Just What's Wrong with Retail?

On the front page of Yahoo! today sits an article about a survey that was conducted across several countries that gauged the respect people have for different professions. Not surprisingly doctors rank right at the top. It's not just respect that the survey polled people on though, it was also which profession people would prefer to marry a practitioner of; doctors again ranking at the apex of the mountain. What's disturbing, though, is that retail employees join Mack at the bottom of the stack (study up on your Dr. Seuss if you don't get that reference).

The study itself is laced with ironies such as actors and musicians also ranking low when their daily antics clog up hours of gossip TV "news" time -- methinks some respondents were less than truthful with their answers. But I really think I'm going to have to call shenanigans on this whole disrespect for retail employees business.

I know many, many people who work in retail at a store level. There's some absolutely fascinating people in that bunch with expertise in a wide variety of subjects. Many of those people are college educated and could be working in fields that this misguided survey would consider respectable. Why are they not doing it? Many reasons.

Since retail offers a very flexible schedule it's a fantastic industry to return to school while continuing to support yourself. Many of these employees work there while pursuing an advanced degree to change careers. And a great many more are kids in college for the first time earning the extra money they need to complete that first degree.

Although beyond that I think a very good reason people stay in the retail sector is that it's uncomplicated. Although a clear majority of people would prefer to marry a person in the health field -- nurses and other health care technicians were included, not just doctors -- they don't seem to realize how much free time these people don't have. These are the professions that seem to get in the way of having a family and generally living life. Retail is very simple, and although it doesn't pay as well, leaves plenty of time for people to live life and love their families. Not to mention nursing didn't pay all that great last time I checked.

That's not to say that people in the health care field aren't living fulfilling lives with their families. It's just disheartening to think that people are judging a career choice without fully understanding it. Different personalities mesh better with different professions.

And by the way, I met my wife, got married, and purchased our first home while working in retail. We're blissfully happy twelve years later.

Keyword Stuffing

Let me tell you a little trick marketing people use when they are marketing a new product that they want to pop up high in the search engine results: they keyword stuff. One of the most basic ways that search engines organize their results are by the types of words that appear on Web sites. For instance, if you're marketing a mop, you want your Web site to have words like "clean floors," "mopping," and "wash floors" included in the site's content. You want to think of as many combinations that a person would type into a search engine and use those phrases in your Web site copy to flag their attention.

Now, would it surprise you to hear that employers use keyword searches when scanning the resumes they receive? Since most of the job applying happens via the Internet or through e-mail, companies get hundreds, if not thousands, of replies to one single job posting. Instead of wasting precious man hours manually reading each one, they use a modified search to scan the documents for keywords that will help cut the stack.

For instance, there are far too many people that apply to jobs out of their area. It's not uncommon to post a job in St. Louis and get responses from Seattle. One of the initial qualifiers the company would therefore run the resumes through is a keyword search for St. Louis to weed the out-of-towners from the stack. Then, to make sure the rest of the stack is actually qualified for the position, they will run a search of the keywords from the job ad.

This is where you come in. If you feel you are qualified for the position, modify the language of your resume or cover letter to include some of the language from the ad itself. So, if the ad calls for someone with "network marketing experience," and your resume says that you have a "distinguished history with network marketing," modify the language to mirror the former. It's likely to get you launched to the top of the search results.

The key to successfully landing an interview is to think like the people actually doing the hiring. It's the surest way to get your resume to the top of the stack.

Recession Proof Jobs

I'm sure most have you have been hearing the horror stories about the unemployment rate. It's hard to avoid as it's seemingly been the lead story on every evening newscast for the past few weeks. These guys are throwing up some incredibly frightening numbers. Ten percent of Americans are projected to be out of work by next year. Yikes!

Similarly, there has been plenty of ink devoted to the concept of which jobs are recession proof and which are not. When you start comparing the lists from publication to publication, you'll see some similarities and some glaring contradictions. However, the overall theme of the lists is perfectly clear -- a recession proof job is one that sells services or goods that people need. Luxuries they can do without.

That's why health care workers appear on just about every list. People will spend money on their health. However, within that group there are jobs that are not safe because they are still luxuries. Adults, for instance, will forgo dental care in lieu of their children. Plastic surgery is similarly something that will begin to falter as the bad economy trickles up to the rich and famous.

Auto repair can similarly score pretty high on the list because people can't earn a living if they can't get to work. Grocery stores are seeing an uptick in business as more people abandon restaurants to save a few bucks by eating at home. As more and more people face unemployment, job recruiters are being asked to work overtime.

If you're one of those people spending an entire day online browsing the job boards, and you want to shore up your employment for what could be the next year and a half of dismal economic times, examine the roots of the job and ask this question: Is this selling something people need, or is it something they can live without?

Dress For Success

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. An interview is an opportunity that can either make or break your job chances, and you want your first impression to be great. One of the only aspects of an interview that you have control over is what you wear. Your interview apparel can make a strong statement about your professionalism and how serious the opportunity is to you.

Here are some general guidelines on appropriate interview apparel so you can walk into an interview with your head held high.

Guidelines for women:

• Two-piece business suit - Dark colors preferred; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style; Skirt preferred over pants
• Closed toe shoes - Low heel/Solid dark color
• Hosiery - Good fitting/Skin color
  
• Minimal jewelry
• Groomed hair and nails
• Light perfume
• Simple makeup (No bright colors!)
  
• Cover tattoos/take out piercings
• Solid color briefcase or portfolio

Guidelines for men:

• Two-piece business suit - Dark colors preferred; Tailored to fit well; Conservative in style; Dry cleaned and pressed
• Dress shoes - Polished and in good condition
• Dark socks
• Leather belt
• Silk neck tie
  
• Groomed hair and nails
• Minimal jewelry - A wedding ring or conservative watch is appropriate
• Cover tattoos/take out piercings
• Very light or no cologne
• Solid color briefcase or portfolio

Take the time to present a professional image in your interview. If you feel good about the way you look then you will have a more positive attitude when going into your interview. So hide those tattoos, pop in a mint and put a smile on your face!

Employer Pet Peeves

Want the scoop on employer turn-offs? What are some of those pet peeves that get under their skin? The last thing you want to do is get the hiring manager on your bad side, so here are the top ten no-nos to avoid when on the hunt for a job.

1. Coming late to an interview. Traffic, bad directions, sick, car breakdown - these excuses just won't cut it!
2. Having a résumé with grammatical errors.
3. Leaving a message for the employer with a garbled name/phone number.
4. Having your child's voice recorded on your answering machine. Not cute or professional looking when an employer calls!
5. Wearing a wrinkled shirt, stockings with runs in them, or a tie with coffee spots on it.
6. Treating a receptionist, janitor or anyone at the company with disrespect.
7. Forgetting to send a thank-you note after an interview.
8. Lack of research about the company you are interviewing for.
9. Not reading all the instructions when applying for a job. If a company asks for a cover letter AND résumé don't just send your résumé.
10. Dishonesty! Don't lie or be evasive when an employer asks you a question. If you aren't honest in an interview then how can an employer trust you working for him/her?

These are some of the most infuriating pet peeves that hiring managers have. Don't become another job seeker that ticks off employers, learn how to stand out against the other job seekers by avoiding these turn-offs.

How Long Should My Résumé Be?

It's an age-old question: how long should my résumé be? Many people abide by the one page rule but it's not necessarily a sin to have a two-page résumé. The correct answer is that your résumé should be as long as you need it to be. But no longer!

If your résumé is two pages long then it must be compelling to read. You must remember that the purpose of your résumé is to land the interview, not tell your life story. It is acceptable for people who have been in an industry for over ten years or have highly technical careers to utilize two pages worth of space. Other than that, stick to a single page!

A one-page résumé will help you target your skills and objective without adding fluff. It will look lean and clean to an employer and allow them to quickly scan it without spending time flipping through pages. If you think it's impossible to get your résumé down to a page, here are a few suggestions:

• Reduce the size of your headings
• Change your 12 point font to size 11
• Decrease your margins
• Change the font type/size for your name and address at the top of your résumé

Recent graduates or people who have less experience in an industry should definitely stick to one page. Remember that it is ultimately your decision how long your résumé is and how much information will really reflect your abilities the best.

The Importance of Thank-You Notes

Following an interview the most important thing you can do to stand out from the sea of job seekers is to send a thank-you letter to the person who interviewed you. But what should you say? Should it be handwritten or typed? Do you send an e-mail or snail mail? Here are some guidelines that will help you out.

Snail mail vs. e-mail:
Think about the company that just interviewed you. Is it traditional and formal or modern and creative? Did the company use e-mail to initially contact you? If you interviewed at an advertising agency or something equally creative and technological then it is appropriate to send an e-mail thanking them. Make sure you send the e-mail thank-you note as soon as you return from the interview so the company doesn't forget about you. One of the advantages of using the Internet is that it is much faster than standard mail and the interviewer can read your thank-you note within a few hours of the interview.

However, not all companies have adapted to modern e-mail thank-you letters and would rather receive a traditional thank you in the mail. This would most likely be the case for accounting, finance, management and other standard business practices. Take the time to type up a letter (it looks more professional if it is typed) and send it off as soon as you get back from the interview.

What should you say? A standard thank-you note should address the following:

• Thank the person for the opportunity to interview with the company
• Clarify any information/questions that the interviewer needed you to check on
• Recap your skills and why you would be a good fit for the position. Don't write a novel, but one or two sentences reminding the interviewer of your skills never hurts

Just remember that a thank-you note is the last chance you have to sell yourself and make yourself stand out from the rest of the potential candidates.

First Impressions

First impressions are the most important. You've probably heard this a thousand times, but now it actually proves true. A recent survey suggests that employers know if they are going to hire someone or not within the first few minutes of meeting a potential candidate. Some interviews can be up to an hour long but what really matters most is the first few minutes after the opening handshake and small talk. What we all want to know is, how can we make the first minutes stand out?

The simple answer is that you need to master the answers to these important questions:
1. Why are you here?
2. What can you do for us?
3. What makes you different from everyone else?
4. Will you fit in?

Rehearse your answers to these questions! Add your own personal stories and flair to your answers so you stand out. Make sure you take the time to research the company so you can mix your skills with what the company is looking for (it never hurts to throw in your knowledge about the company into your interview - this is your time to flatter them!).

Remember that first impressions count for a lot and use this time to wow them. Prove that you will be advantageous to the company by acting as a problem solver instead of a job seeker. If you can master the art of the first impression then you are on your way to landing your dream job!

Laid Off? Re-evaluate Your Career

Being laid off from a job can definitely sting, but it isn't the end of the world. In fact, losing your job could be one of the best things that happens to you. During this period of lounging around and staring at the wall in disbelief, you have the perfect opportunity to reassess your long-term career goals.

If you are like me, and many other recent college graduates, we enter the workforce unsure of our passion and career interests. We pick jobs that most closely relate to our major, even if that isn't necessarily the path we want to go down. Being let go can be a blessing in disguise, which allows us to switch to a job that is more personally fulfilling. Take the time to assess your skills and your interests and decide if switching jobs is what you need or if leaving an industry altogether for something new is what you desire. Rethink your goals and discover your true career interests.

After rethinking what you want out of your career, make the change. Take action. This means doing your homework, researching industries, shadowing employees in potential fields of interest, attending job fairs, or volunteering. Learn more about your career interests. Decide if you need to go back to school or if you can start applying to new jobs right away.

Being laid off isn't the kiss of death. It can give you a new perspective on your career goals and make you realize what you really want out of life. Get out of bed and use this valuable time to explore industries and new career options.

Attracting Positive Attention to Your Cover Letter

The cover letter has one significant purpose: to generate interest from employers in order to land an interview. Writing a cover letter is the crucial first step to a job seeker's hunt in landing the perfect job. Understanding how to attract positive attention to your cover letter and ultimately yourself is one of the most important lessons that you can learn as a job seeker.

Although the following tips may appear trivial, they are cover letter basics that you need to know in order to secure the position you are after.

1. Understand that a cover letter is expected. Unless otherwise stated, you should ALWAYS attach a cover letter to your resume. It is a part of business etiquette and gives a good first impression.

2. Tailor your cover letter to the specific company you are applying to. Do NOT be lazy and send out a generic cover letter to every company you are interested in. Be unique and describe what drew you to the company and why you want to work there.

3. Take the time to avoid careless errors. Misspelled words can end your chances of landing an interview. Go over your cover letter carefully for grammatical errors and have a few people read over it and give their feedback. Another pair of eyes can never hurt.

4. Keep it short! NEVER go over a page long when writing a cover letter. Try and keep it to two-thirds of a page long and comprised of two or three paragraphs. Brevity is key.

5. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Not all companies will list a specific contact, but if you can obtain a name then it is best to address it to that person. Just think of all the letters that get lost in a pile that is addressed to the HR department!

6. Don't re-write your resume. Your cover letter is a chance for you to address the elements that are absent from your resume. You don't have to list all your positions and jobs you have worked at, but rather tell the employer why you are qualified and why you would be best for the position.

Just remember that a well written cover letter can help you stand out against your competition and land you the interview that you've been waiting for.

Volunteering To Land The Perfect Job

I recently went on an interview and while the employer was perfectly nice and we hit it off, she was unfortunately unable to offer me a position. Her company decided to hold off on hiring for the position and she directed me down a different path: volunteering. She spent time talking to me about different organizations in my field that would love to have volunteers and where I could learn more about my industry.

Her suggestion proved beneficial and here is what I took away from her advice:
1. Whether you are a recent college graduate, a stay-at-home mom, or changing your career path, you may want to consider volunteering as a job search strategy. Volunteering enables you to test out job environments without making a long-term commitment. You can feel good about volunteering while learning more about yourself and your career goals at the same time.

2. You can gain experience in the field you are interested in pursuing. If you treat the volunteer opportunity as you would a normal paying job, you will learn more and develop passion for what you are doing.

3. You will make contacts in your industry! This was what proved most helpful to me. By volunteering with others in your field you are able to talk to a variety of people from different companies and learn who is hiring. You are positioned to hear the buzz, industry trends, and job opportunities, and when a job opens up you will be first in line to hear about it!

Volunteering is a great way to land your perfect job by networking with professionals within your industry. If you take the time to help out an organization and express interest in certain projects then many professionals will remember you for future jobs. Sometimes it takes patience and a bit of volunteer work to find exactly what you are looking for, but it is well worth it in the end.

Increasing College Tuition

If you are anything like me, you didn’t get a full scholarship to a university had to find a way to pay for most of your college education. I was accepted to a private university and the costs weren’t cheap. I had to come up with the money through a combination of federal aid, scholarships, private education loans and even a little help from my parents.

If you keep up with the news, you will notice that tuition costs are on the rise. The have gone up over 6% for the fall 2008 school year. Although they are not as bad as earlier years, the cost increase still affects many students and families trying to gain a higher education. Typically, tuition rates increase at about twice the general inflation rate. State budget cuts have left colleges little choice, but to raise tuition.

Even though prices are up, there are still options for making your college education dream come true. While a four year degree is beneficial, there is no shame in starting off at a two year public college. The tuition is always lower and I was even able to attend a community college, before transferring, and afford to pay the tuition in full.

When it is time to attend or transfer over to a traditional four year university, it would be a good idea to look into educational aid programs including grant aid and education tax benefits. Some examples of grant aid are the Federal Pell Grant Program and college scholarship programs. Much of this information can be found and applied for directly through the Internet.

Election Year Interview

If you really think about it, an election is like a job interview. Sure, it's an insufferably long interview that lasts for years, but at its core it is a job interview. You, the voter, are deciding whether or not you want to hire him or her as your representative. For many job seekers, this is the only opportunity you will have to sit on the other side of the desk and make a hiring decision. Use this opportunity to learn what interviewers are looking for and apply it to your own search.

For instance, most people boil down what they're looking for in a president to a few key areas like experience, history and character. That's not too far off of what a company is looking for in you. That's why your resume is constructed of your experience and history.

It's that third variable that plays out in the campaigns, and is really the most essential component of your interview. How candidates react to events and stories generated during the campaign tells the American public (the interviewer) a lot about the person's character. Did they try to lie their way out of a tough situation? Are they playing hardball with their opponent or are they slinging mud?

And that's what the interviewer across the desk is trying to do when you're interviewed. They have your experience and history right in front of them in easy to read resume form, so what's your character like? How do you answer questions? Are you being honest or are you just saying what you think they want to hear?

All of the thoughts that run through your head when you're watching a stump speech or a debate, are the same running through the mind of the guy interviewing you. What you need a candidate to say to get your vote is very close to the things you need to say to get the job.

So, when preparing for an interview think about the decisions you made about who was getting your vote. It could help you more than you know.

Middle-Skill Workers

Although it has now become more common for high school graduates to go on to get a four year degree, this is not always the way to ensure a lucrative career. There are a number of valuable positions in high demand that do not necessarily require a four year college degree. Often, post-secondary education such as an associate degree, apprenticeships or occupational certificate is enough to secure a great career path.

Recently there has actually been a shortage of skilled-workers available to fill these positions. Such a shortage has led to a demand for workers and the Council on Competitiveness has the need for national attention to this growing issue. The Council urges the need to train middle-skill workers and keep these types of jobs in our country.

There is often a negative connotation associated with lower-skill jobs, though this is not the case as many of these jobs pay more than median wage or salary. CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinists often make over $60K annually including their overtime wages. This kind of money could make one consider a career change!

Community colleges offer vocational programs to help students prepare for skilled trades. The Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act of 2008 wants to provide grants for these particular training programs to strengthen the workforce. Some of these high demand jobs include: paralegals, heating and A/C installers, computer specialists, repair and maintenance (especially in manufacturing) and health technicians (dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants and emergency medical technicians). Many of these occupations will be around for a long time, which will provide for job security.

So, whether you are a recent high school graduate or someone stuck in a career slump, check out these middle-skill jobs. Your next career could be just a certificate away.

Don’t Check Out Early

You’re sick of your job. Everyone gets there at one point, it’s inescapable. As a species, human beings, whether they want to admit it or not, need change. We crave new challenges. It can be in small ways like a book that takes our world view to task, or a new sport that tests the limits of our body. It’s this craving for new experiences that drives us, and ultimately shapes our displeasure with the same routine, day in and day out, at work.

Like millions of your disenfranchised brethren, you’ve probably placed your résumé on one of the multitude of job boards populating the Internet and are currently drumming your fingers, impatiently waiting for a return on your investment.

That’s a great step, but you have to remain mindful of one little thing -- don’t check out early. Don’t give up on your current job in anticipation of your new one.

Internet job searches can take a painfully long time; at least months if not a full year. In that time, you’ll be jeopardizing your current paycheck as well as your new job prospects.

Nothing will aid you in your search for a new job better than a sterling record at your current and previous jobs. Safeguarding that should be your primary concern for the present. You’ll be relying on your current boss for a recommendation to your new boss. The last thing you want to do is spoil your entire performance with a few weeks of chicanery.

If waiting the months for a job search to be successful is too much to bear, try some different strategies that will also require your continued best performance. In addition to the outside companies you’re exploring, don’t forget to explore internal possibilities as well. A great way to cure the doldrums of your current job is to seek promotion or transfer to another department or division that might better stimulate you.

Marketing Yourself for Interview Success

Chances are, someone in your life thinks you’re great.

It might be your mom, grandfather, best friend, imaginary friend – whoever – point is, someone believes in you. There are three very basic steps to applying this knowledge of your supreme greatness to your job interview preparation for very positive results.


1. Believe in Your Product

If you don’t already think this, you need to start by cultivating the belief that you are the bee’s knees, completely awesome, unparalleled best choice for the position.

A big difference between a “salesperson” and someone helping a customer get what he or she needs is that impression you get that salespeople couldn’t care less about the actual product. The less they care about the product, the more apparent it is that they’re only in it for the money. And if they don’t even care about or believe in the product, why on earth would you?

Keep in mind that it’s even worse to fake this belief than to not have it at all. Then you become a used car salesperson trying to convince a family of four that the 2004 midnight blue "X-Plode" they’re looking at is the safest choice. It’s incredibly transparent, everyone involved will know it right away, and it will bring up all sorts of questions like “why do you need to fake it if you really are the best candidate.”


2. Know Your Product

Become an expert in you-ology. Read some common interview questions. Brainstorm about your best answers. Practice the interview process with friends who can take it seriously (unlike my friends who kept exclaiming “you’re fired” The Donald style during our run-through).

Practicing your interview is not about memorization! For crying out loud, making note-cards and rehearsing your answers to be the same each time is the worst thing you can do. You need spontaneity and spice to keep them listening. How often have you taken a class where it was clear the teacher was an expert in the field, but had lost that “spark” somewhere along the way? The result is a Ben Stein monotone droning on while your audience falls asleep – not cool!

Get familiar with what your honest answers would be to all of the basic questions. Ponder the possible responses to the more complicated questions about goals and why you think you’d be a good fit for the company. If your answers start to sound rehearsed: stop! Take a day or so to think about other things and revisit your interview prep the night before the big day for a brief review.


3. Educate Others About Your Product

The best sales people are the ones who’ve sold you something, rung up the sale, handed you the package, and said “have a nice day” before you even realize you hadn’t planned on spending anything.

This normally has a very negative “and that’s how they get ya” connotation, but in very few instances, interviewing and charity donation gathering, for example, it can be a great method for getting important work done.

An assistant hiring manager once pulled me aside to comment that the reason I had my new position was because of the way I spoke so matter-of-factly about my abilities. She said I’d made it so clear that I couldn’t imagine anyone doing a better job than me that she started to believe it by the end of the interview.

That’s it. Those three relatively small things can help you get a position you when you might otherwise be forgotten in a large pack of interviewers vying for the same spot. There’s confidence involved, sure, but even more so it’s about selling yourself (not like that, guttermind).

Just remember that the more you believe in your product, the better you can sell it to others. The more you know about your product, the more at ease you’ll seem and they won’t be able to surprise you with any trick questions. Being calm and collected will help you seem like the obvious choice for the job rather than a nervous salesperson bent on getting that large commission.

Evaluating Job Offers

Although employers allow you a few days to contemplate a job offer, these few days are crucial in order to completely evaluate a potential new job. Careful consideration needs to be taken when deciding whether or not to accept a job offer. Researching the position and job market to make sure you have all the facts will strongly impact your decision and ability to receive the best job offer available.
One of the first, and often most, considered aspects of a job is the monetary compensation. This part of the job is often negotiable if you are able to present a credible argument. Knowing your worth and comparable salaries, based on geographical location and the current job market, will make it that much easier to ensure fair compensation. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site to evaluate your potential self-value.

While many employee benefit packages are standard, there are some compensation features that can be discussed. While health coverage may not be negotiable, paid time off or vacation time can provide for some leverage in your deal-making process. For some job seekers additional vacation time is more valuable and can be offered in lieu of a higher salary. You need to weigh the importance of these factors when finalizing the terms of your employment.

The actual office environment should also be high on your list of considerations. While money and benefits may seem more important at first, the corporate culture should play just as big a role. You will be spending most of your time at work with your boss and coworkers. If you do not get along with them, it can make for long, miserable work days. Also, the work ethic of the company should be in line with your own ideals.

Accepting a new job means enhancing your career. Make sure you are enthusiastic about your new job. Your day-to-day work should interest you and make good use of your skills.

Finally, whether planning to accept or decline a job offer, it is important to do so as professionally as possible. In order to maintain a sense of professionalism, when accepting a job offer, first call the contact at the company and inform them of your decision. This is the time when to ask questions pertaining to your start date, etc. Then, as a formality, send a letter of acceptance (send a hard copy or e-mail based on the company’s preference).

If you choose to decline a job offer, then a call the employer is necessary. There is no need to go into an elaborate explanation. It is sufficient to simply state that after careful consideration, you do not feel that this job would be a good fit. Do not forget to also send a letter of declination. Make sure to keep the letter positive. It is beneficial to your career to remain on good terms with previous and potential employers because you never know when you may cross paths again.

Social Networking Web sites: Good or Bad for You?

These days a person’s name can be “Googled” in order to fulfill a general inquiry. If someone is active on the Internet, then he/she can be found. Social Networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are popular among youths and professionals alike. Most profile pages are viewable by the public, which allows for scrutiny by anyone.

These Web sites are becoming an increasingly popular tool among employers. Employers search the Web before making a decision between candidates. Since the information is public, than it is fair game. It is similar to a background check, yet more personal. An employer may have to choose between two well-qualified individuals and if one of them has a profile indicating undesirable corporate behavior, it could cost them a job.

Information and comments posted on a social Web site, whether added in all seriousness or in jest, is up for interpretation. Without actually knowing the person, employers may pass judgment based solely on the content of a page. If seemingly offensive content is posted, employers may also question the beliefs and rationale of the applicant, even if the applicant was merely showing off or joking around.

Although social networking pages are public information, some people question the ethical and legal behavior of employers using the sites. Using these sites as a reference may impact employers’ decisions when choosing an employee. Employers are able to find answers to personal questions that are not permitted to be asked during a formal interview. It is also possible that a line is being crossed in regards to discrimination law violations when these sites are being used as an employment screening process.

On the upside, social networking sites can do wonders for one’s career. The Internet can be used to broadcast past career and personal achievements, which make employee candidates more appealing to potential employers. One can also find employment opportunities through social networking. Many past colleagues or acquaintances are involved with social networking. Past relationships with these individuals could open the door to new jobs, employment referrals or even valuable business contacts.

In addition to the mainstream social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook, there are also sites like LinkedIn that cater to business professionals. Specialized networking sites can be utilized for business or to boost one’s career. Many of these sites require membership and fees to uphold a sense of professionalism.

Also, just because one already has secured a position within a company, that does not mean he/she is safe to then post anything on the Internet. Privacy concerns arise when employees post private information regarding current or past companies of which they have been employed. Since the popularity of blogging came about, there have been numerous stories in which bloggers have been fired from their place of work because of a blog they wrote. In these cases, the blogs were often used either as an outlet by which the blogger vented frustration about their employers or sometimes an online attack of a company. Either way, employees must be wary about what they sign their name to on the Internet; anyone could be watching.

Career Network Saves Job Seekers Time

Fast growing Internet job board actively reaches job seekers, notifying them of opportunities they may have missed through traditional channels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 06, 2008 – Internet job board Career Network (http://www.career-network.com) saves job seekers precious time by reaching out directly with intriguing employment opportunities.

For Americans, searching for a new job can be tremendously time consuming and therefore limited in scope. Searches are often limited to newspapers on Sunday or one of the major online job boards. Career Network assists job seekers by notifying them of open positions by direct contact, and by allowing them to apply for those positions via a quick and easy process.

Career Network pools thousands of jobs and allows job seekers to search, view and apply to jobs directly through their network of sites. A team of recruiting professionals then forwards the applications and resumes on to the employers. At this stage, the employer evaluates the qualifications and education of the applicant, matching them to the duties and responsibilities of the open opportunity. If the employer decides that they would like to speak with the applicant for an interview, the decision resides exclusively with the employer.

Through the use of online advertising verticals, Career Network is able to provide this valuable service free of charge for both employers and job seekers. This is especially helpful at a time when most employers are looking for ways to cut back on expenses, and job seekers are looking for higher-paying opportunities in today’s slow economy. Career Network saves both parties time and money while offering an unmatched advantage and a user-friendly interface.

The following newly added domains will help comprise the Career Network:

Destinyemployment.com
Newstartcareers.com
Professionalcareerstoday.com
Careersolutionsnow.com
Reliablecareersolutions.com

Transferable Skills-Part Two

Those seeking employment directly out of college will have to be creative in the way that they present their skills. Although most recent graduates will be applying for entry-level positions, employers still want to know they are taking on an employee that could be a vital addition to the company. Many skills honed in the classroom can be applied to real world settings.

The education process aids in developing the ability to meet deadlines. With the average college student taking about five classes per semester, the amount of personal responsibility adds up. Students develop the knack for meeting numerous deadlines by multitasking. In college, grades speak for themselves and a student will be able to prove the possession of these skills through his/her academic success. Establishing and achieving goals is important for anyone to be able to get the job done whether it is applied to a classroom setting or used to complete a business acquisition.

Every college graduate must learn how to write. Even if students are only obligated to take just one English class to complete their major requirements, one class should sufficiently prepare them for the level of writing that may be required in their field. Research and planning are also

It is a good idea to come across as a confident individual. Confident people are not afraid to speak their mind and would excel as leaders or managers. Leaders are entrepreneurial and able to organize their thoughts to come up with new ideas and problem-solving techniques to move forward.

So essentially, the complex process for gaining an undergraduate degree arms one with many of the necessary skills sought out by potential employers.

Transferable Skills-Part One

Entering the workforce, or even changing careers, can be an overwhelming and stressful ordeal. Employers are seeking the most qualified candidate to fill positions. In order to make the cut, one must posses the skills deemed necessary by employers. Many skills are not particular to specific careers. They can be transferable between different careers and fields of study.

Basic workplace skills can be derived from previous jobs, classes, projects or even hobbies. It is important be able to communicate effectively no matter what field of work you choose. Both written and oral communication skills will help one to succeed. It is also essential to maintain a good work ethic.

It becomes quite obvious, after a period of time, if an employee has the drive and will to do well at his/her job. A positive attitude is reflected in one’s work product, therefore, vital for becoming a valuable and indispensable employee. Interpersonal skills and the ability to work as a team are obvious, but important qualities. It is vital to appear intelligent and on top of things as logicalness equates to reasonableness, which is something employers will be looking for. No one wants to hire a potential problem employee or someone that will not be a long-term investment.

Being flexible is an obvious skill that is easy to portray. Flexibility is key considering how versatile this skill can be. To be tech savvy is to be valuable. Almost every employee is expected to at least be fluent in common computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Internet navigation. If one was born before the technological boom or has just not caught up with the time, there is still hope. Many learn-at-home programs or books are available to teach even the most computer illiterate person basic tech skills.

Try Not to Spam

We've all been there. We really want a very specific job with a very specific company. So we send in our resume and don't hear anything back. So, we send in another one. And a few months later we send in a third. Frustrated that you still have yet to get a call for an interview, you polish up your cover letter and submit the old resume for a fourth try.

This is probably the worst tactic you can take. You're not increasing your chances. If anything, you're doubling the poor HR supervisor's workload and making sure that each new resume ends up in the garbage.

There's usually a very good reason you're not getting that call. Consider the difference between the job you want and the one you're qualified for. Typically, when job hunting, we apply for the job we want, which is typically a higher pay grade, even if we're not qualified enough for it. Consequently, the company is looking for the right experience for the job, so they shuffle you right out of the candidate pile. If it's a job you really want, then try to do what you can to get that extra experience through education.

However, there are those jobs for which you are qualified, but it's just very competitive. Again, application repetition is not the key. This requires your due diligence to research the company and discover what it is they are looking for. What sets you over the top? That can be accomplished easily by calling the HR representative for the company, ask about the status of your resume, and then strike up a quick conversation about what it is that can get your name to the top of the list.

Does Your Employer Measure Up?

Think about it for a few moments. Compared to others in your industry, do you know how the company you work for ranks in employee-related criteria? Are you being treated better or worse than average? Think about the following questions. These are things that can greatly contribute to your overall happiness in the workplace. Are you getting the treatment you deserve or is it time to start searching for a new job?


Recognition—When you work harder than normal, like stay late to finish an important project, for example, does your boss thank you? Do you get any recognition outside of the normally scheduled performance reviews given at your company?

Raises—Are your raises regularly scheduled or do they come “every once in a while”? Do you feel you are fairly compensated compared to others working in your industry with your qualifications? A great tool you can use to check this out is http://www.salary.com.

Unreasonable expectations—Are you frequently asked to finish multiple projects in a very short amount of time? Do you often think to yourself how impossible it is for one person to finish as much as you’re expected to?

Core Benefits—Are you happy with the health and life insurance you’re receiving? How about your flexible spending account and 401K options?

Family Related Benefits—Does your company offer extras like childcare, maternity/paternity leave and/or elder care programs? Would they seriously consider offering things like this if enough people suggested it?

Work Environment—Do you sometimes wonder if you’re working for a fascist regime or are you offered things like flextime, employee rewards, regular break times and a relaxed dress policy?

Communication—Does your company communicate within itself? Do you publish a newsletter, have an Intranet system or even a suggestion box? If not, are your employers at least approachable about new ideas concerning different methods of improvement?

Training and Planning—Are things like continuous training for employees and tuition reimbursement benefits offered at all?

Community Service—Is your employer generous and charitable or are they a bit cheap when it comes to donation drives, fundraisers or volunteer work?

Morale—Is employee happiness important enough to your company? Do they encourage things like staff associations to promote camaraderie and teambuilding? Do they ever throw work parties for staff birthdays, holidays or other events?

Hopefully, this has started you thinking about how your employers contribute to your happiness at the workplace. If they rate highly, this might be a company worth moving up in. But if you started get a really negative vibe while pondering these questions, it may be time to move on rather than up.

Either way, it doesn’t hurt to put up your résumé and see what other companies in your field are hiring… and for how much!

Describing Your Work History: A How to Guide

Throughout history, people have held some very strange and interesting jobs. In England, Scotland and Wales circa 1880, for example, towns would hire sin-eaters who were responsible for performing religious rituals to absolve dead people of their sins and allow them to rest in peace.

That type of job is a résumé writer’s dream. A sin-eater’s résumé might look something like this:

Sin-eater – Shropshire, England – 1875-1885

• Ate crusts of bread placed on the deceased by a relative
• Recited specific religious rituals
• Drank a bowl of ale passed to me over the corpse
• Removed sins from the dead and took them unto myself
  
  

Whoa!

How can I possibly make my mall kiosk job sound as interesting and cool as that?

It can be done. With just a few interesting turns of descriptive phrase using your brain and word variations courtesy of a handy dandy tool like www.thesaurus.com, you’ll be a “consumer sales specialist” in no time.

Original task: Rang up customers.

Professional duty: Successfully completed an average of __ customer sales transactions per hour/shift/day/month.

Statistics sell. If you can gather numbers from your old jobs, use them on your résumé. Those performance reviews you wondered why you kept? Get them out and scour them for usable stats.

Original task: Stocked shelves.

Professional duty: Merchandised product in store to drive sales.

This is a creative way to describe what you did at the store, but it’s not a lie. Without you restocking the shelves, sales could not possibly have increased at all. You were integral to this process.

Original task: Cleaned bathroom.

Professional duty: Sanitized customer areas to maintain high company standards.

This accomplishes two things: it shows that you can do grunt work when asked to without actually making it sound unsavory, and it shows respect for the company’s policies. Both are big pluses!

Original task: Dealt with customer complaints.

Professional duty: Diffused difficult client situations, often with positive results.

“Dealt with” sounds like you were barely able to accomplish something as grueling as listening to customers and making them happy. Not good. The way it’s been updated is extremely positive, almost too positive. If you can’t think of examples to support the statement made after that comma, leave that part out. You need to be prepared to back up a statement like that with at least two anecdotes.

Original task: Assigned duties to employees.

Professional duty: Delegated daily responsibilities to staff and kept myself apprised of the progress made throughout the workday.

Be honest, you did so much more than just tell people what to do all day. As a manager or assistant manager, you had to not only assign work, but make sure it was finished in a timely manner (and done correctly). You even had to pick up the slack when things weren’t moving along as fast as you thought they would. So give yourself more credit when it’s due!

These are just a few examples of what creative writing magic can do for your résumé. Experiment with words as they are your friends and your first link to a prospective new boss. Make the best first impression you can and get the job you deserve!

Moving for Your Career

I hate moving. I hate buying houses. I hate selling houses. I like the idea of home and prefer that to be an unmovable, unchanging place. However, most people find in their lifetimes that to grow in a career means you have to move to different points of the country.

I always knew it'd be difficult, but just never how difficult. My wife's sister will be needing to move from Florida to California for a new job. Problem is, that even though there is a pay increase, it doesn't quite match the huge real estate difference. Her house is on the market for $220,000. However, a similar size house in Southern California, where the job is, lists for close to $700,000.

Yikes.

She's having to take a huge step down in accommodations for this tiny step up in career. Not to mention, with the housing crisis hitting Florida and California hardest, she's not having the easiest time selling her house.

She's doing it because she says the headroom at the new company is far greater than it is here. In two years time she will be much better off there than here. I hope she's right.

Point is, there's more to consider than just the job when making a move. Be sure you consider everything there is before making the move.

A clean slate: the workplace and first impressions

Do you ever wish you could go back in time and rectify the many mistakes you’ve made over the years? I never would have gotten that perm, dated Stewart from home room, or painted my first house various shades of red. And then there are the bigger things that would be nice to change--start saving money for retirement at 18, get a fixed-rate loan instead of an ARM, spend more time with family, etc.

Of course we can’t go back in time and start over, but we are given the chance to start fresh every time we meet someone new. Such opportunities are called first impressions and they are valuable indeed--particularly in the workplace. Starting a new job has its own set of challenges, but it also has a unique benefit of allowing you a clean slate. Your new boss and coworkers are eager to get to know you, so here are a few ways you can help shape the experience into something positive and helpful for your career.

You’ve heard it before, but it’s important enough to be said again: dressing professionally is crucial. By doing so, you are inadvertently telling your boss and coworkers that you respect them, your job, and the company. Before you even say hello, people are already beginning to form their first impression of you, they can’t help it. Knowing this to be true, it’s a good idea to dress accordingly.

It’s also important to stay off your cell phone, which means no calling or texting. If you’re on break or lunch, then that’s a different story. This is especially important when first starting a job, because you haven’t been around long enough to learn company policy.

Avoiding self-absorbed communication is also a good idea. We’ve all met that person, the one who constantly talks about their kids, their spouse, their job, their busy life—pretty much anything and everything relating to, well, them. Now, it’s not bad to talk a about yourself--after all, you’re new and your coworkers are going to be curious about you--but make sure you are just as interested in learning about them. Balance is the key.

Hopefully these tips will help you make the most of your opportunity. Enjoy the clean slate and be intentional about setting yourself up for success.

The Catch-22

All recent college graduates know what I’m talking about when I say that job hunting is a catch-22. You can’t get a job because you don’t have enough experience, but how are you supposed to acquire experience if you can’t learn through a job? Because no one is willing to hire recent graduates you get stuck doing jobs that don’t relate to your major but they pay the bills, or you keep doing internships to gain the experience. How do you win at this vicious cycle? Here are some things to consider:

Understand that transferable skills are your secret weapon. Skills that you have acquired in your life are more important then you think. Just from your hours spent chatting online or playing basketball in high school you have technological and teamwork abilities. You need to think outside the job. When I was applying to jobs I had listed all my work experience which was mainly made up of mall jobs. After not hearing back from any employers I decided it was time to focus on my other accomplishments. I focused on the clubs I was a part of and the volunteer work I did. I had worked for my college TV, radio and newspaper clubs and had top status in all three. Rearrange your resume and highlight any type of experience you had in college that enhanced your skills within your major. Paid jobs aren’t the only experience you have ever had so don’t focus just on them.

Overall you need to have logical expectations. Fresh out of college the “entry-level” label is not a bad thing to have. Thinking that you are going to become a director or manager within your first year after graduating is unreasonable. You might not receive the highest pay or have the title you want, but if you can find something within your field then stick it out because you will have the opportunity for a promotion and greater responsible with the months to come.

The Male Recession

It seems to be a guy thing. Men are losing jobs daily while women seem to be gaining them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, men have lost over 700,000 jobs in the last eight months while woman have gained nearly 300,000. What seems to be the problem in this employment slump for men? Unfortunately it has to do with the industries that men are concentrated in.

Men currently have the misfortune of being concentrated in the two industries that are doing the worst right now: construction and manufacturing. On the flip side, women are currently needed in some of the most demanded industries which include health care and education. Women are graduating from college at higher rates than men and possess soft skills such as sensitivity, willingness to learn, and team work which employers look for in potential employees. Furthermore, men are facing the problem of rejoining the workforce after long periods of unemployment. It is much harder for men to be making $25 – $30 per hour and suddenly have to settle for $10 an hour at a lower job. For men this seems like an ongoing downward spiral.

However, not all is great for women in the workforce. While they possess job security they receive a severely lower income then their male counterparts. There is an expansion of jobs for health aides, retail clerks and child-care workers, but usually these jobs are low-wage, dead-end, and have no benefits. The jobs women are landing aren’t necessarily good ones.

While manufacturing is made up of over 70% males and construction is over 80% males, a tremendous number of men have to face unemployment and choose new career paths. Women seem to be snagging the jobs in today’s workforce and even though they might not be the best jobs out there, at least they have jobs.

They’re Just Not That Into You

My best friend recently had a huge interview at an art museum. It was the perfect position for her. After the interview she waited. And waited. And waited some more. After a month of no contact from the museum she assumed that she didn’t get the position. After sending an e-mail to her interviewer and receiving no response she gave up all hope. Its rejection and that arrow straight to the heart can dig deep. How can we forgo being led on by employers and waiting by our telephone when they have no intention of calling? How do you know when they just aren’t that into you?

The first sign is if they are silent after the initial contact. A recruiter might have sent you an e-mail or left you a voice mail expressing their interest and it took a day or two for you to respond. By the time you respond they might have already found someone else. Most likely they sent out a mass e-mail and hundreds of people replied before you. They don’t think you are special and they most likely will never get back to you. If they decide they want you, they have your contact information.

A second sign to watch for is if they have problems scheduling a phone interview. The company probably had recruiters or people from a call center call you and hope to get a hold of you on the first ring. They don’t want to be bothered with a specific time to call you back because they probably have thousands of other candidates they could be calling.

You also want to watch for a delay in post-interview contact. If you stuck out in a hiring manager’s mind then it wouldn’t take him or her weeks to call you back in for a second interview. Most likely the company found someone else, was not wowed enough to remember you, or is so disorganized with getting in touch that you probably don’t want to work there anyway.

Finally be aware of the pace in which they extend an offer. I’m sure you’ve heard a company say that they are excited to have you as a part of their team and “Let’s talk terms!” but does this ever really come true? You shouldn’t have to wait more than three or four days to find out if you are a new member of the company, what day you are starting and when you are going to fill out the paperwork. If you haven’t heard from that company in over a week then you can assume there is no position waiting around with your name on it. If you get this far in the process then look back and see if there were any red flags that you should have noticed sooner.

So you were played. Brush it off and move on. Don’t dwell on it and don’t keep replaying in your head what you did wrong. Spend your time and energy finding the right company and not the ones that obviously could care less about your feelings. Sometimes they are just not that into you.

Don’t Compromise Your Happiness

Is the depression worth your mansion and luxury sports car? I don’t think so. But hey, that’s just my opinion. By today’s standards you can make some big bucks in certain occupations, but if you hate what you are doing then which is more important: salary or happiness?

One of my close friends is a personal assistant to a famous TV personality in Manhattan. She banks, gets luxury vacations, meets famous people, and gets loads of free stuff. She hates her job. The part I didn’t mention is that she is on call, works about twenty hours a day, and bends over backwards to never hear a “thank you” or similar words of gratitude. Her boss makes her feel like dirt. It’s tough when you are making a good salary but you need to learn when to walk away from the depressing situation. Here’s what you need to consider:

Compare your salary to your benefits package. Are you getting all the benefits you need? If you don’t receive any then is a good chunk of your salary being spent on health and dental insurance? Take into account retirement plans and profit sharing as well. Is your compensation as a whole really that great? Next you need to think about your work schedule and the flexibility of your job. My personal assistant friend could work those back breaking hours because she wasn’t married and didn’t have kids to worry about. Consider the hours you work and if they are making you depressed because you don’t have enough time to spend with your family. Are you compromising the happiness you find in a favorite hobby because you have shifted that time over to work? Your job flexibility also goes hand in hand with job location. Do you have to wake up at the crack of dawn in order to drive an hour to work? The location of your workplace could be getting you down in the dumps if you spend all that time, energy and money on driving when you really should be spending your time and energy at work and not in your car.

The ultimate complaint in most cases of workplace depression stems from the hatred harvested towards co-workers and employers. Nothing is worse than spending an eight hour day with people who make your skin crawl. Even an enormous salary can’t bring happiness to a workplace that makes you hate every second you spend there. Take the time to weigh the pros and cons. It’s not worth keeping a horrible job that makes you curse every morning you wake up and have to step foot inside your personal nightmare. Don’t be scared to get out of something you hate. Fill your life with happiness, not just riches.

May I cut in?

Interviews are like a dance. You and your partner (the interviewer) either mesh fluently and glide across the floor, or you both ride each other's toes all night long. The best dancers understand that there's lots of give and take during the performance to make it look fluid and beautiful.

That's also the key to interviewing; you have to know when to talk and when to listen. Interviews work best when they are an exchange of ideas rather than an information dump. There's no interplay if the interviewer simply tells you about the job and then you tell him your experience in return.

For instance, every interviewer will take a moment to both explain the parameters of the position as well as a history of the company. This is the moment where you gently cut in and put all of that homework you did on the company to good use. This can be in the form of a question, "I saw that your company did XYZ, did they consider ZYX?" or it can be a simple statement, "I also read that widget production had a huge impact on foreign profits."

These are liable to begin a conversation that not only highlights your knowledge of the company, but of the industry as a whole, and the dance (information exchange) can begin.

www.newjobpath.com

Career Network introduces new employment site to assist job market

Newjobpath.com to add to network’s reach to candidates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2008 – ST. LOUIS – Internet employment company Career Network has expanded its network of recruitment Web sites with NewJobPath to broaden its reach to more corners of the job market, assisting weary job seekers find new employment in an overstuffed market.

http://www.newjobpath.com is the newest addition to the Career Network’s family of career Web sites.

Career Network functions by pooling thousands of jobs and allowing job seekers to search, view and apply to jobs directly through their network of sites. A team of recruiting professionals then sorts through the applications and forwards them on to the employers. Because Career Network acts as a “one stop shop” for job seekers, they simplify the recruiting process and ease the workload of employers’ human resources departments.

Through the use of online advertising verticals, Career Network is able to provide this valuable service free of charge for both employers and job seekers. This is especially helpful at a time when most employers are looking for ways to cut back on expenses, and job seekers are looking for higher-paying opportunities in today’s slow economy. Career Network saves both parties time and money while offering an unmatched advantage and a user-friendly interface.

Source: PrLog

www.CareerNetworkSearch.com

Career Network Strengthens Its Brand with New Domain Name

Internet job board distinguishes itself from the competition with the unique Internet address www.CareerNetworkSearch.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2008 – ST. LOUIS –Career Network, an online job board that actively connects employers with job seekers, announced Thursday that they will be adding the domain name http://www.careernetworksearch.com to strengthen their brand name in the employment market.

Career Network collects jobs from all available sources, such as the Internet and newspapers, and then actively reaches out to candidates to inform them of open positions. This has proven to be a prime method of contacting passive job seekers who are already employed, but who would be open to the possibility of a better paying job. Passive job seekers are typically considered the crown jewel of the recruitment industry.

Recruiters for Career Network find current job listings and then contact the company to get signed permission to re-list their employment ad on one of the network’s employment sites. The completed applications and resumes of interested candidates are then immediately forwarded to the hiring company for consideration.

For people who are currently pursuing a new job, thousands of jobs are centrally located on one singular site, streamlining their searches. In addition, the application process is simplified as well since job seekers can fill out an application directly on the site rather than be directed to another site.

In an effort to distinguish its presence on the Web, the company will be adding a new domain name for its umbrella site, Career Network, under which all of the network’s other sites operate. This will help job seekers better identify the site as well as fortify the company’s brand name as the preeminent location for job hunting.

Source: PRLog

www.CareerNetworkJobs.com

Internet Job Board Distinguishes Itself with the Unique Internet Address www.CareerNetworkJobs.com

Career Network strengthens its brand with new domain name

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2008 – ST. LOUIS – Career Network, an online job board that actively connects employers with job seekers, announced Thursday that they will be adding the domain name http://www.careernetworkjobs.com to fortify their brand name in the employment market.

In an effort to distinguish its presence on the Web, the company will be adding a new domain name for its umbrella site, Career Network, under which all of the network’s other sites operate. This will help job seekers better identify the site as well as strengthen the company’s brand name as the preeminent online location for job hunting.

Career Network collects jobs from all publicly available sources, such as the Internet and newspapers, and then actively reaches out to candidates to inform them of open positions. This has proven to be a successful method for contacting passive job seekers who are already employed, but who would be willing to discuss the possibility of a better paying job or new career track. Passive job seekers are typically considered the crown jewel of the recruitment industry.

For people who are currently pursuing a new job, thousands of jobs are centrally located on one singular site, streamlining their searches. In addition, the application process is simplified as well since job seekers can fill out an application directly on the site rather than be directed to another site.

Recruiters for Career Network find current job listings and then contact the company to get signed permission to re-list their employment ad on one of the network’s employment sites. The completed applications and resumes of interested candidates are then immediately forwarded to the hiring company for consideration.

Source: PRLog

Is It Time to Change Jobs?

Whether you realize it or not, it’s time to take a look at your career. The average American has been in his or her job for only four years. Many leave voluntarily: The economy is good and it’s time to see what’s out there. Most who leave involuntarily don’t lose their jobs overnight – unless they’ve been caught stealing, giving away company secrets or in an uncompromising position with a subordinate. Even if your company’s been bought, sold or reorganized, a layoff is not immediately in the cards for everyone. It takes time for top executives to determine how they want to handle downsizing and redeployment. But, if your company is in the news for a period of time, it’s likely there are problems that can’t be resolved. The longer you stay on a sinking ship, the harder it is to get onto solid land. Prospective employers will look unfavorably at anyone who wasn’t smart enough to get out when the getting was good.

There are eight additional signals – from bosses and co-workers – that let you know your job is in jeopardy. If you have noticed three or more of these warning signs, it’s time to update your resume and begin mounting a job-search campaign.


1. You don’t fit in. Your values don’t match. The people you work with are uncouth, dishonest, focused on getting ahead regardless of legal or moral barriers. They win by cheating. You are refined, ethical and would never knowingly break the law or hurt another’s livelihood.

2. Your boss doesn’t like you, and you don’t like him/her. You don’t like your boss’s character or style. He/she never solicits your opinion, invites you into his/her office to chat or out to lunch. You don’t support his agenda or initiatives. If you’ve ever done something to undermine your boss, you might as well get out now.

3. Your peers don’t like you. You they think they are beneath you. You are never included in any of the social outings they plan and you probably wouldn’t want to go if invited. You feel isolated, gossiped about, excluded from the inner workings of the organization. For the most part, you don’t get along with people at the company. You don’t feel like a team player and have no sense of camaraderie at work.

4. You don’t get assignments that demonstrate the full range of your abilities. All the good assignments go to others, or you get the ones that play to your weaknesses. You feel the boss doesn’t trust your judgment or believe you care enough to do a good job.

5. You always get called upon to do the “grunt work.” You are always singled out to do the tasks nobody else wants to do. If the boss asks you to do something you feel is beneath you, say you’re busy. Learn to lobby for better projects and cherry pick the ones that will showcase your skills and heighten your visibility.

6. You are excluded from meeting your peers are invited to. You don’t feel that your ideas are valued or that your contributions are central to the company.

7. Everyone on your level has an office; you have a cubicle in the hallway. This is a blatant sign that you are not thought of as highly as others. It also telegraphs your status in the informal company hierarchy loudly and clearly, despite your title.

8. You dread going to work and feel like you are developing an ulcer. The very idea of going to work makes you anxious or physically sick. You can’t sleep on Sunday nights and you’ve used up all your sick days. You have a hard time concentrating and count the hours from the time you arrive at the office until the second you leave.

Take This Job...and Love It

Do you dread going to work everyday? Many people do. There is nothing easy about being at work all day. Even the drive there and back can be terrible. If you don’t like your boss, coworkers or assignment either, well that’s just the cherry on top.

So what happens when you don’t like your job? How can you deal with that until a better opportunity presents itself? These are just a few of the things you can do to make the best of what you’ve got:

Decorate.

OK, it sounds silly, but it really does work. Think about it. What does your work area look like? It is probably a bare desk with a computer on it, and maybe a pencil cup or wacky coffee mug, if you are the adventurous type. Now, think of what your living room look like – family photos, potpourri, a decorative lamp and other personal items.

Take some of the things that make your home a comfortable space and incorporate them into work life. Being surrounded by pictures of friends and sentimental items will make you feel more relaxed. Of course, you will need to check with your boss, as some companies have restrictions on personal items. Make work a destination and not just place.

Go out to lunch.

Maybe you are the workaholic type, or perhaps you just want to work through lunch to get the day over with. It might seem like a good idea, but is actually counterproductive. Rushing through the day and not taking time for yourself will only make work feel like more of a chore. Working straight through the day can’t be good for your performance, either.

Don’t like the people you work with? You don’t have to go to lunch with your coworkers (though you should participate once in a while). Go to the coffee shop across the street and read. Go for a walk. Eat a sandwich in the break room. No matter how you do it, get a break from the work day to retain some sanity. Absence makes the heart grow fonder or, at the very least, slightly more productive.

Reward yourself.

Bring something into work that would normally be a treat for you. Whether it is your favorite candy bar, chips or soda, keep something pleasurable at work. Do you like to read trashy gossip magazines? Bring them to work and read them during breaks. If you have something at work that you don’t get anywhere else, you have something to look forward to everyday.

Dragging yourself into work is a lot easier when you know that your favorite candy is waiting in the desk drawer. Sure, it’s a bit elementary (like tricking kids into eating vegetables), but it could get you through the day a little easier.

Work is rarely something that people look forward to. Many people who love their jobs are still adverse to the concept of “work” altogether. We can only try our best to make work a comfortable place to spend time. The least you can do is apply these tips in the hopes of getting through the day just a little bit easier.

Press Release - Career Network

Career Network to Facilitate Hiring For Eager Job Seekers

Recruitment firm to utilize network of Web sites to connect candidates with open positions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 7, 2008 – ST. LOUIS – Career Network announced today that it will connect job seekers nationwide with publicly posted positions at no cost. The privately owned recruitment firm will focus its efforts through a network of job boards to assist the widest range of applicants possible.

In the past, recruiting efforts have centered on management and executive positions where the big recruiting dollars are found. With a possible recession looming on the minds of Americans, more mid-level employees are looking to either improve their situations or shore up their income with a better job. Career Network seeks to expand recruitment efforts to this niche of the job market.

During their normal recruitment process, the company was repeatedly contacted by applicants looking for jobs in a salary range below that of the job orders coming in from employers. They couldn’t make a match. To rectify this, they began looking at how that sector of the job market could best be served. It was decided that compiling jobs from online job boards and sending those companies applicants would be an effective way of matching these clients with jobs.

After a job seeker fills out an online application at one of the Career Network sites, the staff forwards that application along to the employer who will then consider the applicant for their position.

Career Network needed to make the services affordable for both the companies and the applicants, though. The solution was to include advertising that generates the revenue needed to keep the process going, and in turn provide the service at no charge to businesses or applicants.

Dealing with a new market mandated that the standard recruiting model be modified. Anyone expecting to assist this level of job seeker using the old model will fail. To best serve these people, the recruiting industry needs to adapt.

The Short Attention Span of a New Era

Job-hopping has become prevalent with the younger generations. Staying with the same job for three or four years is considered a lifetime to the youngins who are never content with their current status. It is becoming more accepted that people job hop instead of staying with a family business for thirty years. The attention spans are shrinking and the greed for growing and potential wealth is bigger then ever. But what do employers have to say about this? Do they frown upon the inconsistency and lack of commitment seen with this growing trend? Is job-hopping going to hurt your career?

Every employer has his or her own view on job-hopping. It is not necessarily a kiss of death or a gold star. The fact is that it is going to happen in the workplace. Most people just have a hard time accepting change. It is the nature of the beast of employment. People are going to stay for a few years and move on, and employers need to be happy with the time their employees put in at the company. While some employers can embrace change and be grateful that they have a cycle of fresh ideas being brought into the workplace regularly, some employers aren’t too happy with the job-hopping concept. To them it can be seen as detrimental to co-workers and employers. Commitment levels often influence the people around you and can hurt a company when people are continuously packing their bag to leave.

The U.S. job market is dramatically changing in a new era of job-hoppers. Some employers might frown upon it but it is ultimately your decision if you stay or go. Pros for job-hopping can include pay increases, new networking opportunities and learning new skills. On the other hand you might land in a worse situation (it’s always going to be a gamble!) or you might be leaving a place too soon. Take time to assess your situation, weigh the pros and cons of your job change and don’t switch too often. If you are bored and feel stifled in your current situation then it might be time to look elsewhere. Just know that plenty of people are job-hoppers and embrace it because the trend might be here to stay.