Successful job seekers work hard to grow their network. So the last thing any job seeker wants to do is ruin a first impression or annoy contacts with blunders or missteps. To have a robust and thriving network, it’s critical you treat your contacts right, building good will with every encounter. Read More
Interview Fail: Signs Your Interview is Not Going Well
Most job seekers have had the experience of coming out of an interview feeling it went great, only to learn later that it did not. There are ways to tell an interview is not going well, and ways to correct on the spot in hopes of a better outcome. Read More
Job Search Magic Combination: Optimism and Action
A positive mindset is critical to job search success. Optimism and confidence come through in every job search related communication and interaction, from networking to cover letters to interviewing. The winning combination is optimism coupled with action. Read More
Making the Most of the Temp Trend
As the economy slowly recovers, companies are adding temps rather than full time employees, while they wait for things to stabilize. A Wall Street Journal article hints this may be a long term trend. Job seekers should be very open to temp or contract work and make the most of it, viewing it as a different, but still very acceptable way to find fulfilling work. Read More
Little Ways for Jobseekers to Communicate Professionally
For job seekers, every communication counts. Recruiters and hiring managers are measuring you every time you interact and small details matter. Today, some tips on making each communication shine. Read More
Answering “Why Should We Hire You?”
On a episode of “America’s Got Talent”, a contestant was asked “Why should America vote for you?” The contestant tearfully replied something along the lines of “Because I want it so much, it would mean so much to me.” While this answer works for a TV talent show, it is NOT the response you want to give when asked in a job interview “Why should we hire you?” Hires are not made based on how much the applicant wants the job. Hires are based on the value the candidate can create for the employer. Here are some dos and don’ts for answering this very common interview question. Read More
The Value of Expert Help in a Job Search
A friend of mine wanted to try doing a triathlon – a race involving swimming, bicycling and running. She was confident with the latter two but apprehensive about the swim. “I’ve been swimming since I was a kid, but I’ve never tried racing.” I offered to take a swim with her and see how she was in the water. It turns out she could barely keep her head up!
Swimming is like a lot of things in life. We can do it well enough to keep from drowning but we’re not truly competent and certainly not good enough to win a race. Read More
Do Looks Matter?
Could your looks get in the way of your job search? It’s a question a lot of people are asking after a Newsweek article which said essentially looks matter. According to the Newsweek survey of hiring managers, looks were the third most important factor after experience and confidence. So what’s a job seeker to do? Read More
Job Search Strategies for Mature Workers
Being over 50 and looking for work can be a scary proposition. A New York Times article details the fears and realities of looking for work at a time in life when many expected to be thinking their upcoming retirement, not job search. Although the article painted a grim picture, the reality is, a job search at 50+ does not have to be frustrating or fruitless. There is a great deal mature workers can do to make the most of the opportunity and end up with fulfilling employment. Read More
Guided Versus Unguided Job Search
There was a time when it didn’t take much planning or strategy to land a job. The expanding economy favored job seekers and it didn’t take long to find work. But today, the balance has changed. It’s a “hiring company’s market.” Attempting an ad hoc job search without guidance in tactics and best practices often leads to a lengthy job search, creating economic stress. Read More