Get a Job Get a Life

Let Go of the Failed Job Search: 5 Things That You Have No Control Over

2011-12-19T14:30:00.000-08:00

Marilyn Albert

Have you ever applied for the “perfect job” only never to hear back from the company? You think what went wrong, or even worse, “What was wrong with me?” After another tough year in the job market, it’s time to let go of all things you had absolutely no control over. Yes, there are things that you have no control over in the job search process. Today, we’re going to talk about five things where things could go wrong and how to fix them.

In the last month, I have talked with dozens of employers including those attending the Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers conference held in Madison last week. With all the new information out there, I found a hidden “glitch” which is creating polarizing effect in the way job applications are processed.

On one end, the news is good: there are jobs out there and once again the Great Lakes region came out on top with an increase of 16% in recruitment of new employees (Recruiting Trends 2010—2011 survey published by Career Services and the Collegiate Employment Research Institute and copyrighted, © 2011-2012, by Michigan State University). On the other end, the screening process has become so precise that qualified candidates who are perfect for the job can get overlooked. So, STOP right now. Stop blaming yourself for a failed job search.

Recruiters are telling me these are the top five reasons applicants get eliminated and for which they have little or no control over. I added how to FIX them.

1. Dated information: New technologies in screening applications have developed over the past year and recruiters can easily read and eliminate applications based on key words. Written materials about the job search are already obsolete. Example: Calling to follow-up on an application submission is considered annoying.
Fix: If you call, make sure you have new information to add to your application. Don’t insist on talking to a hiring manager. All recruiters are looking at the same software management system so anyone can see your file.

2. Competition: The ratio of applicants per job is 500/1. As sad as that sounds, the new screening software helps recruiters to find top candidates. Also, keep in mind people are competing against a fixed candidate pool for each job they apply for.
Fix: Keep applying for jobs with the same company-it’s okay to have multiple applications.

3. Electronic Transmittal: There are all sorts of things that can go wrong when emailing or uploading a resume and cover letter. Weird page breaks can occur, edit notations can suddenly appear, formatting is changed. Be careful to change the job titles and company names on your cover letter.
Fix: Save your document as a PDF and following the application instructions. Double check job titles & company names.

4. Inside Candidates: Companies can post jobs internally first, then externally. Internal candidates have first chance at postings. If they don’t find a qualified candidate in the internal posting then they will look at the external candidates. It’s not always obvious when this is happening.
Fix: Read hiring guideline sections of HR webpages in addition to the job search section.

5. “Match”: One of the biggest mistakes I see are people who apply for jobs that are NOT a good match. They may be close, but with so many applicants per job an employer can find a pool of candidates that are a perfect match.
Fix: If you don’t feel certain about the job, then look for something else. Find the job where you hit all the keywords. You can be precise, too.

Therefore, my best holiday advice to all the job searchers out there: stop blaming yourself for things you have no control over.

New Teacher Candidates: Job Search Tips & Getting the Job

2011-04-15T13:35:00.000-07:00

by: Marilyn Albert

Considering the current economic and political climate in Wisconsin two new questions have to be asked: How can I be successful in a finding a teaching job? Will there be jobs for teachers in the near future?

The following is from an interview with professors Dr. Patrick Delmore and Dr. Phil Yang, School of Education, Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin.
1. Research the district:
a. website
b. student performance
c. school & district goals

2. Resume and Cover letter:
a. adjust to fit the job description
b. make sure you know what the job is about
c. who your students will be [community, diversity]

3. Highlight your interpersonal skills. Demonstrate how you have been involved in your education and community.
a. student teaching
b. internships
c. community involvement

4. Know what the application process is and follow it explicitly: a. Degree—do you have the right degree, if not don’t apply
b. teaching certification
c. process, process, process

5. Ask yourself if the job and the community is a good fit for you. You need to be able to see yourself there for a few years. You need to get started somewhere, you can always relocate once you get experience, then you can “pick” the location

6.References must be impeccable.
a. Make sure the references are current with the correct phone and email
b. Make sure you have permission to use this person as a reference
c. Provide the reference your current resume

Do new teachers in Wisconsin stand a chance in today’s economy and political climate?

The answer is yes. Regardless of what happens in the short term, new teacher candidates must think long term. Sage advice for any career since most people can be incredibly myopic about their job prospects. The best advice is to think long term. One thing is certain: political changes will happen, the economy will change; and, attitudes and readiness will change. I like to think there is a perfect storm brewing out there for our new teacher candidates and there are more things working in their favor than they think.

1. Retirement: Retirement laws are changing. People within three years of retirement should take advantage of retirement sooner rather than later. As the baby-boomers start to retire, more jobs will open up. These positions can easily be replaced with new college graduates who come in with a new set of expectations and competencies.

2. Attrition: As restorative measure will slowly take place within school districts a variety of strategies may take place. Some schools will release teachers from their current contract with current teachers needing to re-apply. Not all current teachers will apply and a natural attrition will take place. Some teachers may qualify for what is called a guaranteed retirement plan and take early retirement.

3. Relocation: There is always a market for ambitious and talented teachers. New graduates should look at this next stage in their lives as an opportunity to relocate. Look at other parts of the country or teach internationally.

4. Teacher shortage: There is a teacher shortage, with few people going into teaching fields and those that are frustrated with salaries and change in benefits an even stronger shortage can emerge. When you add all this up, it is possible the teacher outlook in Wisconsin could look better than anticipated.

Best Advice: Think of yourself first as an educator. Teachers need to be educated in more than the traditional teaching field. Educators must think nationally and globally about the teaching professional; as well as expand their thinking about the traditional classroom.

Where to find Teaching postings: http://services.education.wisc.edu/wecan/

New College Graduates: Ten things you need to know about the current job market

2011-03-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

The past weeks I have been booked solid with seniors getting ready to graduate and start their job search. The common theme with every college student is their fear of the current job market. They know there is an uncertainty in the job market and they are truly scared. If you know of a college student getting ready to graduate here is some helpful information.

NACE (National Association for College and Universities), the organization that brings college career counselors and employers together has issued a report regarding the economic indicators for the class of 2011. Although the report represents statistics, that on the surface appear encouraging, let’s not forget we are just coming out of a nearly three long year recession with some of the lowest unemployment rates since the depression.

Learn how to read the labor market statistics so they make sense to you

1. Growth rates-what does it mean? When reading employment statistics about employment growth keep in mind the following: 3% is low growth; 7-10% is medium growth; 10-15% growth is high and anything over a 20% growth rate is extremely high.

2. There are two statistics: When looking at percentages of growth rate, also read the number of job openings expected.

a. If the number of jobs is high and the percentage is medium to high, that indicates real employment potential.

b. If the numbers are in opposition (high percentage, low numbers then you need to be extremely good and have great experience to be successful in that field).

c. If the numbers are high, but the percentage is low there it could mean a high turnover rate in a stable industry.

3. The U.S. workforce modestly improved this past February with an addition of 192,000 more jobs according to a report released by the Bureau of Labor Market Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/). Job seekers will want to go to this site to check out what occupational fields these jobs fall in. Outlook for new college graduates

4. On campus recruitment at career fairs has increased 47%. This is as good as it gets. More employers, coming to college campuses to recruit, means more jobs for college graduates and internships for underclassmen.

5. Outlook: The good news for new college graduates: 53% of employers recently surveyed through NACE intend to hire more college graduates from the class of 2011. This is a slight increase from last year. A little uptick, but still good news.

6. Over all salaries for new graduates has increase across the board. Be cautioned these increased salaries are countered with fewer offers in a given occupational field.

7. Know who’s hiring. Despite improved hiring statistics for new college graduates in large companies (4000+) and small companies (< 500), medium sized (500-3999) companies are flat or declining Advice for new college graduates

8. Be proactive. Seniors and Graduate students getting ready to graduate must be more proactive in their job searches. Resumes and cover letters must relate to the job descriptions.

9. Diversify your job search. Everyone wants to go for the “dream job.” However, pick apart that skills and responsibilities of the dream job. On your first try out be realistic about the fact you may find a job that has only pieces of the dream job. Don’t be afraid of taking that type of job if it will allow you develop or become more competent in a skill set for the next job that may move you closer to that dream job.

10. Just do it. Start applying for jobs. Use every resource at your fingertips and within your social and educational network. Last week a very fearful student came to me with good news, she found her ideal job. For two years she attended every workshop, interview session, panel discussion we offered. It paid off.

Online Resources http://www.bls.gov/ Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.naceweb.org/home.aspx National Association for College and Universities http://www.ceri.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2010-11%20RT.pdf Recruiting Trends Survey, Michigan State

How Do You Heal a Community From Job Loss?

2011-03-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Recent events in Madison, Wisconsin have placed many people in a rare and indefinable place. It feels a lot like a job loss, but you still have a job to wake up and go to work each day. What happens when what you know to be true about your ability to negotiate your future goes away? If you are state employee you could be feeling the same things people feel when they lose their jobs, here is some advice to help you stay motivated and employed.

1. Keep working. Don’t quit your job. Don’t make any major decisions about your job or situation for the next year. Adjust the best you can to your new situation. Observe what is happening around you. With one exception, if you were planning on retiring within the next few years, explore that option this year.

2. Reconnect with the reasons you like your job. Review what you do well and keep doing it. Identify those things you dread doing and minimize their impact on your other work. Talk with your supervisor to discuss how your responsibilities may change should there be is a “trickling down effect.” Ask how you can work smarter and more efficiently in your job.

3. Do recognize that all of us live and work in a tenuous society. Be ready for the future, whatever it is. Brush off that resume. Put together a collection of job descriptions that you like. Essentially, do a dry-run job search. There will be changes around you. Be ready for the next opportunity.

4. Compartmentalize roles and responsibilities. Manage emotions. Anytime there is a shift in how you spend your income, conflict ensues. The best line of logic I have heard is: “This is what it is. Now we go to the next phase of our lives, sometimes you cannot change what is happening, only how you manage your reactions.”

Networking Brief

2010-12-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Networking Brief
by Marilyn Albert

It’s the holidays and job seeking is important, but what if the jobs you want to apply for are few and far between. What can you do in between sending out job applications? I am recommending a Networking Brief, which is a one page to-the-point document which is all about you and what you know is essential about your work life.

What is a networking brief?

One page of professional skills and experience
A professional document that is to the point, no embellishments or great amounts of detail

What should be included:

• Professional statement (what you do)
• List skills
• Define Industry field of interest
• Experience

How to use a networking brief
• Email to colleagues you want to know you are job seeking
• Email to colleagues as an “professional update” when a resume is not necessary
• Distribute at networking events
• Give to your friends (if they run into someone who is hiring that can speak to your skills)
• Post on LinkedIn
• Post on your Facebook
• Include highlights on your Twitter
• Post on your blog

Advantages of using a networking brief
• A networking document doesn’t scream, “ I need a job”
• Both those that are employed and job seekers can use it (it blurs the lines between the two)
• Helps you build confidence in distributing the document since it can be used if your employed or seeking a job
• Great to hand-out during the holidays in between job applications

Talking Points
• Allows you to focus on the key-points you want to talk about with others
• Doesn’t limit you any one job description or one industry
• You create the foundation and direction of the conversation
• Establishes a new way to represent yourself in the world of work
• Can be used for not job seeking activities such as an introduction to another professional or prior to a presentation

List of Headers or than your typical resume headers
• Areas of Expertise
• Professional Overview
• Experience Summary
• Career Achievements
• Special Skills
• Leadership Skills

Or—b e creative with headers such as:
• Design and Development Skills
• Presentations and Media Skills

2010-11-23T14:27:00.000-08:00

New Standards for the Holiday Job Search

It’s the Holiday season and for many years I believed this was the worst time to look for a regular fulltime job. With new job search strategies and new venues for online networking, the Holiday job search seems to hold more hope than years past. Along with a lot of other job search strategies that have changed over the past two years, this lame duck job search season seems to be perking up.

Things working in your favor:
• Less competition. Most people will have given up on their job search during the Holiday season.
• Easier access to decision makers who are more likely to be in the office prepping for year-end reports.
• Fall trade shows and college recruitment season is over. Employers are ready to make decisions about who to bring in for interviews.
• Hiring managers are eager to start the new-year with new hires in place by January.
• For new hires to start in January, interviews must take place in December.

Holiday Job Search Tips
• Prepare a Networking Brief. A one page document with only skills, achievements, work history, and a statement of what you are seeking.
• Print out business cards with name, phone, email, LinkedIn address, occupational field.
• Attend Holiday events with your business cards and networking briefs close by. Whether you are employed or not, business cards and a networking brief is the new standard for keeping your career active and progressive in this economy.
• Keep your job search and attitude positive by setting manageable goals for the Holiday season.
• Create a job search schedule. Have days when you job search and different days when you apply for jobs.
• Add job searching through professional organizations. During the Holiday’s hiring managers who have open

2010-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Where the Jobs Are
Compiled by Marilyn Albert

Just when I think it is safe go in the job search market, I hear a statistic like this: In June, nearly half of the 14.6 million unemployed workers had been out of work for more than six months, with the average span of unemployment rising to a record 35.2 weeks in June from 34.4 weeks in May. This is a huge loss of income and waste of our ability to increase resources in our American workforce and economy. Who said laying-off people from their jobs would help the economy? The conundrum staring us in the face is fewer workers mean fewer taxes and a greater strain on government funded programs.

Then I read a media release like this and I can, once again, breathe hope into job search process.
Last week Governor Doyle announced that nearly 2.3 million in federal funding to help over 300 displaced Wisconsin workers find new jobs and improve their skills. The On-the-Job Training National Emergency Grants (OJTNEG) – awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor – are being made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This grant will help working families hit hard by the national recession to find new jobs and improve their skills,” Governor Doyle said. “I want to thank Senator Kohl, Senator Feingold and Congressman Dave Obey, as well as Secretary Solis and the Obama Administration, for their work to help ensure that Wisconsin workers are job-ready as the economy recovers.”

The OJTNEG grants will provide workers with an opportunity to develop critical job skills while also earning a paycheck. Employers participating in the projects will receive partial reimbursement to offset the cost of training these workers. The projects will help workers become proficient in necessary skills more quickly and encourage employers to hire workers sooner, improving employers’ bottom lines and spurring economic recovery.

Governor Doyle encourages all affected workers to contact their local Job Center to inquire about services by visiting www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory or toll free at 1-888-258-9966.
The NEG program provides funding to states when significant events create a sudden need for assistance. National Emergency Grants are part of the Secretary of Labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, please visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.

For more information:
Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
John Dipko, Department of Workforce Development, 608-266-6753

Where are the jobs?

Top Employment Sectors and Salaries*:

Accounting Services $50,402
Engineering Services $56,367
Financial Services $49,703
Retail/Wholesale Trade $41,678
Educational Services $33,682

*Source: Summer 2010 Salary Survey, National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data are for bachelor’s degree candidates and is based on number of offers reported.

Top 10 Jobs for 2010**
Staffing firm Robert Half recently put together a list of what it believes to be 10 Promising Jobs for 2010. The company has identified opportunities in accounting and finance, information technology and administrative fields.

In accounting and finance, salaries are actually expected to increase by an average of .5 percent in 2010. Good news for the experienced workers—companies want financial pros who can crunch numbers, communicate clearly with various departments and help manage costs.

Job titles to look for include:

1. Tax accountant
Help companies save money by managing their tax bills.
Average Salary: $42,135 to $55,564

2. Compliance director
New Securities and Exchange rules mean lots of regulations to follow.
Average Salary: $66,955 to $104,232

3. Credit manager/supervisor
Keep cash flowing by evaluating credit risk and getting delinquent accounts to pay up.
Average Salary: $39,317 to $64,892

4. Senior financial analyst
Evaluate financial plans, budgets and figure out way to increase profits.
Average Salary: $44,212 to $60,938

While starting IT salaries will drop by about 1.3 percent in 2010, the job prospects are promising because computers are will always be the future. The growth is in positions that help companies reduce costs by implementing new technologies. Here are some keywords to get you started:

5. Network administrator
The most in demand position of any IT job. If you can speak cloud computing, Voice over IP and software, this job is for you.
Average Salary: $41,620 to $60,459

6. Information systems security manager
Companies don't want their top-secret data leaked out all over the web; you'll help keep it that way.
Average Salary: $59,395 to $87,024

7. Systems engineer
Someone has to make sense of all of new and emerging technologies. You'll set the foundation for a smooth transition to the future.
Average Salary: $59,395 to $87,024

Offices also need excellent administrators to keep things running smoothly. Demand is strong for workers who can multitask, have excellent computer skills, are willing to learn and aren't afraid to adapt to change. Best prospects include:

8. Medical record clerk
Hospitals are going digital, they need workers who can help them scan and process patient data.
Average Hourly Salary: $9.58 to $12.83

9. Customer service representative
Customer service has never been more critical to success, so play up your ability to provide service with a smile.
Average Hourly Salary: $10.60 to $14.19

10. Executive assistant
Expect to support multiple manages and take on a wide range of duties.

The report also noted that even in this glut of candidates climate, businesses are still having a tough time finding highly skilled candidates, so put your best resume forward and consider getting your foot in the door with an internship or temporary assignment.

**From Career Builder
Filed under: Hot Jobs Print Article Posted Nov 18th 2009 6:05AM
by Ed Orum for AOL Find a Job

2010-05-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Getting a Job Favors the Prepared
By Marilyn Albert

Reality Check
The national unemployment rate is up to 9.9%, with 2.7 million people looking for jobs. The temp agencies are inundated with people looking for work. Employers are using temps for most of their entry level positions and will probably hire them fulltime when they have new positions available.

In Wisconsin we are doing a little better, the unemployment rate is 8.8. The Midwest is mixed bag. Iowa is at 6.8% and Minnesota at 7.4. Illinois is at 11.5% unemployment. North Dakota and South Dakota top the list at only 4%, with Nebraska, Kansas and Vermont rounding out the top 5 states with the lowest unemployment rates. The highest unemployment states: Michigan, Nevada, Rhode Island, California, and Florida; all with double digit unemployment rates hovering around 12-14%.

Hearing these statistics upon graduation is daunting. However, new college graduates must participate in a job search. Even this economy should not dissuade graduates from becoming fully engaged in a job search. However, if you are like most graduates, along the way, you chose to postpone all career related/job search activities and focus on a fall-back plan.

If graduate school or getting a second degree is your fall back-plan, be aware that many colleges are not accepting “post-bac’s” (people wanting to get a second baccalaureate). It could be too late to apply for graduate school for this fall. Most graduate schools have closed late applications. Furthermore, graduate schools are only accepting career and professional degree candidates (the degree is required for the field). Graduate schools always have been selective with limited enrollments, even in good economic times. Going to graduate school has never been a good fall-back plan.

If you have done the following while attending college, you are on the right track:

• Participated in an internship related to your major or career goals that led to you learning what it is really like to be a new professional.
• Attended multiple information sessions with companies both on-campus and at the company’s office.
• Worked with a career counselor to help you develop a perfect(!) resume
• Practiced interviewing skills with employers and career professionals (including recorded interviews)
• Can answer the following questions confidently without hesitation:
o What do you want to do?
o What can you tell about yourself with regard to this job?
o What do you know about this job?
o Started applying for and interviewing for jobs prior to graduation

College career offices offer all of the above from the moment you arrive on campus, especially in the state of Wisconsin. All the public and private schools provide career services to help students to become proactive in their career development even as Freshman.

What have you been doing?

Quoting every panicked parent in the world, “What have you been doing?” Granted students everywhere have been working like crazy attending classes, working on team-projects, writing papers, preparing for presentations, and studying for exams. College students have been busy. However it is still hard getting around this statement, “I’ll work on my resume and look for a job after graduation.” Frankly—that’s too late.

There are two college recruiting seasons that are aligned with major graduations dates. For December graduates it is October and November; for May graduates it March and April. College recruiters who put approximately $33,000.00 into recruiting just one employer ready candidate are making decisions on who to hire long before graduates are walk across the stage for the graduation ceremonies. So, if you did not participate in the college recruiting season it will be tough for new college grads. Employers are most impressed with students who can juggle their busy senior year with the rigorous activities of a professional job search. They are not impressed with the Alumni who starts their job search after taking the summer off. Harsh, I know, but true.
So if your summer plans sound like this: taking the summer off before you a start your job search, not willing to relocate; and, not knowing what you want to do, then you have some serious catching up to do. Remember, “Luck favors the prepared.” So here’s how to get prepared.

Your Fulltime Job this Summer IS to Look for a Fulltime Job

One resume does not fit all: Today resumes need to reflect skills that are stated in the job description you are applying for. No longer will one resume do. Always print the job description, highlight the skills and then shoot for 100% match of keywords in resume.

Job searching on your own: Your job this summer IS looking for a job. Sitting at your computer all day conducting job search will make you feel productive and you will be able to apply for a lot of jobs quickly. I recommend you do this and more. Attend business mixers. Check out the Chamber of Commerce website and the Business Journal in the town you want to work in to find out about business mixers, conferences and networking events. Attend these to get your name out. Keep your LinkedIn profile updated.

Avoid the single minded approach: Many new job searchers make the mistake of focusing on their major in the first stages of the job search. A major is not a job. Seek out resources on “what do with a major.” Every college has this resource on their website. Schedule “career dates” for yourself. Essentially, a career date is anytime you schedule time to observe, talk to, or visit a work setting. Go to any place that offers tours of their facility. Epic does this, the Capitol, Monona Terrace, etc. While you are touring seek out names for “information interviews.” Find people who are working in jobs you aspire to. Call them, ask them if you can have 30 minutes of their time, schedule an appointment and then ask them how they got started.

Eliminate false expectations: New college graduates with little to no experience are looking at entry level jobs. Unless, you have tons of experience in a given field prior to or while attending college, you are looking at entry level jobs at entry level salaries. What’s remarkable about this, is that the entry level perspective only lasts for one year. After that you have experience, be patient.

Clean up your presentation skills:
-Documentation: Perfect resume, perfect cover letter, perfect thank you notes (yes-send a thank you note). After the interview, or phone conversation, take notes that are clear and precise.
Keep a file of all the job descriptions and resumes you sent as well as deadline dates and directions on how to get to the interview.

-Appearance: Dress professionally. Wear a suit. Do not wear jeans or khakis. Remove face piercings and dark nail polish.

-Language: loose the college lingo. Practice your greeting and handshake. Review common etiquette guides for job searching. Replace the word cool with interesting. Avoid “you know” and “ah.”

Employment statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/
http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.toc.htm

Have You Ever Felt Like there was a Missing Link in Your Life?

2010-04-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

By Marilyn Albert

The key to job satisfaction, ultimately success is to link your work personality to your work environment. Whether you are dissatisfied with your job, or can’t figure out what you want to be when you grow up, this session is for you.

Contrary to popular belief, the world of work is not as random as it may appear. Tire of hearing well meaning relatives who give ancient career advice from a different time and economy? Aunt Jenny’s advice about her son, your cousin once removed, may be more than you can handle right now. Nobody, knows what is in your head at this time. So, until you learn a little more about how the work world is structured, ease up on you near misses, shaky interviews, and what-was-I-thinking(?), self-talk. Not only is will this information help you in choosing a career path, it can help you stay in a job that currently isn’t a good fit by learning more about others around you.

It’s time to try and fit everything I know about career assessment in three minutes. All this information is online on NBC Channel 15 website. You can print all the documents and take a quick self-assessment within minutes. The read through the accompanied documents to sort it all out.

Let’s begin with the basics:

1. There are six different work personalities and environments.
Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. You either fit in one of three of these or you don’t. Nobody, is one perfect type, we are all a combination of three of these work personalities and work environments.

2. People can either choose an environment they are interested in working in (such as a hospital, school, tall office building in the city) and then find a job they are interested in that environment.
Example: working in a hospital. There dozens of different types of jobs in a hospital besides doctors and nurses. There are social workers, technicians, accounts, graphic artists, therapists, interpreters, etc...)

3. Or, it could be the other way around. Your personality is such that it can work in a variety of environments. Basically, the work personality chooses or creates the environment.
Example: Writer. Writers work in journalism, public relations, advertising, television, the blogosphere, etc. They work as freelance or work for a specific company.

Following are the six work personalities and work environments that all occupations fall into. Find your work personality and understand your work environment. Link this information in you educational choices, volunteer opportunities, resume, interviews and career choices. See how the world or work can change, in a good way, for you.

We won’t have time to go through all this so put the next 6 abbreviated items on the screen and I can go through the talking points. Viewers will have to go the website for the full text.

Realistic: prefers concrete problems, see the results of their labor, avoid abstract situations

Investigative: autonomous, prefers complex problems, analytical

Artistic: creative & good problem solvers, flexible, avoids structure

Social: supportive, philosophical, nurturing

Enterprising: lead, persuade, economic gain, manage, sell

Conventional: routine, organized, structure, data, repetition

The Realistic Personality Type (prefers concrete problems, avoids the abstract)
Likes to see the results of their labor and concrete problems. Sees themselves as very practical in nature. Has good skills in working with tools, mechanical drawings, machines or animals. Values practical things you can see and touch -- like plants and animals you can grow, or things you can build or make better. Prefers physical activities.

Realistic Type Work Environment (see the results of their labor)
Values people who are practical and mechanical -- who are good at working with tools, mechanical or electrical drawings, machines, or animals. Usually, excels in athletic skills and enjoys the outdoors.

Examples of occupations that have a Realistic environment are:
Farmer, Forester, Fire, Fighter
Police, Officer, Flight, Engineer, Pilot
Carpenter, Electrician, Diesel Mechanic
Athlete, Truck Driver, Locksmith

The Investigative Personality Type (autonomous)
Prefers complex problem solving and using their analytical skills. Likes to study and solve math or science problems. Has good skills at understanding and solving science and math problems. Values science, and sees self as precise, scientific, and intellectual.

Investigative Type Work Environment (prefers complex problems, analytical)
Values people who are precise, scientific, and intellectual -- who are good at understanding and solving science and math problems; as well as, complex psychological problems. They prefer a sense of autonomy (don’t fence me attitude).

Examples of occupations that have an Investigative environment are:
Chemist, Mathematician, Meteorologist
Biologist, Dentist, Physician
Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Medical Technician
Architect, Surveyor, Psychologist

The Artistic Personality Type (creative & good problem sovlers)
Prefer creative and flexible environments. Good at problem solving. Has the ability to think of things over and over again until they see things differently or can create a new way doing things. Likes engage in creative activities and values things like art, drama, crafts, dance, music, or creative writing. Has good artistic abilities in creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art. Sees self as expressive, original, and independent.

Artistic Type Work Environment (flexible, avoids structure)
Values people who are expressive, original, and independent -- who have good artistic abilities in creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

Examples of occupations that have an Artistic environment are:
Dancer, Book Editor, Art Teacher
Clothes Designer, Graphic Designer, Comedian
Actor, Disk Jockey, Writer
Composer, Musician, Social Media Marketng

The Social Personality Type (supportive, philosophical)
Likes engage in things to help people - like teaching, counseling, nursing, or giving information. Has good skills at teaching, counseling, nursing, or giving information. Values helping people and solving social problems; and, sees self as helpful, friendly, and trustworthy.

Social Type Work Environment (the process is more important than a decision)
Values people who are helpful, friendly, and trustworthy -- who are good at good at teaching, counseling, nursing, curing, giving information, and solving social problems.

Examples of occupations that have a Social environment are:
Counselor, Parole Officer, Social Worker
Dental, Hygienist, Nurse, Physical Therapist
Teacher, Librarian, Athletic Trainer

The Enterprising Personality Type (lead, persuade)
Likes to lead and persuade people, and to sell things and ideas. Good at leading people and selling things or ideas;
Values success in politics, leadership, or business; and, sees self as energetic, ambitious, and sociable.

Enterprising Type Work Environment (economic gain, manage, sell)
Values people who are energetic, ambitious, and sociable -- who are good at politics, leading people and selling things or ideas.

Examples of occupations that have a Enterprising environment are:
Auctioneer, Sales Person, Travel Agent
Recreation Leader, Judge, Lawyer
City Manager, Sales Manager, Bank President
TV Newscaster, Customs Inspector, Camp Director
Hotel Manager, Real Estate Agent, School Principal

The Conventional Personality Type (routine, organized)
Likes to work with numbers, records, or machines in a set, orderly way. Is good at working with written records and numbers in a systematic, orderly way. Values success in business; and, sees self as orderly, and good at following a set plan.

Conventional Type Work Environment (structure, data, repetition)
Value people who are orderly, and good at following a set plan -- good at working with written records and numbers in a systematic, orderly way.

Examples of occupations that have a Conventional environment are:
Court Clerk, Secretary, Bookkeeper
Bank Teller, Post Office, Clerk, Mail Carrier
Typist, Title Examiner, Computer Programmer

References:
Making Vocational Choices, John J. Holland.
Dictionary of Holland A Occupations Codes, Gary D. Gottfredson, John J. Holland.

2009-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Take a Rest from Your Job Search
By Marilyn Albert

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and the beginning a very long Holiday Season if you are still in a job search. This is for those who have been job seeking throughout this year and still have not found a job. When you are working the Holidays are synonymous with gift giving, spending time with family and friends. It’s time to rush around and find the perfect gift and once you do, smiling with the sheer joy of giving it away. It’s full of feel good stuff: food, smells, and laughter.

When you’re unemployed it absolute disaster, the very sights and sounds that made you happy, now remind you of all your misfortune.

The message I want to give to all job seekers is BRAVO! You have worked hard. You have applied for jobs you were eager about; as well as, those jobs you thought you would never apply for. You politely said thank you for the opportunity to interview when the rejection came.

To families here are 3 things you can do for the job seeker:
1. Thank them for all the hard work they have done and how they have stuck to the job search!
2. Let the job seeker know how proud you are of them for never giving up!
3. Listen, listen and listen some more. It doesn’t matter if you have heard the same story a dozen times. Listen, again.

Three gifts for the unemployed:
1. Massage certificate
2. Department store certificate
3. Movie passes and concession-stand certificate

Most importantly, here is my advice for the job seeker during the Holiday season.
1. Take a break from your job search. You have worked hard the past few months (even the year). Beginning Nov 27 through Jan 1, 2010, don’t worry about your job search. You have the greatest gift of all—time to spend with your family and friends. Take advantage of this, it may not happen again.
2. Clear off your desk and desktop. Clean up your work area. Clean up your “head.”
3. Organized your job search (get rid of outdated job postings and failed resumes)
4. Have your resume reviewed by a professional and revise it. Don’t start the year with a resume that didn’t get you very far last year.
5. Set some new job search goals to begin on January 2, 2010 (ask about the two below)
a. LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/
b. Start a blog https://www.blogger.com/start

Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search: Who, What How

2009-11-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

by Marilyn Albert

Who: LinkedIn is a free professional social media network with over 50 million members in over 140 industries. Most of members are employed or job seeking adults. The people are very serious about their reputations and professional standing in the business community. Executives from all the Fortune 500 companies are on LinkedIn. Most have disclosed what they do, where they work now, and where they’ve worked in the past.

The purpose of LinkedIn is to maintain a list of contact details of people you know and trust in business. Unlike other social media networks, this one focuses only on your professional life, not your personal life. You have control of the content and the ability to keep it absolutely professionally, pristine.

According to Kevin Eyres, the London based Managing Director of LinkedIn’s European operation, it’s all about professionals now “taking more responsibility for their own careers.” Getting into LinkedIn is being proactive about your own networks, rebuilding an interrupted career, and reorganizing one’s reputation. (Telegraph.co.uk).

Think of LinkedIn as leveling the socio-economic playing field. Whether you are currently employed or job seeking it is extremely useful to establishing and maintaining a professional network. If you aren’t developing your network on a professional social media network, you are missing out on future networking opportunities and job search information that can change your life.

What: Think of LinkedIn as a Gated Approach
1. Connections:
a) Your direct connections with other professionals which eventually establishes second-degree and third-degree connections (people you know, who now people).
b) Can use connections to find jobs, people and business opportunities—all recommended by your trusted contact network.
c) Employers can list jobs and search for potential candidates.
d) Job seekers can review profiles of hiring managers and discover which of their existing contact can introduce them.

2. Research: Using the “search box” type in the company name, statistics about the company are provided. Look for percentage of most common titles/position held within the company, list of present and former employees.

3. LinkedIn Answers: Simple to Google Answers or Yahoo! Answers. You can ask questions for the community to answer. This free service provides more business focused answers, and both the identity of the people asking and answering questions.

4. LinkedIn Groups: You can establish new relationships by joining alumni, industry or professional and other related groups. You can create a large number of primary and secondary connections by following a group you join or was once a member of.

5. Mobile version and embedded applications are also included: link to Twitter, etc.

How to Make Connections
Build your network, everyday: LinkedIn is for everyone. Whether you are happy with your current employment situation; or, working at a dead end job, underemployed, or unemployed you should be spending time building your LinkedIn network. For LinkedIn to work you need at least 20 connections. Start with co-workers, supervisors and colleagues at other jobs. When others ask you to connect, check them out and connect. Just get started. It’s not who you know, it who knows you.

What social media networking has done for us is level the playing field in the area of schmoozing. There was once a time when schmoozing only occurred face to face by well-outspoken individuals. Online, even the shyest person can reach out to express their ideals. It’s part of the unspoken language of the social media networking landscape: The electronic schmoozer’s are eager to help reach out and help. They are more inclined to think, “What can I do for this person?” They are not thinking “What can this person do for me?

Get the Word Out: Tell your network you are looking for a job. Everyone acknowledges it is smart move to use this resource when job searching. The negative stigma is gone. Status updates provides your connections with your status on a regular basis.

Get Recommendations from your manager, supervisors and colleagues in your field. Ask people you supervise for recommendations. All recommendations are legitimate. I received status updates from a former colleague of mine who I had not seen in years. Curious, I looked at her site. She was looking for a new job. Although, she originally did not ask me to write for her, I was happy do so since I knew and respected our previous professional relationship.

Using Keywords, find where people with your back ground are working. Find companies that employ people like you by doing an advanced search for people who have your skills in the same zip code as you. You can be that specific.

Look at “company profiles” to find career paths of people before and after they worked for a given company. What kind of jobs did they have before? What skills did they develop? This could help you define your own career aspirations. Company profiles also can tell you where people go after leaving a company or business sector. For example, if you want to work Epic having experience as a technical writer is helpful.

Get the Inside Scoop: Company pages include a section called “new hires” a list of people who have recently joined a company. Take a look at the backgrounds of the new hires to examine their background to see what may have lead to their success at getting hired. This also works for current employees. Look at profiles of the people who work at the company to get an idea of their backgrounds and important skills.

Degrees of Separation: You can search for any job you want, but pay attention to those people who have a direct or one degree of separation. These people can offer key inside information or even walk a resume over to the right person inside a company. Most hiring managers will look at resume given to them by a current employee.

Look for Start-Ups: Want to be your own boss, own your own company, but aren’t certain who, what, and how to get started? Use the advanced search using “startup” or “stealth” in the keyword for company field.

Helpful Links:

LinkedIn overview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV_7yAPnkFw&feature=related

How the network can be used: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzT3JVUGUzM

LinkedInTutorials: http://www.interactiveinsightsgroup.com/blog1/linkedin-superguidetutorials-tips-and-tool/

How to Conduct an Online Job Search

2009-10-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

by Marilyn Albert

We have talked about a lot about resources for the job seeker. Today, we are going to talk about how to actually conduct and online job search. Based on years of creating and managing online systems as well as consulting with employers that use online systems, here are the key elements of how they work. There are four factors in an online job search: The Players, the Hidden Rules, The Dark Hole; and, Human Management.

The Players
For every online system there are three separate players—each hoping for find each other.
1) The database managers of the system who make sure “real” jobs are being posted by “real” employers
2) The employers who follow-through with their postings
3) Candidates that hit the mark each time they submit their applications

The Hidden Rules
A successful online job search is not which database you use, but understanding how to conduct an online search. For the most part, people believe once they have entered their information, they are one click away from a job. The promise of an easy online job search is a huge myth. For an online job search to work keep your eye on the prize.
1) Focus: Highlight precise words and phrases for each job you apply for
2) Connect: Make sure those words and phrases appear on your resume
3) Restructure: Match your experience and keywords for each position you are applying for on your resume

The Dark Hole
1) Employers constantly scan their websites for resumes with keywords
2) Recruiters physically read resumes and refer only a few to hiring managers
3) Electronically scanned resume receive a percentage score (93% or 85% of a match). The more “matches” the higher the score.

Human Management
Make your electronic information work for you. The online system is there to store your data not get you the job. To make sure the system is working for you each time you apply for a job, do the following:

1) Take your cue from job descriptions. If resumes are being electronically screened then only words that appear in both the job description and resume garner results. If resumes are being read by a person, the person screening the resumes may not be a part of the decision-making team so may not read between the lines--they will only look for specific words.
2) Match your profile with each job you apply for online. Rewrite portions of your resume to match job descriptions. Use full words, not abbreviations. The computer scans will only read full words. A screener may not know what an abbreviation means.
3) Create a “header” of Interest Fields or Competencies. This section can be the most flexible and easiest to change per job description, rather than rewriting an entire resume. Some electronic systems will only screen the “interest” area.
4) Print hardcopies. An active and productive job search needs to be tracked carefully. Print all application materials and resumes for each job you apply for easy reference. Keep them in a table top file next to your computer. Print out all jobs you are interested in applying for, place them at the front of your file. As you apply attach application materials and file alphabetically. Customize your job search system so you can find things and keep track of any contacts or hits you get.

Mulit-Dimensional Job Search :Unique Resources & Renewal for Job Seekers

2009-09-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

How long is too long? The measure of unemployment is easy—you’re running out of money; but, what about all your other resources, friends, energy, self-esteem, pride, spiritual well-being? With school starting and everyone returning to work and classes this week, staying at home and plugging away at the never-ending-job search is frustrating. It's time to look at some unexpected resources to help keep going. Some are just great resources, others are unique. I have looked at of them and think they are the type of resources and groups than can energize any job search.

Now is the time to meet new people either in person or online.

Here are unique resources that tap into each of the spoken and unspoken dimensions of the unemployed. These resources hold the promise of reenergizing, hope for the unemployed. Some are expected and some are new.

1) Online Networking
Brazen Careerist: http://www.brazencareerist.com/

Start building a professional identity that reflects the things people won't find on your traditional resume: ideas, passions, expertise and potential! Then, become a fan of people to watch this page turn into your customized fan feed.
• Complete Your Resume
• Share Ideas
• Join a Group
• Share Your Blog
• Get a Job (no employer listings, just help w/ the process)

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com

Look for companies that have Linkedin groups. Connect with them to get inside information about openings. Getting your name out there into the cyber-world, whether someone is reading about you—or not, opens up a new area of your brain and psychic where you know you’re doing something worthwhile with your job search.

2) Social Networking, for those starting their own businesses from home an unlikely but interesting resources is MeetUp.com. if you have an idea and need support from other entrepreneurs try this social network. In the Business and Career section there are great people who have started their own business or have free information to share and support during your journey.

MeetUp/Business & Career Group:

http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/wi/madison/groups/business/?radius=25.0

3) Job Search Links
http://www.madison.com/marketplace/jobs/

http://www.jobsinmadison.com/

http://wisconsin.jobing.com/
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/jobnet/mapwi.htm

http://jobs.countyofdane.com/

http://wisc.jobs/public/index.asp
http://www.usajobs.gov/
http://www.simplyhired.com/
http://www.getthejob.com/
http://www.idealist.org/
http://Academic360.com

http://chronicle.com

http://higheredjobs.com

4) One Stop Centers, offer information and resources for job seekers.
https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/

Dane County (WI) Job Center http://www.comeherefirst.org/

Serving the communities of Belleville, Black Earth, Blue Mounds, Cambridge, Cottage Grove, Cross Plains, Dane, De Forest, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Madison, Marshall, Mazomanie, Mc Farland, Middleton, Monona, Morrisonville, Mount Horeb, Oregon, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee and Windsor.
Hours of Service
M-F, 7:45a - 4:30p
Contact Information
•Telephone: 608/245-5390
•FAX: 608/242-7410
•TDD/TTY: 608/242-7491
•e-mail: Mailbox
Location Address
1819 Aberg Avenue
Madison, WI 53704

Spiritual Support
Hard Times: Spiritual Opportunity, Are you worried about job loss, keeping your home, the financial struggles of those you care about? Is social justice a reality for all in the Madison area? Could interfaith spiritual wisdom offer insight and support in these hard times? These workshops span a six week period, come for one or more of the following events:

http://wisdomswell.org/fallProgram.html

Hard Times: What Spiritual Traditions Offer
Wednesday Sept. 16, 7-9pm
An interfaith panel of spiritual leaders addresses how faith traditions offer strength and practical wisdom when the world seems to be falling apart.

Sacred Texts: Help in Hard Times
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7-9pm
Dialogue with words of the Hebrew Bible, Taoist texts, the Christian Gospel, and Buddhist sutras to uncover the relevance of ancient wisdom for today.

A Day Away and Aware
Saturday Oct. 17, 10-2pm with lunch
Explore with others how the wisdom of the Universe awakens our courage now
and our hope in the future? Discover ways to bring the BIG picture down to Earth.

What Are You Doing With Your Greed?
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7-9pm
How does greed cause suffering? Can interfaith meditation practice work with greed to break through suffering? Real life situations and practical help.

Hard Times: Opportunities Ahead
Wednesday: Nov. 11, 7-9pm
An interfaith panel reconvenes to offer ways to turn hard times into spiritual opportunities
for creating justice, abundance and trust.

Never, never, never give up!

Make List

2009-08-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Today, it's about lists. For all the job seekers who have no idea what they want to do or are looking for, I suggest a day of writing. Close down the job search engines and get a fresh new legal pad. Find your favorite writing device and a comfortable chair. I prefer a hammock on my patio on these bright sunny days. Whatever your choice, make sure you are comfortable and ready to brainstorm with yourself. This is a lone walk for you, do it by yourself first. You can ask others to join in on a different day. But for now, this is your day, your brainstorm, your stuff.

Make a list of everything you have done. Write it down whether you were good at it-- or not, whether you liked it--or not. Don't limit yourself to just work tasks, think outside the cubicle. Think of the things you have done that fun while you were on a vacation. Think of favors you have done for friends. Think of clubs and organizations. Think of children and grandparents. Think about what's important to you. Think of your values.

Here are some examples:
Read a book
Rake the lawn
take a photograph
operate a digital camera
snow ski
water ski
teach a child to tie his shoes
create a blog
change a tire
type a letter
paint a picture

I think you get the idea. I just want people to truly understand we do so many things. Some of those things are very enjoyable and some are a real pain. Lots of times I teach people about the opposites. Once you can identify the opposites there is a huge range of possibilities scattered in between.

Once you have written as much as you can, keep writing. If you have 50 items, think of 50 more. You are never done. I once had a person fill up about 20 pages of a legal pad. It was phenomenal. He had enough material, that we worked on his list for several sessions. We found the common denominators and continuous thread of interests that he was really excited about. We crossed out things. We added more things. When we were done, we were able to identify all of his favorite things, differentiate between work and fun activities, as well as eliminate activities he hated to do. These pages became very important to him. He was able to focus on what he really wanted to do. He identified skills he wanted to learn more about.

These pages can become very important to you. It is a living document--you can add more information and delete other information. You can stop an pause as you think about different jobs and activities. You can lay the legal pad in you lap and take a nap. Just be easy on yourself. Include your values. What is important to you. By the end of the day it is possible to be very satisfied in this process. I believe in hand-writing this type of exercise. Don't do it on the computer. I want you to engage your brain with your body. It's even better if you can do this as soon as you wake up.

If you want you can send me your list via this blog. I will be glad to look at it.

Remember! Anything you do that moves you closer to finding the essential YOU counts as a very productive day.

2009-06-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

What are Employers Truly Interested In?

A few weeks ago, I attended the Wisconsin—Association of Colleges and Employers (a regional meeting for the National Association of Colleges and Employers [NACE]). NACE is the gatekeeper and watchdog for college students seeking jobs. Whenever you hear a statistic about the market for college graduates, NACE is doing the research and publishing the results.

NACE brings college career counselors together with hiring managers to exchange information from both sides of the job search arena. College career counselors are representing college students to employers, and employers are revealing job search tactics that get their attention.

My question to employers:

With job applications increasing by 300% how do you sort through this many applications and narrow it down to people you are truly interested in?

Employers revealed three major tactics:
• Frequency
• Persistence
• Repeat Applications

Frequency, attend as many networking events as you can. Attend job fairs, information interviews, and mock interviews. Don’t be afraid to attend business mixers, Chamber events and industry fairs. Apply for more than one job at a company. Employers track this information. They will go back to their offices and document the name and employment interest of everyone they meet. They have elaborate electronic systems that track this information. Employers will get your name from a conversation with you, sign-in sheets, name tags, etc.

Persistence, no matter now frustrate you are keep active in your job search. Do something every day. Review job search sites, review and update resume. Match keywords in resume with job descriptions. Do company research. Do something every day.

Repeat Applications, if you applied for a job with a company you are truly interested, but didn’t get the job, apply again when the next job opens up.

These are great strategies, not only for students, but for anyone engaged in a serious job search.

Other Information:
1)Employers revealed they only read resumes for 7-10 seconds on the first pass.
2)Employers are more interested in graduates that begin their job search prior to graduation or immediately after. Don’t take the summer off. Even if you are planning a trip, apply now. You are always available vie cell phone or email not matter where you are. If you wait to the end of summer, employers interpret that as a red flag.

Top Best Cities For Recent College Graduates
(Includes average rent for a one-bedroom apartment)

Indianapolis - $625
Philadelphia - $1,034
Baltimore - $1,130
Cincinnati - $691
Cleveland - $686
New York - $1,548
Phoenix - $747
Denver - $877
Chicago - $ 1,133
San Antonio - $696

http://CBcampus.com

The top industries for summer job hiring include:

Hospitality (38%)
Retail (34%).
Office support (26%),
Customer service (18%),
Research (12%),
Landscape/maintenance (11%)
Restaurant/food service (11%)

2009-05-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

I have changed my view. I no longer have easy and quick access to the ocean. I have moved to the middle of county. My view has changed and so has my view point. I have to admit my view point is much much better. I am not as stressed or sad as I used to be. I am not saying everything is hunky-dory, I am just saying there is a better balance between my work and my life. I feel more appreciated at work, and I come already relaxed. I don't have to spend two hour decompressing from a hectic day at work. I am writing more about things I know more about. I have started two blogs and twitter.

If you are a job seeker you may want to take a look at my other blog and twitter. Both titled: Getajobgetalife (Get a Job Get a Life). They are all about helping people helping people to do a job search. I talk about resumes, cover letters and information I get from working with hiring managers. I had to change jobs, in part, due to the economy so I know what it is like to have to be out their job seeking, interviewing, getting turned down, etc. However, I did land somewhere totally unexpected and now I have the energy and balance to help others.

Have a great day.

2009-05-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Persistance and frequency pay off. Go to as many job fairs and recruiting events as possible. I just returned from a regional National Association of Colleges and Employers day-conference. I kept asking the same question all day: With a 300% increase of applicants, how do employers figure out who they will interview and eventually hire. The response was overwhelming. Those candidates that attend career events (job fairs, mock interviews, information interviews); and, go to business mixers (see your local Business Journal for dates and locations) show employers you are serious about your job search. I hadn't realized that professional recruiters record every name of every person they network with. They go back to their offices and enter names, skills, and areas of interests for every person they talked to about jobs. When your application comes up in their system, they already know how many times they have made a contact with you or heard your name.

Another resource for recruiters is LinkedIn. I was amazed at how many recruiters mentioned using it to find qualified candidates. It is free form them and it is free for you! How to best use a media networking resource: create your profile. Then do searches for the types of companies you want to work for. Example: Search for American Family Insurance and see how many people are linked. BTW I don't work for American Family.

Are you looking for a job?

2009-05-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

This blog will offer job search advice for the job seeker. I have a passion for the job seeker. I have been one as well as help others to successfully find jobs. I will provide job search tips and advice that get great results. I have use these tips for my own job search, and I use them in my practice as a professional career counselor. I have worked with college students, executives, and dislocated workers. Mostly, I work with frustrated job seekers. They come to me very sad and in desperate need of help. I have developed great techniques that have helped even the most disappointed job seeker. Techniques that get results.

I am doing this a free service the job seeker. Let others know about this blog. If people are really down about their job search, if they are truly frustrated and think NOTHING is going to help, then they need this blog.

Never, never, never give up!

Respectfully,
Get a Job Get a Life