Six Ways People Get Employment Rights Wrong

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Most people who have jobs may be a little unclear about what rights they have and don't have on the job and in the workplace.

Attorney Margarita Ramos, an employment law expert and founder of Human Capital Consulting in New York, agrees. "Most employees naively believe that their own individual sense of fairness is what controls a work environment. But fairness has nothing to do with it. Just because something is unfair doesn't mean it's unlawful," she says.

Read on for six common misconceptions about employee rights.

You think: Your employer can't fire you without good cause.

Ramos says, "If you're employed in an at-will employment state, you can be fired for just about anything. The reason I hear most often is that a person is not a team player. That's a gray area, but it gets used all the time. Unless you find that it's really discrimination, there's not a lot you can do about it."

You think: You have a right to earn the same as a coworker who does the same job.

It's true that there are laws guaranteeing equal pay, but another person may have more experience or more seniority and thus may legally earn a higher salary. States Ramos, "I've managed people, and I've had some doing the 'same' job. However, what an employee may not realize is that the other person may be doing the same job but she may have more complex clients, handle a more complex region, or be taking on more responsibilities."

"Keep the focus on you and your value," she says.

You think: Your employer can't cut your pay.

Your employer may cut your pay at any time unless you're a member of a labor union, are part of a collective bargaining agreement, or have an employment contract.

Ramos explains, "Most of the cases involving a pay reduction are driven by the financial performance of a business. A good employer will manage your expectations before taking any actions. You'll know it's coming so you can take care of your finances."

You think: Your emails are your private property.

Emails you send using company servers or equipment are company property. Ramos reveals, "Today, most employers have policies around that issue. Unfortunately, most employees don't read through their handbooks when they start a job."

To safeguard your career, exercise extreme caution when sending and receiving emails and surfing the Internet.

You think: You're entitled to unemployment if you're fired.

It depends on the state in which you live, but if you are fired for misconduct you may not be eligible for unemployment. Ramos says, "If you've been fired for cause, most employers will contest your application for unemployment. And even if your employer doesn't contest it, the state still may decide to based on the information your employer provides when responding to your claim."

If you want to know what your employer considers misconduct, read your employee manual.

You think: Your employer can't snoop in your desk or office.

Your desk and your office are company -- not personal -- property. Ramos relates, "You should really assume that you have no privacy in the workplace."

Treat your desk, office, computer, and mobile device with extreme caution, she says, and keep them free of anything that could be considered even vaguely offensive or unsuitable for the workplace.

Ramos concludes, "People really should read their employee handbooks. As boring as they may seem, handbooks contain a lot of information. It used to be that they were vague and not well written, but that's changed. And ask questions if something is unclear."

Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Everybody Loves the Office!

The Workplace Is Popular in Entertainment Media
by Alan Krauss, Porfolio.com


Content provided by Portfolio.com: The workplace, once a mere backdrop for popular entertainment, has taken center stage.

The popular comedy "The Office" begins its fourth season on NBC on September 27, while a new ABC series, "Carpoolers," will premiere on October 2. But the two TV shows are just the tip of the iceberg. Books, movies, Web series, comics -- all offer windows into the mundane realities, management crises, and emotional interplay of characters busy earning their daily bread.

Office romances, comedies, and dramas have been a staple of popular entertainment for decades, going back to cultural touchstones like "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." More recently, a slew of novels ("The Office of Desire," "Then We Came to the End" by Joshua Ferris, "Company" by Max Barry, and many more), movies ("The Devil Wears Prada"), and TV shows ("The Apprentice," "The West Wing") have revolved around tyrannical or incompetent bosses, annoying or amusing co-workers, and the business of work.

Meanwhile, "The No A**hole Rule," "Made to Stick," and a shelf's worth of other nonfiction business books that aim to show readers how to be more effective and thus happier at work (and away from the office as well) are also riding high on bestseller lists.

And of course at 19 years and counting, Scott Adams's Dilbert brand is going strong in print, online, and in the merchandising arena.

A Reflection of Life?

There are several reasons for the enduring appeal of office-related entertainment, according to critics and other culture watchers. For one thing, many people spend more time at work these days than they do with their families.

And in the 1950s and '60s, women started to enter the workforce in greater numbers, a shift that gave new potential to the office as a setting, says Jeff Kloske, publisher of Riverhead Books, which released Martha Moody's novel "The Office of Desire" last month. "Now, the thing is that people's entire lives are defined by their office relationships," he says. "That's why the office as setting for all these different forms of entertainment is so successful."

But although a growing proportion of Americans have white-collar jobs, that doesn't mean they feel a greater sense of empowerment when they're at their desks than an assembly-line worker does.

"There's a certain amount of cynicism," says David Halle, a sociology professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. "There are a lot of mergers, companies being bought and sold. People are sitting in their offices, and for the vast majority, there's not much they can do about it."

Sitcoms about office life, he says, are an opportunity for viewers to have a little fun at the expense of what can be the unfunny reality of their lives. "The situation in offices is kind of grim a lot of times. These kinds of shows are opportunities to present a satirical, fun look at what is often not a fun situation," he says.

The Family Feeling Is Strong

At the same time, tales of office life let people see that they are not alone with their problems. "It makes people realize that their complaints are universal," says David Thorburn, a professor of literature and comparative media at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lately, there has been a subtle shift in the setup: Instead of using the workplace as simply a backdrop, it is now the main point of the story.

Books, movies, and TV are still focused on what the experts refer to as workplace families, where outsiders (and viewers) can find companionship and fulfillment -- the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" model. But a growing number of shows, like "The Office" and the Internet series "Floaters" (www.phoebeworks.com), go beyond the family dynamic, with its sibling rivalries and fatherly authority figures, to actually dramatize the work that employees do.

"We never even saw Ward Cleaver at work," says Michael Abernethy, a columnist for PopMatters.com, a cultural news web site. "Now we have characters whom we never see at home."

A Cultural Shift at Work

Abernethy says a broad shift in cultural priorities may account for the change. "Work used to be the thing we did so we could have a nice home life," he said. Now, "if we have a family and time with the spouse and kids, it's a bonus."

The Internet and the always-on connectivity of cell phones and email are also important factors, says Fred Turner, an assistant professor of communication at Stanford University. "Everywhere is the office now," he says.

But a coherent story requires boundaries. "By limiting the scene to an office," he adds, "a TV show or book can create a limited narrative space in which to explore the diffusion of work into everyday life and the entangling of work and interpersonal relations."

Lofty analyses of cultural trends aside, though, the fundamental reason for the appeal of the latest spate of office-related books and shows is no different than in decades past: They are entertaining.

Everyone can relate to being stuck with a boss who is bumbling, insensitive, or outright evil, Abernethy says. And everyone has had co-workers who were shy or gossipy, loud or tactless. "Invariably," he says, "the setup for these office-related works -- whether they be blogs, films, series, or books -- contains an everyman or -woman, some average person trying to survive the insanity. A person we can point to and say, 'That's me!'"

Portfolio.com. Copyright 2007 Conde Nast Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Recruiter Roundtable: Fashion, Grooming Tips

by Yahoo! HotJobs


The Recruiter Roundtable is a monthly feature that collects career and job-seeking advice from a group of recruiting experts throughout the United States. The question we put before our panel this month is:

What is the one piece of fashion and/or grooming advice you wish more candidates would heed before going on an interview?

Get the Details Right
The night before the interview, lay out your wardrobe to make sure everything fits, is free of wrinkles and is current with today's styles. Also take the time to polish your shoes. While this may sound minor, showing up with scuffed shoes may signal to the employer you lack attention to detail. Finally, remember that the interview is not your time to make a fashion statement, so avoid tight clothing, limit your jewelry, and go easy on fragrances.

The interview is your opportunity to show hiring managers how talented you are, and maintaining proper appearance will ensure they focus on your abilities rather than your attire.
-- DeLynn Senna, executive director of North American permanent placement services, Robert Half International

Accessorize With Mints
I wish more candidates would take a strong breath mint before their interviews. It may sound silly, but you would be surprised how distracting bad breath can be during an interview! Gum also works, but remember to discard your gum BEFORE the interview.
-- Bob Hancock, independent staffing consultant

What Are Your Revealing?
Look in the mirror: If too much is showing, don't wear it! While low-cut blouses or shirts are in fashion, most are inappropriate for the workplace, including the initial interview. The interviewer could possibly be distracted by the inappropriateness of the candidate's attire and therefore not focused 100% on the interview. This is unfortunate for both parties; the candidate may not be getting the positive reaction to answers they want, and the interviewer may be less apt to probe for the information they need to make a solid hiring decision.
-- Joelle Thies, staffing specialist recruiter, Wells Fargo

The Smell of Success Is Scent-Free
If your perfume or cologne enters the room before you do, chances are your scent may be interfering with your chances of landing the job. You'll see subtle signs from the interviewer -- he'll lean away from you, she'll wrinkle her nose or open a window. If someone on the interview team has allergies or asthma, and if you're meeting with them in a small room, your strong scent will be just the excuse they need to leave the room quickly, without them getting a chance to hear the details about the brilliant marketing campaign you developed at your last company.

The focus during the interview -- and afterward when the interview team gets together to discuss your interview -- should be on your accomplishments, abilities, and why you're the right person for the job. So keep it scent-free.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Fall Is 'Back-to-Search' Time!

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


Even if you're not heading to school, you can take a lesson from kids everywhere as they prepare to resume their education. Use these back-to-school inspired tips to resume your quest for a better job.

1. Get some new "back-to-search" clothes.

Even though you may be sad to leave summer behind, a new fall wardrobe can help you feel more confident around the office and on interviews. Pick up a new suit or two so that you're always stylishly prepared when a potential employer calls. Also, if you begin dressing up when you're at your current job, you won't look suspicious when you don a suit for an interview elsewhere.

2. Buy new "back-to-search" supplies.

It wouldn't be September without some fun new supplies to make getting back to your job search speedier and easier.

Have you been dying to upgrade to a new mobile device? Treat yourself to a Treo. Impress your fellow Mac addicts with an iPhone. Boost your spirits with a BlackBerry.

Is your computer completely out of date? Upgrade to a newer, faster machine. If you don't have a laptop, consider getting one to use for your search and in interviews. You'll never have to worry about which platform a potential employer uses if you bring your own.

3. Increase your popularity.

There's no better time to expand your network than September. Everyone is back from vacation and there are no holidays distracting folks. So, instead of eating lunch with the same people every day, reach out to different coworkers at least once a week.

Also, take a fresh stab at online networking. Find out which sites the people you work with are on and join them all. If you already belong to a number of sites, update your profile and start connecting with other members.

4. Join a club.

You may not be able to join the debate team or the audio-visual club, but you can always join a professional (or personal-interest) group. Consider a networking association for your profession or a group that reflects your personal likes, whether it be related to a local political party, an animal rights organization, or a classic car club. Everyone you meet is a member of your network -- which is why clubs are a great way to expand your circle of personal and professional friends.

Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Job Search Tips - Group Job Hunting

What is Group Job Hunting?

Many of you may be asking, "What is group job hunting anyway?" No, it is not like group therapy where you want to share as little as possible with a bunch of people you don't really know. It is also not anything like group interviewing, where a prospective employer grills a whole group of job candidates at the same time so that they can compete with one another head to head.

Group job hunting is an alternative channel for conducting a job search that connect job seekers with one another and allow them to share contacts, resources, leads, and other advice.

Does Group Job Hunting Work?

OK. Connecting with other job seekers sounds nice, but does it really help? Simply put, yes! Group job hunting has demonstrated a success rate of 84%. Compare those types of results with the success rates of candidates using job posting sites. That avenue is successful only about 4% of the time. Consider the millions who post their resume to the various sites available today. If this describes you, now you know why you probably have not gotten a response to your resume post. The old tried-and-true method of sending a hard copy of your resume in response to an advertisement in the classifieds of your local newspaper has a better chance of getting you in the door than posting to a job site.

Why Does it Work?

Group job hunting is successful because it combines elements of networking with target marketing and strategy development. Think about it. You know people, even if they are not able to help you in your job search. Many other job seekers our there are in the same predicament. By connecting with them, you are essentially tapping into their contact base. And oftentimes, it comes down to you interacting with the brother of a friend of a co-worker of a neighbour of someone you used to go to school (you get the picture).

Like many things in life, it's who you know, not what you know. So what are you waiting for? Start building your network of job seekers today. Happy hunting!

So who am I anyway? Why do I think my advice is so valuable?

My name is Stephen Van Vreede. My company is called No Stone Unturned, and I have spent 15 years on both sides of the corporate hiring experience.

The short story is that I have an MBA in Marketing from Villanova University and a dual B.S. degree in Finance & Logistics from the University of Maryland. I am a certified professional résumé writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC). As I mentioned, I paid my dues in the corporate world eventually running a large-scale call center for a major truck rental company, and I have spent the past 7 years with No Stone Unturned, assisting job seekers in achieving their goals.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Oddball Interview Questions

How to Handle Random or Bizarre Queries
by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International


"If you could be any animal, what would it be?" Hiring managers are increasingly posing such off-the-wall queries during job interviews in an effort to gauge a prospective employee's fit with the company's corporate culture.

Robert Half International polled executives to find out the strangest questions they have ever been asked during an employment interview. Their responses illustrate just how unusual some of the questions you may encounter can be:

* "If you were having a dinner party and could invite three famous people, who would they be?"
* "What's the last book you read?"
* "What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?"
* "What classes did you like in high school?"
* "What would I find in your refrigerator?"

There's no guarantee a hiring manager will ask you an oddball question, but you should be prepared to answer one. While the most recent "Harry Potter" book may not have a direct link to your ability to perform the job, the way you talk about it may yield insight into your interests and personality, helping the interviewer determine how well you'll get along with other members of the team.

Here are some tips to avoid the deer-in-headlights look when asked something unexpected:

Think before you speak. The first idea that comes to your mind may not be the most appropriate answer. Take a moment or two to compose your thoughts, and ask the hiring manager for clarification if you're unsure of what he or she is looking for.

Take a light-hearted approach. Using humor can be a great way to build rapport with an interviewer who asks a strange interview question. Trust your judgment and base your response on how you feel the interview is going. Be careful: Answering every question with a joke may give the impression that you are not taking the meeting seriously.

Remember your delivery. Hiring managers aren't just evaluating you based on the content of your answers; they're also taking note of how you formulate your responses to get a sense of your thought process, creativity and approach to problems. Remain calm, maintain eye contact and, even if thrown a curveball, answer confidently.

Don't throw in the towel. Even if you think the interview isn't going well, don't give up. The hiring manager may have a different impression of the meeting's success than you or know of another opening in his or her firm for which you are a better match.

Keep in mind that it's unlikely you will be eliminated from contention solely because you'd choose to eat dinner with John Travolta over John F. Kennedy. The key to excelling in these interview situations is giving honest, thoughtful responses while keeping your composure.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Tips to Getting Promoted at Work

Most people think getting promoted at work is just a matter of working hard and hoping you'll be recognized when the time is right. This is not so, getting promoted at work requires a conscious effort of making behavioral adjustments that will get you and your work noticed and put you in the executive radar for consideration. In short getting promoted requires a plan. If you do not already have one, I'd suggest you get down to scribbling now.

• You need to ask yourself if you enjoy what you do and if you can thrive doing what you do currently- There is no point getting the extra responsibility that comes with a promotion if you do not currently enjoy what you do or have sufficient competencies to excel.

• Let your passion show through- Still back on point 1, you need to be enthusiastic about what you do and this is what others see, someone who is truly dedicated, committed and achieves results.

• Communicate effectively- The engine of the work place is communication, and it appears in various forms, emails, telephone, memos etc. Avoid spontaneous responses to email communication especially, carefully read and craft responses which you know you won't regret at a later date. Once in a while you will receive correspondence that will tick you off, resist the urge to damage your career by responding with expletives. Realize that sometimes you are being set up.

• When in doubt over communicate- Follow up is a key skill that is needed in the work place, keep your stakeholders updated all the time and remember to keep the important people in copy.

• Don't run away from added responsibility- If more work comes, take it on in your stride and do it well.

• Do more- People who get promoted are those who do more than their KRA's require and more than they are told to do. Put in your best and give more than is expected of you.

• Create Visibility- No one will promote someone they don't know or recognize. Make a conscious effort to be known (for the right reasons) and to be seen at the right places, saying the right thing.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Top 5 Tips For Landing Your Next Social Work Job

1.) Be Visionary

Ever hear the saying, "When you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there?" Does this mantra guide your social work career? Have you thought about where you want to be five or ten years down the road? We are trained to ask this of our clients, but how often do we really ask this question for ourselves?

When developing your career path, you may find it helpful to think about a few things. You took the $13 an hour youth counseling job because that is the only one you could get at the time. Look around you. How many of your coworkers said the position was just temporary, only to be in the same spot, burnt-out, five years later? Are you where you thought you would be when you decided to become a social worker? What was that original passion and vision that moved you?

Have a future vision that motivates you and outline all the small roads that will get you there. Start with one road at a time (with time lines of course). Though following your passion may at times be difficult, just remember what Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right." Believe you can!

2.) Who is in your Network?

As social workers we know everything is about our network, from finding our dream social work job, to creating social change. So, what area of social work do you want to be in and who do you know associated with that field? Perhaps more importantly, who don't you know that you need to know to get your break? How are you going to meet them?

Tap into your social network to get leads. Let EVERYONE know (by direct phone calls, emails, or visits) you are searching and what social work position you are searching for. You never know where an opportunity might come from. It can be helpful if you have an in to get acquainted with an organization, but if not, consider an internship or volunteer work. Many social workers have landed jobs through these opportunities. It's a win-win scenario. Perspective employers get to see a sample of your work and you get to see if an agency is a good fit for you.

You may want to consider the internet as an option for networking. You can find and introduce yourself to social workers on sites like LinkedIn or Facebook. Social Work Network is a similar site, but more specific to social work networking needs. You can find social workers by location, degree, school, company, and expertise/interests, as well as search thousands of social work jobs or internship and volunteer opportunities. These sites are free resources, so why not take advantage of them?

3.) Be Assertive

Ever want to say to an employer, "Don't call me, I'll call you"? You have the chance to do this at the end of your cover letter. Simply let the employer know you will contact them in a few days to discuss the position further. In a time where competition for social work jobs is fierce, such a technique may give you the edge.

Prior to calling, jot down a few things you want to know about the position, as well as a few points of value you add to it. Common questions are, "How did this position come to be open?" and "What is your hiring time line?" When you call, make sure the employer knows the call will only take a few minutes of their time. Here is a sample intro, "Hello Dr. Smith. My name is Andrea Ricci and I am calling about the Adult Advocate position listed on Social Work Network. I'll only take a few moments of your time [Shy away from asking whether or not it is a good time to talk, you might get shut-off immediately. Instead, get straight to the point]. I am interested in this position because I have my Master's Degree in Social Work and worked for seven years as the Adult Advocate for Yourtown Court [Just added value to the position and probably peaked employer's interest]. How did this position come to be open? [Nice open ended question]."

At the end of the phone call, ask for an interview. You don't want to leave the phone call open ended with the ball in the employer's court, so keep it in yours! Say something like, "It seems like my experience and this position are a good fit. Would it be possible to discuss this more in an interview? I have a portfolio of my work I would like to share for your review." You have nothing to lose by asking for an interview and now the employer is put in a position where they might say yes -especially if you're offering them a portfolio they may be interested in seeing.

4.) What's in your Portfolio?

Portfolios are excellent tools to showcase your skills and set you apart from the competition. It is generally a sampling of the work you have done during your social work career. Include, in a three ring binder, a label on the front with your name and contact information using bold, clear, traditional fonts. Use plastic sleeves to hold all of your documents and include a Table of Contents.

Here are some things to include in your portfolio: a resume (specifically tailored to the position you are applying for), grant proposals, press releases, media relations, anything that documents computer skills (presentation with PowerPoint, research with SPSS), research proposals, policy analysis, a professionally written letter, reference letters, supervisor evaluations, public testimony, certifications, etc. If it is not clear from looking at the document what it is, include a typed written white label on the lower right hand sleeve that includes the purpose, your role, and date of the project. Make sure to change the content of your portfolio for each job you interview to reflect competence in the skills necessary for each position.

Once you have a portfolio, hurl it in all your cover letters, phone calls, and job interviews. It is an extra incentive for employers to interview you and can sometimes make or break getting a position. When you leave your portfolio with a prospective employer, make a plan to pick it up. You may wish to ask the employer how long they would like to have the portfolio or you may choose to set a time line yourself, "I would like to leave my portfolio for your review. Would it be convenient if I stopped back on Friday to pick it up?"

5.) Check Yourself

Job hunting in the social work profession can be overwhelming. Make sure to take care of yourself through the process. Some people find it helpful to develop check-boxes of personal and professional tasks they wish to accomplish the next day. You may want to apply for three jobs, go to your son's soccer game, wash the car, and go to the gym. Include them all in one to do list, mixing them up if needed. The truth is...we only have one life. If one part of it is lapsing, it will affect the other. Tend to your personal needs equally with your professional ones so that both your private life and career are rising together and mutually benefiting one another.

Michelle Bussolotti, MSW, 

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

3 Tips To Improve Your Social Network Job Search

Job search related social networking is an important tool for many job seekers. The value and effectiveness of social networks in the job hunt lies in its ability to reach people-who-know-other-people who are hiring. It is a 'person-to-person' communications method, whose results - if logically organized in advance of the doing - in short time can supercharge a job seeker's ability to identify serious employment opportunities. The same holds true for most social networks, whether LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YAHOO! or Google groups, or other smaller niche defined groups or forums.

Problem is... not everyone is willing to do the '... if logically organized in advance of the doing' part.

Without clear personal employment goals, all you seek is just another job, or just another business contact; that's okay, as long as you know that 'just another job' is what you'll get in the end.

If you want a career position, it is your responsibility to organize; it's really only a few simple tasks, like create a list of your practical job goals, include preferred industries, job titles, locations, salary range, and other job consideration specifics. The list is for you, not the members you'll reach out to. Then research a second list, too, of web addresses for specific social networks, forums, billboards and other groups, where you can find and reach out to individuals who may introduce you to a great job.

Use common sense. It's easy to get lost chasing multiple 'great job' leads from your new social group members, from people who may mean well, or may be opportunistic. In the end, too often, some leads - as illustrated by statistics below - have little result, or... more likely, simply do not closely match your 'goals' list, so waste time. Don't fall into that trap. Consider the practical nature of the three social networking tips below to help improve your job search results.

THREE KEY STRATEGIES

1 - Know Who You Want - which social members to approach, where to find them on social networks, what to ask of them, and what's in it for them.

2 - Know What You Want - be specific about the job(s) or industry(ies) you seek; create keywords relating to those.

(Do not send members your lists of career, job title, or vocation keywords, or resume type documents, only if requested by a group member replying to your inquiry.)

3 - Moderation - make every member contact positive. Be polite, be brief. Don't be a nuisance to others.

A smart way to start is to begin with people you already know. Consider people with whom you are already acquainted, whether they are directly tied to the job or industry you pursue, or not. People know other people. The hallmark action of social networks is to build a 'network' of friends, or member referrals, with whom you 'connect' to or 'subscribe' to. Sometimes the person who seems least likely to help is the very individual who knows someone who knows someone who can help get you hired. They may not even realize they know someone, until you ask them.

When you ask them, you'll likely do it online. Be brief. Get to the point quickly, and be polite and inviting and thankful, not too direct or demanding or expectant of their obligation to help you. Remember, start with mutual acquaintances. Ask who they know, list and contact those folks, introduce yourself, and name the person who referred you. Personalize each contact. Be brief. Offer to help connect and refer them to people in your own network of members. Inquire about any sort of connections they may need. And above all... be brief! And thank them for their time.

After you run out of known acquaintances and their referrals, if required, research and reach out to group members at the various social networks you have joined, who have similar jobs or duties or industry, or geographic similarities, school, service background, or human interest commonalities, or whatever, as you.

Consider pre-writing communications. Craft messages to cover topics you need to discuss. Save copies. Keep each message simple, easy to understand. Always use polite, mannerly message formatting, "Dear Sir," or "Dear Madam" or "Ms." A "Thank you," or other friendly regard upon parting. Proofread messages for misspellings and mistakes before use. This may seem too overdone for quick web chats or 'off the cuff' group forums, but don't be fooled. U.S. Department of Labor statistics (2009) verified that better than seventy-percent of job applicants are rejected due to poor use of language and misspellings and awkward grammar on hiring inquiries, emails, faxes, resumes, and other written documents. Go ahead, now that you know that, send another chatty, modern, acronymic text message or email, or chat exchange as a part of serious employment outreach, and your chances of joining that 'seventy-percent' mentioned above increase exponentially.

As a caution, also know that sometimes overzealous outreach to social group members, or posting of too many unrelated forum messages, can sometimes result in account suspension by group moderators. Group operators vary, but it's usually good advice to follow their rules.

WORKPLACE REFERENCES

Another ancillary usefulness of business, vocation, and industry related social networks is how they help you organize and mange your professional references. By 'joining' or 'connecting' to mutual social websites where those individuals have professional profiles. You can supply interested employers with an easy way for them to contact your references, and thereby verify statements about your skills, training and work history.

Workplace people who know and can vouch for you (where those individuals give permission to participate as a professional reference contact on your behalf to possible employers and interested parties) can help a job applicant communicate to job prospects specific workplace skills and strengths; and help address, and set minds to ease about, any uncomfortable or embarrassing workplace issues. Those references can address topics and help bridge hiring issues that arise sometimes, like a recent or unexpected resigning from a job or other job resignation issue, or a bad job reference that may have surfaced elsewhere - understanding that in some industries, even the hint of a bad work reference, whether true or not, can have devastating effects upon a job search. Too often, for too many good job applicants, the result of not organizing job references in advance, to support your skills and workplace proficiency, and to address other potential hiring issues, is that the companies you want - won't hire you; and companies you might have settled for - don't hire you.

Consider the ideas presented above if your goal is to improve job search results by generating one-on-one job hunt contacts within a social network environment. Organize your job search goals, and your inquiry messages, remain patient and polite. Follow these common sense techniques and you will increase your odds of getting hired soon.

Mark Baber

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Using Craigslist to Find a Job Or Gig - Helpful Tips

Hands down, the best way to make money on Craigslist is to find a job or a gig. If you are in desperate need of money and more than just a few extra dollars, this is the approach you must take.

If you are unemployed, your goal is to find a full-time job. If you are just looking to make some extra cash, your goal is to find a part-time or a paid gig. You can find all of these on Craigslist, enabling to you to make money.

Craigslist Tip #1 - Post in the Services Offered

First and foremost, post a services offered listing in Craigslist's services section.

Even if you want a full-time job, this is a way to make some extra cash in the meantime. Any hobby or small amount of experience you have can be used to make money. Offer your lawn mowing services, your computer repair services, or your babysitting services.

But wait! Why do you need to do this AND search for a job or gig? Because some Craigslist users are lazy. Why spend time searching when all they can do is post an "I need a" ad and get many replies?

Craigslist Tip #2 - Search All of Craigslist

There are benefits to being able to search all of Craigslist when looking for a job or a paid gig. Many paid gigs (like freelance writing) are internet based, meaning you can work for someone clear across the country. As for a good job, you might be willing to relocate. Having the ability to search all of Craigslist gives you better results.

But wait! How can you search all of Craigslist? A number of websites and software programs enable you to search all of Craigslist and thousands of other websites at once. Download one of these programs or do a free search on a classified searching website.

Craigslist Tip #3 - Choosing Your Search Words or Phrases

There are three good ways to search for jobs on Craigslist. They include:

• Search with the job title: office manager, writer, secretary, construction worker, bartender, and so forth. This is your best option.

• Search with the job duties: typing, writing, remodeling, customer service, and so forth. This is less successful, but ideal when the hiring manager doesn't have a set title for the job.

• Search with the company name: Burger King, Microsoft, and so forth. This approach more hit or miss. Not many large companies use Craigslist, mostly the smaller businesses do. Moreover, many leave out the company name.

Craigslist Tip #4 - Do Not Headline Browse

Normally, I recommend headline browsing. After all, why click to see a size medium leather jacket when you need a size large? Jobs and gigs are different. Rarely does someone post the salary info in the job post at all, let alone in the headline. From that one line the job may look like crap, but it may turn out to be the best paying job you had in years! Click and then skim.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

How to Negotiate Salary For a New Job - 5 Salary Negotiation Tips That Work

One of the trickiest parts of getting employed is figuring out how to negotiate salary for a new job. There are just so many things to consider. After all, you want a high salary but you don't want to appear self-important. You're afraid of giving numbers, and yet you dream of increased pay.

Well, you don't have to worry about those things anymore. If you want to know how to negotiate salary for a new job, simply read this article!

Salary Negotiation Tip # 1: Do Your Research.

So you want to learn how to negotiate salary for a new job? Then you must do your research first. Find out what people in the industry are making.

If you're going for an entry-level position, find out what entry-levels are making. If you're going for a managerial position, find out what they're making. This way, you won't sound like an idiot when you eventually negotiate your salary for a new job.

Salary Negotiation Tip # 2: Assess Yourself.

Personal assessment is important; and it's not just so you'll have something to say at an interview! Knowing your strengths and skills helps you become more confident when negotiating salary for a new job.

You might have certain skills that are useful, but not quite common in the workplace. For example, you might be applying for the writer position at the company, but you also know how to design websites or speak fluently in three different languages. I'd say that would give you a better leverage!

Salary Negotiation Tip # 3: Be Confident.

When talking money, it's important that you appear confident. Not arrogant, but confident. Demanding a high salary, especially when you don't have good credentials, will only turn you into a laughing stock.

Salary Negotiation Tip # 4: Refrain From Giving an Exact Amount...Yet.

If you're not yet sure whether they'll be hiring you or not, it would be in your best interest not to discuss salary in detail.

You can give a certain range, but you should also add that it's negotiable and flexible. This way, the company won't cast your resume aside at once (especially if it turns out that they can't afford to hire you).

Salary Negotiation Tip # 5: Be Willing To Walk Away.

Finding a decent job with good pay can be challenging. However, that doesn't mean you have to accept a rate that is beyond low. You might be flexible, but you're not that desperate.

When a company low blows you, be prepared to walk away. There are other companies out there that will treat you fairly.

Learning how to negotiate salary for a new job can be eye-opening, but the actual experience can vary. Learn all you can from what you have experienced yourself, and use those lessons on your next salary negotiation.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

McDonalds Online Job Application Tips

Online job applications can be tedious to handle at times when you are competing against a large group of people and have to present yourself as the better one. When you submit applications online, you don't have the scope to meet the person personally and have to express yourself and your skills on a piece of paper. Mcdonalds have been always on the outlook of hiring some quick and efficient people who can manage the orders and customers well. While filling in a job application, these Mcdonalds online job application tips will come handy:

1. If you are not quite sure of what to enter in the fields, fill the form offline. This can be done by taking a printout of the form and later posting the same on the internet. Ensure that all the entries are filled correctly and honestly. Once the form is filled, run a spell-check to ensure that there are no spelling mistakes which otherwise would add a negative point to your application.

2. Do not include any negative remark or comment about your previous job scenario. This can include: less salary, arrogant boss, unhealthy environment etc. On the safer side it is better to say that you are applying for the new job to broaden your scope and work experience.

3. Most of the job applications would ask you to quote the salary that you expect. Make sure that you act practical and realistic while doing so. Your salary should complement the nature of the job and the job designation.

4. Every job designation requires some skill set that is specified by the company. As you will be applying for a food joint, it is necessary to match the skills they require with yours. A previous work experience in the same field would add stars to your application. Your skills for such a job could be efficiently taking orders, managing customers or supplying the orders within the assured time limit.

5. You can turn your job application to an interview call by understanding and analyzing the wants of the company from an employee. While talking about Mcdonalds, it is teamwork place where you will have to coordinate with different people and moreover, manage time effectively. Your team leader and time management skills could be an added advantage.

These basic tips will help you in getting your application approved and step into the happy work place.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Tips For Interviews And Resumes

A good resume is the tool that can get you an invitation to the interview for your dream job. If writing a good resume is part of your preparation for the job hunt, performing at the interview is an even greater part. Here are a few tips on how to write a good resume and ace interviews.

TIPS FOR WRITING RESUMES

Select A Format

A critical part of writing good resume is using the right format. Without the proper format, your resume will look like a PhD dissertation that will instantly bore the interviewer. A scattered and cluttered appearance will send the wrong signals about you. One suggestion is to use tables with light grey background for headings and to use bold font for subheadings. Details under the subheadings can be on white background and can be laid out in columns or bullets, if appropriate. You should always start with your name and contact details first. Don't forget your email address. You want the person reviewing your resume to know that you at least have an email address! This sends the signal that you are tech-savvy.

Proofing Your Resume

A resume with lots of grammatical errors, or one that contains lots of typos drives recruiters crazy. Don't forget that your resume is really an index of your abilities. If you can't do this and you are applying for a proofreader's job, you have failed miserably. More importantly, you run the risk of looking incompetent. If you can't proofread your resume yourself, get a friend or a professional do it for you!

Presenting Your Skills As The Employers Would Like To See

This is where you can make the best possible impression, even if your education is not exactly what the employer is looking for. For example, you have applied for a job where the employer wants to know whether you can handle 1ooo payable and receivable accounts. Simply writing a bland statement that you maintained account records will not interest him. You need to make your skills match that of the job description. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer.

Use Power Words

Use power words or phrases such as "managed workflow direction" instead of "gave work assignments to staff". Also use action-oriented words and instead of passive ones. Using high-end industry jargon also immediately creates a positive impression about you, that you are professional and knowledgeable. You want the employer to know that they are looking at a senior-level resume, not one of someone who merely takes orders.

Be Truthful

Quantify your achievements and highlight them in bullets. But being truthful is just as important. Telling a lie now, even if you get hired, could cost you your career later if you are exposed as a fraud.

TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS

Research The Company

In brief, you need to have gathered sufficient information on the organization. This should be information that has the potential to affect your long-term employment, such as ethics, environment and culture, potential for growth for both you and the company, your potential boss and subordinates etc. You also need this information so that you can ask intelligent questions during the interview. You don't want to come off like a robot, or worse, like you were not even interested in the company enough to do come basic research.

Be Polite:

This sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Sadly, it isn't always practiced by everyone. Be polite when greeting the interviewer. Shake his or her hand, and finally ask questions politely, even if the interview has lasted well over 2 hours. This is the time to take particular care to mind your manners. Never try to expose the faults of either the company or the interviewer (if any). Speak in an well-organized, structured manner. Mixing up concepts has the potential to confuse the employer and you potentially lose out if they perceive you as not having clarity of thought.

Present Your Skills

Present your skills separately - close off all other discussions. Before starting on this subject, make them understand what you are beginning to say, so that they are attentive. This is the most important factor they want to know about you after your character. Use concrete examples, and explain how they can benefit by hiring you. Speak about six sigma, justifying your expertise in this area with examples of various companies that are benefiting by implementing the methodology. Tell them that you can implement it in their company as well, or at least become a key player. Let them know that you play to win!

Ask Questions

Any questions should be limited to your work and the company. They should never be personal unless you have a special reason.

Practice, Practice!

Even if you are well prepared, employers can smell anxiety a mile away, and if you display this to the employer it will wreck your chances of getting the job. Anxiety often comes across to employers as desperation. Don't let this happen to you. Practice, with a friend or in front of the mirror if you have to. The point to remember about the interview is to not let yourself fall prey to your own anxiety.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Important Tips to Crack That Dream Job Interview - Don't Commit Blunders Like All Others

So, finally the day has arrived when you are face to face with the dream job that you always yearned for. There are butterflies in your stomach and sweat on your forehead that well indicates the 'do or die' situation you are in. Well, let's make things a little easier for you! We will provide you with some valuable tips that will come handy while appearing for your dream job interviews. These tips will help you in handling yourself in a graceful manner, thereby making a positive impression on the interviewers.

Appearing for an interview for your dream job can be a very stressful experience. Your conduct during the interview will have great impact on your chances of getting selected. This article will provide you some idea about that aspect and will offer additional tips.

Your conduct:

It is important that you stay composed and calm during the interview. Getting agitated or going off the edge can put the interviewers off and diminish your chances significantly. You must always maintain eye to eye contact with the person taking the interview and listen to each question attentively so that you are able to give the most appropriate answer. It will do a world of good to your chances if you are able to relate your answers to the company under consideration. For example if you're asked about your achievements, you should try to match them with the needs of the job profile.

Your looks:

The primary thing that you must look into is that you appear neat and tidy in front of the interviewers. Men should ideally be wearing a tie, particularly if they are being interviewed for a dream job in a corporate firm. Women, on the other hand must put on a neat and clean business suit, complemented with appropriate jewelry and make up. The way you look creates the first impression on the minds of the interviewers.

Things to carry:

One of the most important tips for the dream job interviews is that you must always have your CV or portfolio handy in case the interviewers don't have it available with them already. Don't forget to carry some blank sheets of paper and a pen in case you need to take some notes. Being late for an interview automatically reduces your chances by almost 50% as it creates a very negative impression on the interviewers.

In the end, a follow-up is very important after you have appeared for your dream job interview. The best possible method to learn how to crack your dream job interviews is to constantly keep on learning about new ways to create a positive impression on the interviewers.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Career Advice - Six Proven Job Tips For Career Success

The legal profession has been around for a good many years and there has been a common notion that lawyering is a stable, lucrative profession. There may have been a time when that was the case, but is it still so now?

The United States has more lawyers than any other country in the world, turning out about 38,000 law graduates a year from the more than 200 law schools across the country. This has led a ranking member of the judiciary to comment that there are too many lawyers in the United States, that the number of legal professionals far outnumbers the jobs and clients available out there.

What are the determinants of lawyers' salaries?

Several factors that determine the amount of professional fees that lawyers can demand, or the salaries they are entitled to as members or partners in law firms or as part of the public legal system.

• The kind of law being practiced influences lawyers' salaries. For example, corporate lawyers, lawyers who handle mergers and acquisitions and have the opportunity to deal with clients who have more money will definitely receive more than public prosecutors or lawyers for nonprofit organizations.

• Geographical area of operation also has a bearing on lawyer salaries. The average salary for a lawyer is highest in Washington, San Francisco and New York. Incidentally, the most popular cities for lawyers, based on median salary charts, are New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Houston, Chicago, Washington and San Francisco. This data can be accessed at http://www.payscale.com.

• Government as employer vs. private practice. Private practice, with profits in mind, often gives salaries that are higher that what the government, as an employer, gives.

• Stringent requirements for entry into big law forms. Large, firmly established law firms give higher salaries to their lawyers than smaller or medium-sized ones. While entry into a large law firm is not always easy, the salaries they get are worth the effort. The candidate for membership needs to be a graduate of a reputable, prestigious law school and higher than average grades. Still, graduates of law schools of less distinction can still make it into these big law firms, provided they are on top of their class, have articles published in law journals, and have participated in law evaluations and/or debates. Back door entry into a big law firm can be done if a lawyer can present a record of demonstrated success over years of legal practice.

• Experience in litigation is also a determining factor in the amount of salary to which a lawyer is entitled. A senior partner of a firm gets a higher salary than a junior partner, by virtue of his or her years of practice in the profession.

Because a law degree is a graduate degree, lawyers normally start with fairly high salaries. The average starting salary for a lawyer, based on the Lawyer Starting Salary register, is around $56,000. This average starting salary is just a jumping-off point. It is projected that in 20 years of practice, this amount should more than double.

The National Association for Legal Career Professionals (NALP), however, states that in 2008, the salary for entry level lawyers in public or civil jobs ranged from $40,000 to $47,435. Attorneys wages in private practice for 2007 ranged from $68,000 to $130,000, on the average.

Despite these high figures, there are those who contend that Law is an overrated career that is glamorized by television. It does not take into account such realities as debts accrued while attending law school, time and effort needed by lawyers to establish a client base, and the fact that lawyers put long working hours into honing their skills in their profession.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

 

Holiday Jobs: Gifts for Getting Ahead

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Whether you're looking for extra cash or career-enhancing skills, a part-time job during the holidays may be just what you need.

A Bountiful Season?

Last year, employers added more than 700,000 retail jobs in the last three months of the year. This year, experts predict the number will likely be smaller -- but employers will still be looking for hundreds of thousands of workers.

"It's really still a job seeker's market for retail," said John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. He noted that nationwide unemployment is relatively low. However, recent reports do suggest employers are pulling back on hiring. This, combined with high gas prices and the problems in the mortgage industry, makes Challenger predict fewer seasonal jobs this year than last.

Strategies for Success

If you want to land one of these seasonal jobs, Challenger and other experts offer these tips:

* Look beyond retail. Most holiday jobs are with retail stores, selling gifts. But caterers get increased business for holiday parties, and engineering and law firms have to cover workers' vacations. UPS hires tens of thousands of seasonal workers to deliver millions of packages daily from Thanksgiving to Christmas. These workers do everything from processing packages to driving trucks, said Heather Robinson, a spokesperson for UPS.

For students home for the holidays, taking a temporary office job could be "an opportunity to get their foot in the door and give them a taste of corporate America," said Deborah DeCamp, regional director for Manpower Professional in Chicago.

* Start early. Large companies may start taking applications for seasonal work as early as September, with many interviewing and selecting candidates in October, Challenger said. Smaller companies may hold off a little longer. For UPS, hiring picks up in October and early November, Robinson said.

* Do your research. Retailers want to hire people who know their merchandise and are enthusiastic about it. So it makes sense to start your job search with stores where you shop. "If you're a good customer, make sure you tell them that," Challenger said.

Reading about local companies and industries can help you pinpoint other places to look for holiday work, as well. If you read that a company is growing, you can call and ask if they need any extra help.

* Take it personally. The Internet is a great way to find out who's hiring and in many cases to submit a resume. But personal contact with a hiring manager may be what seals the deal.

"What makes you stand out?" DeCamp said. A phone call after you've submitted your resume is one good idea: "showing some tenacity, a little bit of proactive attention toward that job."

* Look to the future. Most holiday jobs end after the holidays. But some can last longer -- and they can also be a valuable introduction to a company that may hire you for an ongoing job sometime in the future. Robinson said about one-quarter of UPS' seasonal workers end up being hired into permanent jobs. So when you choose where to work for the holidays -- and while you're on the job -- think about your future prospects as well as the present.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

7 Simple Instructions For Working From Home

First of all working from home can be very simple. It does not have to cost you a lot of money to get started, you do not need to rearrange your life or buy a lot of new equipment. These are rumors that are invented by people trying to make money off of you for their own home businesses. So, does it take to start working from home? Here are the 7 simple instructions to work from home.

1. Decide what you want to do. If you already have a current profession turning it into a work at home profession can be the simplest. But if you do not have any special training never fear there is plenty of training out there. This can be provided in three forms. First, training professionally from a school, there are a lot of online options for this. Second, buying a training program, there are several different ones to choose from. My bio below for one that has worked for me and others that I know and lastly there is a lot of online articles written to help.

2. Once you have decided what to do, the second thing you will want to do is set aside time to do it. This does not have to be the same time every day but making sure that you set time aside everyday is the most important. Your business can not grow if you never work on it.

3. Make sure you network. The fastest way to make money online or from home is talking to those who do it.

4. Keep educating yourself. A lot of times we forget to keep up with the times, businesses are always changing and it is important that we change with it.

5. Now that you know what you are doing, have been trained to do it, talked with people who are doing it, and read every piece of information out there available to help you do it better, what now? Now is the time we set our goals. What do we want to achieve. That will decide how hard you have to work at it. Once you reach your goal, then you can stop working harder and just keep doing what you are doing. If you want more, then do more of the first four instructions.

6. Make sure to take time to look at your business analytically. Take the amount of time you are working, find out what is bringing you the best money, and what is costing you the most. Find ways to cut cost without cutting profits. Make sure that things are working the same as they were working at first. You might be surprised to find that winning technique you were using is no longer effective. After making the necessary changes, set the appointment for your next review. My recommendation is every three months.

7. DO NOT GIVE UP! This is the number one reason people fail. We expect things to come too easily that is why it is important to be persistent. Give yourself a dream and do not stop until you are there. This sound cliché but the power of the mind, the power of determination, and the 'say die attitude will take you a long way. If has been six months and you still are not making it then review step one. Maybe you just need more training or an niche' in the same line of work.

The instructions are simple if you remember them with these keywords: decide what, find time, network, continue training, set goals, review, and keep going. These instructions will help you avoid a lot of scams and unnecessary cost.

Dovey LaPee

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

  

Mind Your Mobile Manners

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Cell phones are everywhere in business today, and there's no doubt that their omnipresence has introduced serious breaches of etiquette in business settings.

You're at a business lunch and before your associate even spreads the napkin on his lap, he slaps his mobile phone onto the table, next to his water glass. Or you're sitting in a meeting when you notice another attendee is actually text-messaging.

Keep Phones Hidden

Such behavior violates what Scott Ginsberg, a St. Louis business communications consultant, terms "'the golden rule of interpersonal communication,' which is to make the other person feel like the most important one in the world." Cell phones should be restricted to two sites, Ginsberg suggests: on your body (pocket or belt loop) or easily accessible in your briefcase or bag. They don't deserve a seat at the conference or dining table.

Text-messaging or appearing to wait for a call while you're with someone else sends a signal that you have better things to do. That's bad news in any situation, but in business it could be a real deal-killer.

Professional use of cell phones demands special consideration, cautions Kate Zabriskie of Business Training Works in Port Tobacco, Maryland. "Cell phones share a common problem with email and Blackberrys," she says, "in that they're all informal methods of communication. They make it easy for us to be sloppy. The crucial thing is to remember at all times that it's still business."

You Have an Audience

That goes double for when you're discussing company matters in a public setting, such as an airport or train station. "You'd be amazed at the confidential stuff I hear from my seatmates," Zabriskie says. "Be especially aware if you're carrying or wearing anything with your company's logo on it."

Another case where you might want to exercise caution is when using your mobile for calls you don't want co-workers to know about, like personal conversations or job interviews.

"People tend to talk louder on a cell phone, and that defeats the whole idea of holding a private conversation," Zabriskie observes. Similarly, consider those around you when choosing your ring tones. "The ring you pick is telling," says Zabriskie. "Do you really want everyone in your office to hear Barry White moan 'Ooh, baby, baby' every time a call comes in? Probably not."

Answer as a Professional

Not only do those around you deserve courtesy, so too do your callers. Since you're often not at your most comfortable when you take a cell call, be sure to let your caller know right away that they've reached you on the move. "That can be code for 'I can't talk very loudly' or 'I don't have a pen' or 'I may not hear everything you say,'" says Zabriskie.

Finally, remember to answer your cell in a businesslike manner, not by shouting "Yo." This is especially true if you expect to be contacted by any potential employers for a phone interview.

"Think of it as the first impression a caller gets of you," says Zabriskie. "If you give your cell phone number out for professional purposes, then you better sound professional when you answer it. If you use it mainly for personal matters, it's best to keep it shut off during work hours."

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity