The economic stimulus package that is expected to create nearly 4 million jobs has been approved by President Obama. Although many Americans are optimistic about the next four years, we want to know how you feel about the immediate future of the job market.
What are your thoughts about the millions of jobs the stimulus package is expected to create? Leave your comments in the section below.
When you turn on the news these days, you hear about companies cutting jobs to save money. In fact, the government just reported that the unemployment rate hit 7.6% last month. For once, I would like to hear about companies cutting costs to save jobs.
Not all companies can cut enough costs to save a lot of jobs, but it doesn’t hurt to suggest it. Talk with your boss or schedule a meeting with management to see what you and your fellow co-workers can do to help your company cut back on spending to save jobs. To help you get started, here are four ways to help your company save some extra cash.
Cut back on electricity. Whether you work in an office or in a factory, turning off lights and computers when not in use can save companies money on their electricity bills.
Clean up your own space. Instead of having cleaning crews come in to clean up around the office, offer to do it yourself. If everyone pitches in, you can save the company from having to hire an outside cleaning crew to clean up after you.
Take a cut in benefits. This is a hard one to swallow, but if you aren’t employed, then having benefits is the last thing on your mind. Offer to suspend some of your benefits for a predetermined amount of time until the company starts increasing their profit margin. Prioritize to keep the benefits that really matter – like insurance – and realize the rest may be optional for a time.
Reduce waste. Ordering office supplies can cost companies thousands of dollars every quarter, so to help your employer save money by reducing the amount of supplies you need, or combine departments and order in bulk. If applicable, bring items from home such as pens, paper, or other materials.
Finding ways to save your company money could possibly help save jobs. And even though it doesn’t seem like a lot, it all adds up. So, find out from your supervisor what ways you can contribute to help your company get through this recession without job loss.
Have other ideas that can save companies money? List them in the comment section below.
You’ve been interviewing for months, and you’ve finally received a job offer. Problem is, you found out that your prospective employer wants you to relocate. In this economy, many people are taking jobs when and where they can get them, but before you accept a job offer that will uproot your entire life and family, here are three things you should consider.
Your Spouse. If you’re married, talk it over with your spouse before you say “yes.” Accepting a job offer without consulting your partner could cause problems if relocating for a job wasn’t previously discussed. Taking a job in a new place not only changes your life, but it also affects your significant other. Depending on their career, they might not be able to find a similar job in a new city, or they might just not want to start over again in their career. Make sure you have talked it over with each other first before committing both you and your spouse to a life change.
Your Children. Other people you should think about are your children. Although you might not think that making this kind of decision should concern them, uprooting your children can have a big impact on them. Their age can play a role in how they will adjust. Obviously, if they are small, moving somewhere new might not be a big deal. But, if your children are older and involved in school, the community, or extra-curricular activities, taking them away from that could be very upsetting and difficult. Picking up and leaving for a new job might not be realistic for your family. So, make sure you take their feelings into consideration when determining whether or not it’s a good idea to relocate.
Your Friends. Finally, think about your friends. If you aren’t married or have kids, or even if you do, take into account how much your friends mean to you, and how much you mean to them. Consider what it will be like to leave your friends and start over in a new place without a support system of close peers. For some people, leaving behind close friends and family isn’t a concern, but for others, leaving loved ones behind could be the difference between success and failure.
Relocating for a new job could be just the exciting change you need. A new job in a new city could bring great, new opportunities and a thrilling new beginning, but make sure you consider all that moving entails before making a decision. You don’t want to find out later that accepting a job offer in a new place is costing you more than it’s worth.
Following Up After You Leave
Now that the job fair is over, you have one more important step. You must now follow up with all the contacts you made. Remember the business cards you received from each employer? It’s time to put them to good use. Write a thank-you note or send a thank-you card and express your appreciation to each person you met with. Include your contact information in case they want to meet with you. Most job seekers skip this important step. So, set yourself apart, and put in the extra effort by sending an appreciation card. This will help keep you top of mind when it comes time for the employers to start scheduling interviews.
Attending a job fair is beneficial to your job search in many ways. If you properly prepare yourself and make the most out of it, you may just get the results you’re looking for – a job interview!
If you followed the tips in part 1 of this series, you’ve got your list of prospects, an up-to-date résumé, a tailored cover letter, an elevator speech, and your interview attire. Now you’re ready to tackle the job fair.
What to Do While You’re There
Map it out. To better utilize your time and make sure you meet all the prospective employers on your list and increase your chances of landing an interview, first find out where each employer is located. Map out your day so you’re not running back and forth between booths to meet people. Some job fairs have maps showing the location of each employer’s booth, so make sure you pick up one when you arrive.
Limit your time. Once you figure your agenda, plan to spend only five to 10 minutes with each employer. You want to spend enough time to make an impact and create a good first impression, but you don’t want to spend so much time that you wear out your welcome. Remember, you’re not the only one there looking for a job. If you extend your stay, you could be viewed as annoying or desperate and diminish your chances of receiving an interview. So, get in, make a good impression, get out, and move on to the next employer. Before you leave, remember to thank your new contact for their time and ask for a business card. If you have a business card of your own, ask if you can leave one with your résumé.
If you mapped out your day correctly, you’ll probably have time to meet with employers that didn’t make the first cut on your agenda. If you have time, it’s a good idea to take this opportunity to learn more about other companies. They just might have the job you’ve been looking for.
The tough part is over, but you’re not quite done. After you meet with so many employers, learn how to follow up after attending a job fair in our next post.
With an economy that has seen better days and an unemployment rate that continues to rise, there has been a spotlight on career fairs to help job seekers find work.
Typically, you can get more information by attending a job fair than you can from surfing the Internet or making cold calls on your own. Job fairs offer a chance to meet a variety of potential employers in a single day and an opportunity to talk to them face-to-face.
To make the most of a job fair, you need to prepare before you go, have an objective while you’re there and follow up when you leave. To help you succeed, check out the first part of this three-part series on how to get the most out of a job fair.
What You Need to Do Before You Go
Know the participants. First, find out who all the participating employers are. You can find a list of attendees in your local paper in the classified job section or business section, or call the host of the fair. You can visit a job fair’s website or the host’s website for more details.
Decide who to talk to. Next, compile a list of potential employers you would like to talk to. Then, research the company. Find out all the information you would need as if you were heading off to your first interview. Then you’ll be able to talk to potential employers about your qualifications and what you can offer their company.
Prepare a résumé, cover letter, and short pitch. Finally, update your résumé, print several copies, and take them with you. Write a different cover letter for each employer you want to specifically target and tailor it to that company. Also, have an “elevator” speech prepared for when you meet a potential employer. This is a 30-90 second self introduction that highlights who you are and what you can offer to the company.
Dress the part. Now that you have prepared yourself for the job fair, pick out and press your business attire to ensure that you look your best for your first impression to potential employers.
Learn what to do at a job fair in part 2 of this series.
I recently read a post on Careerealism that talked about a grad who wanted a promotion at his current job but was denied due to his lack of verbal and written communication skills. He was smart, resourceful, and had lots of great ideas, but the way he presented them to others made his co-workers wonder if he was actually a college graduate.
According to recent surveys, hiring managers from across the nation are seeing more casual conversation among 20-somethings, like text messaging and e-mails using shorthand or text lingo. While using these types of communication among certain social networks is OK, it’s not acceptable among more mature workers. Typically, those in a position of authority are older and perceive these types of communication as disrespectful.
Sometimes, I wonder if Generation Y has been stunted by the extreme speed of technology and text messaging capabilities and have lost the invaluable skills and patience needed to communicate clearly with the older generations who still play a vital role in today’s job market. You may not realize it, but OMG, LOL, and other shorthand acronyms for everyday communication among your peers will not pass with everyone in the workplace.
With many different generations in today’s workforce, it’s important to adapt to and learn a variety of communication styles in order to effectively communicate, get the promotion you want, or even land a job. And, when dealing with the older workforce, it’s best to stick with traditional methods of communication.
Instead of relying on e-mail or texting on your phone, try handwriting a thank you note to a potential boss. Write a short, clear message and avoid acronyms or emoticons.
If you’re already in the workplace and use e-mail to communicate with others at work, clearly state your message and try proofreading it before you send it. This will help reduce confusion and miscommunication among you and your co-workers. Also, try these nine simple tips to write an effective e-mail.
So, the next time you think about sending your boss, co-worker, or even a potential employer a text or an e-mail with text lingo or emoticons, think about how you might be perceived and try some traditional approaches instead.
