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9 Tips to Safeguard Your Job

By Jennifer Kenley on Wednesday, February 6, 2008

It’s always a good idea to perform well for your employer and be prepared for possible career bumps in the road, but with economic indicators pointing toward a possible recession, it’s more important now than ever to safeguard your career.

Here are nine tips to help secure your employment, or help prepare you in case you find yourself without a job.

1. Be in the know. Make sure you know what’s going on in your market. Read the newspaper, conduct online research or simply ask your boss what’s happening in the industry. Knowing what’s going on in your field and company will keep you from being blind-sided by potential layoffs.

2. Self-assess. Take a look at yourself and determine if you’ve grown in your current position. Make sure you have skills that set you apart from your co-workers. If you find yourself lacking in these two areas, put career development at the top of your priorities. Volunteer for more projects, or assist your co-workers on some of their tasks so you can grow beyond your current role.

3. Be a leader. Take the lead on projects if you don’t already do so. Be the one who others come to for career advice or the one they ask tough questions. Showing your boss that you can be a leader in your department will demonstrate your strong work ethic and dedication.

4. Vocalize your success. Sell yourself to your boss. Make sure they know what projects you’re working on and the successes you’ve achieved. This will show your boss how valuable you are to the company and that you’re capable of producing results.

5. Know top management. Make sure you’re aware of who the decision makers are and get to know them professionally. Getting in with top management who have the ability to protect your job will prove valuable during troubled times.

6. Be flexible. Don’t be so dead set on keeping your current position that you don’t see other job opportunities in your company. During times of recession, most job cuts happen in areas that cost the company money. Your willingness to transfer to a different department will increase your chances of keeping a job during possible layoffs.

7. Update your résumé. Be proactive. Make sure your résumé is reflective of your current capabilities and accomplishments in case your company starts handing out pink slips. Keeping a current résumé on file will help you get a head start on your job search in case you find yourself looking.

8. Network, network, network. Don’t wait until you’re out of work before you start joining organizations or contacting old friends for help finding a job. Get involved now in professional or social organizations and start making contacts sooner rather than later.

9. Continue your education. Learning new skills is always a good idea. It not only shows employers your willingness to improve and grow in your career, but it’s necessary when marketing yourself to other companies.

Economic downturns can be unsettling, especially when the job market takes a turn for the worse, but by following these tips, you can potentially safeguard your career and be prepared in case you need to search for a job.

The Job Search

3 Tips to Identify Your Strengths and Land the Job You Want

By shannon on Tuesday, January 29, 2008

When you start to look for a job, you will want to know your strengths so you can include them on your résumé and cover letter, and answer questions about your abilities during an interview. Knowing your strong points is important so you can show employers reasons to hire you. Whether you’ve been in the workforce for one year or 20 years, you have strengths as an individual and employee. Here are a few tips to help you identify your strengths and land the job you want.

Examine your experience. Look at the skills you’ve gained from previous jobs and volunteer work. Think about what you were good at and what you enjoyed doing. This list could include organizing, planning, leading others and problem solving, just to name a few. Do you remember receiving a compliment on a certain task or project? This could be an indicator of strength. Make sure to list this strong point on your résumé, and then elaborate on the task or project during an interview.

Evaluate your education. If you studied a certain subject in school or excelled in a specific area, it could be listed as a strength. Maybe you did really well in your math and computer classes. Good math skills can help you follow budgets, and computer skills can help you perform tasks like data entry. Make sure to consider special training you received or skills you acquired on your own, such as learning a foreign language or earning a special certification to show other strengths that could add unique value to an employer.

Ask your friends and co-workers. See what your friends and co-workers have to say about your strengths. They might say you have skills you may not realize, such as being detail-oriented, organized, collaborative, congenial or innovative. All of these characteristics can be sold to employers as strengths because they identify you as a person and define your work ethic. Also, ask them for specific instances when you’ve demonstrated these skills, so you could talk about them during an interview.

Your competencies and abilities make you unique. Save a list of your strengths so you can pick the important ones each time you apply for a job. Make sure to highlight how your unique strengths make you the perfect candidate for each job you apply for by using these tips.

How were you able to define your strengths during your job search? Did people around you help you see new strengths you didn’t realize you had?

The Job Search

5 Ways to Improve your Job Search

By shannon on Friday, January 25, 2008

Are you trying to find a new job but feel like you’re stuck in a rut and no one will hire you? Do you feel like you’ve exhausted all of the possibilities and there’s just nothing left to do? Here are a few tips you can use to improve your job search and give yourself another chance to land the job you want.

1. Get help writing your résumé. A fresh pair of eyes will be able to help you spot errors that you simply don’t notice. If you haven’t revamped your résumé in a while, now is a great time to do so. Have you already asked for someone’s help but didn’t feel like it helped your job search? This time, ask somebody else, like a professional who interviews and hires candidates. Ask a person who is going to give you honest feedback and point out any flaws so you can improve your résumé. Try to have someone review your résumé who works in your field. They should be able to point out strengths and weaknesses of your résumé and help you modify important features, such as the layout of your document. Also, remember to tailor your résumé, especially your relevant skills, for each and every job you apply for.

2. Clean up your cover letter. Your résumé may state that you are creative, well organized and proficient on the computer. But, does your cover letter say otherwise? How you write your cover letter can say more than the words you use. An employer will notice if your cover letter is dull, unorganized, or lacks proper formatting, contradicting the claims you make about your strengths in your résumé. Create your cover letter to positively represent you and your talents. That may include reformatting or rewriting your cover letter altogether.

3. Practice your skills. Offering your time and talents free of charge to a company will show a potential employer what you could provide for their business or organization. This also gives you the ability to test out the organization, and see if you like working there. An internship can provide the perfect opportunity that will reap benefits for both you and the company. If you are unable to complete an internship, think about volunteering. Non-profit organizations are a great place to volunteer your time because they are always looking for people to help out with their projects. Whether you intern for a company or volunteer for a non-profit organization, you will gain experience and be able to improve your weak or out-of-practice skills before your next job.

4. Check your own references. Make sure your references know that you’d like to list their names as you apply for jobs so they aren’t caught off guard when an employer calls to inquire about you. Tell your references what types of jobs you’re looking for and why you want to work in that field. Be specific about why you want to list them as a reference and how they helped you accomplish certain goals. Mention projects or assignments that they helped you improve on and then thank them for their generosity. Discussing your previous successes will help them point out your strong points to employers. If they can’t remember who you are, it’s time to find new references.

5. Apply through a staffing agency. A staffing agency can help you expand your job search. When you interview at one, you’re actually interviewing for several jobs at once. That’s because agencies have opportunities for direct hire, evaluation hire or temporary employment for many different companies. If you receive a temporary position, that’s a great opportunity to network by talking with co-workers and learning about other job leads. On the job, you and the company can also decide if you are the right fit, which can potentially lead to a full-time permanent position. Agencies fill a variety of positions at many organizations, so they just might help you make the connection you need.

To find the job out there with your name on it, you have to earn it. So, try using these tips when you apply for your next job. You never know; one or all of the tips could be the key to landing your next job.

Which of these tips do you have the biggest challenge with?

Career Advancement Job Interviews Salary and Promotions

3 Tips for Negotiating Salary During the Job Interview

By summer on Friday, January 11, 2008

Congratulations, you’ve landed an interview! Maybe you’re even on your second or third meeting with a particular employer. As things move along in the process, you’re getting closer to the time of salary negotiation. To ensure that you’re prepared when the time comes to talk about money, check out the following tips.

Let Them Bring It Up.
You don’t want to be the one to broach the subject of compensation. If the employer is interested in you, you can be sure that the topic will eventually come up, so wait for that time to discuss it. That means you shouldn’t list your salary requirements on your résumé unless you’re required to do so.

Stating how much money you want too soon can box you into a figure that is lower than what you might’ve received otherwise, or it can eliminate you from consideration because the amount is too high.

Also, bringing up salary too early in the process is presumptuous and can make it appear that you’re only interested in money.

Do Your Research.
Before the interview, it’s your job to find out what the going rate is for the position you’re being considered for. This figure will vary depending on your location, skills, experience and education.

To get an idea of what the salary for the job will be, do online research on sites like salary.com, salary.monster.com or payscale.com. If you happen to have friends who work at the company you’re interviewing with or know people who work in the same industry, you can get a good idea about what type of salary you can expect.

Researching compensation before the interview is an essential step to receiving a competitive salary. After all, if you don’t know what’s a fair price, how will you know if the interviewer’s offer is one you want to accept?

Don’t Be Too Quick to Accept the First Offer.
Before you shout “yes” to the first number out of the employer’s mouth, take a moment to think things through. Even if you’re satisfied with the offer, it’s best to not be hasty.
Consider asking for a day or two to review the offer before committing. During this time, evaluate the offer and ensure that it’s in line with the position responsibilities and your background.

If the offer seems too low based on your research, try making a counter offer. But be sure you have solid reasons for asking for increased compensation or other perks. Employers won’t be inclined to dish out more money just because you say you “need” it. That’s why you’ll have to be able to explain why your skills and the position responsibilities deserve a higher salary. Chances are, even if the employer is unable to sweeten the deal, they’ll respect you for thinking things through and knowing what you’re worth.

Before going in for an interview, it’s important to know what a reasonable pay range is for the position you’re applying for and to be able to sell your skills to the employer. By preparing for salary negotiations, you’ll increase your chances of receiving the competitive salary you deserve.

The Job Search

New Year, New Job: 4 Tips to Keep Your Resolution

By shannon on Monday, December 31, 2007

It’s that time of year when everyone begins to think about their New Year’s resolutions. Some may stick to their resolutions, but others may give up after a week. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to find a new job, here are a few steps to help you.

Write it down. You’ve already made the decision to look for a new job, so now you need to commit to it. Write this commitment down on paper and put it some place where you can see it daily. This will keep your goal at the top of your mind. Next, share your goal with someone else. This person can hold you accountable for accomplishing your goal and support you along the way. You are more likely to succeed with a written goal and a supportive person than you are without either.

Set a time frame. Set an estimated time frame for when you would like to have a new job. The key is to be realistic. For example, if you set a goal to find a new job in one week, you might not hit that goal, or you might end up in a job you don’t enjoy. To avoid wishing you had never changed jobs, give yourself time to ensure a good fit.

If you are looking to progress into a different or higher position, you might need to further your education. Completing an educational course will take time, so set your goal for farther down the road so you have plenty of time to successfully complete the courses before you start job searching. Examine your situation to determine when the best time would be to take on a new position.

Update your résumé. You probably haven’t looked at your résumé since you started your last job, so make sure to update it before applying for a new job. Include any skills, activities and education you obtained while at your current job. Also, proof your résumé for spelling and grammar. If your outdated résumé doesn’t list your qualifications for the job, your résumé will probably be tossed aside.

Start the search. After you are committed to finding a new job and have updated your résumé, it’s time to start the job search. Make sure to follow your timeline. If you plan to be in a new job by the end of the summer, don’t wait until August to start applying for jobs. Because the application, interview and hiring process may take several weeks or more to complete, start applying for jobs two to three months before your time frame of landing a new job.

Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your resolution of finding a new job in the New Year.

Why are you looking for a new job this year? What steps are you taking to reach this goal?

Resumes and Cover Letters

“I’ve Got It Covered” – 5 Tips for Writing a Killer Cover Letter

By summer on Friday, December 21, 2007

If you’re in the market for a new job, you not only need a great résumé, but an eye-catching cover letter as well. A cover letter is your chance to explain the dates and facts on your résumé in a more personalized way. Failure to send a cover letter comes off as lazy or disinterested, so don’t skip this important step.

The following five techniques can help you create a letter that grabs employers’ attention and increases your chances of landing the job.

1. Know who you’re talking to. When drafting your cover letter, do a little research, and find out who the appropriate contact person is instead of just writing, “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom it May Concern.”

2. Introduce yourself. The first paragraph of your cover letter should concisely state what position you’re applying for and why you think you qualify. You should also include how you heard about the job.

3. Show interest and enthusiasm. When they’re sorting through piles of résumés one thing that attracts employers’ attention is an applicant’s excitement about the job opening. If you want to stand out from the rest, make sure your enthusiasm comes through in your cover letter. However, be careful to let your words show your excitement. Using smiley faces, excessive exclamation points, bolding or italics can come off as unprofessional.

4. Highlight important areas of your résumé. Your cover letter is your opportunity to expand on the facts in your résumé, not repeat them. To target your cover letter to the needs of each employer, compare the job posting against your résumé. You can then provide further detail on your experiences and skills that are most relevant to the employer’s job opening.

5. End on a high note. To wrap up your cover letter, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and why you believe you are an excellent choice. State that you will be following up within a designated time period to ensure they received your materials and to discuss the possibility of an interview. Then be sure you actually follow up within the time period you listed.

A great cover letter gives you another opportunity to impress employers and grab their attention, so make sure you take the time to write a winning letter.

Job Interviews

3 Interview Mistakes to Avoid

By shannon on Tuesday, December 18, 2007

You have been searching for a new job, so you’ve worked on your résumé, applied to a few places and have been offered an interview. Now it’s time to practice your interview skills. To be successful in the interview process and move you from the runner-up to the person who is offered the job, here are some key mistakes to avoid.

Being unprepared. Not being prepared gives the impression that you are not interested in the position or the company. Research the company and be ready to answer basic questions such as: “What do you know about my company?” or “What interests you about this position?” Write down a few questions for the interviewer, and then ask them at the appropriate time. Practice ahead of time how you will answer questions, such as those about your strengths and weaknesses. Role playing with a friend or family member can provide you with the practice you need for a smooth, and slightly less nerve-wrecking interview.

Inappropriate attire. Dressing appropriately is essential for a positive first impression. If you are not sure what to wear, check with the company to determine their dress code. Then, dress one level above that. For example, if a company’s dress code is casual, wear business casual attire. If you are unable to determine the dress code or are in doubt, wear a suit, because it is always better to overdress than to underdress.

Poor timing. Don’t show up late for an interview; it’s inappropriate and gives the impression that you don’t take the interview seriously or value the company’s time. Plan ahead, know the route to the location and leave early. If you are unfamiliar with the area, make sure you drive by the day before your interview to ensure you don’t get lost on your way. But, don’t arrive too early. Arriving more than 10-15 minutes early may make it appear that you have too much extra time, making you look desperate. Aim to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the interview, and use the extra time to stop by the restroom to straighten your hair and clothing. If you are going to be late, be courteous to the interviewer, and call them immediately to reschedule.

Preparing and practicing for your interview can help you avoid these common mistakes and can mean the difference between an awful interview and a successful one. You’ll be ready for any interview that comes your way by remembering to plan ahead, dress appropriately and be on time.

Have you made any of these mistakes in an interview? How do you think it effected the outcome of a job offer? What mistakes would you suggest others avoid during an interview?