MJW Careers Commercial - Triple Human Leap
Showing posts with label seeker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seeker. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Surefire Resume Killers That Will Murder Your Career
As a former human resources recruiter with over 10 years experience, I would commonly go through hundreds of resumes for any one particular position. And while it became tedious to sift through the same inadequate pieces of paper over and over, there was always a diamond in the rough.
A resume that stands out can create a sense of urgency for a recruiter to present it to the hiring manager without even calling the candidate first. Of course, that isn't the reality, because we do have to pause and track down the one with the "golden eggsume." Recruiters investigate all candidates to see if they really do match up with the opening.
Now you're asking, "what did that person have on his or her resume to make them stand out?" Simple... they can do the job and the resume reflects that. As much as I would like to just spend time on top candidates, I still want to help the rest of the fold, should they ask why they didn't get chosen. With that, I give you five surefire resume killers that can become deal breakers, in no particular order.
Get Rid of the Fluff - People tend to use too many adjectives (i.e., "fast learner", "hard working") when describing themselves or their experience. Do not be one of those people! Anyone can say they are a "team player". These descriptions are subjective and cannot be proven. We also don't need to know how you helped Bill get to work for a week when his van broke down.
It Isn't a Novel - You do not need to write a paragraph for each job description. I once had a candidate send me a summary of his work experience, as opposed to a nicely formatted section including employment dates, employer, location and title. My hiring manager told me it had to be cleaned up before he would even review it, so I passed the memo along to the candidate and apparently he was too lazy (or offended) to make any edits. Even though he was a fit for our opening, it was on to the next candidate!
Lack of Depth - Write tangible descriptions relating to your skills and duties. Provide numbers or results you produced and quantify the statement with that information. Anything is better than broad statements. They are annoying and a major turn-off for HR people and managers. Data and numbers showcasing your ability to impact the bottom line is what they want to see. So find out how you were able to increase revenue or decrease expenditures for your previous employers and make it known on your resume.
One Title, One Resume - Tailor your resume to the job you are attempting to land and market yourself specifically for this job. Hiring managers are focused on what they need and expect your resume to be geared towards that need. If you are interested in multiple job titles, create multiple versions of your resume. Make sure they are based on the company's job descriptions/titles you apply to and tailor them towards those openings.
Not Enough Buzzwords - Use words from the job posting to customize your resume each time you send it out. If the job posting says "project management," use that same term in your resume as it relates to your experience. Most recruiters are not experts on every single facet of every single opening, so they constantly are seeking out information from actual candidates to further their knowledge about the openings. With that said, try to help them out and put buzzwords onto your resume so they can see that you actually have comparable skills to that job posting. Plus, when recruiters search databases to find your resumes, most of the time they use those same buzzwords.
A superior resume displays your marketable or transferable skills and experience and "pre-sells" you. Not to only gain an interview, but make it so that when you walk in, the interviewer's reaction is: "I've read your resume, and I'm really looking forward to meeting with you." A superior resume puts you ahead of the ever-increasing competition, so you can be confident that you get noticed over the hundreds of other people applying.
A resume that stands out can create a sense of urgency for a recruiter to present it to the hiring manager without even calling the candidate first. Of course, that isn't the reality, because we do have to pause and track down the one with the "golden eggsume." Recruiters investigate all candidates to see if they really do match up with the opening.
Now you're asking, "what did that person have on his or her resume to make them stand out?" Simple... they can do the job and the resume reflects that. As much as I would like to just spend time on top candidates, I still want to help the rest of the fold, should they ask why they didn't get chosen. With that, I give you five surefire resume killers that can become deal breakers, in no particular order.
Get Rid of the Fluff - People tend to use too many adjectives (i.e., "fast learner", "hard working") when describing themselves or their experience. Do not be one of those people! Anyone can say they are a "team player". These descriptions are subjective and cannot be proven. We also don't need to know how you helped Bill get to work for a week when his van broke down.
It Isn't a Novel - You do not need to write a paragraph for each job description. I once had a candidate send me a summary of his work experience, as opposed to a nicely formatted section including employment dates, employer, location and title. My hiring manager told me it had to be cleaned up before he would even review it, so I passed the memo along to the candidate and apparently he was too lazy (or offended) to make any edits. Even though he was a fit for our opening, it was on to the next candidate!
Lack of Depth - Write tangible descriptions relating to your skills and duties. Provide numbers or results you produced and quantify the statement with that information. Anything is better than broad statements. They are annoying and a major turn-off for HR people and managers. Data and numbers showcasing your ability to impact the bottom line is what they want to see. So find out how you were able to increase revenue or decrease expenditures for your previous employers and make it known on your resume.
One Title, One Resume - Tailor your resume to the job you are attempting to land and market yourself specifically for this job. Hiring managers are focused on what they need and expect your resume to be geared towards that need. If you are interested in multiple job titles, create multiple versions of your resume. Make sure they are based on the company's job descriptions/titles you apply to and tailor them towards those openings.
Not Enough Buzzwords - Use words from the job posting to customize your resume each time you send it out. If the job posting says "project management," use that same term in your resume as it relates to your experience. Most recruiters are not experts on every single facet of every single opening, so they constantly are seeking out information from actual candidates to further their knowledge about the openings. With that said, try to help them out and put buzzwords onto your resume so they can see that you actually have comparable skills to that job posting. Plus, when recruiters search databases to find your resumes, most of the time they use those same buzzwords.
A superior resume displays your marketable or transferable skills and experience and "pre-sells" you. Not to only gain an interview, but make it so that when you walk in, the interviewer's reaction is: "I've read your resume, and I'm really looking forward to meeting with you." A superior resume puts you ahead of the ever-increasing competition, so you can be confident that you get noticed over the hundreds of other people applying.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Seeking 2 Engineers for Raleigh, NC
JOB 1: Substation Automation Proposal Engineer in Raleigh, NC
Typical duties/responsibilities:
• Plan and prepare substation automation proposal packages using the best competitive solution comprising of products and services, plus products from other manufacturers in an efficient and timely manner as demanded by the bidding/specification deadlines.
• Review and analyze customer specifications and data from other departments to compile information for bids and prepare proposals is responsive to customer requirements
• Utilize EDMS (Electronic Document Management System) for generation of all Proposals and storage of all technical and pricing data generated in the process of generating proposals.
• Prepare cost estimates for new bids, contract changes and requests for quotations utilizing basic engineering data, drawings, customer specifications and related information, and summarize total cost estimates.
• Develop or assist in the development of domestic business documents such as commercial agreements, pricing spreadsheets, risk analysis and mitigation worksheets, cash flow information.
• Document internal and external product transfer prices and maintain the marketing and quoting database to optimize efficiency of the bid preparation processes.
• Record all negotiation results from suppliers and customers and upon receipt of order participate in project management 'hand-over' meetings to ensure that all technical and commercial objectives are understood by the project management or order handling personnel.
Position Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
• Three years relevant engineering experience in electrical power systems or industrial automation systems domain
• Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively and communicate the importance of changes in the marketplace.
• Strong communication skills are required to complement your ability to direct the preparation of routine and non-routine proposals. The ability to work independently on projects must be blended with the ability to manage and work well with others (sales, engineering, management, vendors) to create proposals that meet the customers expectations.
• Broad knowledge of diverse operations and ability to independently resolve complex problems.
• Previous experience with SCADA, Substation Automation and HMI bid preparation, system architecture designs, product selection detectors is a plus.
Desired competencies:
• Knowledgeable of major electrical power and industrial system applications
• Knowledge of generating, transmission and distribution utilities, large industrials with “utility” requirements, electrical consultants, EPC's and OEM’s.
• Excellent technical English writing skills.
• Successfully worked in large matrix organizations, a team player in local group and able to work across country boundaries
• Knowledge of the MV/HV/EHV Power System Protection, Utility Communications and Substation Automation systems business and customers in the USA
• Detailed knowledge of protection relays, utility communications equipment, substation automation systems and related products is preferable.
• Knowledge of Internal companies and procedures would be an asset
• Software skills and the ability to utilize organized database environments are a strong plus; Microsoft Office and Visio Expert
• Candidate should be well organized, self motivated, detail oriented.
• Ability to understand and interpreted power system protection single line diagrams.
• Working knowledge with AutoCAD and ability to create electrical drawings is a plus.
Equal Opportunity Employer: MJW Careers is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
JOB 2: Senior Protection and Control Engineer (Protection and Control Engineer III)
Typical duties/responsibilities:
• Design of electrical protection and control systems for generation, transmission and distribution systems with emphasis on project costs and quality.
• Development of complete engineering design packages for protective relaying and communications systems, including AC one-line and three-line diagrams, DC schematics, logic and functional diagrams, panel layouts, interconnection diagrams, relaying equipment specifications and bill of materials.
• Performing relaying and power system analysis including system short circuit and relay coordination analysis
• Review drawings and other technical documentation for conformance to specifications.
• Resolve protection and control design issues as identified by project engineer and manager.
• Travel to project site as required including, but not limited to, customer kick-off meetings.
• Support the execution of project site control and protection activities including commissioning.
• Able to effectively perform project management analysis techniques for standard projects by preparing and updating a project schedule
• Supervises or coordinates the work of drafters and/or designers.
• Assist the Substation Automation Engineering Manager in meeting department goals.
Position Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; Master of Science preferred
• Registered Professional Engineering preferred
• Minimum of eight years relevant protection and control engineering experience in electrical power systems or industrial automation systems domain
• Ability to communicate effectively and act decisively
• Ability to document work performed and track progress of project, including administration of warranty items.
• Foresight to anticipate problems and recognize opportunities for cost-effectively improving operations.
• Independently plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.
• Has a solid understanding of a variety of protective relaying concepts, practices, and procedures
Desired competencies:
• Knowledgeable of major electrical power and industrial system applications
• Excellent understanding with the design of electrical control and protection systems for generation, transmission and distribution systems
• Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems related to protection and control.
• Knowledge of Microsoft tools, AutoCAD and other discipline software like Aspen and/or SKM products.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards
• Comprehends the benefits of modern Substation Automation communication standards and protocols (e.g. IEC 61850, DNP 3.0)
• Understands protective relay devices and remote terminal units
• Successfully worked in large matrix organizations and able to work across country boundaries
Required Travel – 0 - 5%
Equal Opportunity Employer: MJW Careers is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Please contact MATT WARZEL if you or someone you know can fit the bill!
216-246-9900
warzel@mjwcareers.com
Typical duties/responsibilities:
• Plan and prepare substation automation proposal packages using the best competitive solution comprising of products and services, plus products from other manufacturers in an efficient and timely manner as demanded by the bidding/specification deadlines.
• Review and analyze customer specifications and data from other departments to compile information for bids and prepare proposals is responsive to customer requirements
• Utilize EDMS (Electronic Document Management System) for generation of all Proposals and storage of all technical and pricing data generated in the process of generating proposals.
• Prepare cost estimates for new bids, contract changes and requests for quotations utilizing basic engineering data, drawings, customer specifications and related information, and summarize total cost estimates.
• Develop or assist in the development of domestic business documents such as commercial agreements, pricing spreadsheets, risk analysis and mitigation worksheets, cash flow information.
• Document internal and external product transfer prices and maintain the marketing and quoting database to optimize efficiency of the bid preparation processes.
• Record all negotiation results from suppliers and customers and upon receipt of order participate in project management 'hand-over' meetings to ensure that all technical and commercial objectives are understood by the project management or order handling personnel.
Position Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
• Three years relevant engineering experience in electrical power systems or industrial automation systems domain
• Ability to communicate effectively, act decisively and communicate the importance of changes in the marketplace.
• Strong communication skills are required to complement your ability to direct the preparation of routine and non-routine proposals. The ability to work independently on projects must be blended with the ability to manage and work well with others (sales, engineering, management, vendors) to create proposals that meet the customers expectations.
• Broad knowledge of diverse operations and ability to independently resolve complex problems.
• Previous experience with SCADA, Substation Automation and HMI bid preparation, system architecture designs, product selection detectors is a plus.
Desired competencies:
• Knowledgeable of major electrical power and industrial system applications
• Knowledge of generating, transmission and distribution utilities, large industrials with “utility” requirements, electrical consultants, EPC's and OEM’s.
• Excellent technical English writing skills.
• Successfully worked in large matrix organizations, a team player in local group and able to work across country boundaries
• Knowledge of the MV/HV/EHV Power System Protection, Utility Communications and Substation Automation systems business and customers in the USA
• Detailed knowledge of protection relays, utility communications equipment, substation automation systems and related products is preferable.
• Knowledge of Internal companies and procedures would be an asset
• Software skills and the ability to utilize organized database environments are a strong plus; Microsoft Office and Visio Expert
• Candidate should be well organized, self motivated, detail oriented.
• Ability to understand and interpreted power system protection single line diagrams.
• Working knowledge with AutoCAD and ability to create electrical drawings is a plus.
Equal Opportunity Employer: MJW Careers is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
JOB 2: Senior Protection and Control Engineer (Protection and Control Engineer III)
Typical duties/responsibilities:
• Design of electrical protection and control systems for generation, transmission and distribution systems with emphasis on project costs and quality.
• Development of complete engineering design packages for protective relaying and communications systems, including AC one-line and three-line diagrams, DC schematics, logic and functional diagrams, panel layouts, interconnection diagrams, relaying equipment specifications and bill of materials.
• Performing relaying and power system analysis including system short circuit and relay coordination analysis
• Review drawings and other technical documentation for conformance to specifications.
• Resolve protection and control design issues as identified by project engineer and manager.
• Travel to project site as required including, but not limited to, customer kick-off meetings.
• Support the execution of project site control and protection activities including commissioning.
• Able to effectively perform project management analysis techniques for standard projects by preparing and updating a project schedule
• Supervises or coordinates the work of drafters and/or designers.
• Assist the Substation Automation Engineering Manager in meeting department goals.
Position Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering; Master of Science preferred
• Registered Professional Engineering preferred
• Minimum of eight years relevant protection and control engineering experience in electrical power systems or industrial automation systems domain
• Ability to communicate effectively and act decisively
• Ability to document work performed and track progress of project, including administration of warranty items.
• Foresight to anticipate problems and recognize opportunities for cost-effectively improving operations.
• Independently plans and conducts work requiring judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.
• Has a solid understanding of a variety of protective relaying concepts, practices, and procedures
Desired competencies:
• Knowledgeable of major electrical power and industrial system applications
• Excellent understanding with the design of electrical control and protection systems for generation, transmission and distribution systems
• Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems related to protection and control.
• Knowledge of Microsoft tools, AutoCAD and other discipline software like Aspen and/or SKM products.
• Knowledge of ANSI standards
• Comprehends the benefits of modern Substation Automation communication standards and protocols (e.g. IEC 61850, DNP 3.0)
• Understands protective relay devices and remote terminal units
• Successfully worked in large matrix organizations and able to work across country boundaries
Required Travel – 0 - 5%
Equal Opportunity Employer: MJW Careers is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and is committed to providing equal employment to all without regard to age, ancestry, color, creed, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation or belief, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Please contact MATT WARZEL if you or someone you know can fit the bill!
216-246-9900
warzel@mjwcareers.com
Friday, January 1, 2010
JobStickers Career Mixer Information
Front Street Brewery & MJW Careers present the first ever JobStickers Career Mixer
Date: February 3, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Front Street Brewery
Location: 9 North Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Our JobStickers Career Mixers are about connecting job seekers with recruiters and hiring managers. At the mixer, you'll be given a color-coded name tag that identifies you as a job seeker of a specific industry – or a recruiter or hiring manager of a direct-hire company – so you can network with the people that matter to you!
Job Seekers! Aside from the imbibing and fun that every mixer brings, recruiters and hiring managers will be on-hand to learn a little bit more about what you do. So make sure you bring LOTS of resumes to hand out to prospective employers!
Recruiters and Hiring Managers! Support the local community by attending this career mixer! We are looking for folks to assist us with job search tips, interview techniques, and industry job trends. Help out your fellow colleagues, while making valuable candidate contacts! To attend, contact Matt Warzel @ 216-246-9900.
Visit us on the web:
www.jobstickers.com
www.mjwcareers.com
Date: February 3, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Front Street Brewery
Location: 9 North Front St., Wilmington, NC 28401
Our JobStickers Career Mixers are about connecting job seekers with recruiters and hiring managers. At the mixer, you'll be given a color-coded name tag that identifies you as a job seeker of a specific industry – or a recruiter or hiring manager of a direct-hire company – so you can network with the people that matter to you!
Job Seekers! Aside from the imbibing and fun that every mixer brings, recruiters and hiring managers will be on-hand to learn a little bit more about what you do. So make sure you bring LOTS of resumes to hand out to prospective employers!
Recruiters and Hiring Managers! Support the local community by attending this career mixer! We are looking for folks to assist us with job search tips, interview techniques, and industry job trends. Help out your fellow colleagues, while making valuable candidate contacts! To attend, contact Matt Warzel @ 216-246-9900.
Visit us on the web:
www.jobstickers.com
www.mjwcareers.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pitfalls and places you should avoid on your job search
When job seekers are out on their own and sometimes do not think long enough before they jump into an opportunity, that might come few and far between, it can sometimes backfire and in turn hurt them emotionally and financially. These are some tips to read about some of the jobs out there that aren't worth pursuing.
1. Unpaid internships with small companies who have no brand. Unless they are partnered and can offer credit for your university, I would avoid the unpaid internships. Remember when Kramer in Seinfeld had an intern at his company Kramerica? My point exactly.
2. Buzz marketing outfits: These companies constantly need agents (who end up being gullible consumers) to receive samples & coupons to give their friends and employees. You can have people sign up through the website...they don’t get money or anything; just free stuff to give people!
3. Promotional marketing companies: the employers give out sample coupons door-to-door and earn a profit off of consumers purchasing these coupons to events, like baseball games. The catch is that the coupons aren’t affiliated with the event sponsor and thus, do not work. Avoid being a scam artist without knowing you’re a scam artist!
4. Work-at-home scams: You’ve probably seen an ad on CareerBuilder that says "$10,000 a month working part-time from your home", "Help wanted to work from home and make $1000/week" or "Internet advertising company needs people who want to earn $5000 or more a month, part-time!" Stay away from anything that’s too good to be true, because it probably is too good to be true.
5. Companies that make you pay application fees. No companies charge you to work at them, so why would you think that was a normal practice?
6. Mystery shopping scams: Some mystery shopping places are legit (see list on the Mystery Shopping Providers Association), but some will ask you to handle money on your own by using fake checks from the company in place of your own cash, only AFTER you’ve spent your own cash!
7. Companies asking for your credit card information, personal pin numbers and any extra personal information via email. You know better to not buy into this trick, so know better to not get caught up working at one of them.
8. Jobs that ask you to pay them for training at companies that aren’t certified. It’s one thing to enroll at a community college for some trade certification or rapid learning course, but it’s another to only communicate with an educational class via email and then to send them money for the paid-training and learning materials. I would research schools to see if they are a qualified online training institute such as the University of Phoenix Online among others. While U of P is good online training, beware of the others that have made a business taking advantage of internet learning. You don’t want to lose out on some hard-earned money that you desperately need.
Tip: Check out businesses at the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB.org) or run a Google search of the company name and see if any search results yield the word “scam” or “fraud” in the context, if you are unsure about the company’s practices. Bottom line: if it’s easy, it most likely isn’t going to pay off. You need to work hard to garner success.
1. Unpaid internships with small companies who have no brand. Unless they are partnered and can offer credit for your university, I would avoid the unpaid internships. Remember when Kramer in Seinfeld had an intern at his company Kramerica? My point exactly.
2. Buzz marketing outfits: These companies constantly need agents (who end up being gullible consumers) to receive samples & coupons to give their friends and employees. You can have people sign up through the website...they don’t get money or anything; just free stuff to give people!
3. Promotional marketing companies: the employers give out sample coupons door-to-door and earn a profit off of consumers purchasing these coupons to events, like baseball games. The catch is that the coupons aren’t affiliated with the event sponsor and thus, do not work. Avoid being a scam artist without knowing you’re a scam artist!
4. Work-at-home scams: You’ve probably seen an ad on CareerBuilder that says "$10,000 a month working part-time from your home", "Help wanted to work from home and make $1000/week" or "Internet advertising company needs people who want to earn $5000 or more a month, part-time!" Stay away from anything that’s too good to be true, because it probably is too good to be true.
5. Companies that make you pay application fees. No companies charge you to work at them, so why would you think that was a normal practice?
6. Mystery shopping scams: Some mystery shopping places are legit (see list on the Mystery Shopping Providers Association), but some will ask you to handle money on your own by using fake checks from the company in place of your own cash, only AFTER you’ve spent your own cash!
7. Companies asking for your credit card information, personal pin numbers and any extra personal information via email. You know better to not buy into this trick, so know better to not get caught up working at one of them.
8. Jobs that ask you to pay them for training at companies that aren’t certified. It’s one thing to enroll at a community college for some trade certification or rapid learning course, but it’s another to only communicate with an educational class via email and then to send them money for the paid-training and learning materials. I would research schools to see if they are a qualified online training institute such as the University of Phoenix Online among others. While U of P is good online training, beware of the others that have made a business taking advantage of internet learning. You don’t want to lose out on some hard-earned money that you desperately need.
Tip: Check out businesses at the Better Business Bureau’s website (BBB.org) or run a Google search of the company name and see if any search results yield the word “scam” or “fraud” in the context, if you are unsure about the company’s practices. Bottom line: if it’s easy, it most likely isn’t going to pay off. You need to work hard to garner success.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Shh...I'm Looking For a New Job (How to search for a job while maintaining your current one)
How to search for a job while maintaining your current one
There was a period where workers actually stayed on with an employer for a long time. Long enough to earn the famous “gold watch.” Unfortunately times have changed and that is no longer an option for the majority of the workforce. Another underlying issue is for the workers that aren’t satisfied with their current employment. Maybe they don’t feel like it’s challenging enough. Maybe they don’t feel like they have potential to move up the corporate ladder. And while most of us who are collecting unemployment benefits probably don’t feel bad for those who actually have a job, we all have been in a place where we just want to get out of where we are at and move on already. Below are some steps to take that can help you create that discretion you need to be able to both maintain your current employment and also devote time to searching for a new job. Searching for a new job is a job in and of itself, but sometimes being proactive might get you where you want to be. Just make sure you do your search wisely so you don’t lose your current job!
1. Take the time to update your current role into your resume. A potential employer needs to see what you are currently doing. Make sure you change your contact information to only your personal phone number and email address, not your work information.
2. Post your resume onto the job boards using the “hide your contact information” setting and confidential feature for your profile display. You wouldn’t want your current employer stumbling upon your resume!
3. Do not list your current manager as your reference! Only use previous employer references.
4. Use your current networking database as an attribute for your new career search. Be discerning with who you speak to though about your search. When you do speak to them, make sure you let them know you are still employed and that you are just proactively seeking a new opportunity.
5. Don’t use company time to search for openings or field phone calls. Your cubicle might not be conducive for that and your boss might notice if you’re using the conference room or going to your car too much! Better yet, search classifieds and job boards after work or on weekends.
6. Schedule interviews before or after work, so you are not missing work. The potential employer will appreciate you mentioning that you cannot interview during company hours; it displays your respect for your profession and company.
7. Tell the interviewer that you wish to remain confidential and that you wish for them not to contact anyone at your current position.
8. Never bash your current employer during the interview. Enough said. Don’t do it.
9. Don’t tell your current colleagues you are searching for a new job.
10. While speaking to potential employers, make sure you promote your capability and not necessarily your availability.
11. There are various ways to self-market yourself without jeopardizing your current employment: Post your expertise on industry-specific blogs and comment boards under articles, write articles for industry publications and online sites, create your own blog and write about what you know, and speak at industry conferences on a panel of experts.
12. Finally, keep up the hard work, focus and attitude! Maintain a balance of searching for a new job and working hard at your current job!
There was a period where workers actually stayed on with an employer for a long time. Long enough to earn the famous “gold watch.” Unfortunately times have changed and that is no longer an option for the majority of the workforce. Another underlying issue is for the workers that aren’t satisfied with their current employment. Maybe they don’t feel like it’s challenging enough. Maybe they don’t feel like they have potential to move up the corporate ladder. And while most of us who are collecting unemployment benefits probably don’t feel bad for those who actually have a job, we all have been in a place where we just want to get out of where we are at and move on already. Below are some steps to take that can help you create that discretion you need to be able to both maintain your current employment and also devote time to searching for a new job. Searching for a new job is a job in and of itself, but sometimes being proactive might get you where you want to be. Just make sure you do your search wisely so you don’t lose your current job!
1. Take the time to update your current role into your resume. A potential employer needs to see what you are currently doing. Make sure you change your contact information to only your personal phone number and email address, not your work information.
2. Post your resume onto the job boards using the “hide your contact information” setting and confidential feature for your profile display. You wouldn’t want your current employer stumbling upon your resume!
3. Do not list your current manager as your reference! Only use previous employer references.
4. Use your current networking database as an attribute for your new career search. Be discerning with who you speak to though about your search. When you do speak to them, make sure you let them know you are still employed and that you are just proactively seeking a new opportunity.
5. Don’t use company time to search for openings or field phone calls. Your cubicle might not be conducive for that and your boss might notice if you’re using the conference room or going to your car too much! Better yet, search classifieds and job boards after work or on weekends.
6. Schedule interviews before or after work, so you are not missing work. The potential employer will appreciate you mentioning that you cannot interview during company hours; it displays your respect for your profession and company.
7. Tell the interviewer that you wish to remain confidential and that you wish for them not to contact anyone at your current position.
8. Never bash your current employer during the interview. Enough said. Don’t do it.
9. Don’t tell your current colleagues you are searching for a new job.
10. While speaking to potential employers, make sure you promote your capability and not necessarily your availability.
11. There are various ways to self-market yourself without jeopardizing your current employment: Post your expertise on industry-specific blogs and comment boards under articles, write articles for industry publications and online sites, create your own blog and write about what you know, and speak at industry conferences on a panel of experts.
12. Finally, keep up the hard work, focus and attitude! Maintain a balance of searching for a new job and working hard at your current job!
Should I be wary of a temporary employment agency that doesn't test my skills before matching me with positions in my presumed skill set?
Should I be wary of a temporary employment agency that doesn't test my skills before matching me with positions in my presumed skill set?
While working at a staffing company in my past, one of my duties was to find temporary contractors for short contract stints lasting anywhere from 1 night to 1 year. Sometimes the company hiring us to find these people just needed bodies to do simple small part separation from one bin into another at an automotive company. Sometimes we did have to test the potential employee in various mechanical aptitudes to see if they could fit the description given to us by the hiring company.
One thing to remember though is that the temporary employment agency has a reputation to fulfill with the client hiring them. The last thing they want is for the contractor to not work out for a simple 3 month assignment. It can become tiresome for the client having to maintain turnover and the staffing company will not only lose money from each worker not being at work but also from losing the client company as a customer.
So if they temporary employment agency is not conducting tests of your skills, I would assume it's because you do not need to be tested for the type of work they will find for you. Most of the time, your resume speaks for itself.
Trust me, if the client needs someone with a quality assurance background and you have an administrative background, they won't match you up with a quality assurance job that lasts longer than a month (MAYBE if it's a one night or one week stint). The employment agency needs to watch its turnover rates too! Even if the client just needs a body.
While working at a staffing company in my past, one of my duties was to find temporary contractors for short contract stints lasting anywhere from 1 night to 1 year. Sometimes the company hiring us to find these people just needed bodies to do simple small part separation from one bin into another at an automotive company. Sometimes we did have to test the potential employee in various mechanical aptitudes to see if they could fit the description given to us by the hiring company.
One thing to remember though is that the temporary employment agency has a reputation to fulfill with the client hiring them. The last thing they want is for the contractor to not work out for a simple 3 month assignment. It can become tiresome for the client having to maintain turnover and the staffing company will not only lose money from each worker not being at work but also from losing the client company as a customer.
So if they temporary employment agency is not conducting tests of your skills, I would assume it's because you do not need to be tested for the type of work they will find for you. Most of the time, your resume speaks for itself.
Trust me, if the client needs someone with a quality assurance background and you have an administrative background, they won't match you up with a quality assurance job that lasts longer than a month (MAYBE if it's a one night or one week stint). The employment agency needs to watch its turnover rates too! Even if the client just needs a body.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Who Do We Hire For the Future of HVAC?
The growing trend of Baby-Boomers retiring from the HVACR industry has forced many companies to scramble to find candidates to replace those seasoned service technicians and journeymen mechanics.
Without a doubt, the best way to find potential employees is through referral networks. Managers and HVACR contractors must always be on the lookout for new talent, even if they are not actively hiring. Companies that are not fishing for new talent as actively as they should will certainly feel the repercussions once their elder employees decide that golf is more enjoyable in retirement than soldering pipe is in the field.
Proactive recruiting should be at the forefront of any HVACR organization's professional agenda. Success will come to those who realize the importance of filling their employee pipeline with talent. Some candidates won't last, eaten up quickly by the competition; that makes it vital to have a stable of potentials in your pipeline at all times.
Today's job market belongs to candidates; journeymen know they can receive that bump up the union wage scale, and so are selective when looking for their employer of choice. Therefore, I always tell my hiring managers to look at the resume and move quickly when we decide to pursue an individual. Separate your company from competitors by showing candidates the advantages of working for your organization.
For example, Johnson Controls created the Service+Technical Excellence Program (S+TEP) to help groom its current mechanics and for use as a recruiting tool to entice potential employees. S+TEP is an educational training program that employees complete on their own time, with monetary incentives for each level accomplished. Candidates can also receive two certifications: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA) STAR and Master Technician level achievement. The key is finding the right person to get into these programs. But how do we find those candidates?
Without a formal recruiting strategy to approach these hard-to-find candidates, a company likely will constantly stumble into the same dead ends. You always have to incorporate "out of the box" thinking if you want to successfully fill such a demanding position. One concept I find effective is advanced Internet recruitment strategies (AIRS), a headhunting technique that uses the Internet to find successful, seasoned, tradesman-level candidates that are qualified to fill the employee pipeline (Editor's Note: For more information on AIRS, visit www.airsdirectory.com).
Another trend is the growing use of technology in virtual recruiting-the majority of recruiters are online and prefer to receive Internet-based resumes more so than paper. This is a trend that is not going away any time soon; if you aren't recruiting in the "virtual" world and your competitors are, where will that leave you?
We certainly need to recruit mechanical-equipment service tradesmen (MEST) and future apprentices as well. The Catch-22 is locating a candidate that can hit the ground running, without the benefit of our having the time, money or resources to train these people. So what should we do?
The answer is simple: We have to train them and take time to build future employees up to standards so that they become a valuable company asset.
For candidates, I cannot stress enough that their employment search be viewed as a full-time job; actively submitting resumes through all mainstream, niche, and industry-specific job boards as well as company portals.
Candidates who lack Internet access and/or the computer savvy to produce an online resume should take advantage of the Internet access at public libraries; utilize resume templates such as those found at http://www.microsoft.com. Utilize such tools to your advantage, because employers are out there on the hunt.
Without a doubt, the best way to find potential employees is through referral networks. Managers and HVACR contractors must always be on the lookout for new talent, even if they are not actively hiring. Companies that are not fishing for new talent as actively as they should will certainly feel the repercussions once their elder employees decide that golf is more enjoyable in retirement than soldering pipe is in the field.
Proactive recruiting should be at the forefront of any HVACR organization's professional agenda. Success will come to those who realize the importance of filling their employee pipeline with talent. Some candidates won't last, eaten up quickly by the competition; that makes it vital to have a stable of potentials in your pipeline at all times.
Today's job market belongs to candidates; journeymen know they can receive that bump up the union wage scale, and so are selective when looking for their employer of choice. Therefore, I always tell my hiring managers to look at the resume and move quickly when we decide to pursue an individual. Separate your company from competitors by showing candidates the advantages of working for your organization.
For example, Johnson Controls created the Service+Technical Excellence Program (S+TEP) to help groom its current mechanics and for use as a recruiting tool to entice potential employees. S+TEP is an educational training program that employees complete on their own time, with monetary incentives for each level accomplished. Candidates can also receive two certifications: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices (UA) STAR and Master Technician level achievement. The key is finding the right person to get into these programs. But how do we find those candidates?
Without a formal recruiting strategy to approach these hard-to-find candidates, a company likely will constantly stumble into the same dead ends. You always have to incorporate "out of the box" thinking if you want to successfully fill such a demanding position. One concept I find effective is advanced Internet recruitment strategies (AIRS), a headhunting technique that uses the Internet to find successful, seasoned, tradesman-level candidates that are qualified to fill the employee pipeline (Editor's Note: For more information on AIRS, visit www.airsdirectory.com).
Another trend is the growing use of technology in virtual recruiting-the majority of recruiters are online and prefer to receive Internet-based resumes more so than paper. This is a trend that is not going away any time soon; if you aren't recruiting in the "virtual" world and your competitors are, where will that leave you?
We certainly need to recruit mechanical-equipment service tradesmen (MEST) and future apprentices as well. The Catch-22 is locating a candidate that can hit the ground running, without the benefit of our having the time, money or resources to train these people. So what should we do?
The answer is simple: We have to train them and take time to build future employees up to standards so that they become a valuable company asset.
For candidates, I cannot stress enough that their employment search be viewed as a full-time job; actively submitting resumes through all mainstream, niche, and industry-specific job boards as well as company portals.
Candidates who lack Internet access and/or the computer savvy to produce an online resume should take advantage of the Internet access at public libraries; utilize resume templates such as those found at http://www.microsoft.com. Utilize such tools to your advantage, because employers are out there on the hunt.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Phone Etiquette For Job Seekers
When speaking to or leaving a message for hiring managers or recruiters, it's important to follow some basic etiquette rules.
1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter... but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message
2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice...name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)
3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message
4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message "please give me a call at your earliest convenience."
5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief intro and question the call time: "Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper...is this an OK time to speak?"
6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so
7. Best time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30
8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the "jack of all trades" candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)
1. Always sound professional and ready to speak to the hiring manager/recruiter... but also be prepared and have a well memorized or written out message in case you need to leave a message
2. If you leave a message, always leave your name and number twice...name at beginning and end of message and number twice at end of message (repeated back to them)
3. Leave the message slowly and carefully so they can take notes without having to replay the message
4. Let them choose when to call you back by stating in the message "please give me a call at your earliest convenience."
5. If you do speak to someone, always start off with a brief intro and question the call time: "Hi this is Matt Warzel calling about the sales position advertised in the newspaper...is this an OK time to speak?"
6. If you do speak to someone, use that time to schedule a meeting in person and not to speak in further detail, unless they wish to do so
7. Best time to call is Friday afternoon after 3:30
8. Do not bug recruiters constantly because if they need someone with your skills, they will call you. They might not have an opening right away that fits your qualifications, but if they do, they will call you. (Quick non-phone related note: Only apply to the openings that fit in your realm. They do get the "jack of all trades" candidates who in actuality only fit the bill for one or two jobs at most. So be aware of your resume submissions. Follow the job posting directions and make sure you do what they tell you to do if you want to apply to their job. They implement rules for a reason)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Career Fair Techniques
There are some techniques to utilize at a career fair. It's not supposed to be about long lines and bad parking. You need to do as much as you can to not waste your time, nor the time of the companies in attendance.
o Dress professionally always! It does not matter the type of career fair.
o Bring copious amounts of resumes. Better to have more than less.
o Bring a nice binder to store resumes and include a notepad and pen to take notes or further directions from employers.
o Go early if possible because you can avoid the rush!
o Have your elevator pitch ready. This is a pitch that summarizes your experience, abilities, objectives, and the assets you can provide to the company in less than 2 minutes. There are typically hundreds of job seekers that companies are engaging with, and they hate to waste time speaking with one candidate for a lengthy period of time, even if it’s someone they are looking for. Make sure you practice this pitch until you are comfortable using it, but make sure it does not sound programmed or too basic.
o Visit the inferior targeted companies first, so you can practice your elevator speech prior to visiting the top priority companies on your list.
o Make eye contact, shake hands firmly and create that good first impression with an employer.
o Always maintain professionalism. Employers notice everything!
o Do not wait in long lines, but rather spend that time networking with other job seekers or employers (even if those employers weren’t on your target list; there may be companies not within your industry that are hiring your profession). Network! Network! Network! Talk to both employers and other job seekers. You never know who might be able to help you find a job!
o Be prepared to answer multiple questions in a short time with each employer. Act as if they are an interview in and of it-self.
o Only ask questions about the job. Wait until after the interview to find out about the company. This time is for you to find out what the hiring managers are looking for now and down the road.
o Keep the conversation flowing. Have a mental list of questions prepared that are engaging and smart. Also, when given the opportunity, try to relate your skills and experience to the company or openings at the company.
o Always request business cards or at least write down contact information so you can follow up with a thank you and pursue any leads.
o Career fair follow-up: Keep yourself fresh in the mind of the decision makers. You must send a follow-up or thank you letter within a few days. Always refer to the specifics of the job fair and try to mention any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Also, include your resume.
o Dress professionally always! It does not matter the type of career fair.
o Bring copious amounts of resumes. Better to have more than less.
o Bring a nice binder to store resumes and include a notepad and pen to take notes or further directions from employers.
o Go early if possible because you can avoid the rush!
o Have your elevator pitch ready. This is a pitch that summarizes your experience, abilities, objectives, and the assets you can provide to the company in less than 2 minutes. There are typically hundreds of job seekers that companies are engaging with, and they hate to waste time speaking with one candidate for a lengthy period of time, even if it’s someone they are looking for. Make sure you practice this pitch until you are comfortable using it, but make sure it does not sound programmed or too basic.
o Visit the inferior targeted companies first, so you can practice your elevator speech prior to visiting the top priority companies on your list.
o Make eye contact, shake hands firmly and create that good first impression with an employer.
o Always maintain professionalism. Employers notice everything!
o Do not wait in long lines, but rather spend that time networking with other job seekers or employers (even if those employers weren’t on your target list; there may be companies not within your industry that are hiring your profession). Network! Network! Network! Talk to both employers and other job seekers. You never know who might be able to help you find a job!
o Be prepared to answer multiple questions in a short time with each employer. Act as if they are an interview in and of it-self.
o Only ask questions about the job. Wait until after the interview to find out about the company. This time is for you to find out what the hiring managers are looking for now and down the road.
o Keep the conversation flowing. Have a mental list of questions prepared that are engaging and smart. Also, when given the opportunity, try to relate your skills and experience to the company or openings at the company.
o Always request business cards or at least write down contact information so you can follow up with a thank you and pursue any leads.
o Career fair follow-up: Keep yourself fresh in the mind of the decision makers. You must send a follow-up or thank you letter within a few days. Always refer to the specifics of the job fair and try to mention any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Also, include your resume.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Here are some sample closing questions to ask a company before the end of your interview.
Here are some sample closing questions to ask a company before the end of your interview.
You always want to make sure you research a company prior to attending an interview, so you can be as educated as possible. Remember, your competition is doing this legwork. On top of finishing with verbage relating to the company, industry and specific job you are interviewing for, you want to add some of these below questions in the mix to make you that much more effective. Nothing is worse than having no questions at all.
o Is there any other information you need from me regarding my application?
o Do you have any hesitations about me for this position?
o How do I compare to my competition?
o Is there any reason why I would not be an asset in the job I am interviewing for?
o I want to work for your company; can you see any reason how I might not fit into your corporate culture?
o Is there anything hindering me from moving forward in the interview process?
o Where do I go from here? Can you tell me about the rest of the interviewing process?
o Do you know when I might hear correspondence regarding the next step?
o Is there any reason why we can’t set up the next interview now?
You always want to make sure you research a company prior to attending an interview, so you can be as educated as possible. Remember, your competition is doing this legwork. On top of finishing with verbage relating to the company, industry and specific job you are interviewing for, you want to add some of these below questions in the mix to make you that much more effective. Nothing is worse than having no questions at all.
o Is there any other information you need from me regarding my application?
o Do you have any hesitations about me for this position?
o How do I compare to my competition?
o Is there any reason why I would not be an asset in the job I am interviewing for?
o I want to work for your company; can you see any reason how I might not fit into your corporate culture?
o Is there anything hindering me from moving forward in the interview process?
o Where do I go from here? Can you tell me about the rest of the interviewing process?
o Do you know when I might hear correspondence regarding the next step?
o Is there any reason why we can’t set up the next interview now?
Unusual Job Hunting Techniques
Can you add more? Comment on this blog with any unusual techniques you've heard, seen or read about...
---people who stand on corners with signs, dressed up in suits...signs say "recently laid-off executive...will work for 401k" or whatever, unusual job hunting tactics -- just worked for a guy in the UK financial district
---people wearing "PLEASE HIRE ME" shirts to job interviews
---guy who bought a billboard saying he was looking for a job - hire him! --- it said "RESULTS DRIVEN SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER visit Mark4Hire.com"
---another lady kept bringing in breakfast every morning to a company until they hired her
---putting resumes on people's car windshields...it worked for one guy!!
---people who stand on corners with signs, dressed up in suits...signs say "recently laid-off executive...will work for 401k" or whatever, unusual job hunting tactics -- just worked for a guy in the UK financial district
---people wearing "PLEASE HIRE ME" shirts to job interviews
---guy who bought a billboard saying he was looking for a job - hire him! --- it said "RESULTS DRIVEN SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER visit Mark4Hire.com"
---another lady kept bringing in breakfast every morning to a company until they hired her
---putting resumes on people's car windshields...it worked for one guy!!
Quick Internet tips to help find a job
When a job seeker says "I don't have Internet access or I'm not Internet savvy," it cannot be an excuse in this competitive environment the job market has become. Here are some quick thoughts:
- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore
- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google
- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!
- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter
- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100)
- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies
- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper)
- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!
- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines)
- Sorry, but faxing doesn't cut it anymore
- Get email account for FREE at Yahoo, Hotmail or Google
- Go to a friend's house with Internet or to your local library because THEY HAVE INTERNET!
- Enroll in a free or sometimes VERY cheap, local "Learn How to Use Internet" classes at Library or community colleges, high schools, etc. - sign up for a $25/class to learn basics of internet terms, navigation, etc. Even Microsoft Word to develop your resume and cover letter
- Post your resume onto general and niche specific job boards as well as company portals. Almost all companies post their job openings on their website...so go to a company website, find the CAREERS section and enter that career section (called a portal)...sometimes you can even setup an account before applying to a job, post your resume onto that company career account and setup keyword alerts....thus, if you're a mechanical engineer and they post a job a month later for an mechanical engineer, the company will let you know via this alert to your email, which will allow for you to apply as soon as it's posted...this can allow for you to be on top of the application list too for recruiters, because sometimes recruiters at companies will only look at the top 100 applicants as opposed to all 1000 candidates who applied (and being one of the 1st to apply, can make you higher on that list, thus in the top 100)
- Setup Google news and Yahoo news alerts for the word "'relocating' or 'relocation' and the job seeker's city or near-city's name" to find companies who are relocating to the job seeker's area; "expansion" and "growth" to identify growth companies and emerging opportunities for you to seek out hiring decision makers and recruiters at those companies
- Review leading online and published newspapers like Forbes and Wall St. Journal to keep up on those growth industries (as well as your local paper)
- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED OR ASHAMED! YOU WANT/NEED TO LEARN! YOU ARE BETTERING YOURSELF! THIS IS THE RIGHT STEP FORWARD! IF YOU AREN'T DOING IT, YOUR COMPETITION IS!
- Finally (non-Internet related), try to place yourself into growth industries (biotech, nutrition, energy & renewable energies, photonics, and IT) that you can fit into in respect to your transferable skills as opposed to dying industries (textile, printing, apparel manufacturing & general manufacturing such as steel, and airlines)
What to do immediately following a lay-off
Unemployment advice – general basic advice to get started week 1
o File for unemployment…immediately
o Find out about your qualifications for Cobra from your previous employer and ensure you contact the right people to enroll you into Cobra health insurance
o Life insurance – see if you can roll over your life insurance from your company into your own account
o Take care of your company investments such as stock options and the 401k program – find out from your financial house at the company, such as Fidelity
o Take a small couple days to a week break…clear your mindset of what was and what needs to be…reflect on your immediate thoughts…and get a home office together to use while you’re looking for work --- you need to be organized and ready to make looking for a new job, your new job
o Talk to people who have job titles you think you would like to do
o Contact friends, family, old colleagues and bosses and let them know what happened and see if there’s potential there for another job; even if not, it can be very therapeutic
o Get your budget together with what income/savings/investments you have vs. expenses
o Get your resume & cover letter up to date
o Get your resume up to date and post to general and niche industry specific web boards, setup job alerts, join social networking sites, local community networking events, local career fairs, and send resume/cover letter to recruiting/staffing/temp agencies as well as job listings online
o Take initiative to make looking for a job an 8 hour work day in itself…finding a job is a job!
o Look into cutting some bills you might not need anymore, like HBO cable TV and the ultra high speed internet package...try basic cable and regular high speed internet
o File for unemployment…immediately
o Find out about your qualifications for Cobra from your previous employer and ensure you contact the right people to enroll you into Cobra health insurance
o Life insurance – see if you can roll over your life insurance from your company into your own account
o Take care of your company investments such as stock options and the 401k program – find out from your financial house at the company, such as Fidelity
o Take a small couple days to a week break…clear your mindset of what was and what needs to be…reflect on your immediate thoughts…and get a home office together to use while you’re looking for work --- you need to be organized and ready to make looking for a new job, your new job
o Talk to people who have job titles you think you would like to do
o Contact friends, family, old colleagues and bosses and let them know what happened and see if there’s potential there for another job; even if not, it can be very therapeutic
o Get your budget together with what income/savings/investments you have vs. expenses
o Get your resume & cover letter up to date
o Get your resume up to date and post to general and niche industry specific web boards, setup job alerts, join social networking sites, local community networking events, local career fairs, and send resume/cover letter to recruiting/staffing/temp agencies as well as job listings online
o Take initiative to make looking for a job an 8 hour work day in itself…finding a job is a job!
o Look into cutting some bills you might not need anymore, like HBO cable TV and the ultra high speed internet package...try basic cable and regular high speed internet
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
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