunderstand that statement; presentation is vitally important) it’s also about who you are and what brought you to this point.
If you want to get the job, be realistic. Apply for positions that match your skill set.
Everyone is looking for a better opportunity and growth in a new job. It’s absolutely expected that there will be responsibilities in a new position that you may not have already experienced previously. I certainly don’t mean to downplay the importance of preparation for a job interview and I highly recommend getting as much information ahead of time as possible; not only specific to the job and company you are applying for but also on interview tips in general. What no one really tells you though is that you need to be respectful of a hiring manager’s time and needs. You lose credibility when you blanket job postings with a resume that doesn’t fit the bill. If a recruiter spends five seconds looking at your resume and finds it doesn’t meet the advertised experience or education, he’s not likely to read it again for other opportunities. You have a very short window of opportunity to impress a recruiter who reads hundreds of emails a day. Make the most of those five seconds by knowing the job you’re applying for and making sure your experience meets the mark.
By Michael A
Let’s face it folks, when it comes to interviewing there are a few sure things. The interviewer wants to find out more about you, see how you perform under pressure and know that you’ve done your homework and know about the company. Were you on time? If the meeting was in person, did [...]
By Michael A
We All Do Things For Our Own Reasons.
What is your “WHY?”
The Greater your WHY, the Easier It is to Determine Your HOW!
When you are in a Job Search or trying to Advance Your Career, it’s important to have a Clear Picture of your Long-Term Goals. You need to set [...]
By Michael A
Conducting a job search is a full time job with the toughest boss out there…you. It may be difficult to find leads, manage contacts or even remember who you’ve spoken with, who you’re waiting to hear from and how to effectively use your professional network. Being your own boss throughout all of this confusion [...]
By Michael A
Standing in the business section of my library, I recently discovered how intimidating it can be to find job search and career advice. Everything from how to write a resume, how to sell yourself and how to always get the interview to etiquette tips, how to write a thank you letter and what not to [...]
By Michael A
When it comes to interview advice we’ve all heard the basics. Arrive on time. Dress professionally. Have a firm handshake. Ask the right questions. Etc. Etc. Etc. I recently heard an interview story though that brought to mind a few new tips that, while entertaining, are very practical. [...]
By Michael A
Recently I read a comment by a hiring manager that struck me as odd. He said that when reviewing resumes, he was looking for the details embedded within and wasn’t concerned about the style or format. Perhaps I’m geared toward a quick scan and visual absorption of information whereas; he may be inclined to generate an impression [...]
By Michael A
News of a layoff can invoke fear, anger and sadness. You’re left wondering what happens next? Am I entitled to severance? What are my rights? Do I qualify for unemployment? How do I go about finding a new job? It is possible that after you find the answers you’re looking for [...]
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