“Job Search Manager” plus 3 more |
- Job Search Manager
- Networking key for couple in long job search
- Jason Alderman: Online Job Search Tools
- Search for Van Buren Township's permanent public safety director may be coming to a close
Posted: 16 Jun 2010 06:46 AM PDT Click a pic to view a larger version and find more like it. To have your best photos featured here, just send them to jboyd@mrt.com. © Copyright 2010, Mywesttexas.com, Midland, TX. Powered by Blox CMS from TownNews.com. Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
Networking key for couple in long job search Posted: 16 Jun 2010 10:05 AM PDT
Leslie and Scott Frisch are not sure what they're doing wrong in their job search. The Tamarac couple, out of work for about six months, has applied to numerous postings online in their respective fields. They've also signed up with temporary agencies, hoping a short-time job would turn into permanent work. Like the Frisches, many South Floridians who have had long job searches are frustrated that the usual methods don't seem to be working. Experts say job candidates often rely too much on online job postings and applications. They fail to clearly define the job they seek; they don't actively network in-person and online; and they are not energetic and ethusiastic enough in phone screenings or initial interviews.
Leslie has worked in data entry most of her worklife. Her last job was with a major healthcare company in South Florida and she has been searching for jobs online. "I signed up for about a dozen temporary agencies. I've been on Craigslist and Indeed.com every day," she says. Scott is a software analyst. Two years ago, Scott thought he had found his dream job at a South Florida defense contractor. But the company lost funding for a key contract and downsizing soon followed. The Frisches, both in their 50s, have lived in South Florida for 35 years, own a home, and would like to stay near family in the region. Scott, who has worked in several contract technology jobs, says he would take a temporary job out of town, if necessary. While Leslie and Scott do different work, the advice from experts for them is the same. Here's what two experienced career coaches say job seekers like the Frisches can do to re-energize their search: Clarify your message. "Nobody can help you if they don't know what you're looking for," says Jeannette Kraar, chief executive of Performance Management International in Miami. "In this environment, an employer wants an expert: what you do the best." Fortunately, she says, "That's what you enjoy doing the most." Consider retraining. Leslie could take free computer training to add to her data-entry skills, says Sheila DeFilippi, career coach for Right Management outplacement services in Fort Lauderdale. Check on training available through Broward County's Workforce One or in Palm Beach County's Workforce Alliance. Ask yourself, "Are there any additional skills I could acquire to make me more marketable?" she says. Spend most of your time networking. Both experts say networking is the proven method to find a job, so spend 75 percent of your time connecting with people online and in-person, DeFilippi says. Scott has a LinkedIn profile with recommendations from former colleagues and more than 200 connections, but he hasn't made full use of the professional networking website. He should be forging new LinkedIn connections, especially at companies he's targeted in his job search. Leslie is just building her profile and connections. Participate in industry groups on LinkedIn. Interact with your contacts by offering knowledge from your expertise and other information that may interest them, Kraar says. DeFilippi urges the Frisches to attend networking meetings, from industry associations to chamber of commerce events, and to make new contacts. Invite them to join your LinkedIn network and ask to meet over coffee. Kraar recommends scheduling at least five networking activities each week. "The more activity you have, the more you're going to shrink your search," she says. Practice interview questions. Scott and Leslie could "interview" each other to practice for potential interviews. Many job interviews start with a screening call, so know how you sound over the telephone, Kraar says. "You have to have some enthusiasm and energy in your voice, particularly if you're older." Research the potential employer. Basic information can be found through the company website or a Google search. You need to know enough to ask intelligent questions at the interview, DeFilippi says. "If you don't ask questions, the interviewer feels you're not interested in the position." Support each other. A long job hunt can be difficult on a relationship. The Frisches should strive to listen to and support each other, DeFilippi says. "It's really important to be around people who can say things that will make you feel better, not worse." When they meet weekly goals, job hunters should reward themselves. "You can't search 24/7. Give yourselves rest time and fun time," she says. Marcia Heroux Pounds can be reached at mpounds@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6650. Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
Jason Alderman: Online Job Search Tools Posted: 16 Jun 2010 09:04 AM PDT For those who may be reentering the job market after decades of employment, you should know that the rules have changed considerably since you were last looking for a job. Fifteen years ago, online job sites were in their infancy; now thousands of sites post millions of jobs every year and they are the most widely used and practical job-hunting tool available. If online job searching is new to you, here are few hints for navigating the process: Most large employers -- and many smaller companies as well -- post job opportunities on their own websites. Typically, you either submit your resume or fill out an online application and the company will reach out if you meet their qualifications. Many sites ask you to open an account so you can be contacted when appropriate jobs become available. To broaden your search beyond individual companies, there are many job search sites from which to choose. Some target particular career specialties, while others post listings from broader categories. Some list jobs for which employers have paid a posting fee -- much as they used to do with newspaper classified ads. Others sites are job search engines that aggregate job postings from company employment websites, other job sites, newspapers, recruiters and other sources. Features vary widely from site to site and may include tools that allow you to:
Some robust job sites include additional services such as resume and cover-letter writing assistance, tips for conducting a job search, interview preparation and follow-up advice, salary and cost-of-living calculators and articles by career professionals. There may be fees for some enhanced services such as resume assistance. Most job sites don't charge to access job listings since they cover their expenses with fees paid by employers or advertisers. However, some highly specialized sites, like those that target highly paid or senior positions, may charge a fee. Before paying such fees, read the fine print and make sure you fully understand which services are provided, since most job listings are probably available for free on other sites with a little digging. Also, beware of sites that make unrealistic promises or that lock you into a service agreement that's difficult to cancel. Some of the more popular and user-friendly job search sites include:
One final note: Be cautious when posting personal contact information (especially phone numbers, addresses and email addresses) on job sites because spammers and aggressive marketers have been known to troll these sites for leads. You may want to set up a dedicated email account to help weed out spam. This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how tax laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation. Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PracticalMoney Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
Search for Van Buren Township's permanent public safety director may be coming to a close Posted: 16 Jun 2010 04:56 AM PDT
The search for a permanent Public Safety Director for Van Buren Township is nearing completion, and a permanent director may be selected as early as next month, according to township Treasurer Sharry Budd. CommentsYou must be logged in to post a comment. Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
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