The Networking Wars: Does Online or In Person Work Best?

With record high unemployment rates and the rapid adoption of social networking across generations, this past year there has been a big focus on using social networking for the job hunt. At the same time, people are going back to the basics of the job search as they attempt to uncover every avenue available to land the job.

Networking in general is one of the most important tools in the job seeker’s arsenal. And having a good mix of social networking and in-person networking is your best bet for a broad-reaching job search. But in today’s job market, we want to know what you think. Which works best?

23% Have Received Inappropriate Texts from Co-Workers, Poll Finds

As mobile technologies continue to become more widespread, they are making an impact on the workplace. But have you ever considered how cell phone text messaging affects the workplace?

According to our latest poll, which received 512 responses, 23% of respondents say they have received an inappropriate text message from a co-worker.

Experts say many people have a false sense of security when sending texts.
But sending an inappropriate or offensive text message to co-workers is a form of sexual harassment. In fact, laws and statues have been amended to include e-mail and text messaging regarding sexual harassment.

It’s never ok to send lewd or sexually suggestive texts or e-mails to co-workers. But, also be aware that easily misconstrued messages, or even those with smiling or winking emoticons may make a message seem inappropriate to someone else. So, think twice before you hit “send,” to a co-worker.

Will 2010 Be the Return of the Job Hop?

Throughout much of 2009, the career world was marked by unrelentingly high unemployment rates, continued layoffs, and negative job reports. Employees everywhere were focused on keeping the job they had – no matter how good or bad, and making the best of whatever situation they found themselves in. At the end of December 2008, job value was so high that 71% of nearly 1,500 readers said they’d take a paycut to save their job.

This year, as the economy shows continued signs of recovery and the job market begins to turn around, low employee engagement is more than just an anecdote to stir up the boardroom. It’s a reality that employers should already be taking into consideration, because it means that as soon as jobs start to open up, turnover costs may begin to soar. 

In fact, our latest monthly poll showed that people are already thinking about greener pastures. We asked our readers if they’d consider job hopping for the right opportunity in 2010. A total of 817 people responded, with an overwhelming 82% saying yes, they’d job hop this year.

It’s true that you don’t have to job hop to improve your career, especially in normal circumstances. And, some people felt they were now actually better off career-wise than they were before the recession.

But, it’s also apparent that employment uncertainty from the past year or two has created the perfect storm for job hopping when the job market opens back up. Employers will increase recruiting seasoned professionals to build back diminished workforce numbers and add expertise, and employed professionals may move from a passive job search into an aggressive pattern, seeking to increase salary, gain responsibility, or simply have a change of pace. And all of this will only work to increase the competition in an already competitive job market.

So, keep your eye out on this trend in 2010, and share your thoughts about job hopping, the 2010 job market, and employee engagement with us in the comments section.

Would You Job Hop in 2010?

While the economy begins to improve, the labor market is still lagging behind. But, experts say that next year, as business picks up, employers will begin searching for top talent to boost their staff. Many say the talent crunch could quickly increase demand for highly-skilled workers. So, does this mean that job hopping will rise next year?

We want to know what you think, whatever your current employment situation. If you already have a job, would you leave the one you have for a better opportunity or higher salary? Or, do you want to build experience and job security by remaining in a job long term? If you’re unemployed and find a position, would you leave it for a better one when the job market picks up?

Polls Show Increased Demand for Second Jobs

The results of our third semi-annual poll are in, and our readers continue to report a high demand for second jobs. Over 3,800 people responded to our November web-based, one-question poll, which asked, “Are you looking for a second job?”

A total of 67% of respondents answered yes, while 27% responded they are unemployed. A total of about 6% of respondents stated they were not looking for a second job. Here is the full breakdown of the responses, which totaled 3,824:

  • Yes – I am looking for a second job to generate more income. (2,062 Responses, 54%)
  • Yes – I am looking for a second job to get my foot in the door at a new company. (497 Responses, 13%)
  • I am unemployed and currently looking for a position. (1017 Responses, 27%)
  • No – I don't have time to work a second job. (154 Responses, 4%)
  • No – I don't need a second job because my finances are OK. (94 Responses, 2%)

As the job market continues to struggle, these semi-annual polls show that the number of people searching for a second job continues to increase.

Last November, we ran the same poll, and about 60% of readers said they were looking for a second job, while 27% of 1.428 respondents said they were unemployed and looking for work.

In June, we asked the same question, and about 66% of 1,595 respondents said they were looking for a second job, while 24% said they were unemployed and looking for a job.

Next at 10: How to Make Your Resume Newsworthy

Creating a stand-out résumé isn’t a skill that comes naturally to most people. But, communication is one of the top skills employers are looking for, according to our poll. The first demonstration of just how well you communicate will most likely be the résumé an employer sees as they’re looking for candidates.

So, how can you make sure your résumé is newsworthy enough for you to be the topic of conversation around the water cooler tomorrow? Use these tricks from people who get you talking – reporters, who make the news you watch, read, and talk about every day. Here’s how you can think like a reporter when you write your résumé.

5 Ways to Think like a Resume Reporter

Make it Timely – One of the most important parts of reporting is to have news that’s – well, news. Which means it’s not outdated or something you hear every day. For your résumé, this means highlighting the parts of your professional experience that set you apart from the norm. It may also include adding updated language, terms, and software to demonstrate that you’re in-the-know on what’s going on in your field.

Know your Angle – In the news business, the angle of the story is an important element. Many different news outlets may report on the same event, story, or person, so reporters make sure they have an exclusive angle to ensure their story will be unique, interesting, and valuable to the public. Think about your résumé this same way. Chances are it will be in a stack with lots of other résumés with similar background, education, and experience levels – because everyone in consideration qualifies for the job. So, make your résumé stand out by writing it with a great angle. Are you a qualified accountant who just so happens to also be a really great customer service representative? Are you a salesperson with great local connections? Whatever your angle, highlight it in a way that adds to your appeal to that employer, industry, or niche.

Feature Experts and Eyewitnesses – Your local news station doesn’t just show you footage with reporters talking about what’s going on. To make things more interesting and add credibility to their story, they also interview witnesses and experts to talk about what happened. People often list several references on their résumé or include a seperate document listing references. In the world of digital résumés, professional networking site LinkedIn offers the ability for people who have worked with you to leave recommendations about you. These recommendations add credibility to your work history – because they’re essentially eyewitness reports about you as an employee. So, consider asking a trusted source to write a recommendation for your profile or to share a testimonial you could include on the references list you send to potential employers.

Focus on Action – In every great news story, people want to know more than just who was involved, the timeline that transpired, and where it occurred. The main thing people want to know is simple: What happened? So, make sure your résumé doesn’t just read like a list of who, when, and where. Under every job title, describe what you did using action verbs.

Highlight Results – Every good news story has a great ending. So, make sure each section of your résumé includes the results you accomplished in that job. For example, if you increased sales, tell by what percent. If you developed a new plan or process, how did it help the company. Make your résumé newsworthy by including not just a list of your job duties, but also how your work made a difference – in the life of your boss, your co-workers, your customers, or your clients. This will demonstrate that you’re more than the average hire – you’re someone who makes a positive difference and achieves important results.

In today’s competitive job market, having a standout résumé is more important than ever. With high unemployment rates, more applicants are applying for every open job. So, use these tricks from the reporter’s toolbox to make sure your résumé is one that will make headlines.

Have you used any of these ideas for your résumé? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments.

Readers Split on Pay Increases as the Economy Improves

As the economy continues to improve, experts are saying that the recession is coming to a close. This great news comes at a wonderful time – as companies and individuals are setting goals and making plans for 2010. So, we wanted to know how people were feeling about their pocket book outlook. In our latest reader poll, we asked “Do you think you’ll be making more money a year from now.”

Our readers were split nearly down the middle, but the positive outlook won out in the end!

To be exact, just over 291 people – 50% of our 578 respondents – replied yes. The rest, 287, were a no. The poll ran from October 5-October 30.

As the signs of a positive recovery continue to increase, what else are you thinking about for this upcoming year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!