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Movin’ On Up Readership Survey

By Miranda Wilson on Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Express Employment Professionals offers our Movin' On Up blog and Job Genius newsletter to job seekers to offer career advice and discuss how we can make our work lives more rewarding financially, mentally and emotionally. As we continue to offer career advice, we would like your input on things we are doing right and things we can improve.

Your feedback is extremely important in helping us better meet your needs. Your participation in our readership survey will ensure we are covering the issues that are important to you as a job seeker. Your confidential responses will help us select new features and help us determine areas we might improve.

We appreciate your honest feedback.This survey contains 12 questions and should take about five minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation.

Take the survey now!

At Work Job Interviews The Daily Grind The Job Search

4 Ways to Fight the Blues During Your Job Hunt

By Job Journey on Monday, February 21, 2011

Finding a job can be difficult, especially in today’s work environment with so many job seekers fighting for the limited number of openings. With job hunts lasting anywhere from six to 12 months or longer, it’s easy to get discouraged. But, it’s important to keep a positive attitude and not give up. In fact, since searching for a job is a full-time job in and of itself, here are four tips to help you stay motivated and fight the job hunting blues!

Get Organized
Amid sending out your résumés and cover letters, it’s important to keep track of your efforts so everything doesn’t start running together. Staying organized will help you stay effective and efficient on the job search. So, create a tracking system that includes the names of the companies you’ve contacted, who you talked to, when you talked with them, if you spoke over the phone, in-person, or through email, and what they said. Also, keep track of the results, such as if they said to call back in two months or if they requested a copy of your résumé. This not only helps you with your unemployment requirements, it will also ensure you don’t contact the same employer too often and provide a visual record of how hard you’re working.

Change Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get in a rut when you’re sitting at home scanning the classified ads or online job boards. When you get discouraged and tired, break out of the norm and change up your job search environment by going to a local bookstore or coffee shop to do your job hunting. Libraries are also good places to go, especially if you need a computer for searching job sites or emailing applications. As a bonus, these local meeting places often times have bulletin boards where employers post job openings.

Take a Break
Just like everyone needs to take a vacation now and then, you also need a break from your job search every once in awhile. Give yourself permission to rest. Maybe go outside and work in the yard or go to the park with your family or see a movie. You could also volunteer at a local charity, which is also a great way to build skills and experience. You’ll come back to the job hunt feeling refreshed, less stressed, and with a new outlook.

Ask for Help
Teamwork is an effective tool when you’re on the job hunt. The more people who know you’re looking for work, the more your chances increase of finding job openings. It’s also another way to build your personal referrals. Make sure everyone you have a conversation with knows you’re looking for a job – tell everyone. Also, staffing companies are another great way to multiply your efforts because recruiters help you locate a job that matches your skills and interest. You should never be charged, and you’ll gain access to companies and job openings that you might not have ever known about.

Today’s job hunt is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s imperative that job seekers stay motivated and not give up. It’s easy to get discouraged, but if you get organized, change up your environment, give yourself a few breaks, and build a team around you, you’ll be well on the way to finding your next great job! So, try these four tips to keep your job search fresh and moving forward.

New Job Tips The Daily Grind The Job Search

3 Reasons Why You May Not Be Getting Hired

By Miranda Wilson on Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Recruiters and employers have seen their fair share of résumés in the last few years due to a highly competitive job market. So, do you feel like you’re working 8 to 5 trying to land an interview?

Employers are taking numerous factors into consideration when considering job applicants. Let’s take time to focus on three small ways you can improve your chances of getting a job.

Update your contact information. Do you have your most recent contact information listed on your résumé? Yes, it’s a small detail, but without the correct information, it can wreak havoc on your job search. It’s frustrating for a potential employer to try to reach you when the number you gave them doesn’t work. They won’t be able to contact you. So, be sure to include a working phone number on your résumé or job application because a call about a job offer is one that you definitely don’t want to miss.

Give an appropriate email address. You might not think that a potential employer will pass you over for a job because of your email address, but they might. A manager wants to know that you’re professional, and an e-mail address like partyharty@emailaddress.com may not present you in the best light. Ere on the side of caution and choose a safe email address that includes your name – for example, first name.last name@emailaddress.com.

Share your relevant skills. In order to decide if you would be a good fit for a job, a hiring manager needs to know about your work experience. What are your skills and areas of expertise? Employers don’t want to just receive an email from you with your name and a brief paragraph outlining how you’re interested in the job. They want to know what you can bring to their business, so be sure to include your skills that are relevant to the job opening.

It’s important to keep in mind that employers are looking through job applications with a fine tooth comb. Be sure that your information passes the test and gets you through the company’s doors and into the interview seat. Knowing that even the smallest of details are being considered will help you be better prepared with your career search.

At Work Career Advancement The Daily Grind The Job Search

A Breakthrough Role Starring You and Your New Job

By Job Journey on Wednesday, February 2, 2011

At one time or another, you’ve probably dreamed of being a movie star. You could see yourself in the spotlight and walking the red carpet. However, if you are like me, you had to find your calling elsewhere due to a lack of theatrical talent.

Instead, I’ve focused my energy and talents on jobs and leadership roles that would allow me to help influence and shape other people’s lives. And, here I am writing to you with career advice and tips.

So, how did I find my calling and career path in life? Here are three tips that helped me visualize my breakthrough role.

Script Writing
Write down your goals and script out your career path. Try to visualize what your career path will look like in three to five years. Where do you want to be? Does it involve learning new skills or going back to school? Identify what steps you need to take to reach your goals, and then create your game plan for achieving those goals.

Also, as you map out your career, continue to build your network and seek out those leaders who inspire and motivate you. Study their behavior, ask about their management style, and inquire about their favorite resources to learn more about leadership. Remember, knowledge is power.

Don’t Settle for a Stand-in Role
In the movies, a stand-in is a substitute for the star during the tedious process of scene preparation, set up, and lighting. So, how can you get past that stand-in role and be recognized as the potential leader you know you can be? It’s important not to give up on your career advancement. Stay motivated. Take on additional tasks or brainstorm a new project and present it to your boss. Showing that you have determination and drive will be viewed as an asset to the company and will help you advance in your career journey.

It’s Show Time
You know your lines and now it’s your time to shine. With a little preparation, you can demonstrate leadership and show you are ready for that breakthrough role. And, as with every great actor, their skills continue to grow with every new role. Continue to build on your leadership and supervisory skills so you can perform bigger and better roles in the future.

As Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” So, visualize yourself in the starring role of your new job, be confident and go for it.

Networking The Job Search

Shorten Your Job Search by Becoming a Networking Pro

By Job Journey on Friday, January 21, 2011

When your job search stalls, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Many people assume all it takes to land a new job is sending out a handful of résumés and waiting for the phone to ring.

However, the reality is the average job search can take months – even a year or more. But with a little networking savvy, you can greatly improve your chances of landing your perfect job in record time.

Bring back the personal communication. Don’t underestimate the human element in landing a new job. Job boards and internet postings are great resources, but when your job search slows, it’s time to step out from behind the computer screen. In fact, many job postings are never even advertised. That means the only way you’ll learn about these hidden gems is by networking with others.

Let others help. Surveys reveal that approximately 80% of jobs are found as a result of a personal referral. So don’t let your contacts go to waste. Make sure that everybody – from your Great Aunt Ethel to your mail carrier to the man sitting next to you on the airplane – knows you’re looking for a job and you’re open to recommendations. You might be surprised to discover how eager friends, family, and even casual acquaintances are to help you in your hunt for a job.

Make the most of referrals. After you put the word out that you’re in the market for a new job, keep the ball rolling by following up on all leads. For example, if the man on the airplane gives you his business card, send him an email or traditional letter within a day or two of your meeting. Thank him for taking the time to discuss your job search, and briefly reiterate what sort of job you’re seeking. Don’t forget to include an updated copy of your résumé in case your contact knows of an immediate opening.

Broaden your circle. If you’ve run out of leads using your current contacts, it’s time to expand your network. Joining professional groups, taking continuing education classes, or attending chamber of commerce meetings are great ways to widen your professional sphere. You’ll develop deeper relationships within these new networks by selecting the most promising groups and becoming an active member. Again, don’t keep your search a secret. Your new acquaintances can only help you if they know what you need.

Make the most of social networking sites. If you’re not currently using websites like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter consider creating profiles on these sites today. Used wisely, these sites can be powerful tools for connecting with a large network of potential employers and colleagues.

Set goals to keep you on track. Determine how much time you can invest in networking and set daily and weekly goals for meeting and following up with new contacts. Even making just a few extra phone calls or in-person visits each week can greatly speed up your job search.

Networking is a learned skill, and just like anything else worth developing, it requires practice to become a professional at it. From neighbors to former bosses, anyone can provide the referral you need to land your next big job. To make the most of your contacts, it’s essential to communicate your needs and ask for help.

If you’re ready to put your job search in the fast lane, take a step out of your comfort zone and away from the computer screen. You’ll soon discover the truth behind the saying, “It’s all about who you know.”

Career Advancement Job Interviews Resumes and Cover Letters The Daily Grind The Job Search

What’s Missing From Your Résumé?

By Miranda Wilson on Monday, January 10, 2011

Do you ever wonder what goes through someone’s mind when they read your résumé? Are elements missing? Could your work history information be explained better? Employers are good at evaluating résumés because they’ve seen so many and have done it for a long time. To help you design a résumé that gets a second look, here are five standout tips.

1. Include a brief summary. Who are you and why should an employer be interested? Highlight your skills and abilities at the beginning of your résumé. The key is to tell the employer why the company should hire you – or what you can bring to the team. Share information like years of experience you have and highlight two or three of your skills. Be specific and keep your résumé summary to about two sentences. Use this as a quick way to grab an employer’s attention and encourage further reading.

2. Don’t be overly wordy. Using more words on your résumé will not necessarily make you look more impressive to a potential employer. They don’t have a lot of time to devote to reading a lengthy document – instead they’re scanning for what stands out. Since you won’t have a lot of time to impress them, be sure to catch their attention quickly. Be clear, concise, and get to the point.

3. Be honest. In other words, don’t say you have five years of experience in something if you don’t. It’s always in your best interest to be truthful because an employer will find out. Employers are being more and more cautious about hiring. They’re not only checking your references, but they’re also searching for information online. Make sure you’re honest and upfront.

4. Identify your results. Employers are more interested in your impact than your job duties, so include quantifiable information on your résumé to identify your accomplishments. Don’t just tell an employer what your responsibilities have been, but also identify how you’ve made a difference. For instance, if you’ve previously helped raise funds for something, tell how much money you received. If you created a system for streamlining your company’s printing process, tell how much time and money you saved the company. Also, if you’ve managed individuals, specify exactly how many.

5. Brag a little. If you’ve won an award or received a certificate for a job well done, make sure you share it on your résumé. Now is your chance to let others know why you’re amazing and the right person for the job. Create a short section at the end of your résumé and title it “Accomplishments.” Then, list out a few of your greatest achievements.

Creating a résumé isn’t a difficult process, but it does take a little strategizing and time. Block off some time on your calendar to focus on yours, and use these tips and others from our Résumé Boot Camp to ensure that yours isn’t missing something it needs.

At Work Career Advancement Job Interviews My Entry-Level Life New Job Tips Resumes and Cover Letters Teamwork The Daily Grind The Job Search