Never Take No From Someone Who Doesn't Have The Power To Say Yes!

 “Find the decision maker and never take a no from a person who doesn't have the power to say yes. Try to see the big picture of an organization and be a team player. Stay positive and remove yourself from any office gossip. Rise above it and don't get caught up in any negativity. Make yourself valuable every day. Don't look to take credit. If you do your work well, credit will come to you. Leave your ego at the door. Learn to anticipate your bosses’ needs and questions. If there is a problem, come to the table with a proposed solution. Just don't ask your boss what to do. If your boss asks you to do it, just do it! Smile and laugh. It's OK to have fun.”

—Karen Deutsch, Advertising Director

Constructive Criticism Helps You Grow

 Don't be too sensitive or precious about your work. Learn to see criticism, comments and notes from your bosses as ways to grow and understand your field better. Even if something stings, move on from it tomorrow and come to work with a smile on your face. Having a thicker skin is for the best: No one has time to hold your hand and give you a cookie over every assignment that comes your way.


I would say network, network, network, and in the process remember you’re always selling yourself.

5 Best Things To Say During A Job Interview

Interviewing for a new job can be incredibly nerve wracking and it’s natural to feel nervous about it. But if you take a deep breath and focus on preparing to say the things recruiters want to hear, you’ll be fine.

Just take these five tips from experts.

“Let me tell you about a time that I solved that problem.”

Even if an interview question could be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” you want to be sure to say more so you highlight the value you’d bring to the organization if you’re hired for the position.

“Always have an anecdote or story about your previous experience that relates and can give more insight into yourself on the job,” suggests David Morgan, President of IT and Engineering at Addison Group.

“Can you clarify?

Asking follow-up questions such as “does that make sense,” demonstrates to an interviewer you’re intent on communicating thoroughly and accurately, a skill most employers appreciate.

“Checking-in with the interviewer by asking him or her whether things are clear and establishing a common understanding is a good way to not only engage, but also demonstrates a certain amount of care, both of which do wonders in getting that follow-up interview,” says The Workforce Consultants Managing Director Lynda Zugec.

“I read about that project on your web site.”

When two people meet for the first time, it’s polite to ask questions and express an interest in each other. In a job interview, though, you demonstrate your interest in the company by doing research before you show up, so don’t have to ask basic questions and can move on to having an intelligent conversation about it.

“I don't mean memorizing the About Us page on the company website. I'm talking about doing your due diligence (read: research!) and knowing the company you're applying to,”

says Voices Human Resources Manager Jessica Campbell.

“What made you decide to work here?”

Well-thought answers to an interviewer’s questions demonstrate your knowledge, experience and communication skills. But companies also want to see you’re curious about what they do.

“One of the best things you can do at an interview is come prepared with thoughtful questions for the interviewer,” says Cheryle Palmer, owner of Call to Career. Doing so demonstrates an interest in the company and the job, and shows you did your homework before the interview.

“I’d love the chance to join this team!”

There’s a huge difference between begging for a job and expressing a genuine desire to work for a company and fill the role you’re interviewing for. Recruiters are looking for people who are excited about the company and have a real interest in their prospective role.

“If the job truly is your first choice and you would accept it if given an offer, then say it,” says Jennifer Bevan, founder of Job Coaching “Hiring managers want to give offers to exceptional candidates who have a high likelihood of accepting the offer.”

Don't Act Entitled

Don't act entitled. Entitled people start at a job and think they're above doing menial things that need to get done in order for an organization's wheels to spin. You should never go into a job with this attitude, and you should never be above doing any task. Even when you're running your own company and ruling the world, if you need to make copies or send faxes or balance a budget or do anything else that is technically 'not part of your job,' you should always be willing to do it. Successful people roll up their sleeves and do the grunt work after everyone else goes home. If you start at a job or an internship with the attitude that you're too talented to do the grunt work and should be doing what your bosses are doing, it will show and your superiors won't like you. A good attitude and a desire to please and earn next-level opportunities goes a long way.

Glassdoor Rates The Best 50 Places to Work in 2014

Best Places to Work 2014! Want a job you love in 2014? Glassdoor is here to help by announcing the winners of its Employees’ Choice Awards, identifying the50 Best Places to Work in 2014 (1,000 employees or more), and new this year, the 50 Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work For in 2014 (250-999 employees). Employees are raving aboutgreat salaries, good work-life balance, flexible schedules, career advancement opportunities, interesting work and more. Unlike other workplace awards, winners are determined based entirely on feedback from those who know a company best - the employees. See the Winners »

USAJOBS Working For America

The Federal Government is hiring workers nationwide.  Enter your zipcode on the site to find out what job positions they are looking to hire for in your area.


https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?Keyword=&Location=92130&search=Search&AutoCompleteSelected=false

Take A CareerPath Career Test

Where are you on your career path?

CareerPath® offers scientifically proven and reliable career tests to help you on your unique career path. The variety of career tests offered provide you with a customized tool, depending on where you are on your career path, and what area of your career you are looking to learn more about. Whether it be deciding what career to choose, assessing options for a career change or learning about different career choices, CareerPath® offers assistance with different career tests. Your path to career discovery begins here – start with a career test now!

Just Starting Out?

If you’re new to the job search, and not sure where to begin, start with these career tests.

Recommended Career Test Series

• Career Planner Quiz
  • Get a snapshot of jobs that are a fit for you. Use this insight for planning for a career or if you are considering switching jobs.
• Career Planner Report
  • A customized guide to your personal and professional potential that will help you find your ideal career, boost your productivity and reduce stress.
• Color Career Counselor
  • This fun, fast and valid career test uses color preference to determine successful career paths.
• Color Career Indicator 4.0
  • Get career path clarity with a specific, ranked list of your top jobs, all based on your color preferences.

Considering a Career Change?

If you’re feeling stuck in your job, or just want a change, use these career tests to find out what motivates you, and learn about opportunities in other professions.

Recommended Career Test Series

• Job Satisfaction Quiz
  • Determine your level of job satisfaction with different aspects of your current or most recent job.
• Job Discovery Wizard
  • Discover what jobs are a match for you based on your skills and knowledge.
• Career Planner Quiz
  • Get a snapshot of jobs that are a fit for you. Use this insight for planning for a career or if you are considering switching jobs.
• Career Planner Report
  • A customized guide to your personal and professional potential that will help you find your ideal career, boost your productivity and reduce stress.

Curious About Your Chosen Path?

Have fun and discover what your favorite colors and other attributes say about you and your job.

Recommended Career Test Series

• Color Career Counselor
  • This fun, fast and valid career test uses color preference to determine successful career paths.
• Color Career Indicator 4.0
  • Get career path clarity with a specific, ranked list of your top jobs, all based on your color preferences.
• Career Planner Quiz

The 5 Dumbest Things to Say in a Job Interview

The 5 Dumbest Things to Say in a Job Interview

 

Job interviews can be stressful for everyone involved. The interviewer feels pressure to make the best hire, and the candidate can feel like they are being put under a microscope. It’s not hard to see why so many of us have horror stories of answers we botched, questions we forgot to ask, or a host of other things we’d love to do over.

In the pantheon of dumb things to say in a job interview, we all know the classics: bringing up salary right away, speaking poorly of your former employer, and the inexcusable “Excuse me while I take this call.”

Here are five more items to add to that list.
I just need a job.

Gaye Weintraub, a career counselor in Houston, says she’s been hearing this one a lot lately as more and more people search for jobs. “This is absolutely one of the worst things a candidate can tell a potential employer, even if it's true!” Employers are searching for new hires that genuinely want to work in that position with that company. Weintraub added, “They want employees who will thrive in the position and remain loyal to the company.”
What's in it for me?

This question, out loud, would obviously be a horrible thing to say in an interview. What if you’re saying this, however, without actually saying it? Management consultant Barry Maher was involved in an unfortunate interview like this recently. “The first three questions from the applicant were, in order: ‘How much vacation time do I get? How long do I have to be here before I'm eligible for a vacation? How long before I start to accrue additional weeks of vacation?’ What had looked like a great applicant, now looked like someone who couldn't wait to get out of work.” The same goes for questions about benefits, how soon you’ll get a promotion, or any other scenario that looks like you want to get more out of the job than you will give to it.

I'm also interviewing with ________.

According to Lauren Milligan, founder and CEO of ResuMAYDAY, you shouldn’t mention other interviews you’ve scheduled or other companies you might want to work for. “Letting the interviewer know that you are interviewing elsewhere immediately makes them less interested in you. Companies don't want to compete for your enthusiasm. Even if you are interviewing elsewhere, make them feel that you have a laser beam focus on them, and no one else.” Mentioning other interviews won’t make you seem sought-after; it will make you seem unprofessional.

Nothing.

There is no excuse for not having any questions for the interviewer. “Interviews are two-way streets. The company wants to know if you are match for them. You want to know if the company is a match for you. When that point comes in the interview, it's your chance to find out,” says Mic Fleming. The principal at YESShr suggests questions like: What do you like best about this company?, Is there anything else you need to know about my application that we haven't covered?, or something highlighting the company’s accomplishments. Fleming added, “At least flatter me that you've done some homework about the company.”

The wrong name.

Take the time to make certain you know the name of your interviewer. You don’t want to start off the interview process by asking the receptionist that you’re there to talk with “maybe David? Donald?” By the time he or she tracks down the correct person, everyone will know you weren’t prepared. This small step seems trivial but it is absolutely vital.

 

5 Resume Mistakes that Will Cost You the Job

5 Resume Mistakes that Will Cost You the Job

By Hannah Hamilton
Monster Contributing Writer

Your resume is often the first contact you make with a potential employer -- and it can make or break your chances of getting to the next step in the hiring process. Avoid these common resume mistakes that could cost you the job.
Failure to Demonstrate Results

The responsibilities of a role or position often can be reasonably implied in its name, says Laurie Berenson, CMRW and founder of Sterling Career Concepts. But "too often resumes focus on responsibilities when they can be a lot more compelling if they painted a picture of expectations and results.”

For example, the responsibilities for a Controller or a Director of Sales can pretty much be assumed, she explains, so the important thing to do is to emphasize how well you performed your job by giving the results you produced.

Forcing Keywords and Cramming Information

No one will be able to read your resume if you’ve tried to cram in too much information in eight point font, and no one wants to read that much anyway. If you try to stuff your resume with keywords, the live human recruiters who still have to scan it will not be impressed.

"By far the biggest resume mistake is overloading your resume with information. Keep it simple and focus on experience and accomplishments. Don't overload your resume with keywords in hope of passing a keyword search by a potential employer," says Aquility Group HR consultant Stephen Murray.
Making Spelling and Grammar Mistakes

Paying attention to your periods and commas could mean the difference between a call back and never hearing anything. Proofread it one more time before you send it off.

A perfectly written resume could even be your competitive edge, says Keith Wolf, managing director of Murray Resources. "As simple as they may be to avoid, spelling errors and typos are the most common mistakes we see in resumes. They're particularly damaging because they convey to potential employers that an applicant lacks attention to detail."

Straying Into the Irrelevant

You don’t need to put everything you’ve ever done in your working life on your resume. In fact, too much irrelevant work history could obscure the parts of your resume that demonstrate your worth and usefulness to an employer's company, says career management coachLaura Rose.

"One of the common mistakes is feeling that the resume has to include every job and task in chronological order,” she says. That’s especially true for people who’ve had many jobs across a number of industries.

Not Being Yourself

If your personality gets lost beneath all the business jargon and tired cliches, employers might be throwing your resume into the rejection pile because it doesn’t resonate with them and highlight that you’d be a perfect fit for their company.

"Re-frame your thinking for resume writing: Think of it as an instruction manual for how an employer can make the best of what you have to offer, or write from the context of already having the job and reminding the person of why they hired you,” says career counselor Sabrina Ali.

 

Is That the Best Question to Ask?

Any job coach will tell you it is a good idea to ask questions during your interview.  Questions that show you're interested in the position or to genuinely find out more pertinent information are great.

Lately, job applicants have asked me "Why are you interested in me?"  or "Why do you think my qualifications meet the needs of your company?"  Those are good questions if you are strongly qualified for the job and the interview is going well.

These questions can also draw attention to areas you are lacking and have your resume placed in the reject pile.   When faced with a simular situation it is better to ask about the ideal job candidate.  Then give examples of qualifications that may not be easy to pick up from your resume.

Employers are having trouble finding qualified candidates

Read the article below and see if you need to spend time       perfecting your writing skills. 

 

 

Can you tell a pronoun from a participle; use commas correctly in long sentences; describe the difference between its and it's?
If not, you have plenty of company in the world of job seekers. Despite stubbornly high unemployment, many employers complain that they can't find qualified candidates.
Often, the mismatch results from applicants' inadequate communication skills. In survey after survey, employers are complaining about job candidates' inability to speak and to write clearly.
On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were a net 204,000 new jobs created in October, though the unemployment rate rose to 7.3 percent. The numbers easily topped economist expectations of 120,000 new nonfarm payroll jobs for the month.
Experts differ on why job candidates can't communicate effectively. Bram Lowsky, an executive vice president of Right Management, the workforce management arm of Manpower, blames technology.
"With Gen X and Gen Y, because everything is shorthand and text, the ability to communicate effectively is challenged," he said. "You see it in the business world, whether with existing employees or job candidates looking for work."
Others say colleges aren't doing a good job. In a survey of 318 employers published earlier this year by the Association of American Colleges and Universities and conducted by Hart Research Associates, 80 percent said colleges should focus more on written and oral communication.
William Ellet, an adjunct professor teaching writing at Brandeis International Business School, says the problem starts earlier. He points out that when the Department of Education in 2012 published what it called "The Nation's Report Card: Writing 2011," just 24 percent of eighth and 12th graders were proficient in writing. From colleges on down, he said, "nobody takes responsibility for writing instruction."
Ellet, who previously taught writing at Harvard Business School, says the problem persists even into business school— and he believes the problem isn't related to technology. "Most new technology is text based," he said, adding that a majority of his students report working with people they have never met and communicating with them largely through email.
"Thirty or 40 years ago, using writing for that wouldn't have been possible," he said, and that makes writing that much more important. "Businesses get that, but I don't think universities do."
Luckily for Ellet, his students have plenty of motivation to improve. "Recruiters and companies are saying, 'Send us a writing sample, and if you don't meet our standards for communication, we are not hiring you,'" he said.
It's not just anecdotal: In a 2011 survey of corporate recruiters by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the organization that administers the standardized test for business school, 86 percent said strong communication skills were a priority—well ahead of the next skill. (When recruiters were asked in a separate question what changes business schools should make to meet employers' needs, the recruiters overwhelmingly called for something different: practical experience.)
Help from some companies
The good news for job seekers is that some companies are providing help with writing. Lowsky estimates that Right Management is seeing an increase of 20 to 25 percent in the number of clients investing in career development for employees, including improving their communication skills.
T. Rowe Price has been working independently on employees' communication skills for some time. With offices in multiple time zones and time sensitive investment decisions to make, the firm's leaders understand that clear communications are essential. A number of senior people at the firm may work with analysts and portfolio managers on their communications, but Garry Cosnett, head of global equity communications, does it full time.
Cosnett spends considerable time with newly hired analysts, helping them learn to organize their writing and make it clear and persuasive. Another part of his job is to read writing samples from prospective hires, often second year MBA candidates. "Sometimes we ask for writing samples even prior to the interview process, and I will take a look at that," he said. "I've been doing this for so long, I have a pretty good sense of what's fixable and what's terminal."
T. Rowe Price tends to hire graduates of the most selective business schools, along with some lateral hires from other firms – but even for this elite group, writing can be a challenge, Cosnett says.
"It's amazing, the frequent disconnect," he said. "These are people who all did the very best at the best schools, probably since preschool, but they really have not developed their writing skills to the degree that they would have to to succeed in this organization."
Some new hires are skeptical, he said. "People think when they first meet me that I'm going to grill them on semicolons." But in fact, he says, he is teaching them what they need in order to succeed at the firm. "You can be the smartest person here, but if you can't convince the portfolio managers to buy what you're selling, you won't be successful." (In Wall Street terms, that means you won't make much money.)
"So much," he said, "is driven by the written word."
—By CNBC's Kelley Holland. Follow her on Twitter @KKelleyHolland.

 

20 Companies Hiring Now

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's the time of year when many start thinking about what they're most thankful for. What would be on your list? Good health? Loving family and friends? Financial success?
Perhaps what you're most grateful for this year are the professional goals you've reached. You may have found your dream job, earned a promotion or gotten the chance to work on an exciting project. Or maybe you've decided to make a career change, and you're thankful for those who are supporting you in your decision to make a switch.
If you're looking for your next career, check out the below list of companies hiring in November, and you may just have one more reason to be thankful this year:
1. 1 & 1 Internet
Industry: IT
Sample job titles: Account executive, outside sales
Location: Maryland, Pennsylvania
2. Arhaus Furniture
Industry: High-end home furniture
Sample job titles: Interior design specialist, customer service representative, delivery dispatcher, interior design specialist, retail sales manager, relocatable retail sales manager
Location: Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Atlanta; Richmond, Va.; Troy, Mich.; Naples, Fla.; Wexford, Pa.; New York; Louisville, Ky.; Burlington, Mass.
3. C.R. England
Industry: Transportation
Sample job titles: Western regional truck driver, dedicated truck driver, intermodal truck driver
Location: Nationwide
4. Cross Country Healthcare
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Registered nurse, per diem registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist
Location: Nationwide
5. First Data
Industry: Banking, financial services
Sample job titles: Telesales, account executive, IT -- all levels, engineering, management
Location: Georgia; Nebraska; Maryland; New York; Arizona; California; Florida; Texas; Virginia; Colorado; Illinois; Tennessee; South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Delaware; Iowa; Utah; Alabama; Connecticut; Michigan; Mississippi; North Carolina; New Jersey; New Mexico; Nevada; Oregon; Pennsylvania; Washington
6. Floor & Décor
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Customer service, retail store management, cashier, product sales specialist, designer, warehouse specialist, pro services representative
Location: Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, California, Colorado
7. GE -- General Electric
Industry: Technology, services and finance
Sample job titles: Engineering
Location: Nationwide
8. Green Tree Servicing
Industry: Mortgage
Sample job titles: Mortgage loan officer, collection representative, loan servicing specialist
Location: Nationwide
9. Greythorn
Industry: IT staffing/recruiting
Sample job titles: Software developer, Cerner clinical systems analyst, Web application developer
Location: Nationwide
10. In Terminal Services
Industry: Logistics
Sample job titles: Terminal manager, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment mechanic
Location: Minnesota, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Oregon, Tennessee, Arizona, California, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, South Carolina
11. Interstates Companies
Industry: Electrical construction, engineering, automation and instrumentation
Sample job titles: Network engineer, manufacturing IT analyst, control systems developer, electrical engineer, apprentice/journeyman electrician, project coordinator, project manager, maintenance lead, instrumentation fitter, CAD operator, project executive, maintenance technician
Location: Sioux Center, Iowa; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Omaha, Neb.; Ft. Collins, Colo.; Cincinnati
12. J.D. Byrider
Industry: Automotive, sales and financing
Sample job titles: Sales, finance, technician
Location: Nationwide
13. Pace Payment Systems
Industry: Finance, banking
Sample job titles: Outside sales executive
Location: Nationwide
14. Rubio's Restaurants
Industry: Food service/fast-casual restaurants
Sample job titles: HR business partner, director of real estate, general manager, assistant manager, shift leader, cook, cashier
Location: California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada
15. Schneider Electric
Industry: Energy management
Sample job titles: Project manager, senior financial analyst, service coordinator, senior software engineer
Location: Nationwide
16. Sleepy's LLC
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Sales professional, distribution associate, customer service representative
Location: Connecticut; Delaware; Illinois; Massachusetts; Maryland; Maine; North Carolina; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; Virginia; Vermont; West Virginia; Washington, D.C.
17. The Children's Home Society of Florida
Industry: Nonprofit/social services
Sample job titles: Dependency case manager, counselor
Location: Florida
18. Top Notch Quality Service
Industry: Construction, maintenance/repair, general labor, skilled labor
Sample job titles: Handyman, field service tech, maintenance tech, repair tech, general laborer, project estimator, construction supervisor
Location: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
19. UPS
Industry: Packaging
Sample job titles: Seasonal driver helper, warehouse worker
Location: Nationwide
20. Xerox Services
Industry: Business process outsourcing
Sample job titles: Customer care associate, customer service representative
Location: Nationwide

Common Interview Questions

Every hiring manager has a different set of go-to interview questions. In a recent survey by our company, we asked more than 650 managers in the United States and Canada to name the single question they ask that provides the most insight about a job applicant. Responses ranged from classic queries ("Where do you see yourself in five years?") to less-traditional ones ("How would you describe yourself in five words?").
While there's not always one right way to answer an interview question, some approaches are better than others. Here are some questions from the survey that you may face in your next interview, along with tips on how -- and how not -- to answer them:
"Can you tell me a little about yourself?"
Do: Prepare for this popular question -- which is often the first one asked -- by developing an incisive summary of your career. Your sound bite should be succinct but include enough detail about your pertinent skills, work experience, accomplishments and goals that the hiring manager can quickly see what you bring to the table.
Don't: Give your life story, discuss leisure pursuits or describe aspects of your professional background that aren't relative to the position you're interviewing for.
"Why do you want to join our company?"
Do: Walk into the interview with beyond-the-basics knowledge of the firm. Read the company's website, marketing materials and relevant news stories to gain a good grasp of its mission, history, reputation and corporate culture. The more information you collect, the more specific you can be about why you're an excellent fit.
Don't: Answer in the context of your financial needs. Saying "I hear you provide good pay and benefits" or "Frankly, I need a job" won't score you any points.
"What's your biggest weakness?"
Do: View this as an opportunity to demonstrate your self-awareness, sincerity and problem-solving prowess. Mention an area where you could improve and spotlight the steps you've taken to do so.
Here's an example: "In the past, I sometimes overextended myself. Reading time-management books has helped me, though. Now, I make prioritized to-do lists, I've learned it's OK to delegate and I volunteer for extra projects only when I'm caught up on core responsibilities."
Don't: Offer a transparently fake flaw ("I care too much about my work!") or pretend to be perfect ("Weaknesses? None come to mind."). And, of course, don't be your own worst critic by citing countless shortcomings.
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Do: Position yourself as an ambitious but flexible realist. One way to do this is to speak of your desire to continually take on broader responsibilities and grow professionally no matter what role you're in. You also might emphasize your commitment to lifelong learning by mentioning your interest in attaining advanced industry certifications.
Don't: Focus on an overly lofty objective. For instance, boldly proclaiming you intend to be the firm's next CFO when you're an entry-level accounting candidate certainly shows drive, but it's not a practical five-year objective. In addition, steer clear of fanciful daydreaming ("I'll be counting my lottery winnings on a Hawaiian beach").
"Why are you looking to leave your current employer?"
Do: The interviewer is trying to figure out if you truly want the position, or if you're looking for any way out of a bad job. As such, reiterate what you like about the role you're seeking rather than gripe about the one you hope to vacate. Make it clear you're chasing a great opportunity, not running away from an unpleasant situation.
Don't: Speak ill of your current employer. Regardless of how unhappy you are with your job or company, never act bitter or resentful in an interview. Hiring managers seek candidates who are loyal, positive-minded and team-oriented. They aren't inclined to hire people they perceive to be potential headaches.
Finally, despite your best efforts, you can't anticipate every question you'll be asked.
"How would you define your personality in one word?" or "How will you behave if you get blamed for something you didn't do?" were just two of the unique questions that popped up in our survey of hiring managers.
If an interviewer throws you a curveball, maintain eye contact, take a deep breath and pause to consider your response. Many of your competitors will fluster easily. Set yourself apart by keeping your cool in the hot seat.

Deal Breakers for Landing a New Job

Deal breakers for landing a new job   What can be deal breakers for landing a new job? What do employers expect from candidates and vice versa? A new study from CareerBuilder answers these questions and more, providing unique insights for both job candidates and the employers who want to hire them. The survey, which included 5,518 job seekers and 2,775 hiring managers, was conducted within the U.S. and Canada by Inavero on behalf of CareerBuilder. First, applicants should be ready to speak to the top brass, and prepare for every interview as if they'll be speaking with the CEO. That doesn't just mean wearing a nice outfit. Applicants should familiarize with the company mandate, mission, and what the long-term goals of the organization are. Additionally, these days many potential employers will use Google, Facebook, and Twitter to learn more about you, so make sure any online personas are free of digital dirt. Lastly, job-seekers should know their audience. While a lack of skills is the primary reason why many employers will dismiss a job candidate from consideration, two other factors often come into play that can knock you out of the running. Many bosses who took part in the survey claim they dismiss a candidate who is not a good fit for their company culture and whose salary expectations are too high.

Do Your Research

My experience in conducting interviews is that candidates tend to fall into 2 categories.  Those who are prepared and those who are more than obviously not.  In today's tough job market you can't afford to fall into the 2nd group.

With the easy access to information today there is no excuse to ask during an interview "What does this company do?"  Knowing an overview of the company is something you should know before you apply.  You should also read the job description if responding to a job posting.

Mangers and Recruiters make a lot of initial phone calls to screen job candidates.  There is such a difference between introducing myself and my company name and the applicant knows why I am calling.  When a candidate ask me what is "company name they applied to" and "what position are you looking to fill" when they applied for a specific position often ends the candidate from being considered for the position.

A job candidate whose response is "ABC Company, I just read a magazine article about you" for example gets picked for the candidates being interviewed most of the time.

Six Key Interview Answers Employers Need to Hear

Six Key Interview Answers Employers Need to Hear

During the typical job interview, you'll be peppered with many interview questions. But do you really understand what the interviewer needs to know?

"Most [candidates] have no idea why a recruiter asks a particular question,"  "They tend to think it's a competition to outwit the interviewer."
The reality is that employers have neither the time nor inclination to play games with you, especially when hiring. Your interviewer is not trying to outguess you -- he's trying to assess your answers to six key questions:
Do You Have the Skills to Do the Job?
According to Karsh, the employer must first determine whether you have the necessary hard skills for the position, e.g., the programming knowledge for a database administration job or the writing chops to be a newspaper reporter. "By really probing into what the candidate has done in the past, an interviewer can tap into hard skills."
But the interviewer is also looking for key soft skills you'll need to succeed in the job and organization, such as the ability to work well on teams or "the requisite common sense to figure things out with some basic training," says Terese Corey Blanck, director of student development at internship company Student Experience and a partner in College to Career, a consulting firm.
Do You Fit?
"Every organization's first thought is about fit and potentially fit in a certain department," Corey Blanck says. That means the interviewer is trying to pinpoint not only whether you match up well with both the company's and department's activities but also whether you'll complement the talents of your potential coworkers.
Do You Understand the Company and Its Purpose?
If the organization fits well with your career aspirations, you'll naturally be motivated to do good work there -- and stay more than a month or two, Corey Blanck reasons. "I don't want someone to take the position because it's a job and it fits their skills," she says. "I want them to be excited about our mission and what we do."
How Do You Stack Up Against the Competition?
You're being evaluated in relation to other candidates for the job. In other words, this test is graded on a curve. So the interviewer will constantly be comparing your performance with that of the other candidates'.
Do You Have the Right Mind-Set for the Job and Company?
"I'm always looking for someone who has a can-do type of attitude," Corey Blanck explains. "I want someone who wants to be challenged and is internally motivated to do well.
Corey Blanck points out that an employer can't train for this essential trait. "But you can hire for it," she says. "And if you don't, you'll end up with a lower-performing employee."
Do You Want the Job?
Most employers know better than to believe everyone they interview actually wants the position being offered. They understand some candidates are exploring their options, while others are using an interview with a company they don't care about to hone their interview skills.
So you have to prove you really want the job, says Al Pollard, senior college recruiter for Countrywide Financial. "I use the ditch-digger analogy," he says. "Many of us can dig ditches, but few are willing to -- and even fewer want to."

Do Research on the Company You Want To Work For

Don't just do an Internet search, memorize their mission, and be done with it. Remember that you're competing with lots of other candidates for a single position. You may not be able to change your natural intelligence, or the skills that you come to the job with, but you can always change your work ethic. Work harder than everyone else by researching the company or companies you wish to work for like your life depended on it.

If it's a retail company, visit a few of their stores, observe the customers, and even strike up a few conversations. Talk to existing employees — ask them what it's like working there, how long the position has been open, and what you can do to increase your chances of getting it. Become familiar with the history of the company. Who started it? Where? Who runs it now? Be creative and put yourself ahead of the rest.

Are You Available To Get Hired?

Technology changes can be an asset for a job hunter.  Make sure you are using technology to your benefit.  Some of these suggestions may appear to be common sense.  However, I have personally called 100"s of job candidates who make these mistakes.

Have a voice mail set up on every phone number you give out.  I know the younger generation prefers text messages.  When you're looking for work, adapt to potential employer's preferences.  Landlines do not text even if the hiring manager wanted to oblige. 

So what happens when an employer calls you and can not leave a message?  They probably call the next candidate on their list. 

Checking your voice mail message frequently is a must when looking to get hired.  Promptly returning calls are important.  Also, what happens if your voice mail is full and the recruiter can not leave a message?  See above.

Finally make sure your voice mail greeting gives a good impression.  We all have freedom of speech, but let's save the colorful greetings for after you are hired.

How You Answer Your Phone is IMPORTANT

If you are currently looking for employment then you should be expecting potential employers to call you...right?

How you answer the phone is the very 1st impression you may make with a hiring manager or recruiter.  As we all know, it is difficult to change a 1st impression.

Think about this every time you answer the phone.  Being rude because you think a telemarketer is calling can end your potential to get hired before it even started.  Unnecessary screening is at best annoying to potential employers and at worst can make you appear to not have enough business etiquette or intelligence.  When answering the phone and asked if  you (your name) is there say yes.  Asking harshly who is calling is irritating.  If they are calling you, doesn't it make sense that they will introduce themselves as soon as they know they have the correct person.

Only use your personal cell phone number unless whoever may be answering your home phone will make a good impression.  Polite children, a nice spouse or a caring parent is fine.  The person answering the phone shouldn't ask a multitude of questions about the position.  Living at home right after college is fine.  Having your parents act like you are a little kid to a potential employer isn't.

How to get a Recruiter to help you in your Job Search

Make a good first impression: Approach a recruiter as you would a prospective employer, and send an email with a professional cover letter or social media message.

Make an introduction: Introduce yourself during the first conversation, just as you would in an interview. A recruiter will need to be comfortable with you before advocating for you as a candidate to a prospective employer.

Provide information: Let recruiters know how you found them and if you're interested in working for a specific company or targeted industry.

Think longer term: Be prepared to stay in touch over the short, medium and long term to find the right opportunity.

Keep your information current: Ensure they never have an out-of-date résumé on file, and update your recruiter when things change.

Be open to constructive feedback: A recruiter can share a great deal of information about the company, job requirements and even specific interviewer characteristics before an interview. After the interview, ask for and be open to constructive feedback.

Share insights: What did you learn in the interview that would help both you and your recruiter? Was the job as described by the recruiter or has it changed? Was there a new interviewer in the process? Is this the right role for you based on your career goals?

Keep the communication open: Maintain a positive relationship for the future, even if you secure another job.

Become a resource: Share your industry knowledge and network of contacts who may be interested in learning more about an opportunity.

Consider all kinds of work: Short- or long-term project and contract work can often be a steppingstone to a permanent job and allows you an opportunity to evaluate the job and company.

Be clear: An open dialogue regarding your work experience, career goals and salary requirements will increase the chances of a successful placement.

 

Tips on Writing a Great Cover Letter

Be concise. Never use two words when one will do. Always strike the word "very" and eliminate the word "that" as much as you can.

Do not overdo the style elements. Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike and the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.

Consider namedropping if you are confident that the person you know at the company you are applying to will vouch for you. Sometimes a bit of inside help does go a long way, so don't dismiss this option out of hand if it is open to you.

Make sure your cover letter is visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.

Tweak your cover letter depending upon your target. If you are applying for specific jobs then make it relevant as possible. Include the job reference number and address your cover letter directly to the company contact (if you have their name). Alternatively, if you are applying speculatively you can start with the salutation 'Dear Sirs,' and finish with 'Yours faithfully' rather than 'Sincerely'

Find your answers to these important questions before you start writing your cover letter:

1. What is the complete name of the company to which you are applying for a job?
2. What is the name of the person to whom you are addressing the cover letter?
3. What is the address of the person to whom you are sending the letter?
4. What is the title of the job for which you are applying and does it also have a reference number that you should include?
5. What is the type of job or level of the position you are seeking?
   
   • "entry-level"
   • "management"
   • "senior level"
6. What skills do you possess that you are not using enough in your current role? Would the ideal candidate for this new role be required to make more use of those types of skills? What opportunities are missing in your current role? Answering these questions will help you explain why you are interested in leaving current position. For example, are you looking for:
   
   • "room for advancement"
   • "an opportunity to learn new skills"
7. What is your current job or educational position? This may seem like an obvious question, but knowing how to clearly define your current role is a tremendous asset. For example, you could be a:
   
   • "graduate student in environmental science"
   • "customer service professional specializing in the high-end retail market"
8. What is a general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying? For example, you could have:
   
   • "fifteen years of excellent customer service experience"
   • "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery"
   • "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"
9. What assets can you offer to the company? List a few in your cover letter, such as:
   
   • "extensive experience with start-ups"
   • "demonstrated ability to solve problems"
   • "refined ability to manage teams"
10. What will you help the company accomplish, if given the job you desire?
    
    • "increase its bottom line"
    • "meet its goal of providing only the best in customer service"
    • "expand its customer base and increase its revenue"

What Exactly is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc). It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.
Cover letters do more than introduce your resume, though. A cover letter's importance also includes its ability to:

• Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume
• Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements
• Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
• Provide a sample of your written communication skills

Suggestions to Write an Effective Cover Letter will be posted later this week.
 

The Importance of Improving Your Written Communication

How -- and why -- to improve your written communications

 

What do the most effective resumes, memos, emails, blog posts and thank-you notes have in common?

Good writing.

It doesn't matter if you're a designer, accountant, paralegal or IT professional, you should also consider yourself a writer. In an information-driven world full of communication platforms, writing skills are a "must have," not a "nice to have," for any ambitious professional.

Sure, business writing isn't the sexiest of topics. But knowing how to communicate clearly, concisely and convincingly can significantly aid your career. Whether you're sending a cover letter to a hiring manager or an email to a prospective client, people's first impressions of you are often based solely on your writing abilities -- or lack thereof.

Crisp, focused and error-free writing signals that you're a professional who's organized, knowledgeable and detail-oriented. On the flip side, communications that are convoluted, imprecise or marred by typos will leave readers wondering if you're equally careless in other areas of your work.

Writing not your forte? Consider adopting these winning habits:

Think before you type
First-rate writing doesn't happen by accident. Before placing one finger on the keyboard, take a moment to organize your thoughts and identify the primary purpose of the communication. Who is your audience? And what do you want people to know or do when they finish reading? Keep the answers to these questions top of mind as you write.

Embrace plain English
You've no doubt noticed that many professionals weigh down their written communications with buzzwords, jargon and pretentious prose. This approach only muddles the message. (What does, "Let's mindshare to align and synergies our deliverables" really mean anyway?)

Impress readers with your cogent thinking, not your mastery of corporate-speak. Nobody will miss the over used cliches and fussy five-dollar words.

Cut to the chase
"Don't bury the lead" is one of the first warnings every journalism student receives. Translation: Provide the most important details upfront.

In an era of information overload, attention spans are getting shorter. You risk losing people if they have to endlessly sift or scroll to unearth your main message.

When crafting more involved documents, make the content easy to digest through formatting. Break up large blocks of text with bullet points or subheadings.

Proofread and polish
Think proper spelling, grammar and punctuation isn't critical? Think again. In a Robert Half survey, 76 percent of managers said just one or two resume errors would be enough to knock a job candidate out of contention. While the occasional misplaced comma in an everyday email isn't going to hurt your career, frequently making sloppy mistakes will damage your credibility.

Review all your written communications -- including social media updates -- for typos, as well as tone and clarity. Sure, it requires a little extra effort, but proofreading guards against embarrassing goofs and time-wasting miscommunication.

Keep working at it
Employers expect solid writing abilities for an increasing number of roles. This means that shying away from writing responsibilities or remaining complacent with sub par skills is a risky career move.

Invest in yourself by taking a business-writing course through a local college or industry association. Explore some of the myriad writing workshops offered online and read some well-regarded books. ("On Writing Well" by William Zinsser and "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White are classics.)

Most importantly, push beyond your comfort zone and keep practicing. For example, you might volunteer to draft the meeting notes from your next staff meeting or contribute a piece to the company newsletter. Much like muscles, writing skills get stronger only if you use them.

The Best Websites to Post Your Resume

The Three Most Popular Job Hunting Websites are:


Monster.com   http://home.monster.com/home/

Careerbuilder      http://www.careerbuilder.com/  and

Indeed     http://www.indeed.com/


Hiring Managers and Recruiters look at Resumes posted on these sites.  You can also send your Resume directly to Companies looking for Job Candidates.  When beginning your job search this is one of the most common ways of getting yourself noticed.  It is free to join these websites.

We will cover more details on making the most of these sites later.
 

Find the Job that Fits Your Skills

Fit the job to the skills rather than the other way around. Many people search for jobs, then try to see how they can tweak the way they present their own skills and experiences to fit the job description. Instead, try something different. Instead of this top-down approach, start from the bottom up.

• Make a list of all of your skills, determine which kinds of businesses and industries need them most (ask around for advice if you need to) and find businesses that will benefit from having you and your skills around. You might find that you get more satisfaction and enjoyment out of a career that wasn't even on your radar to begin with.
• It's important the nature of the job fits your personality and salary requirements, otherwise you'll have spent a significant amount of time to find a day job you dread getting up for every morning.  So be realistic about what you expect, but be open to what you explore.

Salary Negotiation Strategies

 

In every Salary Negotiation, the time comes when the other side puts an offer on the table. At that point, the ball is in your court. Unless you want to accept that offer or walk away from the table, you have to put forth a Counteroffer.
You will hear all kinds of advice for doing this, and much of that advice is not particularly useful. For example, a friend might tell you, "Always ask for 20 percent more than you will settle for. You can always retreat." A colleague might say, "Always add 10 percent to what they offer. Employers are always trying to lowball you."
While these tactics may work a few times, they have significant flaws. Not only do they lead you to throw out arbitrary figures, but those figures may also not be related to what you really want or need from the negotiation.
Here is some practical advice that can help you develop salary counteroffers that achieve your goals.

1. Get Prepared
Before the negotiation begins, take the time to research standard compensation for the position. Establish a reasonable  Salary Range, a typical benefits package and common additional compensation (e.g., stock options, annual bonus, performance bonus). This work makes it possible for you to know the range in which any satisfactory agreement has to fall.
Then, from those general points, determine the most favorable compensation package for you. You should be able to justify that package given your field, experience, expertise and credentials.
Make sure this package addresses your real needs -- you will likely have trouble asking for more later if you overlook something. This package is your counteroffer.

2. Be Firm
Most negotiators make the mistake of putting out an arbitrary position as their counteroffer, then having to retreat from it because they cannot justify it or because they face a hostile reaction. Avoid this pitfall by selecting a reasonable and appropriate counteroffer -- one based on the data you gathered in your research -- and staying there until the other side offers a persuasive reason for you to move.
By "persuasive," I mean an argument based on additional data or information that justifies a different figure or package than you had developed. For example, an employer might say, "I know that some of our competitors are offering higher salary figures. However, they are much larger than we are, and they expect you to work much longer hours for bigger clients. We offer a salary that allows you to have a reasonable work life and really have an impact on smaller companies."
An example of an unpersuasive argument would be, "Your figure is too high. We can't do that."

3. Be Wise
Keep the big picture in mind. Your goal in the negotiation is to reach an agreement that satisfies your interests, not to win a battle between positions. If your counteroffer is not moving you closer to an agreement, do not hunker down and defend it to the death.
Instead, think of another proposal that addresses your needs and concerns and is supported by data, and put that out as another offer. Use your energy to generate solutions, not to fight battles.
Negotiation is all about exchanging ideas, possible solutions and information. Offers and counteroffers are the typical steps in this dance. When you counteroffer, do so based on rigorous preparation and thinking. If you do, you will find yourself much more effective, and much more relaxed.