Ten Steps - Step 2 - Review the Federal Job Process

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Networking Tips for Career Advancement

Source: Career & Employment News
Establish networks with professionals in your current or desired fields. Search for and attend association events, cocktail receptions and critical seminars that will attract the people you should know.

Be prepared to talk with new people.
Draft a few questions and statements that will help get the conversation going. Ask what inspired your new contact to join his/her company or what experience he/she brings to the job. Share your positive experiences, what you've learned and your intended career path. Get his/her contact information!

Look for mutual opportunities.
Perhaps your new contact could benefit from your friend's business. Offer to make an introduction. Maybe your new contact knows someone working at your dream company. Ask if he/she would consider sharing your information with that person. Look for reasons to maintain contact and share resources. Be reliable! Don't promise something that you can't deliver.

Keep in touch!
Mark your new contact's business card with the date you last spoke. Follow up every few months just to say hello, see how business is going, set a coffee date...anything that will keep you top of mind. Nearly all networked affiliates share job leads, business leads or tips that can help you achieve your goals.

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Putting Veterans First in the Job Market

Finding a job is hard enough these days, and even harder for returning military veterans. Now Thomas R. Suozzi, the Nassau County executive, wants to put servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at the front of the line for job openings.

By Linda Saslow-
“Although in today’s economy it’s hard to foresee how many jobs we will be able to provide, the veterans will have first preference.”


Mr. Suozzi announced Warriors to Work, a program to provide job opportunities for those veterans. He said it was the first public-private program in the country to provide employment opportunities for returning veterans from the current wars.

“Over 3,000 Nassau County residents have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, and there are still hundreds more fighting for our country today,” Mr. Suozzi said after announcing the initiative. Federal Labor Department statistics for 2007 show the unemployment rate for veterans, including those 18 to 24 who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, was considerably higher than the rate for nonveterans.

Mr. Suozzi said he got the idea for the initiative from Fred Wilpon, the principal owner of the Mets, who, during a Dec. 15 meeting at a Nassau restaurant, suggested that Mr. Suozzi “do something for veterans.”

Mr. Suozzi met with officials of the Building and Construction Trades Council and the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and received commitments for jobs from them. Then he received pledges from four trade unions and a dozen other companies. The participants include the Long Island Federation of Labor, the Bethpage Federal Credit Union, CVS, King Kullen and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The unions and companies committed to placing more than 200 veterans who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan in jobs on Long Island this year. The county’s Veterans Service Agency will work with human resources departments to help match veterans to appropriate jobs.

James Castellane, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council and a Vietnam War veteran, said in a telephone interview that the initiative was modeled on the Helmets to Hard Hats program, which since 2003 has been helping veterans find jobs within the 36 trade unions represented by the council.

“These jobs have to have a pension, an annuity, medical benefits and a union card,” he said, referring to the council’s commitment. “Although in today’s economy it’s hard to foresee how many jobs we will be able to provide, the veterans will have first preference.”

John R. Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, which represents 135unions and 250,000 employees on the Island, said the county’s program would give business and labor an opportunity to work together to support veterans.

“We will be talking to different employers and affiliates to get as many jobs as we can,” he said in a phone interview. “Where there are already jobs available, we will help slot them for veterans, and we will also work with employers to help create new positions.”

Michael J. Dowling, president and chief executive of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System — the Island’s largest employer, with 38,000 employees — has already increased his initial pledge for 2009 to 20 jobs from 10. He said he expected to be able to provide even more jobs to returning veterans, at all levels, on a continuing basis. Since 2004, North Shore-L.I.J. has hired 94 people who identified themselves as veterans, said a spokesman, Terry Lynam.

“Being such a large organization, there are openings all the time, and we are committed to providing permanent positions with benefits and a career track,” Mr. Dowling said.

Two years ago, he said, North Shore-L.I.J. set up a family wellness center to help veterans deal with stress-related problems; for employees who serve abroad, jobs are guaranteed upon their return, with compensation for salary missed during military service.

Richard A. Cody, a retired four-star general who served as vice chief of staff of the Army from 2004 to last July, joined Mr. Suozzi to announce the new initiative.

“When soldiers return after 12 to 15 months away from their families, many haven’t had time to do job searches or think about their transition,” General Cody said. “Today, veterans return home with broader skill sets than ever. Many of the vets possess years of high-tech vocational training, leadership skills, and some have earned college degrees while on active duty.”

Mr. Suozzi said that he would continue to encourage businesses and agencies to sign on to the Warriors to Work initiative and that the county’s monthly newsletter to veterans would remind them of the program.

Source: Veterans Today

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Stable Demand for Sales Jobs

SalesJobs.net, a Beyond.com career community and Web site for job seekers and employers in the sales industry, reveals there is a stable demand for sales jobs providing hope for sales professionals and new college graduates alike in the face of today’s economy.

The recent recession has caused a decline in jobs across a multitude of industries, creating a pool of highly qualified talent not seen in years. Many businesses are taking advantage of these candidates to fill sales positions that offer high-reward and low-risk to the company. This trend has allowed the sales sector to remain strong, experiencing close to a 10% increase in the number of sales jobs posted to SalesJobs.net in January 2009 as compared to December 2008. In Q4 2008, the top positions for sales jobs were Sales Manager (68%), Pharmaceutical Sales Representative (15%) and Cashier (5%), with the top cities for jobs ranked as Houston, New York and Chicago, according to SalesJobs.net. Of the sales jobs posted in Q4 2008, 67% were looking for a candidate with less than one year of experience and 63% required at least a four-year degree. With the increased quantity and quality of competition in the job market, SalesJobs.net reported a 27% increase in sales professionals looking for a job over the past year.

Source: Recruiter Trends

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Veterans Green Jobs Career Training Program Supports Veterans

Veterans Green Jobs announces that it has opened enrollment for the Spring and Summer 2009 sessions of the Veterans Green Jobs Academy™.

The Academy is a unique hybrid of classroom and on-the-job training designed to move the experienced, disciplined military veteran into a meaningful career in green industries. Veterans Green Jobs Academy™ programs include free or low-cost green job training; multiple industry-recognized home energy audit certifications; and job placement services to veterans seeking to help America restore its economy, environment and communities. All honorably discharged veterans are encouraged to apply now for 8-week training programs beginning in April, June and August 2009. The Spring 2009 session of the Academy focuses on home energy efficiency and conservation with an intensive Home Energy Audit Training (HEAT™) certification program. HEAT™ brings environmental education together with supervised on-the-job-training to meet the consumer demand for experts to help lower residential energy consumption. "Reports indicate that there are nearly 2 million returned or returning military personnel who now face the challenging task of transitioning into civilian careers after their tours in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere. Without effective support and viable economic options, many veterans and their families face serious hardships," says John M. Garcia, Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services. "At the same time, America has a rapidly growing demand for trained workers to implement a nationwide shift to more sustainable 'green' technologies, energy sources, business practices and lifestyles." The Veterans Green Jobs Academy™ has designed scalable curriculums in environmental industries, business management, and specific job skills that can be immediately applied to the marketplace. The HEAT™ Program is just one of several energy-efficiency-related programs being developed, and future programs offered by the Academy include renewable energy, green building, historic building preservation, and disaster preparedness, response and reconstruction. "Veterans Green Jobs is working to mobilize a highly-skilled population to lead the revival of a national service ethic to address our most pressing problems," says Brett KenCairn. "That includes setting a standard so that green jobs in this country offer a true living wage and job security, and so that careers in green industries lead to energy independence, ecological restoration, community renewal and economic prosperity for all Americans." In collaboration with a broad consortium of partners, Veterans Green Jobs is supporting veterans' military transitions through programs and support services that promote their personal healing, along with a community-based movement towards healing the economy and the environment. In doing so, Veterans Green Jobs is also mobilizing a dedicated field-tested workforce that our society has already invested in to help the US move quickly towards greater environmental and economic security. Academy programs will expand to 15 states in 2010 and are anticipated to be in all 50 states as soon as possible.

Source: Recruiter Trends

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Niche and Local Job Boards

Hong Kong job seekers and recruiters are set to benefit from the launch of a host of industry-specific websites serving the region.

The sites, led by Jobs-In-Hong-Kong.com, are being launched by The Omni Job Board Network, Inc. in response to changing needs in the internet recruitment market. The Omni network was created by a team of former recruiters, web developers, human resources (HR) and marketing professionals, "who had become disillusioned by the high cost and inconsistent results they experienced with traditional job boards." Their research reveals that the vast majority of internet job seekers have little loyalty to major job board brands, instead relying primarily on search engines to deliver relevant and up-to-date job listings in their area, according to the website. Despite being newly launched to the industry, the sites feature highly in internet search engines, including Google, Yahoo! and MSN Live, giving employers and recruiters a high level of exposure to high quality candidates from around the world.

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Part-time Opportunities

Most people (meaning job seekers) perceive part-time jobs as a waste of time and offer less than full-time positions.

Many part-time jobs pay just as much as full-time as a 40 hour per week job and there are number of part-time jobs that offer benefits such as health insurance, 401(k), vacation days and employee discounts. Here is a list of the best part-time opportunities.

1. Tax Preparer
2. Substitute Teacher
3. Private Tutor
4. Part-time Receptionist
5. Computer Technician
6. Copy Editor
7. Direct Seller

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Will Your Credit Score Harm Your Job Search

Do you wonder if your credit history will effect your chances of landing a job? It could.

If the job you are applying for involves handling money or sensitive financial information, then yes your candidacy for that job could be questionable.

Here's some good advice from Gerri Willis, CNN Money:
"Your credit score won't matter because employers are not allowed to use credit scores as part of employment screening. But, they are allowed to look at your credit reports according to Deanna Templeton of Credit.com.

Employers must tell you if they'll be peeking into your report before they actually do it. Plus, they are not allowed to use that information as the sole reason to disqualify you for a job.

However, if the employer is going to review your credit report then it might not be a bad idea to be able to explain the circumstances behind the collections and any receipts you've got that prove you've been paying them off.

If your job includes you handling money or sensitive financial information then your credit is a bigger deal than if you are not. There's no one answer to whether or not to bring it up beforehand. Feel them out and if you believe it will improve your chances then bring it up says Templeton."

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Recruiters Can Be Found At......

Recruiters and other HR professionals are appearing on professional and social online network groups.

But before I discuss the main topic permit me to sidetrack a bit in order to set up why I decided to talk about (once again) why you have to cast a wide net in your job search and consider tapping into a social network groups.
 
I read an article today that talked about how online job board postings have dropped by 23% over the past 2 months. The writer cites a report written by a research group who reported the reason in the decline was due to a less in demand for labor. I think that is partly true. However, what was missing in that article is what alternatives are employers taking to fill attrition.

In today's climate employers are charging their HR department to think out of the box to find and implement cost effective or no cost methods to find candidates. Posting jobs on job boards or in newspapers can be very expensive and have an impact on a company's budget. An employer who is watching his/her budget may be apprehensive about vesting thousands of dollars and a year long contract to advertise openings in their company using these venues. Especially when there are other methods to find new talent for their company such as online social network groups.

One site that is attracting and building a membership base of industry Recruiters is Twitter. Twitter currently has more than 140 Recruiters who tweet and follow other's updates. If you are not familiar with Twitter you may assume from reading this is that this social media is exclusive to Recruiters and HR professionals. But it is not. The Twitter base is swelling beyond 100,000 common people. Twitter has been described as walking into a room of conversations and looking for a "hook" to decide if and when to jump in. So, how do you connect with some of these Recruiters?

If you click this link http://twitter.grader.com/search?Term=recruiter you will find the most influential Recruiters on Twitter. You can follow their updates and learn about job openings and hiring events they are working on.

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Health Care Employers Are Hiring

While the recession injured many industries in 2008, health care was one of the few bright spots in the employment picture, growing by 372,000 jobs last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ January 2009 Employment Situation Summary. The large aging population has health care employers in need of qualified workers: stat. Therefore, despite the current economic conditions, health care employers will continue to increase staff in 2009, according to CareerBuilder.com’s annual health care hiring forecast, conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Interactive.

Close to one-in-five (17 percent) of large health care employers (50 or more employees) plan to increase the number of full-time, permanent employees in 2009, while 67 percent foresee either making no change in the number of employees or are unsure.

"The health care industry continues to boast high demand for qualified workers. Employers are reacting to this need by continuing strong recruiting efforts this year," says Jason Ferrara, Vice President of Corporate Marketing for CareerBuilder.com. "Half of health care employers, the highest among industries we surveyed, have open positions for which they can’t find qualified candidates. In response, health care employers will have to adjust their recruitment and retention strategies to find and keep top talent."

Health care recruitment trends for 2009
1. More Flexibility. Flexible work options continue to be an important benefit for health care employers to provide in an effort to attract new candidates and to prevent employee burnout. Forty-one percent of health care employers will provide more flexible work arrangements for employees in 2009, including:

· Alternative schedules – come in early and leave early or come in later and leave later

· Compressed work weeks – work the same hours, but in fewer days

· Telecommuting

· Job sharing

· Summer hours

2. Recruitment Tools. As demand for qualified workers continues, health care employers will leverage a variety of recruitment tools to reduce the time-to-hire cycle and fill open positions. Health care employers plan to spend more money on the following recruitment tools in 2009:

· Online recruitment sites

· Newspaper classifieds

· Career fairs [click the "Job Fair Calendar" tab at the top of the page]

· Staffing firms and recruiters

· Social networking sites

3. Freelance Workers
To help alleviate their employees’ demanding work load, health care employers are hiring contract and freelance workers to help get the job done.

4. Green Jobs
Being "green" is a burgeoning movement within the health care industry as companies seek ways to run more efficiently. Health care employers plan to be more environmentally aware in 2009, as 14% plan to add "green" jobs, up from 7% in 2008. "Green jobs" are positions that implement environmentally conscious design, policy and technology to improve the conservation and sustainability.

With the growing job count in the nursing profession, NursingCrossing, a job site catering to nursing professionals, has reportedly added 12,255 nursing jobs in a single week, bringing the site's job count to a staggering 89,923.  As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs related to nursing and residential care facilities grew by 19,600 from January to August 2008.

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10 Cities for Growth Opportunity in 2009

If your job search strategy includes opportunities outside your local area check out this list of cities projecting job growth in 2009.

No. 1: Madison, Wis.

Unemployment rate: 3.5%

Madison has several things working in its favor, one being the University of Wisconsin, a major employer. The university's technology arm, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, supports scientific research at the school and helps drive breakthroughs in health care, biotechnology and medical devices, resulting in strong local businesses in all those fields. Adding to the city's optimistic job outlook is its highly educated workforce and the fact that it's the center of state and county governments--both big employers (city government is a big one too). Add to that an ideal mix of start-ups and medium and large businesses, and you have a city that is not reliant on one main employer.

No. 2: Washington, D.C.

Unemployment rate: 4.2%

That's a rise from 3.2% in October 2007, but still it remains well below the national average. The largest job growth has been in federal and local government. Other major employers include defense contracting, law and education. There are so many schools and colleges that education is the third largest employer, and the area is expected to add 30,000 more education jobs in 2009.

No. 3: Boston, Mass.

Unemployment rate: 4.4%

Boston's unemployment rate has risen almost a full percentage point since October 2007, when it was 3.5%, but things continue to look good on the job front there. All those colleges keep on employing thousands of area residents, and the many hospitals and research institutions make for a strong showing in health care. Not everyone who works at those institutions is a physician or researcher either--finance staff, managers and all kinds of back-office workers are always needed. With so many educated men and women wanting to stick around after graduating, Boston has become a hub for the tech and pharmaceutical industries. The city lost just 900 financial sector jobs in the past year--far fewer than other, harder hit places.

No. 4: Richmond, Va.

Unemployment rate: 4.4%

A year ago, Richmond's unemployment rate was 3.1%. But at 4.4% currently, it's still well below the national average. One reason is its healthy mix of industries and business sizes. The area doesn't rely on one or two huge companies to employ most of its residents. Public accounting, manufacturing and service remain strong fields, and with the nation's capital just three hours away, there are plenty of jobs in government contracting and defense. The military bases in the area contribute to a strong showing in government-related jobs.

No. 5: Milwaukee, Wis.

Unemployment rate: 4.8%

Milwaukee's unemployment rate is barely changed from a year ago, when it was 4.7%. The aging population has helped health care jobs multiply; they've grown by almost 30,000 in the past 12 months. Many health care, energy and environmental companies that were based in Chicago have been moving to Milwaukee for its cheaper expenses. The city is only about an hour from Chicago by train.

No. 6: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Unemployment rate: 5%

This city's unemployment rate has climbed in the past year from 3.9%, with much of that job loss in manufacturing. However, it continues to have several strong industries, particularly education, health care and government. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is the city's largest employer, with 40,000 workers. Banking, technology and education also continue to keep the economy and job market lively.

No. 7: Baltimore, Md.

Unemployment rate: 5.1%

Though unemployment in Baltimore jumped from 3.6% the previous year, the jobs in education, professional services and business services have grown. The city's close proximity to Washington, D.C., means there are many government contractors around and many commuters who live in Baltimore but work in the nation's capital.

No. 8: Seattle, Wash.

Unemployment rate: 5.3%

Unemployment here increased from 3.7% in October 2007, but certain sectors have stayed quite strong, including biotech and health care. The area has a large elderly population and several Veterans Administration hospitals that employ considerable numbers. You'll do best looking for a job in Seattle if you're trained in the knowledge economy; the city has very few blue-collar positions to offer.

No. 9: Houston, Texas

Unemployment rate: 5.4%

The unemployment rate has risen from 4% in the past year. However, government jobs, particularly in oil, gas and other types of energy, continue to be strong. The city added 11,100 government jobs just in the last year.

10. Dallas, Texas

Unemployment rate: 5.6%

Dallas enjoys job growth very much like Houston's, concentrated in government positions related to energy. The city also has growing technology and information technology industries that are providing work, and it's home to many companies handling government contracts.

Source: Forbes.com

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I'm Ready for a Career Change

According to the US Department of Labor the average person makes more than three career changes during their working life.

Typically, people will leave one job to accept another job for numerous reasons. Better pay or work environment. A shorter commute or be closer to home. Better work hours or less hours. For whatever reason you decide you are ready for a change you must give it some thought, do your research, and plan.

1. Will I take a pay cut and if so how deep of a cut can I take?
My advice: If you are the bread winner in your household or you support yourself this may be a question that may be at the top of your list. Do some research. Find out what that industry pays.

2. Will the work environment be better or worse than my current situation?
My advice: Talk with other people who are in the industry. Filter out opinions that can be corrected with some extra effort on the part of the employee like "I am unhappy with my boss", "There's alot of drama among the employees", "No one does their share of the work", "I haven't been promoted in 2 years".

3. Is the industry growing, declining or stagnant?
My advice: Despite the fact that companies are laying off there are companies within certain industries that are increasing their workforce in 2009.

4. How marketable am I right now?
My advice: If you are a mid life career changer you bring with that valuable experience and more maturity than someone who is inexperienced. If you spent most of your worklife in one career you may need to re-invent yourself. Read "Resume Tips for Mortgage Industry Career Changers. The tips are applicable to any industry.

5. Will I need to obtain a higher level of education or a certification related to the industry?
My advice: Some job announcements mention desired skills, certifications, or education. Someone who meets all of the requirements and some of the desired skills/experience would be considered as an "ideal candidate". You are in a better position to negotiate your salary when you are included in that mix. If you are working do not quit your job to pursue your degree or a certification. Many schools offer programs for working adult allowing you to work your classes around your schedule. It's easier to get a job when you have a job!

6. When should I make the transition?
My advice: There is no timeline or certain time of the year when you should make your transition. Making a career change takes alot of thought and planning. Take your time and don't make decisions based on emotion. Take a logical approach. >



7. Am I too old to change careers?
My advice: No. See advice for question #4.
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here.

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The Secrets of Successful Networking - Part 2

Networking itself is not a revolutionary concept, but how people are networking and connecting to great opportunities is changing with next-generation job sites that combine job search and networking. People can now find jobs and be found using powerful search tools on the Web and get jobs based on the strengths of existing relationships. Social networking sites are gaining traction as a tool in job searches. Stay with me because I will explain why later in this post. This is part 2 of a 2 part piece on networking.

If you read part 1 I discussed tips and techniques about building your social network. I also wrote an article ("Leveraging Your Online Social Networking") on the do's and don't when participating on a online social networking group. In this segment I will discuss how to choose an online social networking group and the benefits.

There are many out there and I would not recommend subscribing to every one. Doing so will spin you into a "social networking overload".
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to create a professional profile and discover connections in your network.
MyWorkster: Get networked with people in your community on this site for students, alumni, and job seekers.
Facebook: Use Facebook to get connected with old friends and new contacts.
MySpace: Although MySpace doesn't exactly say professional, you can get connected with friends and other contacts on this social networking site. I have a discussion group on MySpace called "Ask a Recruiter"
Tribe: Join Tribe to network with people who have similar interests.
Ryze: Make business contacts and establish a networking homepage on Ryze.
Netparty: Get connected with other young professionals at the parties thrown by this organization.
Probook: Canadians can get connected on this professional networking site.
Fast Pitch Networking: On this professional social network for business, you can find step up your Internet presence, find friends and colleagues, and more.
Xing: Find people, manage your business contacts and network for your career on Xing.
Layoffspace: The unemployed can gather and network on this site.
Twitter: Use Twitter to update the world in 140 characters or less.
Meetup: Find a Meetup group to meet people who share your interests.
Whototalkto: Help people get your old position while looking for a new one on this website.
ZoomInfo: Build your online reputation by filling out a profile on ZoomInfo.
Ecademy: Create contacts and market yourself on this business networking site.
orkut: Find new business contacts and join communities on orkut.

Don't forget Chat rooms, Web forums and discussion groups.

Now, in order to make online social networking work for you it is essential that you maintain a presence and cultivate contacts. It becomes difficult to manage when you have a profile on more than 3 sites. Remember. This is not a stand alone job search activity. You have to allocate your time to other job search activities. Do not consume your time creating a profile on numerous sites. Narrow your list down to 2-3 sites. Brian Chappelle compiled a very comprehensive report that may help you choose which online social network sites to consider. He shared those results on Ignite Social Media. I wish I had discovered this information when I searching for a job.

After you review the report ask yourself these questions:
1) Which networks are getting enough traffic/users that merit my involvement?
2) Is it for the masses or for unique users (i.e., healthcare, education, IT, executives, HR, finance, etc.)?
3) Which networks are getting traffic/users from the countries you need to network with?
4) Which networks cater to what you want the most?
Why should you consider including online social networking in your job search activities?

• 77% of recruiters run searches of candidates on the Web to screen applicants. For instance recruiters at Microsoft and Starbucks troll online networks such as LinkedIn for potential candidates. Goldman Sachs and Deloitte run their own online alumni networks for hiring back former employees and strengthening bonds with alumni-cum-possible clients. The more senior your position, the more likely you will be researched online.
  
• A growing number of companies are advertising on social network sites. "Facebook provides us with the opportunity to show our fun environment with pictures, comments, and discussions", writes financial services Ernst & Young.
  
• It's said that 80% of the jobs available never get advertised. Using this resource can help you find them. According to CareerXRoad's 2007 Annual Sources of Hire Surveyof new hires brought in from outside an organization were due to employee referrals. Those employees have profiles on online social network sites.
• You can review profiles of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contacts can introduce you.
• The more contacts you have within a network, the greater your chances are that someone will know of an opportunity which is right for you.
• Smaller, more tech savvy companies are using online press releases, blogs or their own social networks for recruitment. If people have joined their RSS feed, or signed up for their newsletter, that person is likely to have an interest in their services and may be looking for work. So become a joiner for those companies/groups you are interested in working for, and keep an eye out for work opportunities. If you become an active part of these communities, you could even ask the group if there are jobs available.
• Use these sites to showcase your experience and achievements.

[Was this article helpful? Take a moment to rate and comment about it.]

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New Year Resolution - Get That Job! Get That Job! Get That Job!

At the end of each year we reflect on events that shaped our lives and how we improved our lives. We look forward to the New Year with new commitments to reform a habit or a lifestyle change. If your goal in 2009 is to secure a job or transition into another career add “create and execute an assertive job search strategy” to your New Year resolution list. Read what my colleagues say are the “must do” activities to jump start your career search in 2009.

Get on Twitter. “Use Twitter to demonstrate your professional expertise and draw the attention of people in your industry who will want to hire you. At the same time, actively reach out to those kinds of people by following and networking with industry recruiters and other insiders.”
Jacob Share, Job Search Expert and creator of JobMob

Help Others with Their Job Search. “You don’t have to give someone else your hottest lead, unless you decide that it's really not right for you. But, you can help them connect with someone you know who works (or worked) at their target employer, give them help with their resume, a ride to the next job search support group meeting, etc. Particularly when you are unemployed, helping others can help you feel more useful personally. And, it often, but not always, comes back to you. That person you helped with their resume has a neighbor who might be able to help you, and so on. As "they" say, “what goes around, comes around,” and paying forward to help others really does seem to payoff. Do it for that reason, if for no other.”

Build or Enhance Your Personal Brand . “My recommendation to all job seekers would be to focus on building, or enhancing, their personal brand. Attract potential employers to you rather than reaching out to them. That puts job seekers in a much better negotiating position that the reverse, even in a tough economy.”
Susan Joyce, President and Editor/Publisher of Job-Hunt.org
[Read my post "How to Make Your Resume Discoverable on the Web]

Google Yourself. “Put positive and branded professional content under your name and Google yourself everyday.”
Maor Kaplanski, Personal eBrand & ORM expert, Israel

Think Outside and Inside the Box. “Think outside and inside the Box (that computer screen in front of you, that is). In other words, you need to diversify the way you market yourself, whether it's online at job boards, or at social network sites like Twitter or LinkedIn; or offline at campus recruitment opportunities, job fairs, networking events in your field, or spreading the word to friends. The more ways in which you get the word out that you're looking, the more potential jobs you'll hear about.”
Dawn Papandrea, managing editor of The CollegeBound Network, and blogger at CollegeSurfing.com/blog

[Read my post "Job Hunting in Times of Uncertainty: Five Overlooked Strategies to Help Make Your Job Search More Productive -- and Successful"]

Rely on Your Professional Network “to try and get inside information for future openings or current openings. Of course if you have a LinkedIn profile you will want to ensure your profile is up-to-date and is robust, fully completed, and full of industry keywords that draw attention to your skills and accomplishments. Highlight areas where you can provide added value if you were to be hired.”
Linda, Reeder, Training Specialist,LinkedIn
[Read my post "The Secrets of Successful Networking, Part 1

Use Keywords. “Analyze job postings for keywords and incorporate them in your resume. I also recommend that job seekers review at least 6 to 8 job postings in their field to find keywords that appear consistently in these postings. This gives job seekers a good idea of what skills hiring managers are looking for. These are also likely to be the keywords that hiring managers search for when going through their database of resumes. Incorporating these keywords into your resume increases the chances of your resume being seen by a hiring manager.”
Cheryl Palmer, Certified Executive Career Coach,Call to Career
[Read my post "Optimize Your Resume with Keywords

Know Thyself. “What do you want to do (goals)? What do you bring to the table (talents & skills)? What differentiates you from your competition (accomplishments and capabilities)? What is your passion and calling?” Give to Get. “The karma of the job search says ‘What goes around, comes around.’ If you want to receive something, first you must give something. Freely give your time and talent to others. Give without expectation of getting anything back.” Terrence Seamon, Learning and Organization Development Consultant


Expand your Job Search Resources. “Job boards and networks are fantastic - also contact your alumni office, placement office at your college/university, industry associations, professional organizations, read trade journals - all can be great resources for your job search.”
Elaine Basham, Partner,The Resume Group

Stay Positive. “While there may be times when the job search will leave you feeling frustrated, don't ever give in to negative feelings or let them derail you from your professional goals! When you're feeling down spend time with a friend or family member who has a positive outlook. The key is to be with someone who is going to reinforce your efforts and give you encouragement and suggestions. This is not the time to be around people who complain or who have a negative outlook.”
Laura Zurowski, Director of Outreach, Marist College
[Join a discussion group]

Step outside your comfort zone. “Avoid limiting your search to your current industry or field. Identify your transferable skills and experiences, and communicate them to prospective employers.”


Minimize work history gaps. “If you are unable to find a position right away, consider temporary assignments, internships and part-time opportunities, all of which can potentially lead to a full-time role.”
Chris Russell, Webmaster, Blogger and Podcaster for the online job search industry

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America's Best Paying Jobs

High Paying Careers / Occupations

Management Occupations $96,150
Legal Occupations $88,450
Computer and Mathematical Occupations $72,190
Architecture and Engineering Occupations $68,880
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Occupations $65,020
Business and Financial Operations Occupations $62,410
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations $62,020
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations $48,410
Education, Training, and Library Occupations $46,610
Construction and Extraction Occupations $40,620
Community and Social Services Occupations $40,540
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations $39,930
Protective Service Occupations $38,750
Sales and Related Occupations $35,240
Production Occupations $31,310
Office and Administrative Support Occupations $31,200
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations $30,680
Healthcare Support Occupations $25,600
Personal Care and Service Occupations $23,980
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Occupations $23,560
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations $22,640
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations $19,440

Top 10 Highest Paying Careers

Anesthesiologists $192,780 = 4.6% (% Change)
Surgeons $191,410 = 3.9% (% Change)
Orthodontists $185,340 = 4.8% (% Change)
Obstetricians and Gynecologists $183,600 = 3.1% (% Change)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons $178,440 = 8.3% (% Change)
Prosthodontists $169,360 = 6.6% (% Change)
Internists, General $167,270 = 4.0% (% Change)
Physicians and Surgeons, All Other $155,150 = 9.1% (% Change)
Family and General Practitioners $153,640 = 2.5% (% Change)
Chief Executives $151,370 = 4.7% (% Change)

Would you like to see more salary information? Visit the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How would you use ths information in your salary negotiations?

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Working with Recruiters

Job Search: Working with Recruiters - The best video clips are right here





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Use the Holidays to Step Up Your Job Search

That’s right. This holiday season is a good time to step up your job search activities. While companies use the holiday season to relax recruiters continue to search for candidates at all times of the year. It’s the needs of the business such as growing markets, competitive pressure, and business initiatives that drive these recruiting efforts. These areas do not take a break.

Some people give up their job search between Thanksgiving and New Years. Granted that hiring during the holidays can be complicated sometimes because key decision makers may not be available the need to hire still remains. Companies have already developed their budget and business plans and have allocated funding for new hires for 2009. I started recruiting at the beginning of December for openings in my market that must be filled the first week of January. For those who continue to plug away during the holidays will be the ones who will reap the benefits.

If you are attending a holiday social event, it is definitely appropriate to mention that you are job searching. Accept all the invitations you receive, both personal and professional. You never know who may be able to help. Friends and family, as well as business acquaintances are typically more than happy to assist.

Send a "Happy Holidays" or a "Happy New Year" greeting card to networking contacts, recruiters, and to employers you have interviewed with is another good way to connect with those who can help with your job search.

Send e-mails or use a professional or social networking sites (like LinkedIn, MySpace, or Facebook) to get in touch. The holiday season is a good excuse to touch base and a good time to reinforce or expand your network.

Get a seasonal job. Retail may — or may not — be your dream job. But getting a seasonal job, many of which are in retail or other service industries, is a great way to earn some extra cash while building up your resume and exposing yourself to new networking opportunities. Most seasonal jobs are part-time, so you would still be able to dedicate full-time energy to your job search as well. I delivered pizzas. I was able to increase my network and discover “hidden jobs”.

You can also volunteer. Spend a few hours every week helping others and gain a little perspective on your own struggles. Plus, many volunteer placements offer leadership and executive experience to help you round out your resume and opportunities to meet people you may one day want to work with or for.

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Job Growth for 2009

Despite the daily news reporting on a downturn economy, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the nation's total workforce actually increased by 2.2 million workers during the last 19 months.

The most recent report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that at the end of October 2008 there were 3.1 million job openings. And although unemployment rose to a 14-year high of 6.7% in November 2008, one notable, unreported fact is that between 4 million and 5 million people have been hired each month during 2008. While the media may report that no company is hiring, the reality is that many companies are. And while many industries have shed jobs during the past 12 months, the education, healthcare, and government sectors have actually created 400,000 new jobs (read my article "Where the jobs are" ). Job seekers have distinct advantages because of the Internet and the job creation initiatives articulated by President-Elect Obama. You should use the Internet to focus your efforts on industries targeted by the presidential initiatives. These industries are likely to include construction, Internet infrastructure, alternative energy, education, and healthcare. President-elect Obama has discussed multiple initiatives to improve the nation's transportation, energy, and communication infrastructures, as well as advance healthcare and education. These initiatives should stimulate job growth.

Here’s more encouraging news. As companies begin to feel the effects of the economic downturn, many are ramping up their workforce planning activities. Workforce planning is the process by which an organisation aligns its workforce requirements to the business strategy using business analytics. The most prevalent concern among employers is the scarcity of critical talent. While they are under enormous pressure to trim down their workforce in preparation for 2009, it’s important to consider the implications their actions will have on their future workforce needs. Some employers reported that they are experiencing challenges retaining critical-skill employees and top performers. Having the right number of people performing in the right roles will be crucial for companies to position themselves strongly for when the economy recovers.

What does all of this inside information mean to you? Do not give up on your job search. There will still be a job market in 2009.

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How to Work a Job Fair

Job fairs are a great place to network. It's an opportunity for you to showcase your skills and make an impression on an employer. But do not set your expectations high. You may receive an on-the-spot interview but typically, recruiters and managers do not make job offers at these events.

To get the most out of a job fair, you should be prepared to talk confidently about your skills and how they could meet the needs of each employer you talk to. You want to stand out to employers based on the value your skills could offer their company. Here are a few tips.

1. "Plan Your Attack" - What to do the day before. Make a list. Get a list of companies attending and choose 10-15 that are offering positions that you are interested in.  Research each company of interest. Many job-seekers go to fairs to "see the sights" and are not prepared to interview. You can get a huge jump on the competition by doing some research on each of the companies you want to interview with. Hoovers.com offers alot of information -- very little for free and more for a fee. Web100 tracks the largest American and international companies on the Web. Vault.com is well know for it's insider reports on thousands of companies. Talk to current employees to get an idea of the work environment. Ask them what they like and dislike about the company and why they chose to work for the company. Go to your favorite search engine and find the company's websites. Inspect your resume to ensure that it is updated and has accurate information. Make sure you have different versions of your resume (example: admin/clerical, management, payroll, etc.). Prepare a "Wow" statement. This is a 60-second introduction, which should include your name, your skills and why you are interested in this company. Be sure to include some interesting fact that you learned about the company during your research. Practice your approach. Work on your handshake as you hand over your resume, your eye to eye contact, and your introduction. It's part of the impression you will leave with the employer.  Put together your "Job fair kit". A bonded portfolio presents a more professional appearance and can neatly store your resumes, notebook and pen. If you have business cards leave them at home. Your resume is your business card. Pack plenty of copies of your resume(s).

2. "Execute, Execute, Execute" - The Day of the Job Fair.  Arrive early and revisit each booth before leaving. Turn your cell/pager off before entering the event.  Don't forget the eye-to-eye contact and firm handshake. Have your resume out and ready to hand over. Remember to smile. Helps to relax you and shows enthusiasm. Try to eavesdrop when employer speaks with other candidates so you do not ask the same questions. Use follow up questions. Ask intelligent questions - 1) "What are your fields of greatest need and do you anticipate these needs changing over the next few years?"; 2) "What kind of career opportunities are available for people with my degree and skills?”; 3) "What qualities are you looking for in new hires?"; 4) “What are your future hiring plans?”; 5) “Describe the work environment at your organization?”; 6)“What characteristics do you see in successful people at your organization? “Get a business card from each company you are interested in.  Jot down notes about company you visited and conversations you had with the recruiter. You will need the information for your follow up. Do some networking with your fellow job seekers in terms of sharing information about job leads and companies. After you leave the job fair reflect on what you did well and what you can improve on. Write those thoughts down so you can work on them before attending your next job fair.

3. "Life after the Job Fair". As a recruiter I am amazed at how few job seekers actually take the time to follow-up after a job fair, thus when you do it, you will get an edge over the many others who do not.
Send "Thank you" notes or letters as soon as possible. In the letter or note, thank the recruiter for his/her time, restate your interest and qualifications for the position, reiterate your interest in a second interview, and make a promise to follow-up the letter with a phone call. Mention something you learned about the company while you were at the job fair. Refer to those notes you took at the event. Another method is to call the recruiter the evening of the fair and leave a voicemail message thanking the recruiter again for his/her time that day. A more concrete and traditional method is to write a thank you note and mail it the next day to the address on the recruiter's business card. I would recommend including another copy of your resume.

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The Secrets of Successful Networking - Part 1

Looking for a job is a job in itself. We've all heard this. So those on a serious job quest polish their resumes and dutifully distribute them around town.

For many, the concept of networking conjures thoughts of calling up people they know and having lunch or coffee with them and talking about opportunities that may exist in that person's company. Aggressive networking carries this a step further.

First, make a list of people you know who have jobs in your line of work or related to your line of work. Then sit down and call each person on your list and suggest that you meet for a coffee or something equally brief. There are two reasons for this. One, you don't want to take up a lot of the other person's time and two, lunches and dinners get to be expensive if you have many of them to buy.

Take networking seriously. That is, don't spread the meetings with your list of contacts out over a month-long period. Start on a Monday morning and call everyone to book a get-together for later in the week or at the latest, early next week.

When you have the meeting, keep it light. Don't show up with your resume and ask, "Do you know of any jobs?" This is simply a reconnaissance mission. The person you're having coffee with is in the business and knows what's happening. Ask for this information. Try saying something as simple and straightforward as: "You're plugged into what's going on around town. Any suggestions on who I can talk to about what might be coming up in the future?"

By the end of the week, you may have a couple of dozen names of people in the industry. Sit down the next Monday morning and call them. Introduce yourself, explain where you got their names and ask if you can have 15 minutes of their time. Suggest meeting for a coffee near their office. Often, the person will say something like, "Why don't you drop in around 3 p.m. We can talk here in my office."

Schedule your week, filling in time slots to meet people. And again, get three names from each of these people. After a while, you may notice an overlapping of names as your contacts give you names of people you have already contacted.

Don't ask for a job. Just the same as meeting with your acquaintances, keep it light. Say that you're looking for a place in the industry and in the meantime, you're making an all-out effort to keep plugged into what's happening.

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