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Cracking the Code: 5 Must Have Computer Skills

By leidson on Monday, March 10, 2014

No matter how tech savvy you may be, technology is always changing, so it’s important that you stay proficient in your computer skills as you’re looking for a job or trying to further your career. We asked a few current recruiters what their top five must-have computer skills were, and here is what they shared with us.

1. Microsoft Office, Including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
Microsoft Office is not just a computer system you have to use to get through some college classes; it’s used often in almost every corporate setting. From emailing, writing articles, creating PowerPoint presentations, to making a spreadsheet, you’ll most likely use Microsoft Office at some point in your career. If you need to touch up on these computers skills, Microsoft offers free training if you have purchased the software. You can also find courses that teach Microsoft Office skills at many different community colleges and through continuing education programs.

2. Be Comfortable Conducting Business Online
Surfing the World Wide Web is as easy as clicking a button, but most jobs require much more internet knowledge than just the fundamentals. Employers look for people with online skills including: managing passwords, completing transactions, filling out online time cards, ordering supplies, and logging activities. They’re also looking for people they can trust with having a computer and internet access.

3. Basic Typing Skills
Communicating via text or email requires some form of a keyboard, so having basic typing skills is a necessity. Not only are these skills helpful in our everyday lives, they’re an important skill to have when searching for a job. In fact, many employers will administer a typing test before a final interview to see if you can to type efficiently. To improve your typing speed and for typing practice, check out 10fastfingers.com.

4. Working Knowledge of Both PC and Mac
We all need to have some understanding of computers and how they work. Some of the differences between PCs and Mac are their design, software, and technical specifications. Whether you’re searching for a job, working for a corporate company, or are a barista at a coffee shop, it’s good to have a basic familiarity with operating a computer.

5. Knowledge of How to use a Smartphone
Smartphones have advanced to having many of the same capabilities as computers. They can be used for making phone calls, accessing the internet, managing social media, organizing contact information, sending emails, and even finding jobs. A Wall Street Journal article shared, “Employers are starting to experiment with the next frontiers of mobile recruiting: using QR codes and text-messaging, two capabilities that are specifically geared to smartphones.” Getting your foot in the door could be as easy as having knowledge of computers and your smartphone.

Most 21^st century jobs require basic computer knowledge. What skills do you have that helped you get a job? Share with us in the comments section below.

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Spring Clean Your Reference List

By leidson on Friday, March 7, 2014

Have you been using the same references for years? If so, what better time than now to spring clean your reference list? Cleaning up your reference list is just as important as updating your resume. Here are some tips to keep in mind when reviewing your reference list.

Maintain a Good Relationship with Your References
When is the last time you talked to your references? If you’ve listed supervisors you’ve worked for in the past, do you know if they’re still employed at the same company? Touch base with your references and let them know they’re still on your list. If your supervisor is no longer employed with your previous employer, consider deleting him or her off your reference list. Although you should look for senior-level co-workers or leaders, you don’t have to strictly include supervisors in your reference list. Find a co-worker or manager who knows your work ethics and will give you praise.

Always Ask
Don’t forget to ask your references if it’s okay that you continue to use them as a reference. Each time you apply for a job and use references, make sure you give them a heads up and time to prepare. Not only is it polite, it’s practical. Your potential employer could be calling them and they may not pick up if it’s a number they don’t recognize.

Choose Your References Wisely
Your references should be professional colleagues. While family and friends would be great spokespersons to tell of your success and accomplishments, you need to use professionals as references who can speak of your work experience. Having a variety of colleagues that know you from different perspectives will give a diverse and positive statement to your future employer.

Coach Your References
It would be a shame to have worked so hard job searching and getting your resume together only to find out that you didn’t land the job because of a bad reference. Coaching your references will help avoid this. Write an email to your references or give them a phone call reminding them of your job search. Let them know about the job you’re applying for and give them the description so they can be ready to tell about your qualities and skills that fit that specific job. Give them a copy of your current resume so they can speak to your abilities.

What’s been your experience in asking for references? Have you ever had a reference that was the deciding factor in whether you were hired or not? Let us know in the comments section below.

Career Advancement Career Options New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search Uncategorized Work/Life Balance

Lucky Words for Your Resume

By Job Journey on Wednesday, March 5, 2014

On average, a hiring manager will look over a resume for only six seconds, and if they don’t see something that stands out, you may not end up landing an interview. Knowing this fact can add even more stress to the job search process, but don’t let it. Resume writing is easier than you think. Writing a precise resume is key to securing a job, so it’s important to pack the right words in your resume to showcase your skills and abilities. Your resume doesn’t need to tell your life story, but it does need to get the hiring manager’s attention.

Resume Word Choices
It’s important to use words in present tense when writing about your current job and use past tense when referring to a previous job. Employers aren’t only looking for skills, but also certifications, degrees, job titles, and company names. They are also looking for keywords that highlight your experience, personality, and abilities. Some of these keywords include:

Information-related

Administered
Analyzed
Compared
Compiled
Gathered
Organized
Prepared
Recorded
Researched

People-related

Coached
Coordinated
Consulted
Evaluated
Instructed
Managed
Negotiated
Persuaded
Scheduled

Objects/Material -related

Arranged
Assembled
Created
Inspected
Maintained
Operated
Repaired
Sold
Tested

Be careful not to be repetitive in your word usage. You can easily spice up your resume to convey similar actions by using different words. What are some keywords you’ve used in your resume? Share with us in the comments section below!

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4 Questions to Uncover If Your Workspace is Out of Control

By leidson on Monday, March 3, 2014

When was the last time you paused and took a good look at your desk? Sure, you’re busy and work is crazy – we get that. But an out-of-control workspace is only going to make it worse. Your environment impacts your own productivity, efficiency, and attitude, as well those of your co-workers.

So how do you objectively determine if your workspace is just a little untidy or a complete mess? First, you have to stop running from one project to another and spend some time in your workspace. Take a good look around. Then ask yourself these four questions to uncover if it’s out of control.

How does your workspace make you feel?
As you gaze across your desk, how do you feel? If the state of your workspace leaves you feeling assured, confident, and in control, then you’re probably in good shape. But, if the sight of your workspace induces feelings of panic, uncertainty, or insecurity, then it’s probably out of control.

Does your space hinder your productivity?
Now think about how you work in your area. How often do you waste time searching for files, digging for a pen, or sifting through papers? In a Forbes article, Susan Kousek, a Certified Professional Organizer, said, “For many people, it’s difficult to focus when their desk is filled with papers, phone messages, business cards, magazines, and newsletters, especially when the layers are inches high.” A workspace that’s out of control can take a toll on your efficiency and productivity.

Are your visitors and co-workers comfortable?
Unless you work alone at home, your workspace impacts others. You need to consider if visitors and co-workers are at ease when they stop by your desk. Are they able to focus on you and the task at hand? Or are they too busy dodging stacks of folders and being distracted by the clutter? If you’re brave enough, you might even ask the next person who stops by if they think your area is out of control.

Does it come across as unprofessional?
Your workspace says a lot about you and your work ethic. And the number one thing you don’t want is for it to come across as unprofessional. According to the Huffington Post, a messy desk is “often associated with disorganization, thereby giving others around you the impression that you may not have your work (or life) under control.” Don’t let your co-workers, superiors, or customers get the wrong idea about you based on an out-of-control workspace.

Based on those questions, is your workspace out of control? If the answer is yes, don’t panic. Just take it a step at a time, and before long you’ll have a tidy workspace. Organizing your desk and work area might take a little effort and time, but the end result will be a workspace that inspires feelings of confidence, productivity, and professionalism for everyone who enters.

How out-of-control has your workspace gotten? What tips do you have for organizing and maintaining your desk and workspace? Share your experiences below.

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Poll: What do you think the impact on jobs will be if the minimum wage is raised?

By leidson on Friday, February 28, 2014

How would an increase in minimum wage affect jobs and hiring? The debate has been circulating for a while over whether a higher minimum wage will cause more people to accept the current job openings or whether those jobs will be eliminated by companies due to the increase in cost to their business. Let us know what you think by voting in our poll.

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Look! Interview Tips

By leidson on Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Have you ever wondered what goes through the hiring manager’s mind when you’re in an interview? Wouldn’t it be nice to know what they were thinking, what they want to hear from you, or what they want to see on your resume? We asked a few hiring managers to share their insight on interview musts and they shared these top four interview tips.

Have Professionalism
The employer you’re interviewing with has goals to grow and brand a company. It’s important to understand that how you present yourself in your personal life may not match the image of the organization, so remember to put your best foot forward. Dress appropriately for the job for which you are interviewing. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to ask the interviewer about the dress code. Additionally, there is so much more to professionalism than just dressing the part. Integrity and a good work ethic are also very important attributes to possess and can take you a long way in the hiring process. So make sure you can show these attributes to your interviewer and be ready to share good examples of those traits.

Have a Typo-Free Resume
Job seekers often trust their own eyes to proof and edit their resumes. If no one else reviews your resume, there could be typos that you missed. Find a friend who is great at spelling and grammar or someone that you respect professionally to review and critique your resume before your job hunt, and especially before an interview. If the interview process boils down to three people with the same qualifications and your resume is the only one with a typo, you’re making it easy for an interviewer to choose another candidate.

Have Interest in the Job and the Company
Jennifer Anderson, the hiring manager and vice president of Marketing and Communications at Express Employment Professionals, said, “Often I ask a job seeker to describe to me the ideal job and more times than not the answers come back with something completely unrelated to the job they are seeking. For example, someone may interview for a Marketing Coordinator’s position, but when they describe the ideal job, they want to be a stay at home mother and work from a home office.” So it’s important for the interviewee to understand not only the qualifications of the job they are applying for but also what it is they really want to do with their life and career.

Have a Commitment for More than One Year
Longevity is one of the top qualities employers look for in new hires. Most employers will spend the first six to nine months training you to do a job. Not only will they have invested their time and shared their knowledge, the company has been paying you a salary during your training period. Do your best to learn all you can during training and commit to making the most of your job for a couple of years. Anderson encourages people to let the interviewer know that you’re reliable, you’ll give it your best, and you plan on sticking with the company to help it grow.

After job searching for what seemed like forever, editing your resume, and applying at numerous businesses, it’s time to prepare for an interview. What are some interview tips you’d like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Poll Results: Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?

By leidson on Monday, February 24, 2014

In a recent poll we asked why you left your last job or why you’re planning to quit. The results show 34% of respondents want better compensation, while 13% said they didn’t get along with their supervisor. Another 13% had ethical differences with the company, and 10% just didn’t like their job. Only 7% of respondents needed a different schedule, 3% didn’t get along with co-workers, and just 3% said they haven’t ever left their job.

Looking over this summary of our poll results leads to the question, how can employees fix these issues? Is leaving a job the only answer? It’s understandable that not everyone will get along, and at some point people will decide to leave their job because they just don’t fit in. Maybe, they don’t have the right skills, or the schedule has changed and become challenging, but is there more that can be done instead of just moving on?

Talk to Your Supervisor
Even though you may not get along with the people in charge, before you quit, or if you’ve even thought about quitting, talk to your supervisor. Let that person in leadership know what’s going on. If you don’t like the job you’re doing let them know; they may have a new task they need you to work on. If you don’t get along with someone in the team you’re working with, let your supervisor know. There may be a different project you could work on that could totally change your outlook on your job and brighten your mood. There could be a promotion right around the corner, so keep working hard and doing your best.

Things at work may not always be wonderful, but don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty. Have you stayed at a job even though you haven’t always liked it? What did you learn in that process? Let us know in the comments section below.