Rabu, 08 September 2010

3 Job Search Letters Teens Should Know How to Write

In a globally competitive marketplace, it is increasingly important that job hunting teens develop good career and job search habits early. Teens seeking work or volunteer experiences to learn new skills or just earn extra cash should learn to write three very important letters as part of an effective job search strategy. These three critical letters are the Cover Letter, the Thank You Letter and the Reject-A-Job-Offer Letter.

In addition to the specifics of these three letters, here are some general tips that should apply to all written job search communications from teens:- Be brief and make the point clearly- Avoid spelling and grammatical errors- Use appropriate salutations- Include writer's name and address- If using email, watch the use of slang terminology or text message abbreviations- Get help proofreading resumes, letters and job applications

Cover letter

A cover letter, otherwise called a "letter of application" should accompany a resume. The simple goal of the cover letter for a teenager is to highlight specific skills and to show interest in the job. Avoid long paragraphs but write complete sentences. Since not all companies will require cover letters, the general rule of thumb for teenagers seeking a job, is to use a cover letter, unless the job posting specifically says not to do so.

Thank-You Letter

Teenagers should always send a Thank-You letter to a hiring manager, after the job interview. Slippery Rock University career center states that only 33% of interview candidates will follow through and send a Thank-You letter. An employer poll by Monster.com says that 65% of employers expect a Thank-You note. 36% percent of those surveyed say they prefer Thank-You notes sent by email compared to 29% who prefer the Thank-You letter by traditional mail. Use this letter to thank the employer for the interview, to remind them about interest in the job and emphasize relevant skills. Since so few people and definitely fewer teenagers send Thank-You Letters, it will definitely demonstrate professional maturity.

Reject-a-Job-Offer Letter

Teenagers sometimes apply for several jobs before getting hired. If they receive a job offer from an employer and decide, for whatever reason, not to take that job, it is important that they send a Reject-a-Job-Offer-Letter. This letter is also very simple, but will go a long way to demonstrate professionalism. Sometimes if the chosen job does not pan out, the employer who received a Reject-a-Job-Offer, might be willing to speak with the teenager again. This letter should express appreciation for being considered and state clearly that the job seeker is declining the job offer. Also include a willingness to be contacted for future opportunities.

Marcia Robinson


Bookmark and Share 

Resume Tips for Human Resource Assistants - What You Need to Know

If you are wanting to break into the field of Human Resources, you will most likely have to start at an entry-level position and work your way up. A Human Resource Assistant is a position that does not require a great deal of experience. Since the main focus of the job is maintaining records, there are many possible ways to gain this experience without having to be directly employed in an HR position.

For the purpose of this article, the resume tips listed below will help in writing a resume that provides prospective employers with the information they need to make a good decision about whether or not you will fit in with their organization.

In short: You will learn how to create a resume that employers WANT to read.

If you want to impress prospective employers, you have to make the most of your credentials. Here are some excellent tips for creating a resume that sells your skills and accomplishments to employers.

Human Resource Assistant Resume Tips:

1. Make sure you are include the main sections within your resume. Typically, they are: Heading, Objective, Education, Experience, Activities/Awards and References. Employers like to know where to find the information they are seeking. Choose a common resume format, such as: Chronological or Functional.

2. If you do not have much work experience, consider listing volunteer work and/or school-related experiences, such as laying out copy for a yearbook, tracking equipment for a sports team, creating programs for school event or something similar. Anything that might be considered a task associated with the work environment is fine to use on your resume.

3. Accomplishments are probably the most important things you can list on a resume. This is true regardless of how old you are or how much experience you have. The reason is that accomplishments show that you worked hard, were involved and got things done.

4. Proofread everything until you are certain that your resume contains no mistakes. Also, have someone else read your resume in an effort to ensure it is error-free. Typos and grammar errors are the first things an employer looks for when weeding out the good resumes from the bad ones.

These resume tips will not guarantee that you get a job immediately, but they will make it more likely that an employer will read your resume. That is the first step toward getting a call for an interview.

A resume is the one tool that can help you realize your future employment dreams. It does not matter if your first job is working for an automobile dealership or at a printing company. A good resume will lead you toward job success.

If you want to find a great job, do what it takes to ensure you are looked at more favorably than your competitors. Lead the crowd by using the resume tips listed above and make your career as fantastic as possible. You deserve the best, right?

Carla Vaughan


Bookmark and Share 

Free Resume Tips - For The Food Industry Professional

Ask anyone involved in the food industry and they will tell you that running a restaurant takes hard work. The challenges of institutional food management are also enormous, yet both of these career paths offer great rewards to those who enjoy working in a fast-paced, sensory environment. To land your next great position as an Executive Chef, General Manager, or Assistant Manager, it's essential that your restaurant and food-service resume include the right elements: evidence of your past accomplishments, proof of your leadership ability, and a flair for creative problem solving. Passion of food goes a long way as well. But where can you find free resume tips to handle this daunting task?

You may only need to consider what the essential qualities for the job are for you to create a great resume, and it's here that free resume tips come in handy.

The Food-service professionals' days are filled with a dizzying array of tasks, from coordinating the kitchen and dining room to placing food orders and designing a successful menu. Well-designed restaurant and food-service resumes establish one's past success in a no-nonsense manner, providing the proof a hiring manager or restaurant owner is looking for when scheduling interviews. So this one important free resume tip that comes straight from the responsibilities that the job entails.

Finding good nice free resume tips for your food-service resume will give you a competitive edge over what will be submitted by other well-qualified professionals. Whether you already have a draft that requires editing or need a newly created resume, you will need to work one-on-one with an editor experienced in crafting compelling, successful restaurant and food-service resumes. He/she should also give you helpful free resume tips and free resume samples.

Land the professional restaurant and food-service position you're seeking with an expertly-crafted restaurant and food-service resume.

Hiring managers want to know what you have already done for your prior employers. This is another essential free resume tip you can include in your resume, try to have figures and facts that you can quote and discuss. Are you an expert in some exotic cuisine? Were you the most creative in your position? Find things that you can give to the HR person in black and white and you'll find that you get better responses and is a plus to your resume.

Talk about the positive things that you have done for your employers, and if there were negative situations, find the positive light in them in case you are asked.

The dreaded cover letter

Do you need a cover letter? Of course it's a plus in free resume tip to remember. In many cases, hiring managers like to see something that shows your individual personality. After so many resumes, they can begin to look the same. This isn't to say that you should start off with a joke or send a picture of yourself, but you should use a cover letter to give a little indication of the type of employee you are.

You want to show that you know what kinds of responsibilities can be expected of you if hired and that you understand the goals of the company.

Show them that you want this job and that you are more than ready for it.

Editing matters

Simple errors in grammar and spelling go a long way to hurting your chances of getting hired in any higher position. Take the time to have a friend or family member read your resume and also provide some free resume resumes he may see lacking in your resume to make sure that you sound and look professional.

Remember that hiring managers only have a little time to read all of the resumes that they receive. Get right to the point, and your resume will get right to the top of the pile.

Abhishek


Bookmark and Share 

Free Resume Tips To Improve Your Chances

Free resume tip anyone? Struggling to write an effective resume is something that holds many people back in their search for career success and employment happiness. Luckily, it's not really that tough at all if you know how, so check out these 5 free resume tips to make your resume more effective!

Free Resume Tip 1-

Make sure your resume fits the bill. Far too many people just draw up a quick resume and submit the same thing to every vacancy they find. Needless to say, this is not usually too effective. Instead, rewrite it for every job you apply to, making sure all your stated skills and accomplishments match up with what the employer is looking for.

Free Resume Tip 2-

Show them what you can do for them. An employer is making a big investment in you when they take you on, and like anyone they want the biggest return on that investment. Show them what their returns will be by mentioning giving examples of your past achievements.

Free Resume Tip 3-

Don't mention your current/previous salaries unless they specifically ask for them. If you do mention detail like this, quite simply you may be putting an upward limit on your earnings, or even worse may price you out of the running completely. Leave stuff like this for when you get the interview, or better yet, for when you get the job offer, as only then do you have some real leverage.

Free Resume Tip 4-

Go for a simple style. The number one problem facing most job applicants is time-employers simply don't have time to give every application the time it may deserve, so you have to make it as easy as possible to read your resume. If you go for some outlandish or elaborate style with the hope of standing out, you will likely lose out because the employer will not make the effort to read it, and instead will move on to something simpler.

Free Resume Tip 5-

Try not to give too much work history. It's unlikely that every single position you have had is relevant to the one you are applying for, so try and cut it down to an easily digestible amount. In reality, most employers really won't care to know every single job you had since you left high school 25 years ago-with the time constraints faced by many businesses, it's simply not practice to go into every candidate's work history at such a depth.

As you can see, writing a resume is more about making the biggest impact you can in the least amount of time possible than it is about qualifications. Use these free resume tips to get ahead!


Bookmark and Share 

Resume Tips to Nail That Job Interview

Your resume is extremely important. Think about it. In the span of a few pages, you need to convey that YOU are worthy of at least being considered for that job vacancy. It really doesn't matter if you are applying for a manager job or an executive position, what's important is that the resume contents and resume layout fit the position at hand. Sadly, many ruin their chances at job success because they cannot format their resumes properly. Don't be one of them. Follow our resume tips and you'll get the chance you deserve.

Resume Tips to Help you Get that Job Interview Call

Before you go on your hunt for great job interview tips, you should first focus on writing a great resume. After all, the job interview will come IF your resume says you deserve it.

Resume Tip No. 1 - Different resume types require different resume formats.

Your resume is really your 'first impression' and just like any real, one-on-one interview, it's important that your resume conveys the right 'image'. For instance, an executive resume is best presented with a cover letter outlining the highlights of your career. For the succeeding pages, it's best to list your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e., most recent first). For mid-level positions, a cover letter is not really required. For new graduates, it's best to start your resume with your educational attainment and any related 'on-the-job' training or seminars even if you are currently employed.

Apart from the above, you can't go wrong with using a clear, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman 10 pt or 12 pt. Also, assuming you send in your resume via email, use general Word processing software like Microsoft Word. Don't use the latest version as it may not yet be used by those handling recruitments, rending your resume un-openable and thus, useless.

Resume Tip No. 2 - Include a no B.S. executive summary.

Job recruiters get really annoyed when they're fed with Executive Summaries that are VAGUE. The Executive Summary must answer the question on why you are the best candidate for the job. The best resume layout for this would be to enumerate your skills in a bulleted list. Each skill should be written so that it clearly shows how that skill makes you a perfect fit for the job vacancy in particular, and the company in general.

Resume Tip No. 3 - Do NOT lie.

Who doesn't embellish his resume to get that job interview? That's true... but don't exaggerate to the point of lying either. For instance, you know that figures are great in resumes, but don't say "Managed a $50 million dollar publishing project..." if it you cannot back up that figure. Don't forget that job recruiters, especially for managerial and executive positions, really do check up with previous employers.

Resume Tip No. 4 - What about online resumes?

A great resume tip that doesn't cost anything at all is to view sample online resumes! There's a lot of information out there for different types of resumes with samples to boot so do give them a try. Apart from free samples, there are also ready-to-use online resume templates you can purchase where all you need to do is just 'fill out the blanks'. If you opt for this, just ensure that the template really fits your resume needs.

Resume Tip No. 5 - Hire a professional resume writer.

When all else fails, or if you don't have the time, or the job is simply too important that you want to go in with your BEST chance at landing a job interview, then by all means, get the services of a professional resume writer. Not everybody is blessed with having that special way with words so a professional CV writer can definitely help you. Note too that such a person can help you 'smooth out' some job history problems you may have such as employment gaps or 'job hopping' trends (i.e., moving from one job to another in relative short periods of time).

When it comes top writing resumes, you should always put your best foot forward so you get called for that job interview. Hopefully, the resume tips we've provided here helps you achieve exactly that.

Belinda Sinclair


Bookmark and Share 

Returning Vets: Employers Want You!

Veterans Have Advantage in the Battle for Talent
by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


There's a competitive war for talent being waged in companies across the United States, and people with military backgrounds stand to win.

The Skills Have It

Discipline. Loyalty. Leadership. "Sticktoitiveness." These soft skills can be hard to come by in job applicants -- but not those with military experience.

Bob Putnam, senior manager of retail HR development for RadioShack, agrees. "At RadioShack, the core values that we hold near and dear are integrity, pride, trust, and teamwork. That's really what people in the military are all about, and that's what makes candidates with a military background perfect for RadioShack."

Employee retention is an important factor in winning the war for talent, which is why recruiters look to this pool of professionals.

"One of the wonderful things about military people is that they are trained to be extraordinarily loyal," says Peter Weddle, publisher of employment resource guides at weddles.com.

Leadership Abilities Stand Out

Technology giant Perot Systems actively recruits talent with military experience. Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter, notes, "Many of our top leaders and managers in the company have a military background. These individuals have been instrumental in our company's phenomenal growth."

Companies like 7-Eleven and Cintas are also fans of the military's brand of leadership. Sally Hart, national military recruiting director for Cintas, says, "Military people lead from the front. They get in and get their hands dirty and they don't mind doing the job themselves."

Weddle, a graduate of West Point, adds, "The military is the most diverse workforce, and the people in it have learned to embrace that diversity and work well in teams within it."

Military Jobs Translate Well

Perot Systems recruits "individuals of high moral character, who are calm under pressure, and who are comfortable with technology," according to Williamson. Many veterans fit the description.

"In today's modern military, folks coming out have sophisticated technical skills," Weddle says.

Many other hard skills acquired by military service members may be made for private-sector employers.

"There are certain occupations in the military that are a great fit for us," says Cintas' Hart. "Support occupations, such as intelligence, military police, supply -- these folks all understand customer service. Artillery, infantry, armory, and other front line folks understand an industrial environment. They haven't been sitting in an office or a cubicle all day and we're not going to have them doing that either."

Hiring Hints from the Insiders

"Highlight your leadership abilities and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed others as well as examples of where you've been a team player," reveals Richard Kenny, SPHR, field staffing manager for 7-Eleven. (View current openings at 7-Eleven.)

"Smile (during the job interview). That's tough for folks getting out of the military. They're told to be all business, but they need to get their personality across to hiring managers and recruiters," advises Sally Hart from Cintas. (View Cintas job listings.)

"It is definitely important to de-militarize your resume [of jargon]. Also, I would encourage candidates to read Web articles and books on interviewing, specifically behavioral interviewing," says Mark Williamson, senior military recruiter for Perot Systems. (View openings at Perot Systems.)

"We have lots of stores near military bases. A lot of military folks were my customers when I first started out," says Radio Shack's Putnam. "Go in to a store and talk to our people to see what working with us is really like." (See Radio Shack listings.)


Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

Success Strategies for New or Recent Grads

by Denene Brox, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Many students head to college thinking that they signed up for a four-year delay of the real world. Students who major in socializing often miss an abundance of opportunities to develop the skills needed for success after they graduate. If you're a senior or recent grad, it's still not too late to develop these skills.

Here are some tips to jump-start your career:

Get out of the Classroom

If your primary goal in college was to get a high GPA or to learn just for the sake of "becoming a well-rounded person," you're probably not focusing enough on skills.

"College provides access to student organizations, jobs, internships, and access to adults who have something to offer," says Bill Coplin, author of "10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College."

He cautions students against getting too wrapped up in scholastics that they lose sight of other opportunities. "Students are treated as if they were to become professional scholars in their fields," he says. "Hence they spend their time learning theories of this and that which have very little backup and are so abstract as to be meaningless in a real-world context."

Gain Solid Experience

The key is to get out of the classroom and get some practical experience on your resume. Coplin encourages students to take courses that require project- and community-based activities.

Jeffrey Allen Miller, an online news editor at Think & Ask in New York, says that a journalism course he took in college required students to get articles published in three legitimate publications in order to get a passing grade. "Students walked away from the class with three good clips to use in their job hunt," he says.

Rethink Grad School

Still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, even after college? Don't be lulled into thinking that grad school will provide the answers.

"Don't go to graduate school unless it is a professional school and you are sure you want it," warns Coplin. "Otherwise get a job or do a one- or two-year service commitment, such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or thousands of other similar options."

Coplin says that getting a job is like graduate school, except that "you learn more, you build your resume, you can better explore your career interests and, best of all, you get paid around $40,000 instead of paying that amount to a graduate program."

Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," agrees that skills are better developed by working. "You'll naturally acquire the skills needed to succeed (diplomacy, initiative-taking, and networking) by spending a few years in the workforce," she says.

Volunteer

"Many people do not give back to their communities, which is a big mistake both careerwise and from a personal point of view," says Coplin. "Doing good (such as doing service work mentioned above) can be great for both skill development and job exploration."

Experience -- whether it's volunteer or professional -- is an essential complement to your degree for getting ahead in the world of work.


Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

Recruiter Roundtable: Cover Letters

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:

In this age of uploading or emailing resumes, how important are cover letters in your decision to interview a candidate?

Use It Strategically
My belief is that as long as a candidate meets the obvious basic criteria for a specific position, a well-articulated cover letter will only enhance their chances. A cover letter can also be useful to tackle an obvious weakness relative to an advertised role, usually a credential that is "required" (e.g., CPA or MBA) by pointing to equivalent training or experience. Overall I am a supporter.
-- Anu Datta, executive recruiter, Korn/Ferry, San Francisco

Channel the Effort Elsewhere
Unless the job seeker is making a significant career change (i.e. different field) or is a fresh college graduate, I rarely look at a cover letter. It may be necessary to explain your position and bridge your experience to the position of which you are applying. Resumes are typically scanned and cover letters skipped over completely in evaluating potential candidates for first-round interviews, so it is advisable to either say what you must in the body of the email with a resume attached, or customize your resume toward each and every position you seek.
-- Lindsay Olson, partner, Paradigm Staffing

Say Something New
If I like someone's resume for a specific position, then I read the cover letter. Mistakes or typos in a cover letter have an impact on my impression of the candidate; I recommend getting a second set of eyes to review any cover letter. Cover letters tend to be fairly similar, so take up the challenge of making yours stand out. Tell me something about your professional history that I would never know from your resume -- HOW you lead a team to success on a project, for example.
-- Ross Pasquale, owner, Monday Ventures

It's All About the Resume
About 75 percent of the job seekers that have applied online for positions I manage do not attach a cover letter. What does that mean for me? I make most of my decisions to schedule an interview based strictly on resumes. When a job seeker includes a cover letter, I reward their effort by contacting them to thank them for their interest whether or not it leads to an interview. Who knows where that interaction might lead?
-- Cheryl Blackman, recruiter for Wells Fargo -- Texas Human Resources

Yes, They Make a Difference
A good cover letter -- one that captures my attention because it is targeted to the position and highlights specific areas of expertise that the hiring manager is looking for -- can make the difference between whether or not I call someone for an interview or leave them in the "maybe" file. A great cover letter will persuade me to call you for an interview even if you may be lacking in some of the qualifications needed for the position. A poorly written cover letter tells me everything I need to know about you; you won't be called for an interview.
-- Cheryl Ferguson, recruiter, The Recruiter's Studio


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

Five Soft Skills You Need to Succeed

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


"Hard skills" vary from industry to industry, and your mastery of them is what will help you get started in your career. "Soft skills" are what will ensure your success in any line of work and help you rise through the ranks.

Here's a quick profile of five skills that will help you get ahead.

1. The Write Stuff

Instant messages and texting via mobile devices have become a standard part of business, but the shorthand and lingo used therein will never render formal business writing obsolete. A terrific way to stand out and impress clients and colleagues alike is to craft clear, well-written, and grammatically correct messages. If written communication isn't your strong suit, take a continuing education course at your local college or business school.

2. Lead Meetings That Matter

Like it or not, meetings remain a necessary reality in corporate America. As you advance in your career, you'll have to call and lead more meetings. Win the admiration and respect of your coworkers by organizing focused and concise meetings. Create a strict agenda. Have clear start and end times, and enforce them. Make each meeting interactive and try to involve every attendee in some way.

3. Excellent Etiquette

Talent cannot be taught, but etiquette can. Open an Emily Post book and find out how to master the art of the business handshake. Learn how to conduct yourself during a business luncheon. Make sure you know how to behave on business trips. And remember to never make an "-ist" of yourself (i.e., a racist, sexist, narcissist, etc.) with an off-handed remark or inappropriate behavior.

4. Negotiation Know-How

In the words of Kenny Rogers, you've got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. Learn to love the art of negotiation. Becoming a pro at negotiating means you can always go to bat for yourself and your employer, which usually translates to higher returns for each. Practice negotiating in your everyday life -- with your mechanic, at the store, with friends and family -- to become a natural in no time.

5. Make Powerful Presentations

Presentations may not be part of your current job, but they are sure to be on some level as you move into management.

The best presentations aren't about how impressive your PowerPoint files are; rather, they are about how passionate and persuasive you are. Practice will help you hone your presentation skills so that you're comfortable and able to convey your enthusiasm. If you need extra help, join your local chapter of Toastmasters or take a class in public speaking.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

Bookmark and Share

The Perils of Being a Go-Getter

by Caroline Levchuck, Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are sick of going through the motions at work and want to get ahead, it's always a good idea to be proactive in seeking growth opportunities or getting the job done in new ways. Your supervisor will probably be pleased -- but that may not be true of everyone else in your office.

Get Ready for Resistance

You may have decided that you're ready to reignite your career, but your newfound enthusiasm may not be contagious. In fact, a lot of folks may be resistant to your renewed fervor for the job.

Don't fault coworkers for not being on the same page as you. Don't insist that your team members go above and beyond the call of duty if they aren't willing. Just focus on changes you can personally effect at your company. Your passion may turn out to be infectious eventually, but real change -- in attitude, enthusiasm, and energy -- takes time.

Be Prepared for Resentment

It's no secret that some people are only interested in a paycheck. Most of these folks coast through each workday, doing just enough to satisfy the requirements of their positions. When someone starts to shake up the status quo by exhibiting an intense interest in work, the "clock watchers" may start to feel like you're making them look bad.

To avoid bitter feelings, make sure you go through proper channels as you try to make changes. Don't suddenly begin acting as though you're a supervisor when you're not. You won't win any friends and the projects you were pursuing won't get the support they need for completion. Rather, enlist people to help you by asking for assistance -- if they have the interest and the time.

Suspicious Minds Aren't Far Behind

Your fresh attitude toward work may leave coworkers feeling wary of your motives. If you suddenly begin championing a project or change that sounds like it's coming from upper management, your colleagues may start treating you like you're a spy. They may (mistakenly) believe you're trying to ferret out folks who aren't team players or go-getters. As a result, you could get a certain amount of ribbing ("When did you go over to the dark side?") and find that you're excluded from water cooler conversations.

If you are bothered by the teasing or feel disconnected from good work buddies, set the record straight with a direct conversation. Tell people, "I like working here and I want more responsibility. I'm really hoping to advance." Don't talk about anyone else's apparent lack of interest or motivation, and don't apologize for your desire to do a good job and build a better career.


Jobs Info , Career Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

Job-Search Hints for People Over 50

by JoAnn Greco, for Yahoo! HotJobs


Charmian Foster, 52, remembers feeling "quite animated" as she lunched at a luxury Dallas resort with a potential employer in December 2004, but her energy flagged near the end of the interview. Getting up at the crack of dawn to fly from Philadelphia, then spending all day interviewing before rushing to grab a return flight later that same day had left her bedraggled and sweltering in an inappropriate wool suit.

Foster later learned that the interviewer "thought I wasn't 'dynamic' enough," she says. "This surprised the recruiter, who had known me for over 10 years.

"She eventually admitted that she believed it was my age that was the issue."

Plan for a Longer Search

Workers in Foster's age group can often feel left in the dust when it comes to the perceived energies of their younger peers. But are employers and recruiters really age-ist? And how can older job seekers learn to position their advanced years as a positive?

Those are questions that we're going to start asking with increased frequency as our population ages. By 2012, 20 percent of the U.S. workforce will be older than 55, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, despite the greater experience and job smarts of these workers,their job searches can take almost two months longer than those of younger workers, according to the AARP.

Maximize Your Skills

"If you're out of work for a year or two at this age, that's big," says John Challenger, of the Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "It's crucial that someone in this group attack the search really aggressively, because he faces special challenges."

"Generational differences are huge," says Jan Cannon, of Boston's Cannon Career Development. "Younger managers see you, and they think of their parents. So you absolutely have to keep your technical skills up to speed. One way to show your potential employer that you're savvy," she continues, "is to use the Internet in your job search."

Get Your Network Involved

Challenger cautions against spending too much time with your laptop, though. "Older workers have real-world know-how, which includes getting out there and meeting all the people they've had any kind of relationship with during their work life," he says. "Get as busy as you can, don't sit at home."

Most of all, says Cannon, know yourself and your strengths. "Take advantage of the fact that you've entered a new demographic by seeking out companies that sell to your generation," she suggests. "Or look for younger or smaller companies that may be seeking mature workers to guide them to their next stage of growth."

Develop Your Script

Foster, who spent 25 years as an executive in hospital administration and is now biding her time by consulting, says she understands that as an older manager, she is "better able to authentically appreciate and motivate people while quickly sorting out what works and what does not."

The older you are, the greater the number and variety of situations you've dealt with, says Challenger. "Develop a script that emphasizes your accomplishments. Companies buy track records."


Job Info , Career Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share

'American Idol' and Your Job Interview

What Job Seekers Can Learn from the Hit TV Show
by Joe Turner, for Yahoo! HotJobs


If you are interviewing for a better job, try watching "American Idol," the huge money-making singing contest from Fox these days. Love it or hate it, "American Idol" (and its country equivalents) is a good metaphor for life on a number of different levels, which is one reason why it's so popular. Job seekers could definitely learn a lot by watching this show.

Branding Gets the Edge

"American Idol" sometimes feels like some weird group interview where each candidate makes his or her case to three fickle interviewers and is either advanced or "let go." Aside from the constant reminder that this is a "singing competition," we all know it's more than that. It's about that elusive quality called a "total package." Ditto the job interview.

Here's the reason why all job interviewees should take heed of the show: It's about a process called "differentiation." Some candidates understand this early, while a few just get lucky. Too often, we'll see a very weak singer retained while a much stronger performer gets cut. Some may call this an injustice, but it's not so. What's happened is that the "total package effect" came into play. A singer may win more votes, not for singing ability, but for that fact that the candidate's "brand" differentiated him or her from the pack. No one else is similar by a long shot, and that brand triggers visibility, memorability, and votes.

The moral of the story: you don't have to be the best singer, just the most remembered decent singer. Same for the job interview. You don't always have to be the best candidate with the top skills. You do have to find a way to be the most remembered, hirable candidate.

Know Who You Are

On "Idol," almost everyone who begins the show is a decent singer. Those who know who they are early in the show always enjoy a huge advantage over those who haven't a clue, even though they may be better singers. Those who understand this principle include Chris Daughtry, Bo Bice, and Taylor Hicks, to mention three.

They knew their strengths, and they stayed with them, often maddenly so. And look where they are now.

In many ways, this is not about finding and molding raw talent, it's about finding and marketing talent that's already well-branded. The interview process is much the same. The branding should occur long before you walk into the interview room. Too many job hunters try to get through the interview by merely giving the "right" answers. The real issue is they haven't a clue about who they really are or what they bring to a company.

As a job seeker, you must define your strengths and hone a message (your "unique selling proposition"). This is called branding. Branding is a process that clearly defines who you are and what clear benefit you bring to an employer.

If you can't do that, then please watch "American Idol." You'll see what awaits the next fallen "idol" who failed to learn this message in the singing world.

As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 16 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their careers. Discover more of his job interviewing insights by visiting his site.


Job Info , Jobs Sources , Employment

Bookmark and Share