Job Tips For The Frustrated Job Seeker

There is nothing more frustrating and depressing when you are out of work and trying to find a job and your job search is going no where. Don't feel bad, you are not alone and there is a good reason why searching for a new job can be so difficult. There is no doubt the job market has changed. 30 years ago when I applied for my first job I remember answering an ad in the paper, calling and speaking to a real person, going in for the interview, filling out a application, had the interview and was offered the $3.75 and hour shipping job. Things are not that simple today. Back then there was no voice mail, no email, you mailed in a typed resume, who had a fax at home? You called and talked to a real person. You may of filled out a application but not the dozen forms you need to today. And you never had to prove you were legally allowed to work in the United States.

Today if you are looking for a job how to you stand out in the impersonal hiring environment that exists in most companies. If you apply online you are competing against dozens if not hundreds of others. Competition is stiff for a most jobs and a human may never even see your resume. Are there steps you can follow that will improve your chances? After being unemployed for several months after 3 years of self employment and becoming more depressed and frustrated in not finding a job, I took my job search to a new level which finally paid off in a new job.

I had been self employed for 3 years but after a divorce and starting life over, my self employment was no longer working. I had to bite the bullet and start looking for a job. The first mistake I realized was my resume was not working. I had updated it to reflect my self employment which was not related to my previous career. I was trying to find a position similar to my previous career in the graphics and computer support industry. By starting my work history with my self employment it made it look like I had been out of the industry even longer and my skills even more outdated. I was just shooting myself in the foot. I changed my self employment to reflect my computer skills so while I had been out of the industry for awhile I wasn't out of touch. Some employers have doubts about people who have been self employed. They think they are going to go back to their own business or worse they only want a job so they can use company resources for their own gain. In my case I was able to explain that I had an opportunity to work at home and spend time with my preschool son, it had been for family reasons. Most employers respect that.

To begin with you really need to take a hard look at your resume. If you have always worked in one area and are applying for a position similar to those you have had in the past then your resume may just need some updating and polish. There are a number of good books and websites on resume writing. If you really need help then a resume service may be money well spent.
How many resumes do you have? There is no reason you can't have several. I was applying for a variety of unrelated positions. I would of looked "over qualified" or my experience would of been too unrelated for the position if I stuck with just one standard resume. I created a "general" resume that listed a variety of skills that could fit any number of non specific jobs. You can have one that is very specific for the industry you are applying for and there is no reason you can't change it to a specific company especially if it will be scanned in and checked for "keywords" Some companies scan for keywords or buzzwords related to the position, their company or industry. Even if you are the most qualified person for that position, if your resume doesn't have those keywords, it will never get seen.

In addition to having a few different resumes you should have it in several different formats also. If you need to mail it in then a nice easy to read printed resume is in order. Same if you will be faxing it in. If you email your resume then your cover letter will be the body of your email and your resume will be attached. Most employers request it be in a word .doc format or text but you can also use a pdf format. If you have your own website why not post it online with a link in your email. That way if your attachment can't be read they can print it off the internet. For example the link could be [http://www.yourwebsite.com/yourresume.html]. You should also have a unformatted text only resume for uploading to online job sites.

Be sure to include several ways to contact you. Home phone, cell phone, email. I had the unfortunate luck of having my cell phone and my home phone cut off for non payment within a few days of each other. As luck would have it someone I sent a resume to tried to contact me and couldn't get through. They did send me a email saying they couldn't reach me. I was able to call them and get a interview. Don't leave anything to chance. And if they leave you a message get back to them ASAP while your resume is still on their desk. When you get a interview, be on time, be prepared, do your research about the company you are interviewing with. You can usually find most everything you need off their company website. Come prepared with extra resumes, helpful if you have to fill out a application. Also have copies of your updated references. It is best to have more than 3. Some companies want professional references including past employers, others want personal references of persons not related to you. Be prepared for both.

Where to find a job? Dig! And keep digging! You may never know where one will show up. In some ways the internet has made job searches easier with a variety of job sites to search. You should probably set up accounts at the large sites like hotjobs and monster which will allow you to post your resume and apply directly to postings Also take a look at sites like indeed.com. They are a search engine of sorts for jobs. They search several jobs sites at once. Saves time from going to each site. Post your resume so employers can find you. ASK! Don't be afraid to let everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Drop a email to anyone who might know someone who might have a job opening. You might be surprised how many people really do want to help you. Network your pants off! If you don't ask no one can help you. Search everyday. Try and send out at least one resume a day if not more. Pick up the early edition of the Sunday paper. Send out 5-10 at a time. And keep sending them even after you have interviews set up. You can easily fall behind two or three weeks if you stop sending resumes in hopes of that job offer coming through.

Nothing better than telling someone, "I'm sorry I accepted another position" Apply for every job you are remotely interested in even if you don't think you are qualified. Every job listed always has a laundry list of qualifications and requirements. In a perfect world they would find the perfect person that would match every requirement. But employers know that person doesn't exist and they are looking for someone who closely matches and they feel will be a good fit. At the worst you will never hear from them. At the best they will offer you a job or maybe something different within their company. You can always turn it down. Even if it turns out to be something you really don't want to do, it might help you get by for awhile until a better position comes along. Never be afraid to apply to any job!

Most of all don't give up hope, the right job will happen at the right time. Remember to take care of yourself. Go for a walk, get plenty of rest, do something you enjoy just for yourself. As long as you keep moving in a forward direction, if someone asks you what you have been doing to find a job you can proudly say "this is what I have been doing" Persistence will pay off. Good luck.

By Tom Smith 

Job Search Tips - Good Answers for Some Common Job Interview Questions

Are you in the mist of a job search? If so, you will likely end up with a job interview or two in the coming weeks. One of the best ways to prepare for an interview is to familiarize yourself with some of the common questions asked. Below you will find some of those questions along with tips on how to craft the best answer.

Question: Why do you want the job?

Answer: In today's job market, you might want the job just because it is the only one that you landed an interview for. No matter what the reason, never give a casual unprofessional response. It is best to go with the standard "this position best meets my wants and needs; a stable job in a challenging yet professional workplace."

Question: Why do you think you are qualified for the job?

Answer: You might automatically assume "haven't they read my resume?" Of course they did, but the hiring manager is looking for a good explanation from you. That is why one of the best job interview tips is to quickly and effectively highlight your skills. Add something new in, but don't be afraid to basically restate what is written on your resume.

Question: How would you handle a difficult situation in the workplace? This question is sometimes accompanied by an example problem.

Answer: It is important to remember that your response should depend on the situation at hand. If no example problem was provided, state so. A good response for this job interview question is "honestly, it depends on the problem." Then provide an example problem (such as a disruptive coworker) and then an ideal solution (such as speaking to them about their behavior in private).

Question: Why should we give you the job?

Answer: While this question is similar to the "why do you think you are qualified for the job" interview question, it is difficult. You might be an ideal job candidate, but there are likely at least a few others as well. What makes you better than them? If you already went over some of your prior job experience, now is the time to talk about your drive, determination, and past achievements. This is really your chance to sell yourself.

Question: Do you have any questions?

Answer: It doesn't matter if you don't have any questions; the best job interview tips out there include not saying now. In fact, it is a good idea to have a few sample questions in the back of your mind. Asking questions that build off your job interview show that you were paying attention and weren't sailing through your interview waiting for it to end. As for questions, just about anything goes. With that said, it is best not to get into questions that involve time off, benefits, and pay.

By Adnan Masood 

Get a Job - Helpful Tips for Answering Interview Calls

If you are actively searching for jobs online, you are sure to send off some resumes or fill out some online job applications. If you have a well-written resume and if you apply for jobs that you are qualified for, you stand a good chance of getting a call to schedule a job interview. While most of your attention is likely focused on the actual interview, be sure to take some time to consider those phone calls that will likely be coming soon.

When answering a phone call for an interview call, here are some important points to keep in mind.

It is a bad idea to screen your phone calls. Why? For most of us, screening our phone calls means letting our voicemail pickup the call when we see a number that we don't recognize. Companies are looking to schedule an interview with you right now; they aren't interested in playing a game of phone tag. Moreover, if you have an answering machine, it can create the bad impression that you are screening your phone calls when you finally pickup after they start to leave a message.

Always answer your phone with a simple "hello" or "hi." Granted, this is how most of us answer a phone call, especially when we see a phone number on caller id that we aren't familiar with. However, you might be surprised how many people do the not-as-popular-as-it-seems "how you doing?" or "whatzz up?" If you are actively looking for a job, it is best to start answering all phone calls professionally and properly.

Do pick an interview time if you are given the option to do so. What you want to avoid saying is "whatever works for you, works for me." Let's say you are given the option to come in for an interview on Tuesday, pick a set time. This shows you aren't willing to do whatever the boss wants just to create a good impression. It also shows that you are determined and able to make decisions (no matter how small) yourself.

Be sure to verify the date, time, and location of your job interview before ending the phone call. This should be done for a number of reasons. First, you want to make sure you have the accurate information. Finally, some job interviews will take place at different branches or locations than where you applied at. If you don't want to sound like you weren't listening, state something like "I look forward to meeting you at the bank on West Street on 1pm on Tuesday." You will be corrected if you have the wrong information.

Finally, it is important to end the phone call with the standard "thank you, have a nice day." Nowadays, a lot of us simply hang-up when we are done talking with friends or family. Be sure to not do this. You don't want to seem ungrateful or like you are in too much of a rush. While saying "thank you" seems like common sense, it is a simple step that goes a long way in creating a good and professional impression.

By Adnan Masood

10 Jobs That Can Be Done Online From Home

Does your personal economy match the world economy of late? Are you looking for a change of career, or possibly to supplement the career income you already earn? Whatever reason you are considering working from home, now is the best time of all to be looking for an online job.

Here are 10 work-from-homes jobs for you to consider looking into more.

Blogger
Are you passionate about a hobby? Are you an expert about something? Do you like to write, or just voice your opinion? Then blogging may be right for you. The options for monetizing a popular blog are pretty wide and varied.

Review Writing
For one, there are websites who will pay for professionally written unbiased reviews of their own, or other peoples, products and services. For two, you can write reviews to generate traffic to a website and monetize the traffic through affiliate marketing.

Proof-reading
Do you have an eye for detail? Are you a grammar superstar? Or perhaps you just like finding other people's mistakes? Companies pay for proofreaders for book drafts, screenplay manuscripts, articles, columns and blogs.

Data Entry
Everything from medical billing receipts, to credit card applications, to filling out classified website adverts - there are a ton of data entry jobs available online these days - work at your own pace and get paid for it, easy!

Product Tester
You may be thinking how can I test a product online? I can't push my baby down the street in an e-stroller! Indeed, but there are numerous software products available over the internet that require testing including computer games, office related applications, new improved websites and so on.

Market Research Analyst
Companies like to know what is going on in their marketplace, and they hire people to do that research for them. Many of these positions can now be found working online.

Article Writer
You can be paid on assignment for writing articles for someone, or you can write your own and use them to promote your own website, business, or services.

Insurance Agent
The insurance industry can be pretty savvy, and they have been making use of 'virtual employees' for years. Work online as an independent agent, call center rep, or as part of the company - your choice!

Virtual Assistant
Today's hectic lifestyle can make it hard to keep on top of everything you need to remember, and in recent years a new assistant has arisen to answer the call - the virtual assistant can take care of most of your business needs just like one in your office can, and if you know this kind of work, you could be that very assistant!

Software Engineer
Supply & Demand at its finest - need an application developed but can't find the talent locally? No problem, there are countless software engineers and programmers on the Internet looking for employment, and with such high demand for new software every day, there's always room for one more! Could it be you?
With so many different options to suit almost anybody and their talents and interests, what is stopping you from looking into this further?

By John W Robertson

What Are The Best Ways to Find Administrative Assistant Jobs?

Are you looking for a job as an administrative assistant? If so, there are a number of different job search approaches you can take to find this type of position. A few of the best ways, which are likely to produce the best results, are highlighted below.

Job Search Sites

Job search sites are recommended when it comes to looking for administrative assistant jobs. This does not mean that you should avoid your local newspaper's employment section, but know that most employers prefer the online approach as it is a more cost effective way to reach a larger pool of job seekers.

When performing a search on a job search website, keep in mind that some companies refer to the position of an administrative assistant as something different. For that reason, it might be a good idea to perform multiple searches with varying search phrases. Get started with administrative assistant, then try office manager, then try administrative secretary, and so forth.

Free Resume Databases

This method of finding an administrative assistant job or gig doesn't involve you doing any searching. Instead, you should find a number of free resume databases online to post your resume too. It is also a good idea to go to the best job search sites and upload your resume in their searchable database as well.

Free resume databases are ideal because a growing number of companies are getting frustrated with applicants who aren't qualified for the job. That is why more companies are instead searching for qualified talent, as opposed to posting job listings online. The only difficulty with this approach of trying to get a job is that you might not see immediate results. A hiring manager might contact you in one month or six months.

Company Websites

Administrative assistant positions are found in just about any industry. Even an auto repair shop is likely to hire an administrative assistant or office manager. But what you can do is find the websites of local businesses (doctor offices, insurance offices, and so forth). Look around that website for a "jobs," "careers," or "employment" section. If you see an open position in the office that involves some managerial duties, send off your resume. This typically involves using the uploadable resume form or emailing your resume to the provided email address.

Apply In Person

One of the best ways to find an administrative job is to get out there and network. Visit the local business in your area that could benefit from an office manager. Go in professionally dressed and drop off you resume. You stand a better chance of getting hired or scoring an immediate job interview when you notice a now hiring sign. However, many hiring managers will still accept and save you resume in the event a position opens up later down the road.

By Adnan Masood

Too Often Candidates Aren’t Focused on the Same Issues as the Company

I recently asked approximately 30 people in-transition what candidates mean when they say, “I’m qualified for the position.” The answers were, experience, skills, can do the job, etc. All hard skills listed on the resume. Then I asked what they think a hiring authority means when they say, “I think this is a good candidate.” The answers were, fit, liked the person, work well with others, etc. All soft skills, which are not visible on a resume. So in reality, candidates and hiring managers are measuring different things in the interview. This is why someone might be a great candidate, but not the right candidate.

I don’t believe candidates spend enough time researching and understanding the soft skills required to get the job. They walk into an interview prepared to talk about all of their skills and experiences, yet the interviewer is not only listening to those but also evaluating the soft skills. Chances are they already know you have some level of hard skills or you wouldn’t be there to begin with.

This is an area candidates should focus on more as they prepare during their job search. Understanding how they present themselves from the moment they walk in the door, how they sit in the chair, use their hand motions, the speed at which they talk, how they listen to the questions and answer them, including how they mirror the interviewer should not be taken for granted. These are all relatively easy things to do and learn. There are many helpful books, videos, and webinars available for candidates to help them prepare. Just fine tuning a few things in your presentation can give you the edge you may need to beat out the competition.

To download the free chapter on Conducting an Effective Phone Interview from our book “This Is NOT The Position I Accepted” go to http://www.bradremillardcareercoach.com and then click on the Free Search Resources link.

How effective is your job search? If you are not sure, download our free 8 Matrix Job Search Self-Assessment Scorecard. Go to http://www.bradremillardcareercoach.com and then click on the Free Search Resource link.

I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Brad Remillard

Job Seeker Tips: 3 Reasons to Job Search From Your Android Phone

Are you a job seeker who has an Android phone? If so, did you know that you can perform a job search right from your phone? You can! In fact, there are a number of benefits to utilizing this method.

Number of Apps to Choose From

If you have an Android phone with a full internet browser, you can easily visit the mobile websites of popular career sites, such as Monster or CareerBuilder. But, there are benefits to being able to search multiple job sites at once. Not only will your search on the Android Market produce a number of results, but you'll see how far apps have come in recent years. There are a number of programs that enable you to search all the best job sites (hundreds or thousands) at once.

When it comes to choosing a job finder for your Android phone, take into account the ability to search multiple career sites at once. Also, be on the lookout for other timesaving features that enable you to apply for jobs via the app, forward a job listing onto a friend, add jobs to your favorites lists and more.

You will see that some apps are free and others are reasonably priced, often less than $2. Stat with a free app first.

Job Search Anywhere, Anytime

Yes it is true that you can turn on your computer in the middle of the night and find current listings via an internet search. With that said, the ability to search for jobs via a mobile device means you can literally search anywhere and anytime.

Let's say that you had to cut your internet access to save money. Your home phone was recently replaced with your cell phone. So even if you do not have internet access via a computer from home, you still have the option to hunt for current openings via your phone and a finder app.

Let's say that you are out and about enjoying a traditional day of grocery shopping, you happen to notice that an office nearby has a now hiring sign posted. Along with that sign, it says "checkout our ad online." But wait! What website? If you have an Android app that lets you search all the best career sites at once, it isn't a problem. Do a search with the company name to find the listing right away.

Easier to Find Jobs

For many job seekers, it is easier to find companies hiring now because we often carry our phones with us at all times. Let's say that you job search online once a day via your home computer. Great! But, this leaves the potential of a few jobs falling through the cracks. Job seekers are more likely to search more often via a device that is with them 24/7.

In sort, there are many benefits to looking for open positions via your Android phone. Please note that Android phones were used solely as an example. Similar apps can be found for iPhones, Window phones, and more!

Install the free Job Finder for Android to job search on the go. Search all the best career search sites at once, upload your resume, and more!

By Adnan Masood