How Sharp Are Your Job-Hunting Skills?

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If posting a resume on a search engine was all that was needed to land a job, we sure wouldn’t have much of an unemployment problem, would we?

Let’s face it, search engines (Monster, CareerBuilder, etc.) are filled with “available positions” no matter when you check them. So why is it that so many available workers are not landing all those “available” jobs? The fact is, looking for a job can be downright grueling, according to Kiplinger.com.

Do you know how to boost your odds of getting the position you want for the pay you want? Here are ten questions to test your knowledge of job searching, interviewing and salary negotiating.

How Sharp Are Your Job-Hunting Skills?

Question 1:
Searching the Internet is the most effective way to look for a job – True or False.

False. Although the Internet will probably make up one component of your search, the most effective way to find a job is through networking. You could answer dozens of ads, but knowing the right people can make all the difference in landing an offer. Plus, only about 15% to 20% of all job openings are ever publicly advertised in any medium, according to Quintcareers.com. Most come through the grape vine.

Question 2:
You can negotiate an entry-level salary – Yes or No.

Absolutely; It doesn't hurt to ask is correct. Most employers leave wiggle room in their offers to new employees, even those that are fresh out of school. You won't find out unless you ask. But even if there isn't any room for an increase in salary, there are other pieces to the benefits puzzle. Consider negotiating your vacation time, work hours, signing bonuses, starting date or relocation benefits.

Question 3:
Your résumé should always fit onto one page – True or False.

False. There's no mandatory length limit for résumés. Use the space efficiently, but give enough specific information to attract hiring managers. Generally, you should keep yours to one page if you have less than ten years of experience. Feel free to go over a page if you have more experience or work in a field where you need to add more detail, such as your research projects and publications.

Question 4:
What are acceptable ways to reach out and network? A. Use your college alumni association; B. Join a professional organization; C. Join online discussion groups; D. All of the above; E. None of the above.

All of the above is correct. All of these are good ways to meet people in your field. You can also set up an informational interview with experts in your industry, get an internship when you're first starting out, and keep in touch with college acquaintances.

Question 5:
When applying via e-mail, type a brief cover letter into the body of your e-mail, attach your résumé as a Word document and click "send." A) That’s all I need to do; b) Wait! I’m forgetting something!

Wait, you're forgetting something is correct. Don’t hit “send” so fast. You need to send two versions of your résumé via e-mail. Many employers won't open résumé attachments either out of laziness or fear of contracting a computer virus. Your chance of getting noticed: zilch. Go ahead and attach the document, but copy and paste a text-only version of your résumé into the body of your e-mail to cover your bases.

Question 6:
Should you tell your current employer you're job hunting outside the company – Yes or No.

No. Don't tell anyone before you have a new job lined up. The company knows it has to replace you and it could find your replacement before you're ready to go, leaving you prematurely unemployed. Or your boss may see you as disloyal and make your life difficult until you leave.

Question 7:
How long does the average job hunt take? One month? Four months? Nine months? 18 months?

The average job hunt takes four months, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. So be patient and don't get discouraged.

Question 8:
Employers can receive hundreds of résumés for a single job. How can you get yours noticed? A. Use fancy formatting; B. List every job you've ever held; C. Use certain key words.

Use certain key words is correct. Many employers dump résumés into a database and search for key words to narrow the field. The magic words are often job titles, skills or areas of expertise related to the position. The best way to figure out key words is to look at ads for your target job and see the kind of language employers are using.

Question 9:
What should you NOT do in a job interview? A. Smile; B. Dress conservatively; C. Ask the interviewer yes-or-no questions; D. Bring plenty of hard-copy résumés; E. Talk respectfully about past employers.

Ask the interviewer yes-or-no questions is correct. Asking the interviewer "yes" or "no" questions that stifle conversation gives the impression that you don't care about the company or the position. Stick to open-ended questions, such as "Would you walk me through a typical day on the job?" or "What is the company's plan for the next five years, and how does your department fit in?"

Question 10:
When looking for your first job out of college, you can write off job-hunting expenses on your tax return – True or False.

False. Sorry, first-job seekers cannot write off these costs. However, they can claim the write-off when they look for their next job, as long as it's in the same field.

For the most complete job search resource, please log onto our web site: StartNowCareers.com

Even the Overqualified Have Options to Get Jobs

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This recession and the accompanying job situation have hit experienced workers hard. Millions of job-seekers are now looking to positions they are overqualified for – and are genuinely anxious to fill those roles. Yet it’s sometimes difficult to even apply to them for fear of rejection.

So what do you do? First, you may want to consider rewording your résumé. Rather than highlighting that degree you worked so hard for (ouch!), choose wording that accentuates related experience or related education. After all, a degree doesn’t prove accomplishments and results, but accomplishments and results are what hiring managers are looking for.

Second, you must help the hiring manager understand what overqualified doesn't mean. You've got to let them know you really want to work for their organization, that you're dedicated, and that you've got something you can offer them.It's all about adding value. The job applicant who convinces a potential employer they can make a positive effect on the bottom line often wins. Campaign for your dedication, your work ethic, and the things you can learn in that new role even if you are overqualified for it.

According to Phil Chipouras of The Boomer Group, "You've got to position yourself as the solution to the company's problems. So research, networking, understanding what that company's problems are and positioning yourself accordingly, are all extremely important.”

Unless you're a Type A personality who always needs to climb the corporate ladder, then don't be dishonest with yourself or them. But in fact, a new career at a lower rung on the ladder might mean less stress. Maybe right now title and money is not all that it used to be. Maybe right now having a decent income and a balanced life is more important than it was before. During the interview you can make that point.

From the hiring manager’s point of view, they want to make sure you’ll stay on the job once you’re hired, so it’s important to indicate that you’re serious and that you’re a stable, solid investment.
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Here's a Great Cover Letter Tip!

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Hiring managers are overwhelmed with applications, so yours should quickly and clearly demonstrate that you're a great fit for the position.

A unique, yet interesting way to have yours stand out is to use a two-column section within the body of your cover letter.

After your opening paragraph (of only two or three lines), begin your two columns. On the left side, list the job's major qualifications; on the right, say how you meet each requirement.

End your letter with a full closing paragraph and your signature.

For more job search help, visit our web site: StartNowCareers.com
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How to Best Prepare for a Job Fair

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More often than not, today's job seekers face many disappointments. The most frustrating is not getting an acknowledgement when a resume is mailed to a company or posted on the many job web sites that are out there.

Equally disappointing is attending a job fair and not quite finding the responses you had hoped for. Part of the reason is that the job seeker goes into a job fair somewhat unprepared.

Company hiring managers say that preparing for a job fair requires more than just creating or updating a resume. It's recommended that you:

Target specific companies: Apply to the companies that are the best fit for your skills and qualifications.

Do your homework: Be ready to talk about the company and their products. Do an Internet search before the job fair so you will be well versed on challenges facing the company you're applying to.

Clarify goals: Don't expect an on-the-spot offer unless you are pursuing a job through a temporary agency. Interested companies will be in contact with you for on-site interviews.

Present a realistic resume: Companies typically find out when a resume is padded.

Avoid salary and/or benefit questions: The initial interview should be about selling your skills and how you can help the organization.

Sell yourself: Prepare a short "commercial" about yourself. Provide background and clearly state your career goals.

Ask for contacts: Inquire about specific names and phone numbers. Typically the person at the job fair will not be the one making the hiring decisions.

Dress for success: Though it should go without saying, in this economic climate some people still arrive at a job fair dressed too casually. Wear conservative business attire, provide a firm handshake, establish eye contact, and - above all - smile!
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What is the Start Now! Career Guide?

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Good question!

If you’re one of many who have found yourself looking for a job, you’ll agree…you are faced with perhaps one of the most difficult times of your life.

You’re looking to get from point A (being unemployed) to point B (landing a good job) in the shortest amount of time. You turn to the Internet because that’s where we go for virtually instant information. What the job seeker often finds, however, is frustration.

In part, it’s because finding the best places to post a resume isn’t going to help if the resume itself isn’t on target. If the resume isn’t right, then it isn’t being read. If it isn’t read, it isn’t being considered.

So let me address how StartNowCareers.com can assist today’s job seeker:

1. It Provides Value. In its most basic form, Start Now! Career Guide helps you set the foundation in perfecting your own resume. The guide relieves the burden of weeding through repetitive information which is found on the Internet today. Our web site links to a product - not to a page of links to more web sites (which, in turn, often links to yet more web sites).

“Professional” resume writers are out there by the dozens and charge hefty fees to produce something for people they don’t even know. But the fact is, no one knows the you as well as you do. The Start Now! Career Guide helps you dig deep to rediscover talents and experiences (career and personal) which you may have overlooked.

2. We’re Not Reinventing the Wheel. Rather than a job search engine or resume service, Start Now! Career Guide is just that…a comprehensive guide which covers a wealth of information, from how to deal with the emotional side of unemployment, to networking, to resume construction, to letter writing, to interview strategies, and so much more.

3. We Don't Remix. Since there is so much information out on the Internet, we can’t claim that our guide is spectacularly unique. What we can claim, however, is that the Start Now! Career Guide provides essential information all job seekers need. Plus, since you’ll have the reference information always at your fingertips, it saves valuable time you’d be using going from one web site to another.

We’re really hoping you’ll evaluate StartNowCareers.com. Our goal is to deliver a product of value which provides vital information and essential tools to assist you in your job search.
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Do You Have "Digital Dirt"?

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Do you have digital dirt? If so, it might be time to start cleaning it up. Your on-line Web pages could cost you a chance at a job.

Digital dirt is the information about you - your hobbies, your photos, your rants and raves - that's available on the Internet through personal Web sites, profiles on popular social-networking sites, and comments on blogs. What you might not realize is that employers are reading what's out there and in many cases these things can derail your job prospects even before you're called for an interview.

According to Tory Johnson, a recruiter who recently published an article on this topic for ABC News, this all started with Google. The popular search engine enabled all of us to become private eyes. We can look up anyone and anything on the Internet with the simple click of the mouse. “This is a great tool for job-seekers,” Johnson said. “They can Google an interviewer to learn something about that person in hopes of using it to establish a rapport during the interview.

“But there's a flip side," Johnson says. "Those same employers check out prospective hires. With basic on-line searches, they're finding risqué photos posted on personal Web sites and social networks. They're reading brags about excessive drinking and promiscuity, and plenty more.”

With the high costs of recruiting, training and retaining top talent - from entry level to senior executives - employers must be cautious about who they hire. As a recruiter, Tory Johnson says, “If I'm considering two college seniors for the same position and I come across an on-line profile for one of them that brags about rowdy parties and drunken escapades, I might think twice about that person. And I will likely lean more toward the candidate who has a clean on-line profile - or none at all.”

Several college career service offices have begun aggressively warning students that recruiters monitor what they post on-line. In a competitive job market, students need all the ammunition they can get. And a heads-up on this growing trend has allowed many students to start pre-emptively dusting their own dirt.

(Incidentally, many college admissions offices now review the on-line profiles of high school seniors when determining their eligibility for admittance. Ask your son and daughter if they would want to miss out on the college of their dreams because they're boasting about skipping class and underage drinking.)

Not Limited to the College Crowd
All of us - regardless of age or position - are subject to on-line searches by current and prospective employers. Many companies that have ruled out candidates - and even rescinded offers - because of what they found on-line.

Digital dirt included misstated academic qualifications, radical political views, objectionable jokes posted on personal Web pages and even negative comments about former employers submitted to blogs.

Narcisurf Today
Johnson advises that you do some narcisurfing! It's a term that's cropping up relating to Internet searches that we conduct on ourselves. Not only can you Google yourself, but you should go to dogpile.com, too. Dogpile retrieves information from multiple search engines and gives different results than Google or Yahoo! does.

Johnson gives this advice: “If you have an on-line profile on any of the social networks, carefully review its contents to see if there's anything that would make an employer wince. If there's information on your personal Web page that you wouldn't want your current or future boss to see, then change it. If the objectionable information about you is on another site, you can contact the webmaster about having it changed or removed. And if that's not possible, you'll have to be ready to explain it if asked.”

Consider Professional, Not Social Networks
Johnson further advises, since there are indeed great advantages to on-line networks - including promoting your professional strengths and personal interests as well as connecting with like-minded people, consider creating a free account on a site like LinkedIn. Unlike the social networks like MySpace, Facebook and Friendster, this service, which has 5 million registered users, focuses much more on the professional than the personal.
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On the Light Side - Help Wanted

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Position: Actual job title varies. Mom, Dad; Mommy, Daddy; Mama, Dada; or Ma, Pa

Job Description: Long-term team players needed for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24-hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses never reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

Responsibilities: Duration of the job is the rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysterious ugly sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and varying numbers. Must be a willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.

Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

Possibility of Advancement and Promotion: None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

Previous Experience: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

Wages And Compensation: Get this! You pay them!! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

Benefits: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.
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