My Campus Chronicles
Our college blog dedicated to helping students prepare for life outside of college.
May 2009 archive
President Barack Obama's stimulus plan has allocated $40 billion to invest in the development of green jobs. That is, career opportunities tapping into companies' commitment to "go green."
Interested in a change of pace? Your skills may just fit into the green jobs movement. Check out some career options here.
What's really neat about a green job? Not only will you be doing something that is helping the environment, but many experts predict that this is an area that will continue to grow.
Don't know Twitter from Facebook? Scared of using a blog or participating in online conversations? Need help navigating through the new and burgeoning world of social networks? You're not the only one.
In today's job search, social networking is becoming the name of the game. But what is this thing called social networking and how can you use it to find a job? One article offers some Q&A around the topic, and offers some practical tips in finding your way through these viral marketing tools.
One thing to remember - individual networks are tools, not strategies. Just because you use your Facebook account solely for professional purposes, doesn't mean that is the only place you should rely on to get a job.
It is very important to understand each tool and figure out which works best for you. I would recommend starting by creating a LinkedIn account, which is THE professional hot spot for staying connected to colleagues, former colleagues and industry peers. However, don't limit yourself to just one network. Take time to explore other networks, and ask your friends what they use.
One word of caution - if you do plan on using your account for your personal life and friends, I would suggest making an account only dedicated to your professional pursuits. This will keep your private and professional life separate.
When looking for a job, use a variety of tools and networking strategies. Just because it's the new buzz, doesn't mean it's the end all be all in landing your next job.
"Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures, but not when it comes to job seeking. Just because a job is (or seems) available, there is other criteria to consider. Taking any opportunity without careful consideration may seem like a good quick fix, but quick fixes often aren't the best for you in the long run."
Q: Dear Seymour, My friends are taking any job offered to them, but aren't there factors I should never compromise on?
- Submitted by Jamie Seilers San Jose, California
A: Dear Jamie,
Some people have a hard time turning down offers, especially when the economy is tough, the news is often scary, and jobs seem scarce. However, just because a job is (or seems) to be available doesn't mean you should jump without thinking long and hard first.
Do your homework.
Not all businesses are ethical or even legitimate. It's very important to carefully research any company that offers you a job (this should be done before interviews, but more should be done if an offer is made). Do online research, but also ask around and see if anyone in your network or your friends' networks knows about the company or the people who have offered you the job.
Go with your gut.
If something doesn't seem right to you, it probably isn't. Furthermore, if any behavior by the people you interview with seems unprofessional or just doesn't feel right, listen to those feelings. If at any point you feel pressured to take the job without considering it or if you feel threatened or mistreated, turn it down.
Keep your eyes and ears open during the interview.
Before and during your interview, look around. What is the environment like? What are the people like? Does it seem like a well-run place where people are reasonably happy, or does the entire operation just seem wrong? Try visiting the restrooms--if they are clean, that's a good sign. If they are dirty, it could mean that coworkers have no pride in their workplace and may be an indicator of other major problems. If you are offered a job without an interview, that is a red flag. Do some serious research before you accept and ask why you are not being interviewed.
Don't let yourself get taken advantage of.
If you're asked to do a great deal of work before you are offered the job, walk away. Although is highly unethical, some businesses prey on the desperation of job seekers to try to get free work done in the name of the "interview process." Don't let businesses like that get the best of you. Also, if you're promised work but are told you will not be paid for any reason, end the relationship. Working without pay is not acceptable.
Don't let worry or fear of not finding the right position get you down. There are jobs out there, and taking one at just any company isn't the right thing. It may seem like a good quick fix, but quick fixes don't tend to last long and you could end up selling yourself short.
Seymour
In Recruiter Q &A, experienced Spherion recruiters discuss the latest trends in the job market and provide advice on making the most of your job search. This month's recruiter, Andrea Dickinson was recently promoted to client service manager for Spherion. Andrea has been in the staffing industry for six years and enjoys NHRA drag racing, camping, cooking and gardening in her free time.
1. What are the advantages to utilizing a recruiter in my job search?
When you use a recruiter in your job search, you have someone that works with you from start to finish. A good recruiter will work to develop rapport and trust with you. It is also likely that the recruiter may have worked or done business with client companies that you would like to work with. Recruiters can also give great advice on resume writing and interview tips to job seekers. One of the biggest advantages in working with a recruiter is the added assurance that you are going to be a good fit with the client company once you are placed.
2. What skills are most in demand today?
The skills that are most in demand today are trade skills, management skills, computer skills and communication skills. Also, being versatile and having transferrable skills is a key selling point in today's job market.
3. What are some tips for first time job seekers or recent graduates coming into a job market that is proceeding cautiously with hiring decisions?
It is important to understand it is a tough and competitive job market. Before interviewing with a company, practice your responses to questions and act out possible scenarios. Do your research and learn as much about the history of the company so that you will be prepared to ask and answer key questions about the company's culture and objectives. Share examples with the interviewer of your experience and contributions while working for a previous employer.
This will help to distinguish you from other job seekers by showing that you have a vested interest in the position and can illustrate how your skills can contribute to the company. It is also always a good idea to attend as many networking events as possible and join social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
4. Looking back over the many resumes that have fallen on your desk, which resume faux pas stands out the most that you would urge candidates to avoid?
Under no circumstances should you ever include a photo or detailed personal information on your resume. It is unecessary and irrelevent!
5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the satisfaction and gratitude I receive by finding someone not only employment, but the next step in their career path.
The past couple of days have produced some positive news regarding the recession and the economic recovery. Now the talk of job recovery has crept into the media. This is really good news, especially those who have been out of work for weeks and months.
If the news is true and the job recovery has begun, here is a check list of must dos in preparing for the search:
- Make sure your resume is up to date and in order, listing your most recent experience and skills.
- Start making connections by networking and meeting professionals and peers in your line of work.
- Stay in touch with those from your last place of employment - they may be able to hire you back.
- Practice your interview skills and consider taking a couple of course to refresh or learn new skills.
- Get your interview clothes in order.
- Pound the pavement. Don't just rely on job boards and web sites, make personal visits to companies and visit job fairs that will surely become more and more frequent if the job market is turning around.
Also, take a minute to make a plan of action. Outline the type of job you want and narrow in on industries or employers that most interest you.
Good luck!
Prepare a written strategy - By strategy, I mean a cohesive response to the challenges you face! Your career is your business. Careers like businesses compete or fail based on strategy and execution. (The strategic planning process I recommend is described in my book, Boom or Bust!)
Study the market as it is becoming not as it once was! Here's the trick. You need to know where the jobs/careers are going to be - not where they once were. Fully half of today's jobs bear little resemblance to past jobs and by 2015 it is estimated by the U.S. Department of Labor that 76% of U.S. jobs will demand specifically skilled employees.
Complete a gap analysis clearly identifying what you "DON'T" have in your career portfolio that the marketplace needs. More than half the jobs/careers that are emerging require different or expanded skills, certifications or competencies than those jobs from your past. Confirm what you are missing.
Fill in the gaps by learning new skills BEFORE seeking rejection as an applicant for a prospective job or contractual project or, worse, actually interviewing for an opportunity for which you are not prepared. There are countless ways to prepare to learn new skills in record time - virtually, in person, through extension schools, and in community colleges and in universities' degree programs as well as through their extended studies. If you can't "fill in the blanks" with demonstrable qualifications, you won't beat the competition.
Understand and use multiple marketing tools and methodologies well beyond developing and posting a chronological resume to job boards. In point of fact, the lengthy chronological resume is the best screening out tool invented by human-kind - especially for people whose careers span many years.
Study sales training vs. interviewing training. Sales training includes prospecting methods, sales methods, and follow-up methods that consistently generate fresh opportunities. Henceforth you are in SALES regardless of your career path.
Distinguish facts vs. myths about older workers and leverage your advantages. Learning the facts and leveraging maturity's advantages are the keys to self-confidence and to overcoming the dreaded questions that lurk behind recruiters' welcoming façades.
Position your "sales close" by quantifying the benefits of hiring or engaging you. Now, more than ever, "quantifying" your ability to help an employer or client succeed is critical to receiving an offer.
Pursue multiple avenues; part-time, full-time, flex time and some-of-the-time opportunities. Dispel any nonsense about long-term employment. Private sector employers, and a growing number of public sector employers, will only pay for what they need and what you can accomplish.
Continue to build reputation throughout your work/life cycle. This involves more active participation in professional organizations, constant harvesting of opportunities as part of your plan and keeping an eagle eye on your reputation by honoring your commitments to others.
As the summer months approach, many families will be heading out for their annual vacations. Given the current job market, many of those folks will be opting to keep up their job search while on their break. Here's some advice and tips to help make the effort fruitful.
Consider your technology. You may have a wireless Internet gadget that would allow you to continue your job search normally. However, consider that not every location has great Internet access, which could make your search more difficult. Make sure you set an automatic response on your e-mail and voice mail to say you are out of town.
Do take time to relax. Job searching can be a drain, and it's not wrong to take time off now and then to recharge. You may find that a small break from searching gives you time to think of some fresh ideas for your search or even your career path.
Not all searches are via the Internet. You may be surprised where your next best job lead comes from. It's possible that a casual poolside conversation with a stranger could end up getting you some great career advice or even a new business contact. You never know who you'll meet! Networking is one of your strongest job search tools.
When you come back from your trip, try to ramp up your search efforts. It might be tempting to stay in "vacation" mode, but keep looking and the right job will come along!
