Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Don't Fall into the Unemployment Trap
My first Q + A
Andrea from Bordentown asked:
My resume has been on www.monster.com, www.careerbuilder.com, and www.hotjobs.com and I don’t seem to get anywhere, is there another site(s) that posts jobs that I am missing?
Dave:
Great question Andrea, and the answer is yes. http://www.craigslist.com/ and http://www.indeed.com/, are great sources as well for job seekers. Finally there are even state sites like www.nj.com/jobs which can prove to be fruitful.
Steven from Laurel Springs asked:
Should I have an objective in my resume?
Dave:
I think the answer is no. Having an objective can only hurt, or at the very least, be very vague. I would write something like, "I’m looking for a position to work for a great company in which I can use my skills and continue to learn".
Maggie:
I sit at home all day while searching, and I feel like I’m going around in circles.
Dave:
Change it up, Maggie. Register with a couple of staffing companies (check one out at http://www.perrytemps.com)/. Let them do some work for you. Not to mention, they may know of some companies that you may have never heard of. You are only spending a little time for something that can pay big dividends.
Remember to email mailto:dweiss@attnet with any questions. Have a great day.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Some Tips for the Job Seeker
With unemployment claims rising rapidly from week to week, give yourself the best chance to edge out your competition for the next opportunity. Now with the average job posting (on popular job boards) gaining over 100 applicants per posting, any mistake could cost you the position. There are some common mistakes I will give that are almost guaranteed to prevent you from gaining that particular position:
Have a professional email address. If you are not positive what that or what other suggestions mean, please email us at perrypeople@att.net with your question.
Make sure your address and phone numbers are current on your resume.
Voice mail must be professional, hiring managers could be responding to your resume to set up an interview. Don’t ruin the opportunity by having loud music or an immature voice mail message. Make sure your name is audible and easy to understand. Also, answer the phone in a professional manner. You never know who may be calling.
If you can think of anything I left out, please email your suggestions to perrypeople@att.net
Friday, March 6, 2009
Important Advice For Job Seekers
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Interview
If you have gotten to this point, you are in the finals. Assuming your credentials and references check out, you are in the final few. You have also made it past the hundreds of candidates who have submitted their resume. I wish I could give the magic formula to beat out the competition, but that does not exist. The best I can give you is a good defense to position yourself to land that position. I am going to give you the best shot, assuming experience and skills are equal.
Dress the Part
I’ve seen people eliminated because they were not dressed properly. Always over-dress. Under dressing will automatically eliminate you from contention.
Do Your Homework
You should know everything the company makes and or services before attending the interview. Go to the company website. If there is something you couldn’t find, or are unsure of, ask during the interview. Which leads me to…
Ask Questions
This shows initiative and that you are a thinker. Although unemployment is at a high rate and rising, you don’t want to act desperate. Make them think you have other options on the table, and you aren’t going to take the first offer you get.
Demeanor
Look the interviewer in the eye and give a firm handshake. Answer the questions that are asked and stop. Also be prepared to what questions they might ask.
Dry Run
If you have the opportunity, drive to the location before the interview. Do not allow getting lost a reason to miss an interview. Do not rely on websites or anything. Drive to the company before your interview.
Following these steps do not guarantee anything, but they are a good defense. Sometimes a good defense is the best offense.