College Graduates Hit a Tough Job Market

College graduate this year are facing with a weak job market, the worst since 2004. More than 1.5 million newly graduated workforce will have to make a shift in their career path as some industries like construction and banking are feeling the hit in full force while government posts and the computer industry are still going very strong

Written by Jeff Bosco with no comments.
Read more articles on Video and Career Planning and News.

Going on holiday to test-drive a job?

I have to admit it: it sounds quite nice, the idea to go on a short vacation in order to test if a job/career does really fit you - not only because you just like it but because you really have tried and tested it.

In this clip, Brian Kurth, the author of the book “Test Drive your Dream Job“

These are the list of possible careers that Vacation Vocations can help you fulfill:

(more…)

Written by Jeff Bosco with no comments.
Read more articles on Career Change and Video and Career Advices and Career Planning and Job Searching and Opportunities.

How To Make A Resume

The first priority that you need to set if you want to learn how to make a resume is to avoid these (very) common mistakes:

1. Addressing the resume to the wrong… company / person

So you think that this does not happen? This is the most common mistake: addressing the resume to the wrong person or even to the wrong company. This is a surefire way to hit the bin. Make sure to check the contact details before you send your resume out.

2. Proofread your resume before sending it out

Another very critical error is not proofreading your grammar and correct spelling of what you write. How to expect an employer to give a responsibility in his company to somebody who does not even care to write correctly something for himself?

3. Having a “crappy” objective statements

Many candidates lose their readers right in the beginning. Whenever we find a statement such as “looking for a challenging position to enable me to contribute to organizational goals while offering an opportunity for growth and advancement” we just play office basketball with these resume as these statements are overused, general and do not focus on the major element: your employer.

4. Not adding value to your employer

Your objective must be “adding value to your employer”. Go through the web site, collect information about the company and the position you are applying for even before you send the resume and match your skills to what your future employer is really looking for.
One of the resource you will find extremely valuable to avoid such blunders and to learn how to make a resume is a book wrote by my friend Kevin Donlin who did not only compile the most effective tools to help you get hired but also make available a 30 minute audio recording called “How to Find a Great Job Fast”.

This audio book is on sale for $29.00 and he graciously allowed all my friend who want to learn how to make a resume and follow this link to listen to it for FREE online or to download it in MP3.

Written by Jeff Bosco with no comments.
Read more articles on Resume and Cover Letters and Career Change and Career Planning and Job Searching.

Early Career Advice

In a May 10, 2007 post on Career Ramblings there was mention of how recent college graduates can have a successful first year on the job. The blogger, Jane May, notes that all young professionals go through the awkward stage of no longer being a student, neither being quite a professional yet either. Check out the post for some helpful advice to help you through your first year.

But what about your first day on the job? This is no doubt a very daunting experience. You’re the new kid on the block and you may feel that all eyes are upon you. New surroundings, people, processes and unknown expectations have butterflies swimming amuck in your stomach. This is all normal, but there are things you can do to relieve some of the stress. Here are some tips I give to my candidates to ensure they have a successful first day on the job:

1. First impressions set the tone for your future workplace relationships so be aware of your actions, comments and non-verbal behavior. When in doubt, dress conservatively. Try to relax and speak confidently. Make good eye contact and smile. Avoid talking about religion, politics or sex with co-workers you just met. Be an active listener. Make an effort to remember names.

2. Your first day will be filled with the logistics of finding your office space, getting an email address and passwords, filling out forms, meeting people and maybe sitting through an orientation. People may ignore you or go out of their way to welcome you to the company - be prepared for both reactions.

3. When you ask questions, no matter how silly you may think they sound, people know you are eager to learn and understand the material. If you keep questions to yourself, you may get confused or look like you don’t know what you are doing. There is nothing to be ashamed of if you don’t understand everything or can’t remember everyone’s name.

4. Observe what is going on around you in the workplace so you have a clearer definition of the way things work.

5. Showing up early lets people know that you’re excited to be there. It also tells them that you’re committed to working there and doing your best. Don’t rush out the door when your day is over. Wait around a little bit, and ask if there is any work that needs to be done before leaving. You’ll fit in much faster if your boss and coworkers see you putting forth an effort.

Most importantly, remember that everyone you meet that day was once the “new person.” You will survive.

Originally
from Spherion Career Blog - The Big Time

by Brent Short

Written by Jeff Bosco with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Career Advices and Career Planning.

How can I get a different job after being laid off?

I received an e-mail from someone who is interested in a company’s return policy after layoff.

Dear HR Guy,

I was laid off from a company back in November, they laid off 20
employees. I was a team manager and I had one staff member that went also. Now the company is doing better and I’ve noticed ads in the paper for different positions. One of the last is an HR recruiting position. Are there any guidelines that companies follow in regards to calling back employees in a different position. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Laid off and waiting for the call

Dear Laid off,

Sorry to hear about that. Getting laid off is no fun.

On to your question, do companies have guidelines they follow to call back on employees in other positions that they’ve previously laid off? I have found that only in rare cases do companies have any strategy for rehiring after taking an economic dive (unless they do it often). Even more so, considering other people for different positions.

The real question is whether working for a company that is just recently recovering is a good idea for you personally. Or whether or not being an HR recruiter for a company regaining momentum is a risk you’re ready to take. If this company has the risk of hitting the ropes again, an HR recruiter can be the first person to go. Even though HR is seen as a relatively secure area in the corporate field, recruiters are sometimes seen as expendable during economic downturns.

If you feel comfortable with all of that though, I encourage you to contact the hiring manager by phone to show interest in the position. Bypassing the standard application method is probably appropriate at this point.

Originally
from YourHRGuy.com

by Your HR Guy

on May 17, 2007, 1:30AM

Written by Jeff Bosco with 1 comment.
Read more articles on Strategies and Career Planning and Job Searching.

« Older articles

No newer articles