Posts Tagged ‘Get That Job’

Job Search Tips: 7 Things You Shouldn’t Do On Your Job Application

August 6th, 2010

By Tom Tesslin

In today’s economy, there are a countless number of people applying for jobs. Whether you just lost your job, or you’re looking for a new one, I wanted to give you some tips on what you shouldn’t do when you’re filling out an application for a job.

Since your corporate based jobs generally don’t require an application, you will find that this is a different area. Instead, let’s focus more on job applications that are related to retail, as well as restaurants.

Mistakes you shouldn’t make when filling out an application…

#1 Follow the directions noted:  Wherever you find out about the job opening, you’re going to want to make sure that you follow the directions.  If it states no phone calls or faxes, then you’re going to want to respect this.  It’s not too hard to do something like this, yet many don’t understand the concept.

#2 Meet the criteria: If the job opening states that they need at least 2 years experience, you’re going to want to have that 2 years of experience.  If you don’t, you can plan on them throwing your application away as fast as possible.

#3 Watch your spelling: I know that not everybody is the best speller in the world.  Even if » Read more: Job Search Tips: 7 Things You Shouldn’t Do On Your Job Application

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Job Search Tips: Recessionary Myths

December 29th, 2009

Dr. Paul Powers, Management Psychologist & Consultant, Author, Speaker

Paul-BioJob-hunting is a challenging task in any environment. Many folks think it’s an even harder task during a recession. But that’s not precisely true because all of the job-hunting strategies and techniques required of the professional job changer remain the same in any climate. However, the process is quite likely to take longer because of the reduced number of job targets due to layoffs and the overall unemployment rate. And though working at any challenging task for an extended period of time is nobody’s idea of fun, it does not necessarily mean that the task itself is harder. It just requires more patience, more creativity, and more endurance.

This might seem like I’m splitting hairs. I’m not. What I’m doing is letting the air out of some of the myths that surround job-hunting during a recession. Some of these myths are perpetuated by the media eager to fill air space regardless of content quality. Some are hyped by the so-called career experts who suddenly pop up in a recession. Others are passed on by discouraged (or lazy) job hunters who find it easier to affix blame on outside influences than take responsibility for the success of their job hunt.

Over the last 18 months I have worked with a number of career coaching clients who have succeeded by not buying into many of the current job-hunting myths. I will share their findings below.

If you have discovered any other job-hunting myths please let NEJS know in the comment section of the blog post.

Paths Forward

Myth #1: Nobody is Hiring. This is simply not true. But when experiencing rejection during a job hunt it is easier to say, “no one is hiring” than to say, “I did a lousy job of selling myself.” Or “Someone less skilled than me but a better interviewer got the job I should have landed”.  The statistics are out there for you to see, some new jobs are being created, some old jobs are being refilled and it’s the job hunter’s task to find them.

» Read more: Job Search Tips: Recessionary Myths

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Laid Off After 40: Seven Deadly Sins And how to avoid them …

December 23rd, 2009

By Jackie Simmonds, NEJS Blog Editor

Jackie_Headshot V2If you attend networking meetings all you have to do is look around to visually see one of the largest demographic groups hurt in this recession – the over 40 crowd.   We all know that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. Under the ADEA, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person because of his/her age with respect to employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensation and benefits.  However when looking for a job these days it sure feels like age discrimination is alive and well.  Whether it is truly is age discrimination or wage discrimination as some of us like to put it, the reality is the over 40 job seeker needs to actively combat being labeled as “old”.

Elizabeth Pope has written an article for AARP on ways you can put your best foot forward as an older job seeker. Here’s what she thinks many older job seekers do—and you should not.

1. “I’ll just do what I was doing before.” Many jobs and industries have changed radically in recent years. Identify your transferable skills and explore new ways to use them. Find self-assessment tests and tools at jobhuntersbible.com, rileyguide.com and job-hunt.org.

2. “My experience speaks for itself.” Don’t start the interview with, “I’ve had 35 years in sales.” Instead, ask questions and use examples that highlight your experience, such as “I know the pitfalls of this sort of situation, and I have the contacts to work it out.

3. “I’ve always been successful, so why should things be different now?” In today’s job market, ability trumps seniority. It’s a plus to say, “I work well with Gen X and Gen Y.” Seek volunteer jobs working with younger people to get needed experience.

4. “I just need a job. I don’t have time for touchy-feely stuff.” Be prepared for questions such as “What’s your vision?” Many older job seekers fail to reflect on how their skills fit into a larger arena. Devote time to a serious inventory of your strengths, values and assets.

» Read more: Laid Off After 40: Seven Deadly Sins And how to avoid them …

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