Stay organized with your job hunt
May 22, 2012, 7:05 am
Filed under: Job Search

With all the websites you’re searching, jobs you’ve applied for, interviews coming up and things you need to do, staying organized during a job hunt can be tough.

It’s also essential to success. Proper organization will help with tracking possible opportunities, companies that interest you, the application process, interviewing and follow-up.

Here are some methods and tools that can be helpful: (more…)



Break these job search rules
May 15, 2012, 7:04 am
Filed under: Job Search

It should come as no surprise that in this economy and this job market, it’s not always best to follow the rules.

These job search rules may be better broken than followed:

  • One page resume – You’ve probably heard the one-page resume rule, but times have changed and two-page resumes are not taboo anymore IF you really need the extra space to share all of your relative experience.  (more…)


A day in the life of the unemployed
May 8, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Job Search

If you’re unemployed, then yes you CAN sit around all day watching TV, reading blogs, cleaning the house and baking cookies, but that doesn’t mean you should. None of those things are likely to help you get a job. (Not even taking your freshly baked cookies to a hiring manager.) (more…)



5 skills you need on your resume
April 24, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Job Search

Everyone’s resume should look different, and there’s no magic right or wrong skill to have, but these five things are becoming more and more important to many employers. (more…)



What interviewers really want
April 17, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Job interview | Tags: , ,

Have you ever been asked a question at an interview that makes you wonder if the interviewer REALLY cares about your answer to that seemingly pointless question?

Our hiring managers and others can’t always come right out and be as blunt as they might like, so they may be looking for hidden answers to normal questions. With so many applicants and resumes coming across our desks, we have to delve beyond the basics to find potential employees with stand-out traits. (more…)



Never-fail guide to interview prep
April 10, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Job interview

To prepare for a job interview, get over how silly you may feel, and PRACTICE!!!

You can make a list of potential questions to ask yourself, then play interviewer or interviewee, or ask a friend or family member to interview you with your list of questions and anything they want to add on the fly.

If you’re not sure where to start with your preparations, this guide will help: (more…)



Stand out at your new job
March 20, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: New Job

Hooray! Not only have you gotten a new job, you’ve actually started and things are going well.

But just “going well” may not be enough anymore to make yourself seen and heard while quickly establishing yourself as a crucial part of the company or organization you now work for.

During the first weeks and months on the job, you have the perfect opportunity to stand out and set the tone for the rest of your time in this career. (more…)



Starting a new job dos and don’ts
March 6, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Networking

It’s like the first day of high school all over again. Except you’re the only one who’s the “new guy” or “new girl” this time.

Your first days at a new job can definitely be stressful, intimidating, confusing and downright scary!

Arm yourself by knowing these do’s and don’ts and you’ll get off to a great start. (more…)



The layoff survival kit
February 28, 2012, 7:00 am
Filed under: Layoffs

If you’ve left a job by choice so you could move on to a new job or take some time to figure out what you want to do next, you are one of the lucky ones. The reality is that even though the job market seems to be improving, there are still people getting laid off every day.

There’s so much you can do to help yourself get through this difficult time though. This layoff survival kit will get you going in the right direction right after you close the door behind you.

  • Salary and vacation time – Hopefully, you didn’t walk away with just your box of personal belongings. Make sure you get paid to cover your salary through the last day you worked, unused vacation time, sick days, etc.  You may need to contact the HR department to make sure everyone’s records are up to date.
  • W-2 – If you’re laid off because the company went out of business, who creates your W-2 report of wage income? Good question. If you haven’t received the form by now, contact the IRS directly to request a substitute W-2. You will be asked to produce your final paycheck of the tax year.
  • Health coverage – You are flirting with danger if you allow your health insurance to lapse between jobs. The federal COBRA law, which gives you access to your ex-employer’s group insurance plan after you leave the company, may be the best bet.


Resign Right
February 21, 2012, 8:05 am
Filed under: Job Search

You’ve decided it’s time to leave your job AND you’ve done all you can to prepare.

Now the time has come to actually quit.

There are definitely good ways and bad ways to do this since you want to be professional, not burn any bridges and move on with your career all at the same time.

Here is a good checklist to use when you’re ready to walk into the boss’ office: (more…)




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