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If you're looking for a new job, it's important to take some time and ask yourself what a future employer will first notice about you. Marketers like to call this your personal brand. Others prefer to call it your first impression. Regardless of the words you choose, it's still a fact that if your name is just one of hundreds in a resume database, it will be very difficult to get yourself noticed by a future employer. Whether you're a blacksmith or a CEO, a wealth of free resources online help you build your personal brand so you will be…
Before securing your dream job, you will likely need to sift through employment postings that don't meet your criteria. Fortunately, the process has become much more refined due to advances in technology, paving the way for job-search customization. Narrow your search to the exact location and profession in which you want to be employed. Securing that job through an impressive resume and cover letter is up to you.
If you have a felony criminal conviction in your past, it can be a serious obstacle when seeking employment. You can expect a lengthy search process that requires a great deal of perseverance and patience. However, there are some steps you can take to make the process a bit easier, and you can always explore the possibility of venturing out on your own.
Experience is a good thing, right? In today’s competitive job market, however, job seekers are leaving no stone unturned and are applying for lower-level positions. You might assume -- all other things being equal -- the more qualified person will land the job, but that isn’t always the case. The good news is, even if you’ve been labeled overqualified more than once, you can adjust your focus and job search and renew your competitive edge.
Travel costs are often a necessary expense when you look for a job. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows you to deduct some of those costs on your federal tax return. It is advisable to keep travel expense receipts and document your mileage when you travel to employment sites.
Hunting for a job using the Internet allows you to consider hundreds of job possibilities without leaving home. You can zip your job application right to waiting employers, research companies and study company websites to get a feel for their business culture. You can also find information online to help you write your resume or prepare for an interview. For all of these advantages, however, job hunting on the Internet also has disadvantages. Knowing both the advantages and disadvantages of online job hunting can help you make the most of this valuable resource.
Though you may incur a number of expenses when looking for a new job, the good news is that in many situations the Internal Revenue Service allows you to deduct these expenses from your taxes. However, you must follow a number of rules to properly claim a tax deduction for your job hunting expenses.
Being unemployed or actively searching for a better job can be a tough financial situation. But it also carries some significant baggage when it comes to your confidence and self-esteem. Job seekers and the unemployed may feel inadequate while between jobs and discouraged about their future prospects. There are, however, a variety of ways to overcome discouragement related to unemployment or the job hunt.
Finding a job during the recession can itself be a full-time gig, but you can make it worth your while by deducting job-hunting expenses on your taxes. However, not all expenses count as a job-hunting cost, so you have to be careful not to commingle personal and business needs. Whether or not you find a job, you may qualify for additional tax breaks.
Whether you are unemployed or looking for a new job to escape an unpleasant career or work environment, job hunting can be a frustrating and exhausting task. Depending on the job market in your area and the type of job you are looking for, your job search may take significantly longer than you had anticipated. Several strategies can help you deal with frustration and fatigue caused by your job search.
Salary discussions are among the most delicate of all conversations. Disclosing what you currently make, or what you expect to make, to a potential employer is tricky. If you set your salary expectations too low, you could end up making far less than the employer would have been willing to pay. If you set your sights too high, you risk being taken out of consideration for the position.
Looking for employment can become confusing, especially when a company calls you back several months later but you don't remember who the company is or what resume you sent. One method around this dilemma is by keeping track of your job hunt. This allows you to know at a glance the details of the position, the resume you sent and the requirements you need to highlight in the interview.
Job hunters, especially those who have recently graduated from college, may have a hard time balancing fashion with workplace-appropriate gear. While you want to look businesslike, you don't want to feel unfashionable or frumpy, which can affect your self-esteem and thus your image. One item that can be difficult to judge is knee-high boots; though these boots may be fashionable, they are only appropriate in some settings.
For most teenagers, hunting for a job is their first step toward financial independence. Earning their own paycheck means teenagers can begin to purchase their own clothes and electronics and fund social outings with friends without monetary assistance from mom and dad. Forward-thinking teens save a portion of their paychecks for larger expenses, like a first car or college costs. It doesn't take long for teens to realize that hunting for a job is work in itself. To make the process easier, teens should make a checklist that details everything they'll need for a successful employment search.
Getting fired for no apparent reason can come as a shock and leave you upset and apprehensive about rejoining the workforce. Coping with getting fired is not always easy, especially if you do not have any savings to pay your financial obligations while you look for a new job. It is very important to deal with your feelings quickly and move on -- or you risk carrying an air of resentment around with you -- that potential employers will easily detect.
Teaching calls for a set of distinctive abilities that combine the teacher's academic knowledge and communication skills with empathy and the ability to motivate students. While measuring student grades may be one of the modes of evaluating a teacher's performance, it does not provide a complete picture of the teacher's capability. To assess the strengths and weaknesses of a teacher, consider several other aspects that are part of the teacher's job.
Getting fired from a job is devastating to many people. According to a study published in 2009 in the journal "Demography," people who have been fired are at risk of developing negative health problems. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you take care of yourself after being fired. There are ways for you to deal with the conflicting emotions that may arise after such an unfortunate event.
One way to measure strengths and weaknesses is through job performance. Everyone has a set of abilities and talents they can bring to each job. Yet, once inside the workplace, employees usually fall on different sides of a performance line. Rarely is any employee perfect in every area of his duties. It takes much observation to verify job performance. Once revealed, you can use performance reviews to measure the strengths and weaknesses of each employee during an appraisal process.
Job seekers rely on more than searching job boards and newspapers. Many recognize the importance of networking, online and offline. Networking is more than presenting a resume via email or by mail; networking connects job seekers directly with recruiters and potential employers.
When you are in the job market, you might find that you have exhausted all of the conventional job search tactics rather quickly. Then, all you can do is sit around and wait for an employer to get back to you. However, you don't have to sit around if you're willing to find a job using uncommon search tactics. These unconventional strategies can be used to find a job, connect with an employer, and get invited to come in for an interview.
A case study examination is composed of a set of questions surrounding a single problem, person, place or thing. Each problem attacks different angles of the subject matter to determine if the examinee comprehends the particular problem(s) and can solve them. Case study examinations can be used in business, technology, medicine, psychology, advertising, law, consulting and science. The questions are ideal for testing the knowledge of an individual who must prove his grasp of the subject matter in a particular field, i.e., the legal professional.
When you enter the job market, it can seem like a very scary place. You have a lot of unknown factors that you may not understand and finding the job that you want might seem like a dream. With a little bit of hard work and patience, you may be able to get a job that meets your needs.
A new job can be exciting once you get it, but the job hunt may not be as thrilling. The key to mastering your new job hunt is to be organized and focused. Having a plan will help you eliminate irrelevant jobs from your search. By understanding exactly what you want and where to find it, you are ahead in the job search game. The next steps involve detailed planning and execution to snag the perfect position.
An introductory letter, better known as a cover letter, has the primary purpose of pointing out how the qualifications listed in your resume match the position you are applying for. Secondarily, the appearance and phrasing of the cover letter convey unmistakable messages about your motivation, work ethic and personality traits. The cover letter is the first impression you make on a potential employer--make it perfect.
Depending on factors like geography and the economy, job hunting can be incredibly frustrating for the unemployed as well as those looking to switch to a new job. However, there are common practices that a job hunter can partake in that better increases the chances of finding employment.
Interviewing for a job makes most people very antsy, but if you take time and learn as much as possible about the company beforehand, you have a tremendous advantage. You also should research some of the questions that many interviewers ask, and practice your answers with a friend or family member. A good question to start with is, "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?" In answering this, always turn a negative into a positive and remember that you may have characteristics that fit into both categories.
In the past, people might have thought their job-seeking days were over once they hit a certain age. However, times have changed, and individuals are finding jobs no matter what age they are. According to the website Plus 50 Lifestyles, Baby Boomers and mature employees are achieving more late in life than earlier generations. Fortunately, 45-year-old Baby Boomers who find themselves in career transition can take positive steps to find a job.
Many people have lost their jobs since the recession hit the United States and the rest of the world. Thankfully, companies are getting back on their feet and starting to hire again. But the number of candidates is huge, so having the right resources is critical to landing a good job. One of those resources is job-hunting websites, which help people contact prospective employers. Many of the top websites in the United States are free to job-seekers.
Computer skills are not just useful, they are a requirement in today's workplace, which means that today's job seeker needs basic computer literacy skills to be competitive. Not only will computer skills allow job seekers to attain jobs they would otherwise be unqualified for, these same skills are increasingly necessary simply to find a job, as more and more companies post openings online and require potential employees to fill out applications online or use email to send resumes.
So you think you might be the next Richard Branson? Well, if you are a teen looking for a job, then you are on the right track. Some of the most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs got a very young start. Even in a tough economy, there are opportunities out there for people who aren't afraid to buckle down and "get to work." Here are a few places to start looking.
The Internet can be an invaluable resource for job hunting. It is important to remember that job hunting should be a very involved activity, and that the Internet is just one of many possible job hunting tools. Once you understand the advantages of job hunting online, you will see how valuable a resource the Internet can be in helping you find your next job.
When looking for your first job, replacing a lost job or changing professions, establishing a job hunting procedure may seem complicated. Mechanics may not think that networking will work for them. CEOs may rely on their experience and ignore other procedures that could aide them in their search. People just entering the job market may need help writing a comprehensive resume.
The number of older Americans in the workforce is growing fast. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 90 percent of the growth in the labor force in the next seven years will be among workers age 55 and older. And as the workplace changes, many older workers are finding that they have to adapt their career plans. It's more than likely that you'll find yourself job hunting, or even switching fields, at age 55 or older.
A job-hunting support group can be a great environment to help you find your next job. It provides motivation and moral support at a time when people need it most. It can also be a place where lasting friendships are cultivated. According to the author of "What Color is your Parachute?" Richard Nelson Bolles, members of job hunting support groups have an 84 percent success rate at finding a job. However, those job hunting on their own experience only a 15 percent success rate.
A recent Nielsen study, reported in "Time" magazine, said that people now spend more time social networking than sending or receiving emails. If you are diligent and put in the time, there are many ways you can use Facebook as a job-search tool.
You're fired! Those devastating words may continue to haunt as the search for a new job begins.Telling a prospective employer about being fired from the previous job is a challenge, but there are ways to address the issue forthrightly and correctly. Being fired is not the end of the world, and can be the start of a new career.
Looking for a job can be a full-time job in itself. Job hunting does require time and effort. Browsing through the classified ads and applying for every job you find is not enough. Make sure your hard work pays off. Your job search can be more productive and less stressful if you remember a few simple steps.
As job seekers submit resumes, go to job interviews, search for job opportunities and talk to potential employers, they should be aware of some of the job search etiquette rules they should be following.
Whether you have been fired or laid off from your job, you are looking to switch careers or you have just graduated from school, job hunting can be a daunting task. Using online resources and taking advantage of networking opportunities in your job search will allow you to get started quickly and will help you to stay motivated until you find a job that suits your needs.
Moving to another country for a job is a big decision, which is why careful planning is important. Securing a job in your country of destination prior to making the big move makes the transition easier. Casting a wide search and considering various options help when seeking opportunities to establish a career in a foreign land. Know what your options are and be resourceful in securing a position abroad.
Every employee in the workplace wants to move up the ladder. Unfortunately, there are not always openings within your current organization to help you reach your career goals. When such a case is realized, searching for a new job becomes a priority.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate in December 2009 stood at 10 percent. High figures like this may make finding a job harder, but people can reduce the length of time out of work by vigilantly searching for that perfect job.
The thought of having to start a new job hunt can be scary. With some concentration and preparation you can decrease the headache and time associated with finding a new job.
The job market is getting competitive, so in order to stand out and have chance at landing your dream job, you should consider injecting a little humor into the job hunt. In some cases, humor may not be appropriate. For example, using humor to secure a position as a brain surgeon may not be the best approach. But for creative jobs in fields such as sales, marketing and research it may be effective to use a humorous twist to job hunting.
Although we are often told, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” each of us has an immediate reaction to the people we see around us. When you are job hunting, your appearance plays a huge role in how potential employers perceive you. The key is to dress as though you already have the job you are pursuing.
Finding a job can be an exhausting, challenging process, especially in today's climate. With frequent layoffs in the news, more and more people are looking for work, making the positions that are open much more competitive. Understanding what skills you need to find a job involves thinking about the process of finding job and identifying what pieces of the puzzle are most critical.
In today's job market there are two things that you need to account for: technology and the economy. Technology has allowed job hunters to reach employers all over the country instantly, and it has also allowed employers to remain anonymous as they pour over thousands of submitted resumes online. When the country is in a recession there is a vicious cycle of people losing their jobs, and then the job market becomes more competitive because of all the job hunters.
Depression can hit anyone, but the challenges of finding a job often make people even more susceptible. The right job-hunting and self-care strategies can help the job seeker cope professionally and personally.
Looking for a job can be extremely stressful and often requires persistence, hard work and creativity. You must have an awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of the job market. Draw on your educational background and experiences to make the process easier.
Being unemployed can be a depressing experience. It is all too easy to fall into a habit of allowing others to make decisions for you and dictate which direction you should take in your efforts to find employment. Only you know exactly what sort of position you are looking for, and you are the only one who can represent yourself in a job interview. You can market yourself far better than anyone you hire. Take control of your job hunt and begin networking using the resources available to you.
Job hunting can be a stressful experience. The applicant shows up to an often unfamiliar place unsure what awaits her as she walks through the door and faces an interviewer. Being pregnant and job hunting at the same time can be even more stressful. Make this process less frustrating with a few simple and easy-to-follow tips. Remember, under federal law, an employer cannot refuse to hire someone because she is pregnant.
Finding a career via the Web is certainly possible, but there can be mishaps in online job hunting too. Here are some things to avoid when using the Internet to find a job.
Just because you are out of a job doesn't mean that you get a vacation from your chosen profession. At some point you are going to have a new job, so you need to keep your skills and knowledge on the cutting edge. You do not want to lose out on a great career simply because you don't know about industry changes.
Job hunting in the 21st century places an emphasis on Internet social networking and creating a professional presence online. To begin a technologically based job search, you will need make your professional profile, resume and portfolio easily accessible to potential employers and industry contacts.
When hunting for a job, it is important to ask if relocation is an option or if it is important to stay in the current area. Use tools such as the Better Business Bureau to narrow specific fields of work as well as online reviews and newspapers along with other tips from a career adviser in this free video on job guidance.
Job hunting can be stressful enough, especially if you're under pressure to find a gig. So while you blast out resumes and hit every career fair known to man--follow these steps to stay healthy while you search!
When looking for a local job, staffing companies can be useful resources, but also look at the Internet, local newspaper publications and classified ads. Search for a job that fits personal qualifications locally with tips from a business development manager in this free video on job searches.
Looking for a job can sometimes be frustrating. The job search can seem like it goes on and on for weeks and months. What are some tips to find open local jobs and apply for them successfully? Hopefully, prospective employers will be calling for interviews in no time.
Looking for jobs used to mean reading the classified ads section in the newspaper. Not anymore. You can now find jobs in different places, both in the real world and virtually, just by dedicating a little of your time and knowing where to look.
Resume should highlight your achievements, and our expert is here to show you how to best display your accomplishments in this free job hunting video.
Under current tax law, you can deduct all your job hunting expenses even for jobs you don't get. However, to be deductible, you must incur the expenses while searching for a job in a field you have already worked in.
In the fast-paced life of a professional, it is now estimated that most will have 10 to 12 different jobs and 3 to 4 significant career changes. It comes as no surprise that many people will find themselves unemployed at some time. Many people when unemployed deal with "unemployment blues." Much of our identity and self-esteem is formed around our professional life, and when this does not exist we experience depression. Fortunately there are ways to alleviate the unemployment blues.
Increase your chance for success while job hunting by carefully considering your voicemail message. An appropriate message can relay how important your job quest is to recruiters who may call while you're out. Friends will still leave messages, and potential employers will take you seriously. Follow these steps.
