Thursday, August 20, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
Tips For a Stress-Free IT Job Search
The best source to look for jobs related to Information Technology (most commonly known as IT) is, obviously, the Internet.
Various sites offer listings of job openings for specific fields. The key for a fruitful search is to know how and where to look for the best possible jobs available.
To have access on a certain site's listing, an individual must first accomplish the following:
1. Register at the chosen site
2. After registration confirmation (via an email from the moderator of the site), the individual may now have access to the list
3. In searching for the preferred or suitable job vacancy, you may be asked to fill out a form (online) that states an individual's profile.
This is usually used for easier browsing of related work since IT has various fields of specialties. Other sites automatically match an individual's profile with the available or suited vacancy based on the information given by the person.
4. The applicant has the option to choose from contractual, full-time, part-time, trainee or temporary jobs category.
5. If the individual prefers work that is currently not listed on the site, he or she may have the option of posting his or her resume, from which prospective employers may browse through at some other time.
To avoid frustration while browsing through the numerous listings of IT openings on the Internet, take into consideration the following pointers:
1. Determine the following:
1.1 Organize your career portfolio in soft and hard copies. While most employers will ask for a copy of you resume through the net (email), there are some that still require hard copies for submission at their respective offices.
1.2 Determine preferred location of work. Is the individual willing to be relocated should a good position be offered in another city or state? Does he or she prefer work within commuting distance?
1.3 Salary. Though it would not be wise to make demands on one's salary especially during the interview process, an individual must have a predetermined range of salary that he or she would be willing to accept, whoever the employer would be or wherever it may be located.
2. Rank the items listed above based on one's priority.
3. Search the Internet for various sites with listings of IT job openings.
4. Register on a number of sites for a wider access to various lists.
5. Submit resume based on the predetermined priorities.
Various sites offer listings of job openings for specific fields. The key for a fruitful search is to know how and where to look for the best possible jobs available.
To have access on a certain site's listing, an individual must first accomplish the following:
1. Register at the chosen site
2. After registration confirmation (via an email from the moderator of the site), the individual may now have access to the list
3. In searching for the preferred or suitable job vacancy, you may be asked to fill out a form (online) that states an individual's profile.
This is usually used for easier browsing of related work since IT has various fields of specialties. Other sites automatically match an individual's profile with the available or suited vacancy based on the information given by the person.
4. The applicant has the option to choose from contractual, full-time, part-time, trainee or temporary jobs category.
5. If the individual prefers work that is currently not listed on the site, he or she may have the option of posting his or her resume, from which prospective employers may browse through at some other time.
To avoid frustration while browsing through the numerous listings of IT openings on the Internet, take into consideration the following pointers:
1. Determine the following:
1.1 Organize your career portfolio in soft and hard copies. While most employers will ask for a copy of you resume through the net (email), there are some that still require hard copies for submission at their respective offices.
1.2 Determine preferred location of work. Is the individual willing to be relocated should a good position be offered in another city or state? Does he or she prefer work within commuting distance?
1.3 Salary. Though it would not be wise to make demands on one's salary especially during the interview process, an individual must have a predetermined range of salary that he or she would be willing to accept, whoever the employer would be or wherever it may be located.
2. Rank the items listed above based on one's priority.
3. Search the Internet for various sites with listings of IT job openings.
4. Register on a number of sites for a wider access to various lists.
5. Submit resume based on the predetermined priorities.
Seven Basic Salary Negotiation Tips
Money is the most sensitive issue in the whole hiring process. Discussing the compensation often causes anxiety on both employee and employer. Here are seven ways to make the process of salary negotiating efficient.
1) Research: Before the interview process begins, contact the professional organization that represents your field of career. As soon as they provide you with your salary information, you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember that once your taxes are added to your paycheck, approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted.
2) Determine your skills: You should understand that different segments of the economy require a variety of skills depending on the industry setting. Once you have established what your skills are and what they are worth to the current employment market, you would know the limitations of your negotiation.
Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.
In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to your past salary. It is acceptable to extend a range to approximately $6,000 to show that you are within the company’s price range but interested in more compensation.
3) Weigh the company’s compensation package: To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.
4) Sell yourself: If you know what you could offer the company requires a larger income, never say it directly. Once you sell yourself discreetly, the interviewer would understand that the proposed salary is not appropriate for your background.
5) Have a positive attitude: In negotiating, never compete. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. Understand your needs and those of the company.
6) The final offer: Be aware when the negotiation is done. Pushing further when a deal has been set could give a negative first impression on your part.
7) Show what you are made of: The interview is only the first step in having an enhanced compensation. Once you are hired, offer your skills to the company and prove your worth by doing quality work. You may even get a promotion for doing so.
Based from a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, four out of five employees are willing to negotiate compensation. Understanding these basic tips will allow you to enhance the terms of your new job.
1) Research: Before the interview process begins, contact the professional organization that represents your field of career. As soon as they provide you with your salary information, you can now examine your monthly cash requirements. Remember that once your taxes are added to your paycheck, approximately 30% of your gross monthly salary is deducted.
2) Determine your skills: You should understand that different segments of the economy require a variety of skills depending on the industry setting. Once you have established what your skills are and what they are worth to the current employment market, you would know the limitations of your negotiation.
Salary range information is available at American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, National Association of College and Employers, Career Center, and professionals in your related field.
In stating your salary range, avoid basing your desired salary on your current salary. Always tell the truth when it comes to your past salary. It is acceptable to extend a range to approximately $6,000 to show that you are within the company’s price range but interested in more compensation.
3) Weigh the company’s compensation package: To determine your fair market value for a specific job, you should consider the economic, geographic, and industry factors of the job offer. Weigh the benefits of compensation and promotions, insurance, allowed time off and retirement settlements of the offer to ensure a fair proposed salary.
4) Sell yourself: If you know what you could offer the company requires a larger income, never say it directly. Once you sell yourself discreetly, the interviewer would understand that the proposed salary is not appropriate for your background.
5) Have a positive attitude: In negotiating, never compete. Negotiation is basically a process which could benefit both parties. Understand your needs and those of the company.
6) The final offer: Be aware when the negotiation is done. Pushing further when a deal has been set could give a negative first impression on your part.
7) Show what you are made of: The interview is only the first step in having an enhanced compensation. Once you are hired, offer your skills to the company and prove your worth by doing quality work. You may even get a promotion for doing so.
Based from a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, four out of five employees are willing to negotiate compensation. Understanding these basic tips will allow you to enhance the terms of your new job.
Hot Tips on How to Job Scout
Prior to looking for the specific job that would the best fit for you, learn how to effectively market your talents. This will help you gauge the possibility of landing on the job you want. First, skills and interests should be evaluated personally. Jotting down a list would definitely be the best way to define your capabilities; second, to know your limitations. There are jobs that are too demanding that might not work for you, or jobs that you may be overly qualified for; and third, planning the time as soon as there is an inner instinct that tells you that you are ready and qualified. Once this has been done, go to companies and prospective employers early in the morning for this will give them a good impression and for the applicant, a time to complete the process the application if lucky. Remember, the early bird catches the worm.
The very first thing that needs to be done when looking for a job is to prepare an impressive resume. The resume will depend on the type of job being applied for. There are times when certain employers require curriculum vitae and even a cover letter or letter of intent. Every professional job you apply for expects to receive a well written resume.
After preparing the documents needed for application, the next thing that should follow is finding vacancies for new hires. Searching using the Internet will be very helpful for this activity. There are sites that provide this assistance like HotJobs, America's Job Bank, and Monster that utilizes resources and convenience for people to look for jobs.
Where else to look for job openings?
The initial step is to look at local newspapers for this provides information just by looking at the Classified Ads section and the lists of wanted personnel and employment opportunities will be read. Applying at several companies initially in a local area can save an applicant more time and money. If it so happens a job was found late in the day, call immediately for inquiries. Never let a day pass when opportunities come.
How to look for jobs that are not announced?
Sometimes companies and other employers do not really advertise any job openings in their organization. The best thing for an applicant is to weigh things if it will be possible to be hired by a certain company by just submitting an application form or resume. Start looking for the job personally. Tell everyone about your job hunting. Relatives and previous offices or company co-workers will be able to give hints on job vacancies in their current companies. Professors or teachers will also be helpful in recommending schools and institutions that are now looking for new instructors. These people might not have any vacant position in their company in mind but they certainly know someone who knows or needs a new employee. That is what others call networking.
Often times, the Yellow Pages does the important job of providing information on how and where to call to look for a job. This gives an accurate list of companies and prospective employers in a chosen area. Visiting the library is also a tool than can be useful when looking for a job. There are libraries that have a list of local employers, just asks the librarian for more information.
Contact these employers personally, even if they did not advertise any vacant positions that needed to be filled
Lastly, be observant of signs posted on doors and windows of shops and stalls being passed by. If lucky, just walk in and ask for information about the job and how to apply.
After submitting application forms and resumes to the respective companies, keep track of the progress by creating a chart where you can jot down the name of the company and when the application was submitted.
Here’s a job-scout checklist to help you along your way:
1. Identify experience list
2. Identify prospective employers
3. Prepare documents
4. Plan schedules
5. Contact companies and/or employers
6. Get ready for an interview
7. Evaluate how interview went along
8. Take the exams
9. Start with the new job!
The very first thing that needs to be done when looking for a job is to prepare an impressive resume. The resume will depend on the type of job being applied for. There are times when certain employers require curriculum vitae and even a cover letter or letter of intent. Every professional job you apply for expects to receive a well written resume.
After preparing the documents needed for application, the next thing that should follow is finding vacancies for new hires. Searching using the Internet will be very helpful for this activity. There are sites that provide this assistance like HotJobs, America's Job Bank, and Monster that utilizes resources and convenience for people to look for jobs.
Where else to look for job openings?
The initial step is to look at local newspapers for this provides information just by looking at the Classified Ads section and the lists of wanted personnel and employment opportunities will be read. Applying at several companies initially in a local area can save an applicant more time and money. If it so happens a job was found late in the day, call immediately for inquiries. Never let a day pass when opportunities come.
How to look for jobs that are not announced?
Sometimes companies and other employers do not really advertise any job openings in their organization. The best thing for an applicant is to weigh things if it will be possible to be hired by a certain company by just submitting an application form or resume. Start looking for the job personally. Tell everyone about your job hunting. Relatives and previous offices or company co-workers will be able to give hints on job vacancies in their current companies. Professors or teachers will also be helpful in recommending schools and institutions that are now looking for new instructors. These people might not have any vacant position in their company in mind but they certainly know someone who knows or needs a new employee. That is what others call networking.
Often times, the Yellow Pages does the important job of providing information on how and where to call to look for a job. This gives an accurate list of companies and prospective employers in a chosen area. Visiting the library is also a tool than can be useful when looking for a job. There are libraries that have a list of local employers, just asks the librarian for more information.
Contact these employers personally, even if they did not advertise any vacant positions that needed to be filled
Lastly, be observant of signs posted on doors and windows of shops and stalls being passed by. If lucky, just walk in and ask for information about the job and how to apply.
After submitting application forms and resumes to the respective companies, keep track of the progress by creating a chart where you can jot down the name of the company and when the application was submitted.
Here’s a job-scout checklist to help you along your way:
1. Identify experience list
2. Identify prospective employers
3. Prepare documents
4. Plan schedules
5. Contact companies and/or employers
6. Get ready for an interview
7. Evaluate how interview went along
8. Take the exams
9. Start with the new job!
Setting Clear Objectives
To achieve a goal, there is a process that you should implement. This process is to streamline and analyze your objectives. Begin at the very beginning at the smallest, specific part. These are the most important steps to take to meet the guidelines. An objective is a way of knowing what action or plan is to be taken and identifying the expected results. This plan provides a set of directions so that making the decision will not be as complicated as when the goal is just being considered.
Peter Ducker documented a book published in 1954 entitled Practiced Management wherein MBO which stands for Management by Objectives, was introduced. This is a program that consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization. Never worry, as this is also applicable to personal plans.
MBO consists of 5 steps:
1. It should be SPECIFIC. It is better to accomplish one goal at a time rather than thinking of several different plans at one time. A single objective cannot be derived if there are two or more results expected. What’s important is that there is a need to clarify what is to be achieved and should have your full attention. This must be taken as seriously as possible.
2. It should be MEASURABLE. A lot of things that are not tangible are hard to measure and there are things that are really measurable for the mere fact that it includes numbers or ratings. Take the service crews for example, it is hard to measure how the service was delivered but if the number of complaints is counted then there is a specific number that can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.
In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished is used as basis for the measurement. Cooperation, though a very vague word can also be measured by means of getting a subordinate and peer survey. How fast or delayed assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide information on how situations can be measured. Try not to use general terms when making an objective statement. It should be something clear and specific like: to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.
3. It should be ATTAINABLE. The resources available give information on how an objective can be attained. This must be something that is derived from fact and very realistic. It could be that a certain objective is indeed realistic but the time frame to reap the result may not be. It is better to say objectives that can be factual for this promotes motivation rather than an objective taken from belief as this may cause unexpected failure and feeling of discouragement.
4. It should be RESULT-ORIENTED. An objective should be stated clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end result as this will be the guide whether or not the objective to reach the goal is effective and meaningful. Is this objective going to help an individual grow or succeed? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Once the success has been attained and all the plans were completed then it is a success.
5. It should be TIME BOUND. There should be a limit to all the things needed to be accomplished. This matters since the root of any plan can be traceable. This will also tell if the objective is effective enough not to cause any delay. There will also be more of the sense of fulfillment once a goal is attained with the objectives set earlier than a deadline.
To sum it all up, develop an objective that is easily measured, can be attained, with a limited time, this will help in determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and proven to be worthwhile to everyone involved. A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and strengths that were met along the way. This will also indicate the time that was consumed and the length of the objective developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual or the group involved toward greater achievements.
Peter Ducker documented a book published in 1954 entitled Practiced Management wherein MBO which stands for Management by Objectives, was introduced. This is a program that consists of simple but very useful processes in order to meet commitments in an organization. Never worry, as this is also applicable to personal plans.
MBO consists of 5 steps:
1. It should be SPECIFIC. It is better to accomplish one goal at a time rather than thinking of several different plans at one time. A single objective cannot be derived if there are two or more results expected. What’s important is that there is a need to clarify what is to be achieved and should have your full attention. This must be taken as seriously as possible.
2. It should be MEASURABLE. A lot of things that are not tangible are hard to measure and there are things that are really measurable for the mere fact that it includes numbers or ratings. Take the service crews for example, it is hard to measure how the service was delivered but if the number of complaints is counted then there is a specific number that can be used to rate the effectiveness of the service.
In offices, the number of tasks or assignments that were accomplished is used as basis for the measurement. Cooperation, though a very vague word can also be measured by means of getting a subordinate and peer survey. How fast or delayed assistance was provided to a certain individual is enough to provide information on how situations can be measured. Try not to use general terms when making an objective statement. It should be something clear and specific like: to write, to recite, to perform, to fix, to process, to designate, to purchase, to choose, to reprogram, etc.
3. It should be ATTAINABLE. The resources available give information on how an objective can be attained. This must be something that is derived from fact and very realistic. It could be that a certain objective is indeed realistic but the time frame to reap the result may not be. It is better to say objectives that can be factual for this promotes motivation rather than an objective taken from belief as this may cause unexpected failure and feeling of discouragement.
4. It should be RESULT-ORIENTED. An objective should be stated clearly so that the expectation is clear. Focus on the end result as this will be the guide whether or not the objective to reach the goal is effective and meaningful. Is this objective going to help an individual grow or succeed? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Once the success has been attained and all the plans were completed then it is a success.
5. It should be TIME BOUND. There should be a limit to all the things needed to be accomplished. This matters since the root of any plan can be traceable. This will also tell if the objective is effective enough not to cause any delay. There will also be more of the sense of fulfillment once a goal is attained with the objectives set earlier than a deadline.
To sum it all up, develop an objective that is easily measured, can be attained, with a limited time, this will help in determining if the objective is realistic enough, meaningful, and proven to be worthwhile to everyone involved. A chart or journal can be kept to keep track of any opportunities and strengths that were met along the way. This will also indicate the time that was consumed and the length of the objective developed. A successful objective helps motivate the individual or the group involved toward greater achievements.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Job Interview Mistakes
For
many, the interview is the single most stressful part of the job search
process. Any number of things can go wrong, and a big part of being successful
is avoiding simple mistakes. The following is a list some of the most common
mistakes during an Interview.
1.
Failure to research the company: An interviewer will expect candidates to spend
time researching and reading about their company. Do your homework before the
interview; really know what the company does and who their competitors are. If
you have not taken the time to review the employer website and understand what
they are recruiting for, then you are reducing your chances of continuing
successfully through the interview process.
2.
Not clear on what you’re interviewing for: Be familiar with the job description
so you can draw on your experiences, talents, strengths and abilities to
connect with company needs. Highlight how you're suited to that particular job.
3.
Not marketing yourself correctly: Define yourself. What makes you different
from others? Know your major strengths and accomplishments as they relate to
the job you are applying for and the company.
4.
Not asking meaningful questions: Have at least 3-4 intelligent questions to ask
the recruiter. It's OK (it actually leaves a positive impression with the
recruiter) to have them written down in advance and to reference them at the
appropriate time. Interviews are an exchange of information, and not coming in
with questions shows that you did not prepare for the whole interview.
5.
Under-dressing for the interview: Professional attire and attention to detail
still count. You can never be too professional. Remember that everything - your
appearance, your tone of voice, your conduct -contributes to the impression (positive
or negative) that you make. Be presentable - wear a pressed suit and shirt and
polished shoes.
Sales job search tips
Job Search Tips for Sales Professionals
Each specific industry has a variety of requirements that an employee has to meet. In searching for jobs as sales professionals, how do you prepare for a competitive environment?
Here are useful tips you could perform in searching the appropriate job and acing the interview.
1) Research: In order to be prepared on your interview, you should learn important facts about the company beforehand.
* The internet is one of the best ways to search for information and most companies provide their own websites. Study the content of the company’s website; know their background, goals, and information about the top executives.
* By using search engines on the Internet, you could also obtain news and additional information about the progress of the company, past projects and issues, and organizations where the company belongs.
* Review the stock market chart of the company. Since majority of shares are publicly traded, you could examine the recent stock price and learn the difficulties of its market over the past years. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the company will help you in the interview.
* Learn as many information as possible about its competitors. When you read articles about the market space, you will find out who leads the market and you can find out the company’s competitors. Having this knowledge could help you during the interview since you could be able to justify how the company is better than its present competitors are.
2) Attitude: Having the right attitude towards the interview and the job itself would ensure the position is yours.
* Majority of successful sales professionals have a unique energy that you can feel. They command a presence and hold the attention of everyone. Be energetic about the job and interview.
* Be enthusiastic. Since you have done your research about the company and its competitors, the interviewers will appreciate your enthusiasm and interest about the position.
3) Preparation: The position you desire could be yours as long as you show up prepared.
* Create a presentation by researching the products and services of the company. Be prepared to speak directly and intelligently about the company’s field.
* Provide statistics and industry related facts in your presentation. This goes to show that not only are you enthusiastic about the job, you are also aware of the condition of the industry.
* The fact about sales is its all about numbers. If you are asked about your numbers, simply provide them with production reports, past employment lists or a W-2 form of your yearly earnings.
By successfully performing these basic steps, your sales job could be yours in just a handshake away.
Each specific industry has a variety of requirements that an employee has to meet. In searching for jobs as sales professionals, how do you prepare for a competitive environment?
Here are useful tips you could perform in searching the appropriate job and acing the interview.
1) Research: In order to be prepared on your interview, you should learn important facts about the company beforehand.
* The internet is one of the best ways to search for information and most companies provide their own websites. Study the content of the company’s website; know their background, goals, and information about the top executives.
* By using search engines on the Internet, you could also obtain news and additional information about the progress of the company, past projects and issues, and organizations where the company belongs.
* Review the stock market chart of the company. Since majority of shares are publicly traded, you could examine the recent stock price and learn the difficulties of its market over the past years. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the company will help you in the interview.
* Learn as many information as possible about its competitors. When you read articles about the market space, you will find out who leads the market and you can find out the company’s competitors. Having this knowledge could help you during the interview since you could be able to justify how the company is better than its present competitors are.
2) Attitude: Having the right attitude towards the interview and the job itself would ensure the position is yours.
* Majority of successful sales professionals have a unique energy that you can feel. They command a presence and hold the attention of everyone. Be energetic about the job and interview.
* Be enthusiastic. Since you have done your research about the company and its competitors, the interviewers will appreciate your enthusiasm and interest about the position.
3) Preparation: The position you desire could be yours as long as you show up prepared.
* Create a presentation by researching the products and services of the company. Be prepared to speak directly and intelligently about the company’s field.
* Provide statistics and industry related facts in your presentation. This goes to show that not only are you enthusiastic about the job, you are also aware of the condition of the industry.
* The fact about sales is its all about numbers. If you are asked about your numbers, simply provide them with production reports, past employment lists or a W-2 form of your yearly earnings.
By successfully performing these basic steps, your sales job could be yours in just a handshake away.
Most Wanted Job Skills
Wanted: Job Skills on the Loose
In today’s competitive life, employers are more inclined to find people who can contribute to the growth of the company and not just boost its productivity.
Hence, most employers tend to look for people who are endowed with the most desirable job skills in order to match the expectations and necessities of the company.
Therefore, for people who wish to make it to the jobs that they have long been dreaming of, it is important to know the most sought after job skills of most employers.
Here’s a list of the important job skills a job seeker must have in order to land a good job and keep it.
1. The ability to research
Job seekers should possess the ability to research not because they wanted to land a job in a research company but in order to do simple searches on the data needed by a particular activity.
2. Logical thinking
Most employers need people who are able to produce effective solutions and to make sensible solutions regarding a proposal or a probable activity.
3. Technologically literate
With the advent of information technology, most job openings require people who are computer literate or know how to operate different machines and office equipments.
Most employers do not necessarily need people who are technological graduates. The simple fact that job seekers know the basic principles of technology is already enough.
4. Communication skills
People who are able to land a good job are mostly those who are adept in speaking and writing. Employers hire people who are able to express their thoughts efficiently through verbal and written communications.
5. Organizational skills
No employer would like to hire somebody who is disorganized. Organization is extremely important to maintain a harmonious working relationship in the company. Hence, most employers find people who know how to arrange scheme and methods that would maintain the orderliness in the area.
In today’s competitive life, employers are more inclined to find people who can contribute to the growth of the company and not just boost its productivity.
Hence, most employers tend to look for people who are endowed with the most desirable job skills in order to match the expectations and necessities of the company.
Therefore, for people who wish to make it to the jobs that they have long been dreaming of, it is important to know the most sought after job skills of most employers.
Here’s a list of the important job skills a job seeker must have in order to land a good job and keep it.
1. The ability to research
Job seekers should possess the ability to research not because they wanted to land a job in a research company but in order to do simple searches on the data needed by a particular activity.
2. Logical thinking
Most employers need people who are able to produce effective solutions and to make sensible solutions regarding a proposal or a probable activity.
3. Technologically literate
With the advent of information technology, most job openings require people who are computer literate or know how to operate different machines and office equipments.
Most employers do not necessarily need people who are technological graduates. The simple fact that job seekers know the basic principles of technology is already enough.
4. Communication skills
People who are able to land a good job are mostly those who are adept in speaking and writing. Employers hire people who are able to express their thoughts efficiently through verbal and written communications.
5. Organizational skills
No employer would like to hire somebody who is disorganized. Organization is extremely important to maintain a harmonious working relationship in the company. Hence, most employers find people who know how to arrange scheme and methods that would maintain the orderliness in the area.
Know the best job for you
“Looking for the Job that is right for you”
Finding the best job that suits your personality and your lifestyle is never easy. It’s actually a full time job itself. To better understand your needs and increase your chance of succeeding in your chosen field, you need to conduct a personal evaluation. Is this the career you want? Is there room for growth? Are the salary and benefits good?
You can’t really evaluate a position unless you do the research. From a recent survey in the U.S., graduate degree holders earn an average of 35 to 50 percent more than just bachelor’s degree holders. This is a reason why more and more are taking their Masters. There could be an offer or two, all you have to do is make a concrete decision to ensure the right job for you in the present job market.
Know what you want
Knowing what kind of personality you have and your interests gives you an idea how you would like to spend your day on a job. The activities you’d like to get involved in plays a great role in keeping you motivated. You could make a list of the kinds of people you would like to be working with. Say, people who like being told what to do or authoritative types; how about loud people or quiet types; and would you like a place where people love socializing or not? There are different sizes of companies as well, there are small, medium, large, overseas, local, and regional.
The Internet is a valuable tool that assists online job seekers in looking for a job they could fit in. Trim down the choices depending on your needs and wants to get the more possible pool of companies you can try submitting resumes.
Below are the common job search techniques:
Percentage of
Job hunters Search Technique Effectiveness
66.0% Direct application 47.71%
50.8 Referral from friends’ work 22.1
41.8 Asking friends from other places 11.9
28.4 Asking family about the company
they work for 19.3
27.3 Asking relatives about jobs from
other places 7.4
45.9 Newspaper posts 23.9
21.0 Career centers 24.2
12.5 School organizations/clubs 21.4
15.3 Civil Service Exams 12.5
10.4 Referrals from mentors 12.1
1.6 Local ads 12.9
6.0 Cooperative programs 22.2
*Percentage results obtained from dividing the technique by the total number of job hunters who tried to use the method, successful or not.
Your major strengths and weaknesses will help indicate how well you will perform in the work you have chosen. Your progress dictates your maturity and enthusiasm at work. Finding the best job for you is a full time job itself. It requires time and passion to get positive results. No matter what you choose, it should always be a place where you can identify yourself and remain happy.
Finding the best job that suits your personality and your lifestyle is never easy. It’s actually a full time job itself. To better understand your needs and increase your chance of succeeding in your chosen field, you need to conduct a personal evaluation. Is this the career you want? Is there room for growth? Are the salary and benefits good?
You can’t really evaluate a position unless you do the research. From a recent survey in the U.S., graduate degree holders earn an average of 35 to 50 percent more than just bachelor’s degree holders. This is a reason why more and more are taking their Masters. There could be an offer or two, all you have to do is make a concrete decision to ensure the right job for you in the present job market.
Know what you want
Knowing what kind of personality you have and your interests gives you an idea how you would like to spend your day on a job. The activities you’d like to get involved in plays a great role in keeping you motivated. You could make a list of the kinds of people you would like to be working with. Say, people who like being told what to do or authoritative types; how about loud people or quiet types; and would you like a place where people love socializing or not? There are different sizes of companies as well, there are small, medium, large, overseas, local, and regional.
The Internet is a valuable tool that assists online job seekers in looking for a job they could fit in. Trim down the choices depending on your needs and wants to get the more possible pool of companies you can try submitting resumes.
Below are the common job search techniques:
Percentage of
Job hunters Search Technique Effectiveness
66.0% Direct application 47.71%
50.8 Referral from friends’ work 22.1
41.8 Asking friends from other places 11.9
28.4 Asking family about the company
they work for 19.3
27.3 Asking relatives about jobs from
other places 7.4
45.9 Newspaper posts 23.9
21.0 Career centers 24.2
12.5 School organizations/clubs 21.4
15.3 Civil Service Exams 12.5
10.4 Referrals from mentors 12.1
1.6 Local ads 12.9
6.0 Cooperative programs 22.2
*Percentage results obtained from dividing the technique by the total number of job hunters who tried to use the method, successful or not.
Your major strengths and weaknesses will help indicate how well you will perform in the work you have chosen. Your progress dictates your maturity and enthusiasm at work. Finding the best job for you is a full time job itself. It requires time and passion to get positive results. No matter what you choose, it should always be a place where you can identify yourself and remain happy.
Stress-free Job Hunting Guide
Hunting for the perfect job for an individual requires time, effort and knowledge.
For stress free job-hunting, every individual must first consider the following pointers before starting your job hunting process:
1. Know what type of job you would like to apply for. Gate crashing job fairs that offer work not related to one's degree or work preference would be a waste of time.
Consider your interests, preference of work location and job shifts (to be especially considered by professionals who have family members to take care of). If all these fit the category of the job opening available, it would be best to proceed with the application process.
2. Prepare possible needed documents or career portfolio. Have several copies of your resume, transcript of records and any certifications ready for immediate submission if needed.
3. Know where to look for job postings. There are various forms that offer listing of jobs. Below are some of these sites:
3.1 Internet. One of most widely used searching options is the Internet. Aside from the fact that browsing the Internet for available jobs is less time consuming than personal appearances to inquire at the offices, this can also be the least expensive form of job hunting.
You would not need to buy newspapers to browse through the ads for vacancies nor spend gas money to go to the offices.
Not only local or national vacancies can be browsed through the net, international job openings could likewise be easily accessed by the user, thus, offering one a much wider perspective in choosing the right job.
3.2 Newspapers. One of the most commonly used searching medium. Local newspapers advertise jobs that are within an applicant's commuting distance. Available jobs are usually printed on a regular basis.
3.3 Career or Job Centers. These usually offer jobs for ages 16-18 and rarely above 21 years of age. Though fully loaded with vacancies, it caters mostly to the younger applicants.
For stress free job-hunting, every individual must first consider the following pointers before starting your job hunting process:
1. Know what type of job you would like to apply for. Gate crashing job fairs that offer work not related to one's degree or work preference would be a waste of time.
Consider your interests, preference of work location and job shifts (to be especially considered by professionals who have family members to take care of). If all these fit the category of the job opening available, it would be best to proceed with the application process.
2. Prepare possible needed documents or career portfolio. Have several copies of your resume, transcript of records and any certifications ready for immediate submission if needed.
3. Know where to look for job postings. There are various forms that offer listing of jobs. Below are some of these sites:
3.1 Internet. One of most widely used searching options is the Internet. Aside from the fact that browsing the Internet for available jobs is less time consuming than personal appearances to inquire at the offices, this can also be the least expensive form of job hunting.
You would not need to buy newspapers to browse through the ads for vacancies nor spend gas money to go to the offices.
Not only local or national vacancies can be browsed through the net, international job openings could likewise be easily accessed by the user, thus, offering one a much wider perspective in choosing the right job.
3.2 Newspapers. One of the most commonly used searching medium. Local newspapers advertise jobs that are within an applicant's commuting distance. Available jobs are usually printed on a regular basis.
3.3 Career or Job Centers. These usually offer jobs for ages 16-18 and rarely above 21 years of age. Though fully loaded with vacancies, it caters mostly to the younger applicants.
Identify your skill set
Identifying your skills and getting that job
When applying for a job, it is ideal that you identify your strengths and weaknesses and get prepared to address them. By knowing your advantage, the chances of getting the job that you want will surely get easier. But you should not get too confident since this is one of the common mistakes that plague job applicants. Appearing too confident or as somewhat of a know it all person will only get you labeled by your interviewer as unfit for the job.
Identifying your skills
First thing's first. You should identify your skills. This is your ticket to get that job and you should be able to articulate your abilities and expertise as best as you can. Many people have a hard time telling their skills and abilities as this may seem to be bragging. But you should not be shy or afraid to discuss your skills. In fact, it is important that you convey to your potential employer what your talents are. You should be able to sell your abilities to your employer. That is how you will get the job that you want. It is important that you don't appear arrogant or condescending but you should also avoid selling yourself short. If the interviewer asks you about your strengths or what separates you from the other applicants, you should be able to readily give a good answer. But before you even go to the interview part, your resume should highlight your skills and talents for your prospective employer to see.
Type of skills
There are two main types of skills, hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are tangible in the sense that these are things that you do like: knowing how to operate different kinds of machinery, knowledge of a specialized computer program, ability to type fast, skills on using many types of tools, credentials regarding special crafts, etc. Soft skills are skills that are rather abstract in nature like personal qualities. This may include the folowing: being a good team player, having the ability to work on your own, being enthusiastic or organized and decisive.
The steps to follow
Making a list of your previous jobs and experience acquired
First thing to do is to make a list of all the companies that you had worked for and the things that you learned from these jobs. There will be a lot of things to list and you should be careful enough not to forget even the smallest things or activities that you were part of or organized. It is also a good idea to list the volunteer activities that you participated in.
Include a list of your hobbies
Although it might sound trivial at first, it is also very helpful to list all your hobbies. There are a lot of abilities that your prospective employer may get from your hobby list. This will also give an idea of your personality. For example, if you were part of the school's debating team, then your employer may deduce that you have good analytical skills. If you were a champion chess player, then your employer will have the impression that you are good at making critical decisions. Think of your daily routine and the things that you do and often take for granted. Are you an organized person who always keeps your things in proper order? Are you an extrovert that can easily make friends in a matter of minutes? These may seem ordinary to normal things to you, but your future boss might think otherwise.
Deciding what career you want
After listing all your skills and all the things that you do well, you may now decide what field or career you want to take a crack at. Select the skills contained from your list and partner it with the employment you are seeking. Always take time to consider if your skills are relevant to the job that you are aspiring for. Don't be bothered if you have to cut out some of the skills from your list. It is also important to include in the list your skills that the prospective employer will probably value.
Stand by what you write
You should be realistic about your skills and the level of expertise that you have with it. For example, if you indicate that you are a very organized person, then you should be able to show this to the interviewer by being able to organize your thoughts and effectively use the time that was given for your interview.
It is important to know your skills every time you are job hunting. Always put your best foot forward and good luck!
When applying for a job, it is ideal that you identify your strengths and weaknesses and get prepared to address them. By knowing your advantage, the chances of getting the job that you want will surely get easier. But you should not get too confident since this is one of the common mistakes that plague job applicants. Appearing too confident or as somewhat of a know it all person will only get you labeled by your interviewer as unfit for the job.
Identifying your skills
First thing's first. You should identify your skills. This is your ticket to get that job and you should be able to articulate your abilities and expertise as best as you can. Many people have a hard time telling their skills and abilities as this may seem to be bragging. But you should not be shy or afraid to discuss your skills. In fact, it is important that you convey to your potential employer what your talents are. You should be able to sell your abilities to your employer. That is how you will get the job that you want. It is important that you don't appear arrogant or condescending but you should also avoid selling yourself short. If the interviewer asks you about your strengths or what separates you from the other applicants, you should be able to readily give a good answer. But before you even go to the interview part, your resume should highlight your skills and talents for your prospective employer to see.
Type of skills
There are two main types of skills, hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are tangible in the sense that these are things that you do like: knowing how to operate different kinds of machinery, knowledge of a specialized computer program, ability to type fast, skills on using many types of tools, credentials regarding special crafts, etc. Soft skills are skills that are rather abstract in nature like personal qualities. This may include the folowing: being a good team player, having the ability to work on your own, being enthusiastic or organized and decisive.
The steps to follow
Making a list of your previous jobs and experience acquired
First thing to do is to make a list of all the companies that you had worked for and the things that you learned from these jobs. There will be a lot of things to list and you should be careful enough not to forget even the smallest things or activities that you were part of or organized. It is also a good idea to list the volunteer activities that you participated in.
Include a list of your hobbies
Although it might sound trivial at first, it is also very helpful to list all your hobbies. There are a lot of abilities that your prospective employer may get from your hobby list. This will also give an idea of your personality. For example, if you were part of the school's debating team, then your employer may deduce that you have good analytical skills. If you were a champion chess player, then your employer will have the impression that you are good at making critical decisions. Think of your daily routine and the things that you do and often take for granted. Are you an organized person who always keeps your things in proper order? Are you an extrovert that can easily make friends in a matter of minutes? These may seem ordinary to normal things to you, but your future boss might think otherwise.
Deciding what career you want
After listing all your skills and all the things that you do well, you may now decide what field or career you want to take a crack at. Select the skills contained from your list and partner it with the employment you are seeking. Always take time to consider if your skills are relevant to the job that you are aspiring for. Don't be bothered if you have to cut out some of the skills from your list. It is also important to include in the list your skills that the prospective employer will probably value.
Stand by what you write
You should be realistic about your skills and the level of expertise that you have with it. For example, if you indicate that you are a very organized person, then you should be able to show this to the interviewer by being able to organize your thoughts and effectively use the time that was given for your interview.
It is important to know your skills every time you are job hunting. Always put your best foot forward and good luck!
Health Care Job Search Tips
Nowadays, jobs falling under the health care category are one of the most in demand jobs. This is because more and more countries fall short with regards to their employees and staff in the health care industry.
In fact, aside from computers and information technology, heath care jobs are the ones that are greatly sought after by both the employers and applicants.
Aside from the increasing demand, health care jobs are also one of the best paying jobs all over the world. For example, in the United States alone, physical therapist assistants get to earn $27,500 to $ 41,780 in a year. It is also expected to grow by 46% in the years to come.
For people who are dreaming to go abroad and land a job in the health care category, here are some tips that that can help:
1. Know your craft
The problem with most people who are looking for health care jobs is that they do not know the fundamental skill needed in this kind of job: care for others.
There are many instances wherein health care jobs do not necessarily require people who have a higher education diploma in health care. So, people who have a “caring” attitude, can have a lucrative job in the health care industry.
2. Health Information technicians and Medical Records rank six on United States’ 10 hottest jobs of 2005.
These positions can work well for people who are looking for health care jobs. These positions pay $19,700 to $27,400 annually.
3. Success is in the keywords, For people who are searching for specific health care jobs on the Internet, it is best to narrow down their searches with some more detailed keywords. In this way, heath care job searches will reap better results.
4. Aim for the best positions in the health care industry
For people who wish to land a good job in the health care industry, it would be better to do some homework first. In this way, they can get an overview on which position has the most demands for employees and which job entails higher salaries.
In the United States’ 10 hottest job of 2005, medical assistants are the top positions in demand in the health care industry today. In fact, surveys show that the demand for medical assistants will continue to grow and will increase by 59% in 2012.
Indeed, the health care industry continues to saturate the market with a continuous growth for the demands of its services. No wonder why most people are into health care jobs!
In fact, aside from computers and information technology, heath care jobs are the ones that are greatly sought after by both the employers and applicants.
Aside from the increasing demand, health care jobs are also one of the best paying jobs all over the world. For example, in the United States alone, physical therapist assistants get to earn $27,500 to $ 41,780 in a year. It is also expected to grow by 46% in the years to come.
For people who are dreaming to go abroad and land a job in the health care category, here are some tips that that can help:
1. Know your craft
The problem with most people who are looking for health care jobs is that they do not know the fundamental skill needed in this kind of job: care for others.
There are many instances wherein health care jobs do not necessarily require people who have a higher education diploma in health care. So, people who have a “caring” attitude, can have a lucrative job in the health care industry.
2. Health Information technicians and Medical Records rank six on United States’ 10 hottest jobs of 2005.
These positions can work well for people who are looking for health care jobs. These positions pay $19,700 to $27,400 annually.
3. Success is in the keywords, For people who are searching for specific health care jobs on the Internet, it is best to narrow down their searches with some more detailed keywords. In this way, heath care job searches will reap better results.
4. Aim for the best positions in the health care industry
For people who wish to land a good job in the health care industry, it would be better to do some homework first. In this way, they can get an overview on which position has the most demands for employees and which job entails higher salaries.
In the United States’ 10 hottest job of 2005, medical assistants are the top positions in demand in the health care industry today. In fact, surveys show that the demand for medical assistants will continue to grow and will increase by 59% in 2012.
Indeed, the health care industry continues to saturate the market with a continuous growth for the demands of its services. No wonder why most people are into health care jobs!
How to thank an interviewer
You may think that it is best to follow-up with an interviewer to thank them for their time
and keep your name in the forefront of their mind. While this may have that affect on
them, it may not be in the positive way you are looking for. An interviewer takes time
out of their regular job to fill vacancies in a department. It is an extremely busy and
stressful time for them and they do not want (nor have time to) take calls from everyone
that they have completed interviews with.
But this is not to say that sending along a thank you is a bad idea, it’s not. The method
that you thank your interviewer is going to make a difference. If you received a business
card, send a quick e-mail to thank them for their time and that you are looking forward to
hearing from them. Quick and to the point and leave it at that. Do not expect a reply
because you probably won’t get one and do not follow-up on your e-mail to make sure
they received it – you will become an annoyance.
Second to sending a quick e-mail, you can send a short and professional thank you note
(this means no scented stationary or something too cutesy). The message should be
similar, thanking the interviewer for taking the time to sit down with you, express how
much you enjoyed speaking with them and learning more about the company. It is a
nicety that while not necessary, can be an added touch to a strong interview.
It may not guarantee you the job, but thank you notes, if done the right way, may open
doors for you in the future. If there are openings in the company at a later time, the
interviewer may remember you and think of you before others.
and keep your name in the forefront of their mind. While this may have that affect on
them, it may not be in the positive way you are looking for. An interviewer takes time
out of their regular job to fill vacancies in a department. It is an extremely busy and
stressful time for them and they do not want (nor have time to) take calls from everyone
that they have completed interviews with.
But this is not to say that sending along a thank you is a bad idea, it’s not. The method
that you thank your interviewer is going to make a difference. If you received a business
card, send a quick e-mail to thank them for their time and that you are looking forward to
hearing from them. Quick and to the point and leave it at that. Do not expect a reply
because you probably won’t get one and do not follow-up on your e-mail to make sure
they received it – you will become an annoyance.
Second to sending a quick e-mail, you can send a short and professional thank you note
(this means no scented stationary or something too cutesy). The message should be
similar, thanking the interviewer for taking the time to sit down with you, express how
much you enjoyed speaking with them and learning more about the company. It is a
nicety that while not necessary, can be an added touch to a strong interview.
It may not guarantee you the job, but thank you notes, if done the right way, may open
doors for you in the future. If there are openings in the company at a later time, the
interviewer may remember you and think of you before others.
Interviews - Making a Connection
Depending on how popular or sought after the job you are interviewing for is you will
have a lot of competition for a few positions. A stellar interview is crucial to make you
stand out from the rest of the crowd. To give yourself an added edge and cement yourself
in your interviewer’s mind, try to make a personal connection with them at some point in
the interview.
A personal connection can take numerous forms. If you are in the interviewer’s office
and they have a picture of a sailboat on their wall (and you happen to love sailing), make
an appropriate comment that identifies you as a sailor too. This may not put you above
others more qualified than you but it will help you to stand out amongst those you are in
direct competition with.
Take your cues from the interviewer, if they seem uncomfortable with relaying any
personal information or are not comfortable veering off topic then follow their lead. If a
personal conversation does develop, let the interviewer guide it. When they bring it to a
close and either get back to the questions or say good bye, leave it at that.
At the end of the day, interviewers want to hire people that are qualified and who will fit
in with the rest of the team at the company. If you can make a connection and have the
right skill sets you will be giving yourself a better chance than someone else. You will
also help the interviewer recall who you are and stick out in their mind as that candidate
who knew a lot about sailing.
If you are not comfortable with discussing personal topics during an interview, don’t feel
that you must go out of your way to do so. At the end of the day, your qualifications are
what you should be highlighting.
have a lot of competition for a few positions. A stellar interview is crucial to make you
stand out from the rest of the crowd. To give yourself an added edge and cement yourself
in your interviewer’s mind, try to make a personal connection with them at some point in
the interview.
A personal connection can take numerous forms. If you are in the interviewer’s office
and they have a picture of a sailboat on their wall (and you happen to love sailing), make
an appropriate comment that identifies you as a sailor too. This may not put you above
others more qualified than you but it will help you to stand out amongst those you are in
direct competition with.
Take your cues from the interviewer, if they seem uncomfortable with relaying any
personal information or are not comfortable veering off topic then follow their lead. If a
personal conversation does develop, let the interviewer guide it. When they bring it to a
close and either get back to the questions or say good bye, leave it at that.
At the end of the day, interviewers want to hire people that are qualified and who will fit
in with the rest of the team at the company. If you can make a connection and have the
right skill sets you will be giving yourself a better chance than someone else. You will
also help the interviewer recall who you are and stick out in their mind as that candidate
who knew a lot about sailing.
If you are not comfortable with discussing personal topics during an interview, don’t feel
that you must go out of your way to do so. At the end of the day, your qualifications are
what you should be highlighting.
Interviews - Responding to a taboo question
Not all interview questions are acceptable. There are certain topics that should not be
brought up and information that a potential employer has no right asking for. Some of
these questions are not legal and others while legal may leave you feeling uncomfortable.
You do not have to answer certain questions, but how you let the interviewer know this
can determine if your application will continue forward.
For more information on questions that should not be asked or that you do not have to
answer, contact your local government office that handles labor relations. They can
provide these guidelines to you at no charge. If questions are being asked about your
private life (and you are uncomfortable answering them), you do not have to. You can
mildly tell the interviewer that you plan on devoting the time you spend at work to work
and your personal life stays in your personal life. And try to leave it at that. If the
interviewer keeps pressing, you will have to decide if the job is worth it to you.
It is your decision to provide the information you do – know your rights beforehand – but
you can still decide to answer a question that should not be asked. Keep in mind that if a
potential employer wants details about how you spend time outside of work it may be
because they expect their employees to put in a lot of extra hours and they are trying to
gauge if you have commitments that would prevent you from doing this.
Other questions, such as sexual orientation, past relationships, and other lifestyle choices
have no business in an interview setting. If there is a physical aspect to the job and a
medical evaluation is necessary, this is typically done by a doctor or other medical
professional who will give you clearance. You do not have to provide details to the
interviewer.
brought up and information that a potential employer has no right asking for. Some of
these questions are not legal and others while legal may leave you feeling uncomfortable.
You do not have to answer certain questions, but how you let the interviewer know this
can determine if your application will continue forward.
For more information on questions that should not be asked or that you do not have to
answer, contact your local government office that handles labor relations. They can
provide these guidelines to you at no charge. If questions are being asked about your
private life (and you are uncomfortable answering them), you do not have to. You can
mildly tell the interviewer that you plan on devoting the time you spend at work to work
and your personal life stays in your personal life. And try to leave it at that. If the
interviewer keeps pressing, you will have to decide if the job is worth it to you.
It is your decision to provide the information you do – know your rights beforehand – but
you can still decide to answer a question that should not be asked. Keep in mind that if a
potential employer wants details about how you spend time outside of work it may be
because they expect their employees to put in a lot of extra hours and they are trying to
gauge if you have commitments that would prevent you from doing this.
Other questions, such as sexual orientation, past relationships, and other lifestyle choices
have no business in an interview setting. If there is a physical aspect to the job and a
medical evaluation is necessary, this is typically done by a doctor or other medical
professional who will give you clearance. You do not have to provide details to the
interviewer.
Poor Working Relationship with your Boss
It may be the reason you are looking for another job in the first place – you and your
current boss do not work well together. And good for you for taking charge of the
situation to find something that is a better fit for you. But how do you approach this
situation so it will not hinder your chances at a new company? There are a few steps you
should take first and you need to mind what you say during the interview.
A lot of interviews will contain at least one question about your working relationship
with your current boss. They can take many forms and you should prepare for a lot of
different types of questions that may be asked. No matter what the question, even if it is
one asking you to describe conflict with your boss, be positive and do not bash anyone in
your answers.
Remove any emotions from the equation and explain the situation using the facts and
highlight all of the professional steps you have taken to rectify the situation. Don’t try
and make your boss sound like the bad guy, and try to de-emphasize the entire event. It
may seem like an opportunity to vent about the situation but if you do, your are cutting
off an avenue to escape the working relationship you want to get away from. Present the
facts, be neutral and highlight your problem-solving skills.
If you are concerned that your current boss will sabotage your efforts to find another job
during the reference check stage you can solve this in a couple of ways. If your boss is
reasonable and the two of you just don’t work well together, chances are you don’t have
to worry too much. Be sure to give him or her a heads up though. If you aren’t
comfortable with this, try and find another manager that you have worked for in the
company previously that you can pass on as a reference.
Getting stumped on an interview question
You can prepare for an interview until you are blue in the face and still get stumped on a
question during the process. It is okay, it happens to a lot of people. Some questions
come out of left field, sometimes you draw a blank, and others – you really don’t know
what to say. Here is a brief run down of what you can do in these three situations.
A (Seemingly) Off Topic Question – These may be thrown in to the interview out of
curiosity by the interviewer or to gauge your knowledge on a certain subject. It is not a
reason to dismiss the question though and not pay it the care and attention you would to
any other one. Do your best, and if you really can’t figure out the correlation between the
question and the job you are applying to, you can ask at the end of the interview – along
the lines, “out of curiosity….”
You Draw a Blank – Ask for a minute to compose your answer, and do some fast
brainstorming. If you feel that the silence is becoming uncomfortable, you can ask to
come back to the question at the end of the interview. As long as you do go back to it,
this is an acceptable solution. Silence is okay during an interview when you are trying to
think of an answer, do not feel obligated to fill the silence, concentrate on the answer you
want to give.
You Don’t Know What to Say – If it is a matter that you are sure what the interviewer is
looking for in an answer, ask for clarification. Sometimes asking for an example of what
they mean can guide you in what you should say. If you take a shot in the dark, you
might provide what they want – but why take the chance?
Know what Your References are Going to Say about You
Before attending an interview, you should have your references lined-up and ready to
provide to the interviewer when asked. More than just writing down names and phone
numbers of previous employers and bosses, you need to do additional preparation.
Finding out how a former employer views you and your work history with them is vital
before providing that information to a potential employer. Even if your memory of your
time spent there is positive, you don’t know how you were remembered or what will be
said unless you ask.
Your first step should be to contact everyone that you are considering using as a
reference. You will want to confirm they are working for the same company and if their
phone number is the same. If a boss has moved to another company, you can still utilize
them as a reference provided you can track them down.
When you reach a potential reference, don’t assume they will remember you and
everything about you – remind them. Things you say during your conversation can have
a positive outcome on what they have to say about you later on. Ask them if they are
comfortable providing you with a favorable reference and if there is any feedback they
have for you. If you are very comfortable you can flat out ask how they felt about your
time working with them and what they would say about you if someone called to ask.
If you are not comfortable with providing a direct supervisor or boss you can use other
employees in the company that old a supervisory position. Think of people you have
worked closely with on projects or such – they are valid and reputable people to provide
as references too.
But if you have made it through the interview process, a reference would have to go quite
badly for it to affect a possible job offer.
provide to the interviewer when asked. More than just writing down names and phone
numbers of previous employers and bosses, you need to do additional preparation.
Finding out how a former employer views you and your work history with them is vital
before providing that information to a potential employer. Even if your memory of your
time spent there is positive, you don’t know how you were remembered or what will be
said unless you ask.
Your first step should be to contact everyone that you are considering using as a
reference. You will want to confirm they are working for the same company and if their
phone number is the same. If a boss has moved to another company, you can still utilize
them as a reference provided you can track them down.
When you reach a potential reference, don’t assume they will remember you and
everything about you – remind them. Things you say during your conversation can have
a positive outcome on what they have to say about you later on. Ask them if they are
comfortable providing you with a favorable reference and if there is any feedback they
have for you. If you are very comfortable you can flat out ask how they felt about your
time working with them and what they would say about you if someone called to ask.
If you are not comfortable with providing a direct supervisor or boss you can use other
employees in the company that old a supervisory position. Think of people you have
worked closely with on projects or such – they are valid and reputable people to provide
as references too.
But if you have made it through the interview process, a reference would have to go quite
badly for it to affect a possible job offer.
Job Interview Etiquette
During an interview you need to mind your manners and follow an unspoken code of
etiquette. This is more than your mom’s “keep your elbows off the table.” Business
manners are going to be key, an interview is so much more than what you have to say – it
is how you present (or sell) yourself. If part of the job you are applying for is dealing
with clients or executives from other companies, you can be guaranteed how you act is
part of the decision making process.
Eye contact, you have to be able to maintain eye contact without being uncomfortable.
There are some acceptable ways to do this. If you are answering a question, it is okay to
glance away when gathering your thoughts but if you are listening to someone keep your
attention focused on them (even if their eyes are wandering). This shows good manners
and that you care about what they have to say.
Do not under any circumstances have gum or a mint in your mouth during the interview.
If you want to be sure that you have fresh breath, chew gum or suck on the mint before
arriving at your destination but discard or finish them before you enter the building. It is
distracting and rude to have them in your mouth when answering questions.
Use your interviewer’s name, ideally you found out who you would be interviewed by
when the meeting was arranged. If it isn’t provided to you, be sure to ask who you will
be meeting with and their position. When you arrive, shake hands and greet the person
by name. If you are just learning their name, repeat it and remember it. You want to be
sure to get it right and thank them for their time when you are leaving.
etiquette. This is more than your mom’s “keep your elbows off the table.” Business
manners are going to be key, an interview is so much more than what you have to say – it
is how you present (or sell) yourself. If part of the job you are applying for is dealing
with clients or executives from other companies, you can be guaranteed how you act is
part of the decision making process.
Eye contact, you have to be able to maintain eye contact without being uncomfortable.
There are some acceptable ways to do this. If you are answering a question, it is okay to
glance away when gathering your thoughts but if you are listening to someone keep your
attention focused on them (even if their eyes are wandering). This shows good manners
and that you care about what they have to say.
Do not under any circumstances have gum or a mint in your mouth during the interview.
If you want to be sure that you have fresh breath, chew gum or suck on the mint before
arriving at your destination but discard or finish them before you enter the building. It is
distracting and rude to have them in your mouth when answering questions.
Use your interviewer’s name, ideally you found out who you would be interviewed by
when the meeting was arranged. If it isn’t provided to you, be sure to ask who you will
be meeting with and their position. When you arrive, shake hands and greet the person
by name. If you are just learning their name, repeat it and remember it. You want to be
sure to get it right and thank them for their time when you are leaving.
Interviews - Asking your own questions
Okay, you have made it to the end of your interview and the interviewer says it is now
your turn. They want to know if you have any questions for them. And most likely you
do: “How did I do” and “Are you going to hire me” – unfortunately you can’t ask either
one. But there are questions that you can ask to glean some information on how you
performed and to determine if the company is a right fit for you.
Although it is not acceptable to ask how you did in an interview, it is okay and
encouraged to ask what the next steps are and the timeline for them. Depending on how
this is answered, you may be able to figure out their reaction to you. But this is not full-
proof and is not a guarantee. If they take the time to explain all the checks they need to
go through, how many people they have left to interview and so on, they are probably
interested and want you to understand that there is still steps left in the process. If they
only tell you that you will hear from them within a certain period of time via letter, well it
isn’t as promising.
Look at the opportunity to ask your own questions as your chance to interview the
company. Of course you have done your research prior to attending and have made up a
list that you wrote down before attending. Show your preparedness and pull out the list
to ask your questions. Things like company direction and expansion show an interest in
the business. Feel free to take notes; it can earn you brownie points. Ask questions that
are important to you as well, if vacation time and benefits are a deal breaker for you, find
out now what the company has to offer.
your turn. They want to know if you have any questions for them. And most likely you
do: “How did I do” and “Are you going to hire me” – unfortunately you can’t ask either
one. But there are questions that you can ask to glean some information on how you
performed and to determine if the company is a right fit for you.
Although it is not acceptable to ask how you did in an interview, it is okay and
encouraged to ask what the next steps are and the timeline for them. Depending on how
this is answered, you may be able to figure out their reaction to you. But this is not full-
proof and is not a guarantee. If they take the time to explain all the checks they need to
go through, how many people they have left to interview and so on, they are probably
interested and want you to understand that there is still steps left in the process. If they
only tell you that you will hear from them within a certain period of time via letter, well it
isn’t as promising.
Look at the opportunity to ask your own questions as your chance to interview the
company. Of course you have done your research prior to attending and have made up a
list that you wrote down before attending. Show your preparedness and pull out the list
to ask your questions. Things like company direction and expansion show an interest in
the business. Feel free to take notes; it can earn you brownie points. Ask questions that
are important to you as well, if vacation time and benefits are a deal breaker for you, find
out now what the company has to offer.
Confidence in a job interview
Who isn’t nervous during a job interview? Even the most self-assured candidate is going
to have a moment or two of self-doubt. But the trick is to keep this to yourself and
portray an image of confidence. This is what a potential employer wants to see if you are
not confident in your own abilities why should they be. Here are a few ways to exude
confidence.
Make eye contact, nothing is more of a dead give away of poor self-confidence than a
person that will not look someone in the eye. Walk up to your interviewer, extend your
hand and look in them in the eye when you greet them and express your pleasure of
meeting them. And don’t beat around the bush when you are talking. Saying thinks like,
“Well, I kind of helped with a project but I didn’t run it myself,” screams I do not think I
am worthy of this position. Instead, say this, “I assisted in a very successful project and
played a key role in bringing it to completion.” Your role in the project may not have
changed the perception the interviewer has of you has.
If you haven’t been on very many interviews or it has been some time since you last
attended one, it is understandable to be nervous. The more interviews you complete, the
more confidence you will gain in your abilities to sell yourself. And you have to
remember that if you were not qualified you would not have gotten the interview in the
first place. Use that knowledge to your advantage and instill confidence in yourself. As
a back-up measure, get some friends or family members to remind you of all of your
great traits and what makes you special – an ego boost before an interview can certainly
boost your confidence level.
to have a moment or two of self-doubt. But the trick is to keep this to yourself and
portray an image of confidence. This is what a potential employer wants to see if you are
not confident in your own abilities why should they be. Here are a few ways to exude
confidence.
Make eye contact, nothing is more of a dead give away of poor self-confidence than a
person that will not look someone in the eye. Walk up to your interviewer, extend your
hand and look in them in the eye when you greet them and express your pleasure of
meeting them. And don’t beat around the bush when you are talking. Saying thinks like,
“Well, I kind of helped with a project but I didn’t run it myself,” screams I do not think I
am worthy of this position. Instead, say this, “I assisted in a very successful project and
played a key role in bringing it to completion.” Your role in the project may not have
changed the perception the interviewer has of you has.
If you haven’t been on very many interviews or it has been some time since you last
attended one, it is understandable to be nervous. The more interviews you complete, the
more confidence you will gain in your abilities to sell yourself. And you have to
remember that if you were not qualified you would not have gotten the interview in the
first place. Use that knowledge to your advantage and instill confidence in yourself. As
a back-up measure, get some friends or family members to remind you of all of your
great traits and what makes you special – an ego boost before an interview can certainly
boost your confidence level.
Executive Job Search
Must-know Tips on Executive Job Search
It is normal for every person to strive for career advancement and growth. It makes them feel that all of their hard work has paid off and that a promotion is, indeed, the best reward they can get.
However, for some whose luck seems to be so illusive, they have to find their own growth somewhere else. That is why most of them opted for executive job searches, where they hope that someday they would be lucky enough to find the executive job that they have long been dreaming for.
But is it really just luck? Or are there some factors that need to be considered when searching for that executive job of their dreams?
Landing a good executive job is not dependent on luck. For people who wish to learn some tips regarding executive job searches, here are some pointers on how to get that dream job:
1. Killer looks
The saying, “Looks could kill” is not an understatement. Though the word kill is only used literally and the word look is sometimes associated with stares. But what is being pointed out here is that looks can definitely kill a person’s chances on landing his or her executive job if the applicant had missed one great factor: appearance.
As the saying goes, first impressions last, so it would be better to make that first impression by looking just right for the job. After all, if a person wants to have an executive job, then, he should dress appropriately for the position. In this way, the executive job he had been searching for might just become a reality.
2. Show some mastery
For an executive position, most employers would want to hire those who are already an expert in their own field. This means that the applicants should be adept in the areas concerning their chosen careers. This will show that the applicant has already started a coherent career track and is already knowledgeable in the field.
It will do no good to an applicant who claims to be a “jack of all trades but a master of none.” Six out of 10 applicants are hired because of their expertise on a certain field. This only means that employers are more concerned with people who have already mastered their career and have established continuous career growth.
Finding an available executive job could be one thing but actually getting that dream executive job is another thing. Looking and acting the part is a must to landing that dream job!
It is normal for every person to strive for career advancement and growth. It makes them feel that all of their hard work has paid off and that a promotion is, indeed, the best reward they can get.
However, for some whose luck seems to be so illusive, they have to find their own growth somewhere else. That is why most of them opted for executive job searches, where they hope that someday they would be lucky enough to find the executive job that they have long been dreaming for.
But is it really just luck? Or are there some factors that need to be considered when searching for that executive job of their dreams?
Landing a good executive job is not dependent on luck. For people who wish to learn some tips regarding executive job searches, here are some pointers on how to get that dream job:
1. Killer looks
The saying, “Looks could kill” is not an understatement. Though the word kill is only used literally and the word look is sometimes associated with stares. But what is being pointed out here is that looks can definitely kill a person’s chances on landing his or her executive job if the applicant had missed one great factor: appearance.
As the saying goes, first impressions last, so it would be better to make that first impression by looking just right for the job. After all, if a person wants to have an executive job, then, he should dress appropriately for the position. In this way, the executive job he had been searching for might just become a reality.
2. Show some mastery
For an executive position, most employers would want to hire those who are already an expert in their own field. This means that the applicants should be adept in the areas concerning their chosen careers. This will show that the applicant has already started a coherent career track and is already knowledgeable in the field.
It will do no good to an applicant who claims to be a “jack of all trades but a master of none.” Six out of 10 applicants are hired because of their expertise on a certain field. This only means that employers are more concerned with people who have already mastered their career and have established continuous career growth.
Finding an available executive job could be one thing but actually getting that dream executive job is another thing. Looking and acting the part is a must to landing that dream job!
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Breaking into the Working World of Teachers
In every college in the country, there are ambitious and starry eyed youngsters who are preparing for a career in teaching. At some point that army of graduates will hit the streets to find jobs in the field of teaching. What is not often taught in colleges are the real world skills of how to actually find and land a good teaching job right out of school. And while there is always a need for good teachers, the new graduate should develop some skills in finding the kind of teaching job that they always dreamed of so even from that first engagement, their career in teaching gets off on the right foot.
There is a lot you can do even before graduation day to get your job search moving and to make yourself desirable as a teacher so when school administrators get flooded with applications from newly graduated teachers, you stand out as the one they want to call in for an interview. One thing you can do at any time during you academic career is to intern as a teaching assistant and volunteer to teach in underprivileged schools.
You can teach just a few hours a day and work it around your academic work. By taking on the working world of teaching even before you have your degree, you will be able to present yourself to employers post graduation as someone who has real world experience in the classroom and "knows the ropes" of getting through an academic year with real live students. That is tremendously valuable to a school administrator with a spot to fill because it reduces the concern that a new graduate who has never faced a classroom full of restless children might wash out when the reality of what teaching is really like.
Another way to get a jump start on the market before students flood the schools for jobs is to start your search early in your last semester of school. Schools know by February or March if they will have jobs to fill for the next academic year. So if you begin your search for a teaching position in March or April, you can often land an interview or even secure a position for the fall long before many of your contemporaries in school begin their hunt for their first teaching job.
Becoming proactive like this always gives you the advantage in finding the job you really want rather than just "any job" in the teaching profession. Spend some time narrowing down exactly what kind of teaching position you want and at what level you feel your personality and teaching style will benefit students the most. You may do much better with young children than with teenagers or you may wish to focus on high schoolers because they are more intellectually equipped to grasp the subject matter with you. By knowing well in advance where you want to teach, you can target those kinds of positions in your job search and improve your chances of finding that perfect teaching job.
You should make the phrase "leave no stone unturned" your motto for hunting up the teaching jobs that are open in your community. First of all, be very proactive in your search. Just because you are graduating, even with honors, with your teaching degree, that doesn’t mean the schools will seek you out with jobs. So you take the search to them before someone else does. And in doing so it will be you that gets the premium teaching positions rather than have to take "what's left" after the good teaching positions are snatched up by more aggressive graduates.
There is a lot you can do even before graduation day to get your job search moving and to make yourself desirable as a teacher so when school administrators get flooded with applications from newly graduated teachers, you stand out as the one they want to call in for an interview. One thing you can do at any time during you academic career is to intern as a teaching assistant and volunteer to teach in underprivileged schools.
You can teach just a few hours a day and work it around your academic work. By taking on the working world of teaching even before you have your degree, you will be able to present yourself to employers post graduation as someone who has real world experience in the classroom and "knows the ropes" of getting through an academic year with real live students. That is tremendously valuable to a school administrator with a spot to fill because it reduces the concern that a new graduate who has never faced a classroom full of restless children might wash out when the reality of what teaching is really like.
Another way to get a jump start on the market before students flood the schools for jobs is to start your search early in your last semester of school. Schools know by February or March if they will have jobs to fill for the next academic year. So if you begin your search for a teaching position in March or April, you can often land an interview or even secure a position for the fall long before many of your contemporaries in school begin their hunt for their first teaching job.
Becoming proactive like this always gives you the advantage in finding the job you really want rather than just "any job" in the teaching profession. Spend some time narrowing down exactly what kind of teaching position you want and at what level you feel your personality and teaching style will benefit students the most. You may do much better with young children than with teenagers or you may wish to focus on high schoolers because they are more intellectually equipped to grasp the subject matter with you. By knowing well in advance where you want to teach, you can target those kinds of positions in your job search and improve your chances of finding that perfect teaching job.
You should make the phrase "leave no stone unturned" your motto for hunting up the teaching jobs that are open in your community. First of all, be very proactive in your search. Just because you are graduating, even with honors, with your teaching degree, that doesn’t mean the schools will seek you out with jobs. So you take the search to them before someone else does. And in doing so it will be you that gets the premium teaching positions rather than have to take "what's left" after the good teaching positions are snatched up by more aggressive graduates.
A Career in Accounting: Tips on How You Can be Successful
In any type of businesses, an accountant is needed. You have to consider that accounting is basically the language in business and having enough knowledge about accountancy is essential for businessmen and women to know how their business is doing. This is why accounting professionals are very much in demand today. And, a lot of certified accountants have become quite successful in their field and some have even started their own business.
The great thing about this career is that it will enable you to interact with all levels of business and you will also learn a lot from it.
So, just what does it take to become an accountant and follow this career?
First of all, you need to know about the eligibility in becoming an accountant.
You need to be a graduate in a 4 year bachelor's degree in accountancy or any related field. Aside from this, an accountant should be able to have good analytical and technical expertise in business systems. Good mathematical aptitude is also a must-have for accountants. And, because computers are now one of the most used medium in computing, you should also have knowledge and the operating skills of a computer.
Another requirement is that you will need a bachelor's degree with a minor in another subject. This should be taken from an accredited college or university in order for you to apply for Master's in accounting.
You can also pursue this career if you had your course in accounting over distance learning programs or through the internet.
Also, you will need an accreditation or license of certain organization, such as being a CPA should have a license by the STA or the State Board of Accountancy.
Most companies also require that you should complete a number of semester hours as well as work hours, which are considered for a 4-year bachelor's degree. If you become a public accountant, you will be taken as a trainee. You will usually start your career as a junior internal auditor or as cost accountant.
It is recommended that you should have a master's degree in business administration or an MBA because it is preferred by more companies who are looking for accountants as part of their employees
The great thing about pursuing accountancy as a career is that it presents a lot of career opportunities. For example, you can get a job as auditors or accountants in government offices or in private companies even if you do not have any license.
The great thing about this career is that it will enable you to interact with all levels of business and you will also learn a lot from it.
So, just what does it take to become an accountant and follow this career?
First of all, you need to know about the eligibility in becoming an accountant.
You need to be a graduate in a 4 year bachelor's degree in accountancy or any related field. Aside from this, an accountant should be able to have good analytical and technical expertise in business systems. Good mathematical aptitude is also a must-have for accountants. And, because computers are now one of the most used medium in computing, you should also have knowledge and the operating skills of a computer.
Another requirement is that you will need a bachelor's degree with a minor in another subject. This should be taken from an accredited college or university in order for you to apply for Master's in accounting.
You can also pursue this career if you had your course in accounting over distance learning programs or through the internet.
Also, you will need an accreditation or license of certain organization, such as being a CPA should have a license by the STA or the State Board of Accountancy.
Most companies also require that you should complete a number of semester hours as well as work hours, which are considered for a 4-year bachelor's degree. If you become a public accountant, you will be taken as a trainee. You will usually start your career as a junior internal auditor or as cost accountant.
It is recommended that you should have a master's degree in business administration or an MBA because it is preferred by more companies who are looking for accountants as part of their employees
The great thing about pursuing accountancy as a career is that it presents a lot of career opportunities. For example, you can get a job as auditors or accountants in government offices or in private companies even if you do not have any license.
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