Looking for a New Job? Where to Look

So you're ready to join the workforce? Change jobs? Return to work after a career break? You've thought about the kind of job you are looking for and drawn up a professional resume? Great...let's get started. You can start looking for suitable jobs in the following places:

Online job boards (almost all companies advertise their jobs online nowadays and a quick Google search "find jobs" will probably take you to the top ones in your area).National newspaper advertisements.Local newspaper advertisement.Recruitment agencies.Specialist online job boards targeted towards part-time, freelance or family friendly jobs if applicable or specialist industries.Previous employers or professional contacts.Company websites.Government run job boards.Shop windows.Word of mouth and personal networks.

Know What You Want

Be clear about the kind of job you are looking for as it will help you narrow down your internet searches. For example, most job boards have an option to refine your search to "part-time work" if applicable. You can also often put in key word searches such as "job share" or "school hours" or specific duties. Don't waste your time applying widely to every job you see. It can ruin your credibility if recruitment agencies see your resume arrive for every job they advertise. A few specifically targeted applications for roles that suit your skills or at least are in the same ballpark will be much more effective.

Recruitment Agencies

If you want to use a recruitment consultant to help you with your job search, it is usually best to register with between three and five agencies. Any more than this can be ineffective as you lose track of your job applications or begin doubling up. Register, attend interview, provide references and most importantly keep in touch. Recruitment consultants tend to see about twenty candidates a week. A quick weekly email or phone call to touch base and remind them of your job search can do wonders with regards keeping you front and centre of their minds.

Don't underestimate your recruitment consultant!

Recruitment consultants can make your or break you with regards finding the role of your dreams. Many times, as a recruiter, candidates would come in for interview in jeans with a "you're just the recruitment consultant" or a "it's all there on my resume" attitude. Make no mistake, you will only be presented to clients, if your recruiter is confident that you are capable of attending interviews punctually, dressed appropriately and able to answer questions effectively. And this means you have to prove it them first!

Dress to Impress

It is the way of the world, that appearances are important. No matter your size, age, level of attractiveness, make sure you are dressed appropriately for the role for which you are applying. For most roles especially corporate ones, this means smart, clean clothes, neat hairstyle, not too much make up or flesh on show, closed toe shoes and a big smile. Think about how the employees of your chosen company dress and try to mirror it. Stand straight, make eye contact and give a firm hand shake. Research has shown that first impressions count and your non-verbal cues will count up to four times more than anything you actually say.

Be Self Aware

If you feel your recruitment agent is giving you the run around, you might be right! Don't despair if you are not getting the results you want. If possible, ask your recruiter for honest feedback. How could you improve your application and be more marketable? Do you need to update your skills, improve your interview technique or adapt your expectations? Be open to their advice, ask them to keep your file open and then move on. Chemistry is important as in any relationship. If you don't click with a recruiter, find another...

Don't Be Shy

Many opportunities are not even advertised. Don't be shy to use your personal networks. Tell people you are looking. Draft up your resume and carry a copy. Call up companies of interest and ask if they have any opportunities to suit you. At the very least, people will admire your initiative.

For more information on returning to work after kids, interview tips, resume writing or research into legitimate ways to make income from home, please visit Work Life After Kids

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Learn How Your Personal Appearance Can Affect Your Next Job Interview

There is another side to the job interview that not many job seekers take into consideration. Wouldn't you like to know what the employer is really looking for? If you could find out what the interviewer on the other side of the desk is thinking, don't you think you would have a greater advantage in getting that job? I would like to give you a few secrets that come from my personal experience of sitting on the other side of the desk for your edification.

I speak from the position of having been an employer of 25-35 people for over 30 years. I had a small construction company in Oregon, and had to do all of the hiring and firing for many years. It was not easy to find the right people I needed for my business, but through the interview process I could learn a lot about a potential candidate that could make the difference in their life and the life of my company. I cannot cover all of the elements of being prepared for an interview in this short dissertation, but I will try to hit on some very important points. I believe that your appearance can be one of the most important factors.

Appearance

Be sure that you have dressed in your finest clothing in relation to the position you are applying for. If management, then a suit is preferable, but if you are applying for a laborer position you may wear the best of the clothing you would show up for work in. I remember a skilled carpenter showing up for a carpentry position in clothing stained with fillers, finish and paint. The blue jeans had holes in them and the T-shirt he was wearing did not quite cover his body. (Like a plumber working under your sink). When he came in he put his filthy coffee container on my desk and sat down like he automatically had the job. Needless to say, I would not hire someone for my company who could not dress appropriately for a job interview. How was he going to dress while working in my customer's homes?

Hygiene is very important at this time also. Be sure your hair is combed, you have had a fresh shower, shaved or trimmed your beard, and you smell good, although too much perfume or cologne is not appropriate. If you're a woman you should be modestly dressed, since the style of your clothing will determine what the interviewer believes is the type of clothing you will wear every day to work. Low cut dresses or high skirts will be too much of a distraction. It would be best that you leave your piercing hardware at home and try to present yourself as clean cut as possible. I know there are all those laws about not discriminating against people for their appearance, (we are not talking about race or nationality here), but everyone discriminates in some way or another. There will be nothing said at the time, or comments made to anyone, but the interviewer is sizing you up to see whether he or she wants a person of your "caliber" working in his business. Are you going to represent the company well with your looks and attitude? If you lost out on a job after your interview, was it your appearance?

The other factors not considered here are attitude, composure, personality, life vision and perceived future loyalty to the company. I will write about those in future articles. Since I closed the business due to the economy a couple of years ago, I have had to sit on the job seekers side of the desk. I got the job, but I had to use the points that I have talked about above to help me out.

Gregory Fish has over 30 years experience in the corporate world. Having been the president and CEO of a residential and commercial contracting company, Mr. Fish knows the determination and stamina it takes to succeed in the business world. Mr. Fish is now using his learned skills at conducting interviews to help the current group of job seekers better themselves for the job market. For more information go to the Why Can't I Find a Job? Website. While there read more about Job Interviews, Jobs at Home and Jobs Abroad.

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Job Search Lessons From Super Bowl 46

Another fabulous game to watch and although I am a Giants fan, there are things I noticed about each team and how they played and prepared that I believe are extremely valuable when applied to job hunting.

1. The value of a system

Each team operates within a system with nothing left to chance. The Giants loss key players during the offseason and were able to draft, sign prepare replacements that proved valuable. Travis Beckham. Bear Pascoe. Linval Joseph. Aaron Ross. David Baas. These were all Giants who stepped up to replace departed or injured players and made a difference. New England's offense runs through Tom Brady and his ability to make smart decisions given the situation. Danny Woodhead was someone who did a few things well and was only used in situations where he could take advantage of those talents.

Do you have a system in place to help you reach out and find opportunities or are you just "winging it."

2. Preparation

You don't think these teams just "show up" and play, do you?

They go through a lifetime of preparation for the 60 minutes of game time. They practice plays. New England even practiced what it would be like to come back on the field after a thirty minute half time and not the customary 12.

These teams were well-couched and well-prepared for their moment in the spotlight.

Do you just show up at interviews and expect to do well or do you practice?. Do you look for coaching about resume writing or hire an expert to write one for you or do you expect to learn from your mistakes and miss opportunities though lack of preparedness? Have you read a book to help you do a better job job hunting or are you going through the motions and think you'll get a job anyway?

3. The Importance of Patience

Both teams defense bends but does not break to big plays. They do a solid job, not a spectacular job. Both teams' offense took what was given to them and delivered an excellent performance just taking what was given to them.

Are you trying to "force things" by demanding a company respond to you quickly "or else?" Do you expect others to jump through hoops to see you instead of being courteous and adapting to circumstances. When the interview process slows down as it often does, do you grow impatient and make a big mistake?

4. Mistakes are costly.

There are many many details that go into a team winning the Super Bowl just like there are many many scenarios that go into job hunting. When William Boothe had a costly penalty in the first half, taking away a Giants' first down, giving them a third and long that they did not convert, that mistake cost them at least three points (they were within field goal range) and possibly a touchdown (Remember, the Giants were losing by two points when they started their final drive).

5. Greatness rises to the top.

Eli Manning. Tom Brady. Two great quarterbacks who played a great game. Other players who were considered great became invisible when the spotlight shined in their direction. When Eli Manning completed that great pass to Mario Manningham with the game on the line, both players showed greatness. Manning's perfectly thrown ball caught by Manningham between two defenders who were both go to smash him, stretching out and still getting both feet down inbounds.

When an employer turns the heat up on you, do you complain about their bad behavior that cost you the job or do you stand up and do a great job on the interviewing, showing fight and resolution?

6. You Make Your Own Luck.

On two occasions, the Giants fumbled the ball and other Giant players came out of nowhere to recover the fumble and avert disaster. One fumble occured deep in Giants territory and would have resulted in a New England touchdown. Some people call it luck. Others call it hustle.

What are you doing to make yourself lucky? How hard are you really trying?

7. Learn to Adjust on the Fly.

Sometimes a surprise occurs. Successful professional teams are coached to be able to make adjustments by themselves during the game.

Is every tool a hammer in your toolbelt. Do you send out the same resume to every job you see or do you make adjustments?

I am reminded that winners find the way to win and losers have excuses and explanations from why they lost.

Your job is to find the way to win and win.

There are many more things that we can point to but, like a said, there are so many details that go into winning or not. I hope you find these few examples worth applying.

Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in technology, accounting, finance, sales, marketing and other disciplines since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.

To receive Jeff's free job search ezine, No B.S. Job Search Advice, or to read many of his previous articles, go to http://www.jeffaltman.com/ and sign up for a complimentary subscription

If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at TheBigGameHunter@cisny.com (If you're looking for a new position, include your resume).

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Job Search Guide and How To Find That Job

Searching for a job can be a distressing time for everybody with the world economics how they are. There's all those job adverts to look into and all that internet job site surfing. Then when you get a job invite its applications and letter writing. Whats the best way of finding a job internet or paper or just good old smart talk that is the question. How do you find a job?

Take the initiative- Don't wait for jobs to be advertised. Most jobs are not advertised so you need to find ways of by-passing the competition. Create a list of companies that might have relevant positions and send your CV and a covering letter directly to the relevant HR department outlining your skills and experience. This is only the first step, so don't be disheartened if there's no response or you get a message saying your details will be kept on file. Research the company to see if they are recruiting. If so get back in touch and show that you are genuinely interested in the organisation.

Prove your worth with a vocational qualification- Sometimes all the experience and contacts in the world aren't quite enough to tip the balance in your favour. If your CV is a bit thin on the ground when it comes to qualifications then consider doing a vocational qualification. Vocational study is ideal because it focuses on practical skills that are of genuine interest to employers. Doing any kind of study as an adult shows commitment to your personal development.

Top-up on your job search- There is no such thing as too much job search. Make a list of all the relevant job search sites on the internet that meet your needs. Look through papers and look on company's own websites for jobs.

When you get that job invite how do you go about sending off your application and that dreaded CV.

How to write a CV- A CV (CURRICULUM VITAE) is an outline of a person's educational and professional history. A CV is in most cases is a must when it comes to making job applications. There is no one way of writing a CV as long as its written within a set framework and is normally written on paper or on online. As a rule most employers will request a CV unless specified or filling in their own applications. A CV should include your personal details such as name, date of birth and address, a personal profile of yourself, your education & qualifications, work experience, interests and achievements, skills and referees. You also need to include a covering letter to accompany your CV. There is no correct way of writing a CV but as a general rule it should be targeted on the job you are applying for, be informative but concise and be accurate in content, spelling and grammar. Your CV should be carefully laid out, not too cramped or with large empty spaces. Titles should be clearly laid out and never use both sides of a paper. A CV should include only correct information but it is possible to exclude eg. any failed exams, most importantly a CV should only include positive things about you or of what you have done.

Cv references are what tells an employer about you as a person from someone else.

CV References- CV references are from people who can give information relevant to your job application and show your skills, character and experience. You need a good references who can speak on the same professional level as your new employer. In principle, the preferred choices of referees are managers or supervisors who can speak to other managers and supervisors on the same level. This does mean "speaking the same language", in terms of employment prospects, looking at your application from the same perspective. Although many supervisors and managers will be happy to provide references, you need to consider which of them will make the best impression to a potential new employer. Your employment history tells a story. One of the most common problems is not having a reference from your current or last employer. You may have a good reason for this but whatever the reason prepare a response to the inevitable question of why you have not got a reverence from previous or current employer. You may want to point out that a previous employer could provide you with a better reference.

For more help in finding a job visit my website at http://www.find-a-jobs.com/

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Job Placement in Sweden

As everybody knows, Sweden is one of the most developed and successful countries in Europe. A lot of people, regardless the nationality, want to find a job there. It may be possible with the knowledge of all principles of employment in Sweden.

How to find work in Sweden

Everybody, who wants to find work in Sweden, must have a work permit. In order not to encounter problems in job placement, permit issued prior to departure. In the case of obtaining the work permit in Sweden, all information recorded to the passport. If you are going to Sweden less than three months it's necessary to get a visa. All those, who are going to stay in Sweden more than three months, must have a residence permit.

The easiest way to find a job is in the south Sweden and Stockholm. You have more chances to find a job in the big city than in the small.

Work permit in Sweden

Usually, a work permit in Sweden is valid for not more than eighteen months. However, there are exceptions in the form of exchange if this work is carried out on the international level. In such cases terms could reach even four years.

Work permit in Sweden is valid only for that specialty, which was originally proposed by the employer.

Work permit is not required to scientists or teachers, who were invited for working in the higher educational institutions to lecture or teach for up to three months for one year. In such case it's just enough to get visa. Students and scientists fill the questionnaire on a special form.

Permit for a seasonal work

For those, who wants to go to Sweden for a short period of time for harvesting fruits, vegetables or berries in the Swedish farm, requires a work permit. Permit for seasonal work is issued to people over 18 years.

Documents for work in Sweden

By the time you arrive in Sweden the housing for you should be prepared. You must have a written invitation to work with you. Swedish employer could get it in the employment office. The invitation must be attached to the application.

All documents shall be in duplicate. You must necessary have three colored photos, domestic and foreign passports and copies of all completed pages of passport.

Preparation of all documents for work in Sweden takes up to 2 months.

You employer, among other things, must ensure that the level of your salary will comply the Swedish labor law. According to the current contracts, your month salary shouldn't be less than 13000 SEK.

First of all, you must be sure in yourself and use all chances to find work in such great, stable and perspective country. Everything depends only on your willingness and commitment!

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Job Hunter Likeability

My mission involves restoring people's dignity and optimism during these troubling times. I do this through the delivery of online training that teaches them how to find jobs faster. Unlike traditional job search training, I don't teach people the mechanics of how to look for jobs (credentials, cover letter, resume, networking, or interview skills). Experienced job hunters already know those things. However, employers are not recruiting for skills required to look for jobs, but for skills required to perform jobs.

I teach people how to create their success mindset to persevere until they can find jobs, which enables them to perform well to get the job offer, despite the emotional turmoil associated with being unemployed. Good mental skills are required for success when looking for jobs, and they are essential for success after you start a job.

Job hunters who learn how to create a success mindset understand the relationship between their thoughts, emotions, performance, and impressions. They are predisposed to think about their difficult circumstances in a non-negative manner. They do this intentionally to fuel their best performance and desired results, which in turn causes the best impressions and increased likeability.

By self-regulating how you think to perform well despite your circumstances, your right mindset helps you demonstrate emotional stability or increased hope, optimism, and resilience to persevere despite the difficult economy. According to researchers from the Brookings Institute, and the National Bureau of Economic Research, employers are attracted to job hunters with an optimistic mindset because they believe this makes them smarter, more personable, and more productive in difficult work conditions. Interviewers refer to job hunters who function with the right mindset as self-starters, super-stars, peak performers, or as having entrepreneurial spirit and fire in their belly.

What do these super star job hunters look like? The right mindset causes job hunters to stand out from the crowd, particularly when the majority of their competition includes people who unknowingly function with the wrong mindset. They smile, stand taller, and hold their heads higher. They are appropriately humble but have a confident swagger about them, and they seem genuinely optimistic despite their circumstances. No matter what happens, they stay calmly enthused about what they want and how they go about getting it, as if they already have their job.

What do job hunters with the wrong mindset look like, and why are employers reluctant to hire these people? Listed below are three examples of the most common wrong mindsets. Employers strive to avoid these people even if they simply suspect they may have one of these wrong mindsets:

Defeated Mindset- When setbacks begin to occur (competition, rejections, delays, uncertainties, etc.), you allow yourself to start thinking negatively and innocently create the worst emotions. You unintentionally cause yourself to feel beat down, afraid, uncertain and unmotivated to perform well. Interviewers may also refer to this as a loser mindset.
Victim Mindset- Rather than accept responsibility for how your thoughts caused your down feelings or your inability to perform well, you blame others, which is easier. Everyone else is the cause of your problems: incompetent coaches, uncaring recruiters, slow and indecisive employers, the failed economy, bad references, poor interviewers, your parents, lack of jobs, education or experiences, shrinking bank account, etc. You look for excuses to explain the problems you innocently helped to create by how you think. Interviewers may also refer to this as a blaming mindset, or that you lack personal accountability for your attitude and actions.
Scarcity Mindset- Rather than intentionally create favorable thoughts by imagining already having a job, you unintentionally allow yourself to dwell on problems associated with needing and lacking a job. Without realizing it, your unfavorable thoughts cause you to feel needy and desperate, which is how employers perceive you. The wrong impressions created by desperate thinking (pleading, grasping and clinging) repel

Jeff Garton is an ASTD best-selling career author, coach and columnist for Military.com whose background is specialized in leading the global staffing for Kraft Foods and Miller Brewing. He developed the concept and published the first book and training resources that teach people how to create their success mindset to find jobs faster and keep them longer. Get the training - Break the cycle. For more information visit: http://www.successmindsettraining.com/, (847) 607-8854.

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I Just Graduated, Now What?

The graduation parties are over, you've moved out of your dorm, and reality is beginning to set in. The Real World. Not the MTV reality TV show, but the actual real world. It's natural to feel a little anxiety (or a lot!), but as with anything worth doing, a solid plan is required. Though the high unemployment rate makes headlines, there are jobs to be had. There are opportunities out there and they'll go to those who position themselves properly in this ultra-competitive job market.

Here are some things to consider as you begin your job search:

Take stock of what you have to offer - Employers looking to hire recent grads are not expecting you to have pages of experience. What they want to see is a well-rounded person with a variety of transferable skills they've acquired thus far. What is a transferable skill? A transferable skill is an ability learned through life or work experience. For example - Managing time effectively, motivating others, being proficient in specific software applications. Make a list of everything that you have to offer a perspective employer. You'll use the list when writing your resume.

Manage your expectations - High paying entry-level jobs with great perks and exciting responsibilities are rare. More likely, you'll be joining a company at the bottom, in a service, operations or sales role. These jobs are filled with great learning opportunities and are valuable far beyond your starting salary. Be open to these roles, it's the "foot in the door" that everyone tells you is so valuable.

Write a great resume - I've seen hundreds and hundreds of resumes from recent grads in my career as a hiring manager. It's remarkable how many are poorly conceived and horribly written. This is your first chance to showcase yourself to an employer. Anything less than stellar will likely go unnoticed or be immediately eliminated. Make use of all the great resources online and at your school's career center, to ensure that your resume is well-written, properly formatted and current in terms of style and content. Today's resumes tell employers how you can specifically add value to their team.

Think quality over quantity - Don't send your resume to every company in the world. Your resume and cover letter should be tailored to each job specifically, to show the employer that you're interested in their company. A generic resume and cover letter will rarely if ever be noticed and considered.

Network, network, network - The classic job search cliché, but it works. Everyone you know should know you're looking for a job. Everyone in your network is a potential resource. Don't be shy, but always be professional and respect the time of those from whom you seek assistance.

Clean up your online identity - This is important. Most recruiters and employers will look for you online. Be sure to remove all the party pictures from Facebook, and adjust your privacy setting accordingly to prevent a "friend" from posting something that may not present you in the most positive light. A LinkedIn profile is a must. Google yourself, and see what you find. Ask yourself if you'd be comfortable if an employer found the same thing.

Finding a job is a job, approach it as such. Have a plan for each day. Set goals and exceed them. Be successful!

Jeffrey Metzger is Owner and Chief Resume Architect at Your Resume Consultant. Find out how Jeff can create a resume for you that will attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Visit us at http://www.yourresumeconsultant.com/.

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