What Works When Working with Recruiters

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/k1/ar5f5w66d1vt63ycpvk1.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/k1/ar5f5w66d1vt63ycpvk1.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>What Works When Working with Recruiters by Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing<br /><br />With an explosion of job seekers competing for fewer jobs, many people are turning to recruiters to try to tap into little-known opportunities in the job market.<br /><br />If you're enlisting this strategy in your job search, it's critical that you understand the possibilities and limitations of working with a recruiter, as well as how to present yourself throughout the process.<br /><br />Louise Kursmark, author of "15-Minute Cover Letter," says the most important thing to remember about recruiters is that they don't work for you; they work for hiring companies.<br /><br />"They are not 'your' recruiter and will not try to 'find a job for you.' That said, recruiters can be your best friends during a job search -- provided you have the skills, experience and industry expertise their client is looking for," Kursmark says.<br /><br />She suggests the following tips for making the most out of your relationship with recruiters:<br /><br />Uncover a recruiter's specialty areas before contacting him or her.<br />Otherwise, you risk wasting his time and your own. To learn more about recruiters who work in your areas of interest, consult recruiter directories (at your local library); online networking Web sites, such as LinkedIn or Twitter; the Yellow Pages; or company Web sites of recruiters based in your area.<br /><br />Remember whom you're writing to.<br />When writing to recruiters, refer to "your client" or "your client's organization" rather than "your company."<br /><br />Follow up after sending a recruiter your résumé and cover letter.<br />This call should determine whether the recruiter is a good fit for you. Introduce yourself concisely and briefly share some of your career achievements with him.<br /><br />Be patient.<br />Don't expect to hear back from recruiters unless they have a job that's a potentially good fit for you.<br /><br />Understand the realities of recruitment.<br />Recruiters have been given guidelines about the ideal candidate. If the recruiter doesn't think you are the right fit, don't dwell on trying to convince him or her otherwise. Instead, move on and let him know you're interested in future opportunities.<br /><br />Help recruiters to help yourself.<br />If you know of other individuals who would be a good fit for the recruiter's specialty areas, recommend them. It's a win-win for all involved.<br /><br />Never work with a search firm that charges you a fee to get a job.<br />Don't confuse this advice with fees you'd pay to work with a private-practice career counselor, coach or résumé writer. These people will provide you with services, but don't promise you a particular job.<br /><br />Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers. She is also the author of JIST's Job Search and Career Blog (http://jistjobsearchandcareer.blogspot.com/). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

What Works When Working with Recruiters

What Works When Working with Recruiters by Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing With an explosion of job seekers competing for fewer jobs, many peo...

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Staying Cool During an Interview

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/42/ar5c25z68v2f1xgvhn42.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/42/ar5c25z68v2f1xgvhn42.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Staying Cool During an Interview by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />I can think of only a few rituals that encase my body with adrenaline and sweat: running a race, struggling through Bikram yoga, having that dream where I'm still in junior high and I've completely forgotten about a huge project that's due in less than an hour, and interviewing for a job.<br /><br />A job interview is the perfect storm of anxiety for most job seekers. You're put through a battery of questions. You're expected to exude all of your good qualities without revealing your bad ones. You also need to get a feel for the company. Oh, and try to keep your nerves to a minimum -- a jittery candidate could suggest someone hiding something or not qualified for the job.<br /><br />Basically, interviews are like first dates with a bigger impact for your W-2s.<br /><br />Few job seekers walk into an interview without a considerable amount of anxiety in their bellies. While you can't get rid of it all, you can learn how to control it so that you can give your best interview and get the job.<br /><br />Start with homework<br />Your work begins once you have an interview scheduled. Hopefully you researched the company before applying for the job so you have some understanding of what the company does and stands for. But you still want more, and now is the time to dig deeper for relevant information.<br /><br />"Know the mission or vision statement of the organization," says Nancy Dachille, director of career services at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. "Read the annual report, especially the CEO or president's message. The more familiar you are with the organization, the more comfortable you will feel, especially at the end of the interview when the dreaded 'Do you have any questions for us?' question comes up."<br /><br />Anticipating that question and others is vital to your preparation. If you haven't thought about what the interviewer will ask you, you're liable to panic once you hear the question come out of his or her mouth. You'll be so concerned with how you'll answer that you might not even hear the entire question. A little planning can make the process easier, according to Helen Cooke, managing director for Cooke Consulting.<br /><br />"Have some great accomplishments [at the top of your mind]. If you've practiced -- without overdoing it -- so that you have some succinct and compelling stories ... you will walk in psychologically pumped up," she says. She suggests that you choose specific examples to include in your stories so that you can point to cases where you improved a situation or brought in revenue for your employer. Not only are quantifiable achievements easier for employers to appreciate, but they're also good talking points to have in your mind to keep you from panicking.<br /><br />Cooke also encourages job seekers to look at previous job hunts for help with this one.<br /><br />"Recalling past interview situations, I'm betting you can think of one or two interviewers who intimidated you during the interview and later, after you'd landed the job and been there for a while, you couldn't believe you were intimidated by such a great, down-to-earth person," she suggests.<br /><br />The big day<br />You can prepare all you want, but when the interview is only hours away, another set of nerves kicks in. Your best defense is more preparation with regard to the logistics of the day, says John Thieman, a career development specialist at Stratford University in Falls Church, Va.<br /><br />The night before the interview, he suggests getting your interview clothes ready and putting all your important documents near the door so that you can just grab them and go. This will eliminate as many potential delays as possible.<br /><br />"Plan to rise even a little earlier than usual to prevent a nervous and rushed leaving the house and trip to the interview," Thieman suggests. "Check the traffic reports and plan your route to avoid traffic surprises."<br /><br />Although you might think staying cool depends on your preparation for questions and body language during the interview itself -- and it does -- the fewer distractions you have getting to the interview will put you in the right mood. If you're stuck in traffic, not sure where you're going and wearing a wrinkled shirt, your confidence level is going to be pretty low when you arrive.<br /><br />During the interview<br />The most important part of staying calm during the interview comes with preparation. Of course you have to answer plenty of questions and worry about body language -- that never goes away. But if you've practiced your answers, thought about your posture and eye contact, and done your research on the company, the hard part's over. Now you're just answering questions that you've prepared for.<br /><br />"Realize that a little nervousness is expected and that you only need to be calm enough to look competent and confident of your abilities," says Sandra Naiman, author of "The High Achiever's Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work." "If you find yourself feeling overly anxious, stop to think a question over and take a few deep breaths." After all, the interviewer knows you're anxious and a hint of nerves shows that you care about the job.<br /><br />Do all your pre-interview homework and let the rest just happen, suggests Naiman.<br /><br />"Surrender to what is out of your control. You cannot make someone hire you," she reminds. "Trust the interviewer to know what he or she is looking for, and be willing not to get the job if you are not the right fit. This attitude will ensure that you come across at your best."<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Staying Cool During an Interview

Staying Cool During an Interview by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer I can think of only a few rituals that encase my body with ...

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21 years of marriage

It's really hard to buy an anniversary card for your husband when you're angry with him. Like, pretty much impossible.<br /><br />Note to self: Let go of the anger.

21 years of marriage

It's really hard to buy an anniversary card for your husband when you're angry with him. Like, pretty much impossible. Note to self:...

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What Makes You Different From the Other Job Seekers?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jz/ar5c4k270v60vgc19cjz.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jz/ar5c4k270v60vgc19cjz.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>What Makes You Different From the Other Job Seekers? by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />You're special.<br /><br />Your mom and dad told you. Your Little League coach told you. You tell yourself in the mirror every morning.<br /><br />Anyone who encounters you must recognize what a unique snowflake you are, right?<br /><br />Maybe, but not necessarily. If you're looking for a job, don't assume the hiring manager is going to look at your cover letter and think, "This job candidate is The One." That could happen, but you should do all you can to make that realization occur.<br /><br />In the interest of spreading the word about your unparalleled qualifications and stunning personality, we've compiled some questions you should ask yourself at each stage of the job-hunting process. Some of these questions can apply to each stage.<br /><br />When writing the résumé<br />Q. What about my education sets me apart?<br />A. Although degrees are more common than they once were, not each one is created equal. Most programs have enough freedom built in to them to allow students to customize their courses. The combination of your major and minor or your courses can give you a background that no one else has.<br /><br />Q. Do I care about all of this?<br />A. This résumé is about you, so you probably have more interest in it than the average employer, but if you're bored, everyone else will be, too. If your attempt to show how unique you are results in a dense list of your jobs and skills that make the page look like one huge block of text, you're probably not focusing enough. Keep details short, informative and, above all else, relevant. Your paper route in junior high doesn't matter if you're 25 and have a college degree.<br /><br />Your GPA, awards and recognition are good examples of items that do set you apart. They won't land you the job by themselves, but they are additional assets that can differentiate you from the next résumé in the stack.<br /><br />When writing your cover letter<br />Q. What's implied on the résumé but not explicitly stated?<br />A. Have someone else read your résumé and explain your strong points to you. If you don't hear something you were expecting, figure out why. You might think your extensive work history painted a clear picture for readers, but it might not. The cover letter is your chance to connect the dots and (eloquently) tell the hiring manger, "Hey, look what I have to offer!"<br /><br />Maybe your internship with an employer was more involved and relevant to the position you're seeking than the résumé suggests. Go into details and prove why that experience matters to this job.<br /><br />Q. Does this sound like me or like Janet Q. Jobseeker?<br />A. Professionalism is key in a cover letter, but so is your personality. Now is not the time to be a comedian, but if your cover letter could have been written by any other applicant and been about any other applicant, then it's not special. As a result, the employer won't think you're special.<br /><br />If you have extensive knowledge of the industry, have a contact at the company or possess strong communication skills, don't be afraid to let it shine through.<br /><br />When interviewing<br />Q. Would I hire me?<br />A. An interview is basically an extended, interactive form of this question. If you get an interview the employer thinks you fit the job requirements, but whether or not you're the perfect candidate is still in question. In addition to elaborating on your skills, only one thing can make or break you at this point: your personality.<br /><br />Your personality is unique to you, so don't be scared to let it show. As with the cover letter, don't be so casual that you come off as unprofessional, but now is the time to show your sense of humor and your interpersonal communication skills. Fading into the background will only help you be forgotten.<br /><br />Q. What is the one thing I want the hiring manager know about?<br />A. Hiring managers don't know you, so they're probably asking you the same questions they asked other candidates. If you want to prove that you're a three-dimensional person who exists beyond undergrad business courses, have an actual dialogue. A hiring manager doesn't need you to echo everything he or she already read about you.<br /><br />The time you helped your group tackle a problem during a brainstorming session? The interesting marketing book you just read that has given you some new ideas? Let these facts out if they're relevant to the conversation.<br /><br />Q. Why do I want to work here?<br />A. Interviewers often ask this question of candidates, and candidates have learned to come armed with a response. But do you know why you want to work there or do you just know what you want them to think?<br /><br />Everyone wants to be hired so they can get a paycheck, add another line to their résumé and move up the chain. Do you want to transition into a new industry? Do you think you can bring a fresh perspective to the company (without sounding arrogant)? Does the position sound like the one you've been preparing for and you have the experience to show for it? You need to know the answer and believe it before you walk into the interview.<br /><br />Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

What Makes You Different From the Other Job Seekers?

What Makes You Different From the Other Job Seekers? by Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer You're special. Your mom and dad to...

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Laid Off? Your 'Get Hired' Plan - Tips from Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss"

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2v/ar5f2577408yx2ysmp2v.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/2v/ar5f2577408yx2ysmp2v.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Laid Off? Your 'Get Hired' Plan - Tips from Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss" by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Unless you're in complete denial of what's happening in the world around you, by now you're well-aware that layoffs are rampant in today's economy.<br /><br />In February 2009* alone, employers made 2,769 mass layoffs compared with 1,672 mass layoffs in the same month last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each layoff involved at least 50 people from a single employer filing for unemployment insurance. Since December 2007, when the recession was declared to have started, there have been 28,481 mass layoffs, and more than 2.9 million people have filed for unemployment benefits during that time.<br /><br />The numbers show that it no longer matters if you've been with a company for 15 years, if you're highly educated, if you're a top performer or even if you're friends with the boss. Layoffs are happening, and they are happening to everyone.<br /><br />"If the company is determined to cut head count by a certain percentage, no amount of exposure, of reminding the boss how successful you've been in helping the company achieve its goals, will save your job," says Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss" (FT Press). "They'll miss you when you're gone, but they've already determined that you're gone anyway."<br /><br />Voice of experience<br />Charles** worked for a family-owned real-estate and agricultural business for 10 years. He has two master's degrees, moved up quickly within the company and had a long-term plan to take over the IT department.<br /><br />When the housing market collapsed, the company began to go through some tough times and it became evident to Charles that companywide layoffs were on the horizon.<br /><br /><br /><br />"I honestly thought I was safe because I had really good rapport with the family," he says. "My boss's boss was the CFO and he had asked me work on a special project analyzing some of the various business units and what it would cost to dispose of them. He told me not to read anything into that. 'Don't worry about things,' he said."<br /><br />When the project was finished, Charles was laid off.<br /><br />"I thought I'd work for this company for the rest of my life. I believed that good work would give me job security. As long as I do really good work, why would a company let me go?" he says. "Even though I knew trouble was on the way, I thought I was in a good position because I had multiple talents and had worked for every operation there. If you're going to shrink your work force, you'd think you would keep people who can do multiple things."<br /><br />Now what?<br />Charles' story is probably much like your own if you were laid off -- you were shocked, angry and bitter, and your confidence was shaken. But the worst thing you can do is blame yourself.<br /><br />"Recognize that this period of layoffs is just another moment in time, having nothing to do with your essential value and meaning," Finney says.<br /><br />Now that you've come to terms with your many emotions, what you need is a plan.<br /><br />In her book, Finney teamed up with Bill Berman, Ph.D., a Connecticut-based corporate psychologist, to come up with steps to take toward getting hired.<br /><br />(And no, tapping away on your laptop while you're stretched out on the sofa in your PJs doesn't count.)<br /><br />1. Take some time to stop<br />Take a step back and figure out where you stand. Know how long you can afford to explore your possibilities and where you want to go next.<br /><br />"The worst thing you can do when you get laid off is run right out and grab whatever you can," Berman says. "Step back and think about what you want to do, what you loved about the work you were doing before and how it matches with what you want to be doing one year, three years, five years from now."<br /><br />2. Build your network list and start using it<br />Your network will be your biggest ally in your job search. Your friends, their friends and the friends of those people will surprise you when they show a genuine interest in helping you.<br /><br />Berman suggests thinking broadly about whom you know and being upfront with them about your job search.<br /><br />"Think back to the people you worked with five, 10, 15 years ago and don't e-mail them. There's no substitute for a phone call," he says.<br /><br />3. Get dressed!<br />Now isn't the time to explore your quirky bohemian phase, unless it's the course you've decided to take for the next phase of your life, Finney says.<br /><br />"Treat your job search project as you would a regular full-time job. Get out of the jammies and put on something you would wear to work at your old job," she says. "When you wear the uniform of your role, you stay in touch with that side of who you are. No one I can think of is in the market to hire Mr. Scratchy Pajama Bottoms."<br /><br />4. Set regular working hours that match a conventional workday<br />Finney says that any self-employed person will tell you that choosing your own hours is both a joy and a curse. Sure, you don't have to work while everyone is, but that usually means that you won't be having fun when everyone else is, either.<br /><br />"If you work nine to five on your job hunting assignment, then absolutely you can take weekends off," Berman says. "The reason why people work on weekends and at night on looking for a new job is because they screwed around all day."<br /><br />5. Establish a structure against which you'll achieve and measure your goals<br />Identify specific ways you'll approach your job search by outlining how many tasks you'll do each day and what they are specifically. Make a list of the phone calls you'll make and the names you'll look up, Finney suggests.<br /><br />"If you set a goal, you're going to be able to work toward that goal," Berman says. "Set very specific goals, make them things you think you can actually do, and then make them non-negotiable."<br /><br />6. Dismiss the derailers<br />Undoubtedly, job searching is a pain in the rear. The process is lengthy, at best, and it's easy to get discouraged along the way. The feeling of panic that you have to have a job now! is a derailer, as are mean-spirited friends who undermine your confidence, well-meaning family who are concerned and your own ego, which tells you that if you were truly a good provider, you would have a job by now, Finney says.<br /><br />"You might not be able to see them coming, but you can spot them for what they are," she says. "Shrug them off. Some people mean well, some people are just, well, mean. Either way, that's not your focus right now."<br /><br />*According to the most recent data, updated on March 20, 2009. A mass layoff occurs when at least 50 initial claims are filed against an employer during a consecutive five-week period. An initial claim is when someone files for unemployment, according to the BLS Web site.<br /><br />** Voice of experience paraphrased from page 92 of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss."<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Laid Off? Your 'Get Hired' Plan - Tips from Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss"

Laid Off? Your 'Get Hired' Plan - Tips from Martha Finney, author of "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss&q...

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Are You 'Applying Down' to Jobs?

<a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3f/ar5f89y5xwpwfjhcp93f.gif"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3f/ar5f89y5xwpwfjhcp93f.gif" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div>Are You 'Applying Down' to Jobs? by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer<br /><br />Working for $10 an hour as a Starbucks barista is not exactly where Teresa Fritschi, 48, pictured herself at this stage of her career. Especially not after working as an award-winning communications specialist and earning more than $300,000 per year.<br /><br />After being unemployed for almost three years before taking on the position at Starbucks as a fallback, Fritschi says that although her lifestyle has changed dramatically, she feels blessed to have a job at all.<br /><br />"It has been a lifesaver," she says. "Of course I am continuing to look for work more in line with my experience and expertise, but living in an attitude of grace and gratitude for this job has helped me overcome any lacking I might feel."<br /><br />Diane C.** lost her job as a corporate controller in September 2008. After two months of unemployment, she took a part-time job driving a limousine to help make ends meet, though she says she can't count on it as regular income. Diane, 43, has eliminated all nonessentials like cable and home phone service, joined budget plans with utility companies and put her two children in state health care. While she enjoys meeting interesting people along the way, she still feels frustrated working a job that's a step down from her qualifications.<br /><br />"[There's a] feeling of inferiority because I am seen as only a driver or chauffeur when in reality, I am an educated individual," Diane says. "When clients ask if this is my only job or what else I do, I can tell them my area of expertise and most of the time they continue the conversations in a more educated manner and ask financial or business opinions."<br /><br />Fritschi and Diane are just two of millions of successful, educated people who've found themselves affected by the economy. With the unemployment rate in March at 8.5 percent and 5.1 million jobs lost since the recession began in 2007,* many people are taking "bridge jobs," or jobs for which they are overqualified, just to stay employed.<br /><br />Rachel P.,** for example, worked in Web content production for a public-service media company when the company instituted a wage and hiring freeze in July 2008. She was told her position might be eliminated in August, so she began job searching and accepted the first position that came along to avoid a gap in employment.<br /><br />The job, as an administrative assistant for a university department, pays several thousand less than her previous job and requires only a high school diploma. The bachelor's and master's degrees Rachel earned were irrelevant, even a hindrance, in the interview process.<br /><br />"I was told that I was overqualified during both of my interviews for my current position," she says. "Although feedback from my managers has been positive, I do not feel proud of my work here. I thrive on innovation and mastering new material, core strengths that are not utilized in my current role. I'm mindful of the fact that I am not adding to my portfolio or skill list and I struggle with how to compensate for this."<br /><br />Applying down<br />Rachel's feelings are one of the major problems with "applying down" for a position, according to Duncan Mathison, contributor to "Rebound: A Proven Plan for Starting Over After Job Loss" (FT Press). Just because you apply for a job that's lower on the organizational chart or requires fewer credentials doesn't mean you're guaranteed to get it, he says.<br /><br />Problem is, when you find you didn't get that job either, your thoughts may turn to self-destructive conclusions about yourself.<br /><br />"[A thought like,] 'I must really be a loser if I can't get a lower-level job,' is really a job search energy killer," Mathison says. "Depending on your career track, [applying down] can also really set you back significantly in lifetime earnings and career progression. The assumption, right or wrong, is that you will be unmotivated, unhappy and leave in a heartbeat if you get a better position. They also assume you won't like the pay."<br /><br />Joe Covelle, 47, faced opposition concerning his education when he began looking for work after he left a financial position due to health issues. Aside from 20 years experience, he completed undergraduate work and also earned a master's in management. Now working full time at Home Depot and starting his own career-development business, Covelle says he had to take the master's level information off his résumé so as not to look too educated or experienced during his job search.<br /><br />"Home Depot [is] getting an exceptionally educated person with advanced emotional intelligence and people skills for a pay level of an entry-level person," he says.<br /><br />The upside to applying down<br />There are many people out there working jobs for which they're overqualified, but not all of them are unhappy with what they're doing. In fact, in many cases it's just the opposite.<br /><br />"People are taking on bridge jobs because they need work and surprise, surprise -- some of these jobs are actually fun," says Beth Ross, a career coach. "The fulfillment comes from the enjoyment, sometimes the lack of competition around the job, [and] the thrill of trying something new."<br /><br />Mitch Drew recently took a position as an advertising sales representative at a Canadian TV station where he was formerly a sales manager. While it's a step down from his old position at the company, the 46-year-old is content at the moment.<br /><br />"I am extremely tired of looking for work and want to take a break from interviewing. The rejection is hard to take," he says. "I have more time, less stress and going through the exercise of having less income has had its upside."<br /><br />When Joy S.,** 33, was let go from her job as the director of a pro-bono legal services program for a social service provider, she took on a nanny position. She found that working with children was a breath of fresh air compared with her lawyer lifestyle.<br /><br />"Lawyers take themselves pretty seriously and kids are a great antidote for that," Joy says. "As a lawyer, I worked like a lion to protect my clients and I always have, but I dealt with profound misery on a regular basis. I found my time with the kids to be healing in a way. I enjoyed their wide-eyed wisdom."<br /><br />Lessons learned<br />Despite pay disparities, responsibility adjustments and a few frustrations, those who have taken on a fallback position must take it seriously, Ross says.<br /><br />"Learn, grow and don't burn any of the bridges in the job itself. Lifetime learning is essential today," she reminds. "Stay open to the possibility of developing and expanding a brand-new career. Take this opportunity seriously, for you never know where it is going to go."<br /><br />*According to the most recent unemployment numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on April 3, 2009.<br /><br />**Names have been changed to protect current occupation<br /><br />Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a> </div>

Are You 'Applying Down' to Jobs?

Are You 'Applying Down' to Jobs? by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer Working for $10 an hour as a Starbucks barista is not exa...

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5 Tips for Talking Money With a Potential Employer

5 Tips for Talking Money With a Potential Employer by Robert Half International<br /><br />Discussing compensation and benefits with a potential employer when the economy is humming can be nerve--wracking; in a recession, it can be downright scary. But applicants should be ready -- and willing -- to bring up the topic with hiring managers. In fact, more than half (56 percent) of senior executive surveyed by Robert Half International said they are comfortable with applicants asking about salary in the first or second interview.<br /><br />Following are five tips to help ensure you're well-prepared to negotiate compensation:<br /><br />1. Do your homework<br />Conduct research to determine your market value, or, in other words, what the skills and experience you possess are currently worth. Begin by reviewing salary surveys and publications such as Robert Half's annual Salary Guides, talking to colleagues and recruiters, and checking salary comparison Web sites. Keep in mind that your geographic area plays a significant role in determining pay levels -- it's unlikely that an IT manager in Boise, Idaho, will be paid as much as one in San Jose, Calif., for instance.<br /><br />2. Research the company<br />Is the firm in a position to bargain? Find out before attempting any salary negotiation. If you've been offered a job as a Web designer at a newly formed startup or a company that recently announced layoffs, your bargaining power may be limited. If the firm isn't able to offer the salary you seek, consider negotiating other elements of the compensation package, such as benefits, vacation days or flexible scheduling. Another option is to see if the company is willing to re-evaluate your compensation six months or a year after you start, assuming you've met performance expectations.<br /><br />3. Look at more than money<br />Whenever you are offered a new position, make sure to consider all aspects of the job. Will you gain more responsibility or work on a high-profile project that will be a valuable addition to your résumé? These factors may make up for a smaller compensation package. Consider the benefits package, too. In addition to health insurance and vacation time, some companies provide perks such as tuition reimbursement or on-the-job training. Determine which factors are critical to you -- perhaps that you have access to a retirement savings account -- and on which ones you're willing to compromise.<br /><br />4. Show them your value<br />Be prepared to show how the company's investment in you will pay off. Provide quantitative examples of your contributions to previous employers. Explain how your knowledge of a particular software program could save the business 10 percent in outsourcing fees or that your experience leading a product rollout will allow the company to complete the project more quickly. If you can provide a high ROI, you might be able to negotiate better compensation.<br /><br />5. Get it in writing<br />Once you've agreed on terms, ask the employer to draw up a letter that outlines the specifics to the offer, such as the position's key responsibilities, salary and any special arrangements that resulted from the negotiations. Having everything in writing will prevent misunderstandings down the line.<br /><br />Flexibility and an open mind are critical to successful salary negotiation. By researching your market value, assessing the company's financial position and demonstrating return on investment, you'll most likely find an offer that's agreeable to both you and your new employer.<br /><br /><br />Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Search more than 100,000 Jobs by </span></strong><a href="http://jobs.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobResults.aspx?SB%3Asbkw=&SB%3As_freeloc=&SB%3Asbfr=30&sbsbmt=Find+Jobs+%C2%BB&lr=cbrockl&cid=US&excrit=QID%3DA3852768340946%3Bst%3DA%3Buse%3DALL%3BCID%3DUS%3BSID%3D%3F%3BTID%3D0%3BENR%3DNO%3BDTP%3DDRNS%3BYDI%3DYES%3BIND%3DALL%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPDQ%3DAll%3BPAYL%3D0%3BPAYH%3DGT120%3BPOY%3DNO%3BETD%3DALL%3BRE%3DALL%3BMGT%3DDC%3BSUP%3DDC%3BFRE%3D1%3BCHL%3DAL%3BQS%3DSID_UNKNOWN%3BSS%3DNO%3BTITL%3D0%3BOB%3D-modifiedint%3BJQT%3DRAD%3BJDV%3DFalse&IPath=ILM"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">CLICKING HERE!</span></strong></a>

5 Tips for Talking Money With a Potential Employer

5 Tips for Talking Money With a Potential Employer by Robert Half International Discussing compensation and benefits with a potential employ...

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Planning de la semaine du 24 au 28 août

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><p></p><ul><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 24 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mardi 25 août de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 26 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 27 août de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 28 août de 13h30 à 17h.<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de gestion</a></strong><br />- vendredi 28 août de 9h à 12h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><ul><li><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Pôle-emploi.fr</span> - mercredi 26 août de 14h à 15h30<br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - jeudi 27 août de 14h à 16h</ul><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Session de recrutement Technitoit</span></strong><br /></h2><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.technitoit.fr" target="_blank">Technitoit</a></strong> - vendredi 28 août à 9h</li></ul><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><li><strong>Boutique de gestion</strong> - lundi 24 août à 14h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 24 au 28 août

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 24 ao...

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