If you're seeking a new job, here are some tips for finding the best opportunities
while overcoming the anguish of rejection and the unknown.
If you're thinking of seeking a new job, your first step should be revising and updating
your resume -- unless you are one of those smart folks who keep your resume current.
Remember to focus your job descriptions around tangible accomplishments.
At the same time as you are getting your resume in shape, begin reaching out to your
network of contacts -- family, friends, neighbors, and former co-workers and bosses --
and tell them that you are in the market and seeking suggestions and job leads. Don't
stop there, but begin (if you have not already) growing and expanding your network by
using sources such as alumni (from high school and colleges), professional organizations,
and community groups. Use every opportunity to network.
The next step is moving your job-search into full gear. If you are unemployed, then you
should spend every working hour of every day accomplishing job-search activities, from
talking with recruiters to networking to posting your resume to responding to job ads to
preparing for interviews and conducting employer research.
Once your hard work pays off and you start getting interview offers, you need to be
mentally prepared for the job-search to quickly slow. The hiring time line has slowed
dramatically, and employers are taking much longer to fill positions. The better
you are prepared to wait (while still following up to show your interest), the better
you'll be able to handle the time.
Finally, remember to follow-up every job lead, every interview. Find creative ways to
continue to show your interest in the job.
Remember that in today's job market, it is truly a numbers game, and in certain job
markets across the country, there are many job-seekers vying for one or two open
positions. Manage your expectations and be prepared for at least some rejection
along the way -- and be prepared to never hear back from a high percentage of employers
who are simply too overwhelmed and understaffed to deal with the number of applicants.
Finally, remember that you may need to either change careers or relocate to find the
job that best fits your needs and skills.
Use all the resources of QuintCareers.com to assist you in your job-search!
June 8, 2009
Job losses in the U.S. continued in May, but the pace slowed -- even as unemployment rate
rises to 9.4 percent.
Vice President Joe Biden announced over the weekend that he and President Barack Obama will announce plans
today to accelerate the economic stimulus plan -- to "ramp up implementation over the summer" to help
more Americans gain new jobs. The White House says that more than 150,000 jobs have already been saved
or created in the first 100 days of the stimulus plan.
Earlier on Friday, the Labor Department announced that nonfarm payrolls had declined by 345,000 in
May -- the fewest monthly job loss in the past 8 months. Still, since the start of the recession in December 2007, the
U.S. has lost 6 million jobs.
As expected, the nation's unemployment rate went from 8.9 percent in April to 9.4 percent in May... and
many experts expect the unemployment rate to hit 10 percent some time this year -- before we begin seeing
more effects of the economic recovery on hiring.
June 1, 2009
Here's an updated collection of college and university career services centers using Twitter to
help students and alums find success in careers, job-hunting.
Just in the last few months, since we first published this list of university career centers using
Twitter to send Tweets to their students, alums, and other interested parties, we've seen a big enough
increase to update our list.
(FYI: Follow QuintCareers on Twitter. And if
you want to be on the list, but are currently not listed, send us an email.)
So, here are the schools with active career center tweets we have found to date:
Quintessential Resume & Cover Letter Tips Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, with new resume and cover letter tips daily. A must-see for any active job-seeker.
The Career Doctor Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, where each day our own Career Doctor Randall Hansen answers one career, job, college, or workplace question.
and reassurance.
The Occupational Adventure
Blog, from Curt Rosengren, a Passion Catalyst. Curt's older blog is great for finding encouraging ideas
(and resources) for moving forward with your career... a career that lights your fire. His newer blog is the
Passion Catalyst -- about loving your work.
Blue Sky Resumes Blog, from career
expert Louise Fletcher, a general career and job-search blog that covers all aspects of the job-hunt.
WorkStrong -- a
candid, completely honest discussion of the job market -- offering information and advice
about what it takes to succeed in the 21st Century world of work. From career and recruitment guru Peter Weddle.
