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Monday, October 4, 2010

Salary Negotiation: 11 Popular Myths (Watch Out)

by Nathan Newberger

Once you have aced the interview and been offered the job of your dreams, complete the package by making sure that you get paid what you are worth.

Being aware of these 11 common salary negotiation myths can keep you from selling yourself short at the bargaining table.

Myth #1 - No Application Will Be Reviewed w/o Salary Requirements.

Ads sometimes print this to begin the initial screening process. By saying too low or too high of a figure, you eliminate yourself from the running. If you are a qualified applicant, employers will not toss your resume aside simply because it lacks salary parameters.

Myth #2 - In The Hiring World, No Exceptions Are Made

Bottom line, employers can always make exceptions (to salary guidelines/restrictions) if they feel like you are the best candidate and you will not take the proposed offer.

Myth #3 - Employers Dislike Negotiating Salaries.

Most interviewers will like you more and feel more justified in hiring someone who fights for what he feels deserving of. There is no harm to try and justify to an employer why you deserve more.

Myth #4 - Past Low Salaries = Future Low Salaries.

Even if your salary history is less than stellar, you can show the employer how you’ve developed your skills and talents which now makes you a more valuable team member.

Myth #5 - Always Negotiate For The Highest Salary.

Cash is not always the most important thing. What about benefits, bonuses and quality of life? Does the job offer you the opportunity to do what you want to do and still have a life after hours?

Myth #6 - A Salary Is A Fixed Figure: You Can't Change It

All salaries are negotiable. Even if you can’t increase your paycheck, you may be able to land more benefits or bonuses to sweeten your entire compensation package.

Myth #7 - A Beginning Salary Is Just That - A Beginning.

Wrong! Most raises are based on a percentage of your current earnings. So those who accept a lower salary without negotiating may be kicking themselves for years to come.

Myth #8 - Not Asking For More $$$ Improves Your Chances.

This strategy can sometimes backfire and make you look less valuable to the company, decrease your self-confidence and actually decrease your chances of landing the job.

Myth #9 - You Should Take The 1st Offer And Be Grateful.

In reality, you should always negotiate the initial offer because it is just a starting point to wind up at the highest end of the salary range. Most employers plan for negotiation and start the offer at a lower salary to begin with.

Myth #10 - Agree To The Final Offer A.S.A.P.

Some job seekers may think that someone else could take their place if they don’t jump on the offer. Not true. Getting the offer in writing welcomes you to join the firm until you say any differently. Take at least 24 hours to think any offer over.

Myth #11 - If I Don't Take The 1st Offer, Someone Else Will.

Applicants may be scared into taking the first offer because they think another applicant will gladly snatch up the offer even if it isn’t that great. If the employer wants you enough, they will pay you enough, in one form or another.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge is power and knowing that you have room to negotiate will help you to ask for and get the salary you deserve. Remember that the first offer from an employer is usually not the last and final offer - there is always room for negotiation.

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8 Telephone Interview Preparation Tips

by Nathan Newberger

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW BACKGROUND
Telephone interviews are quite common in today’s job market. They are offered for a variety of reasons including cost savings, screening of candidates and out-of-town applicants. To successfully navigate the phone interview, it is important to have a solid game plan in place for preparation.

The following 8 quick telephone interview tips will help prepare yourself for a successful call.

1. DO SOME RESEARCH
Try to find out who will be interviewing you. Will there be multiple people on the call? If possible get their names and titles. Become familiar with these before the call and you will have one less thing to worry about during the call. Try and get some background on the interviewer. Any insight you can gain about him/her will allow you to better tailor your responses to make the best possible impression.

2. ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
Make a list of your accomplishments, goals and strengths. On another list write out your weaknesses and what you are doing to overcome them. On a third sheet write down why you are interested in the company. Think carefully about all of these items as they often come up in interviews.

3. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
Never forget that a telephone interview is still an interview. Take time to practice interview questions with friends or family. Ask them to provide honest feedback so you can improve your responses. Mock interview questions can easily be found on the internet or the bookstore. If you get stuck on a question, sample answers to these questions are often provided as well.

4. DO A SOUND CHECK
During the mock interview, have your friend ask you questions both over the phone and in person. Make sure that he/she listens not only for content, but also tone, rate and clarity of your speech. If possible, record yourself speaking. Are you speaking slowly and clearly? Can you easily be heard? Is your voice portraying you as a confident and enthusiastic candidate? If not continue to practice until you are comfortable.

5. FIND YOUR LOCATION
Stake out a quiet space to occupy during your interview. Ideally, there should be a comfortable place to sit as well as a table to lay out your papers. Try and find a low-traffic spot where members of the household are un-likely to disturb you.

6. ORGANIZE YOUR PAPERS
Have a copy of your resume and cover letter close at hand. Take out those lists you made while organizing your thoughts. In addition keep any notes related to the company that you feel may be helpful during the call. Spread these items out across your table so they are easy to access. Only keep what is truly necessary. Too much paper can be a distraction.

7. GATHER YOUR WRITING TOOLS
Place a notepad and several pens or pencils on the table. These will be helpful in writing down notes, questions and most importantly, your interviewer's names.

8. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
As the appointed hour draws near, make sure that the television and the radio are turned off. Exit your email and turn off your computer screen. If possible, disable your call-waiting. Let your family or roommates know about the timing of the interview so they do not accidentally disturb you. Place a do not disturb sign on your door as a gentle reminder.

CONCLUSION
By following these 8 basic tips, you are making a great impression and on your way to the onsite interview. Remember, the phone interview is very important and you should plan and prepare for it carefully.

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs

by Nathan Newberger

This issue will quickly cover the following:

A) Purpose of Career Fairs
B) How To Best Prepare
C) Tips & Strategies During The Fair
D) Career Fair Follow-Up

A) PURPOSE OF CAREER FAIRS
Career fairs are designed to provide job seekers a way to explore career opportunities within a variety of companies at one location. Job seekers should take advantage of these fairs to be better informed about the job market. Career fairs must be a part of your overall job search process. It’s a great way to learn about job openings, research companies and practice your interviewing and networking skills.

B) HOW TO BEST PREPARE
Its important to make the most of your time at career fairs. There will be many employers and even more job seekers vying for attention so its critical that you prepare in advance of setting foot into the career fair.

Here are 5 tips that can help you be well prepared:

#1 - PRIORITIZE
Find out what companies are going to be attending prior to the day of the career fair and identify and prioritize the top companies that you definitely want to visit.

#2 - RESEARCH
Spend a little time researching these companies; the more you know the better. Use the Internet, library, etc. Employers love talking to candidates who are familiar with their company and business. It also makes you look smart. Candidates who are knowledgeable about a company come across as intelligent and interested.

#3 - YOUR RESUME
Create and/or refine your resume and bring many, many clean, crisp copies to handout. This is very imporant!

#4 - APPROACH
Create a one-minute introduction that summarizes your skills, goals, experience, etc. Practice this until you are comfortable using this as your opening. The career fair will present many mini interviews and you need to be prepared for this. Anticipate interview questions and practice your responses.

#5 - APPEARANCE
Dress professionally – don’t wear shorts and sandals. Use good judgement in what you wear and project professionalism. Bring a nice folder to carry your resumes and a notepad and pen for taking notes.

C) TIPS & STRATEGIES DURING THE FAIR
Follow these tips below and you are on your way to a more productive career fair.

    *
          •   Relax and plan on spending time at the fair. Career fairs are not that frequent so plan
              your time well. Try to avoid standing in long lines. Go early if possible because the first
              hour is usually the slowest.
    *
          •   Always request business cards or at least get an email address so that you can follow-
              up and pursue leads.
    *
          •   When you get to actually talk to a company representative – remember to shake hands
              firmly and introduce yourself. This is your chance to make the best first impression.
    *
          •   Be mentally prepared with a list of question to keep the conversation flowing. Ask about
              the company, the industry, what job opportunities exist, etc. Always try to relate
              your skills and experience to the company or jobs that may be open at the company.
    *
          •   Visit companies outside your industry. You will be surprised at how many companies
              hire in all types of professions (ie. hospitals, banks, etc.)
    *
          •   Visit your lower priority companies first. This way you can practice and fine tune your
              approach. When you are ready, then proceed to the top priority employers on your list.
    *
          •   Network! Talk to both employers and other job candidates. If you are standing in line,
              don’t be shy talk to the people in line. More jobs are filled by networking than any other
              means.
    *
          •   Conduct yourself with a professional manner at all times. Employers are watching at all
              times. So when you are walking around or waiting in line, always maintain
              professionalism.
    *
          •   Be aware of time. Don’t stand and monopolize an employer’s time. Its not good for
              them or for you. Ask specific questions, get to the point and most importantly get the
              contact information for later follow-up.

D) CAREER FAIR FOLLOW-UP
Its important to keep yourself fresh in the mind of the employers. To do this, you must send follow-up or thank you letters within two days. Always refer to the date and location of the job fair. Try and highlight any part of the conversation that stood out to make it easy for them to remember you. Always include a copy of your resume. You might also want to follow-up with a phone call.

Also its important to re-group after a career fair and evaluate your experience. Try and understand what you did right and what can be improved upon, as this will help you be more productive at the next fair.

Most importantly, just have a very positive attitude. Always have a smile and thank each person you speak to for his/her time. You have something to sell and employers are there to shop around, and vice versa.

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

5 Skills You MUST Convey During The Interview

by Nathan Newberger

No, it's not time to throw your resume in the trash and start a "new age job search". But one thing that any job seeker must understand is that the showcase of talents does not begin and end with the resume. There are many "secret" abstract, often called "soft", skills that employers keep an eye out for.

This article discusses the five key "secret skills" that interviewers examine and how to demonstrate them in an interview situation.

These five skills are:

1. Organizational
2. Critical Thinking
3. Communication
4. Interpersonal
5. Multi-Tasking

1. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Unless you are applying for a job as a mad scientist, organization is an essential skill for any job. Employers can get sense of how an individual will handle large workloads by how organized that person is during the interview. Moreover, a person that makes a sincere effort to stay organized is an employee that will take a job seriously and make a sincere effort to get things done.

The best way to display these skills:

    *
          •   Dress professionally and neatly for an interview.
    *
          •   Keep supplies or materials on hand if you think they might be pertinent to the interview.
              This can go beyond pen, paper, resumes, and business cards depending on
              the position you apply for.
    *
          •   Organize your thoughts before the interview. Preparation for typical interview questions
              will reflect a sense of general readiness.

2. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Nobody wants a mindless drone for an employee. If they did, they would buy a robot. Employers want people that can think on their feet and respond. They are looking for people that won't come crying with every little setback. They are looking for problem solvers. Having critical thinking skills means that you can come through in the clutch.

The best way to display these skills:

    *
          •   Prior to the interview, prepare of a list of anecdotes or previous jobs that required critical
              thinking to solve a problem. When applicable, bring these examples up in the interview.
    *
          •   Talk your way through the answers. Let the interviewer understand your train of thought
              when responding to questions. This can also buy you a little extra time if you are
              unsure of how to answer.

3. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is the number one fear in America, but making an impact requires these skills. Unless you can communicate ideas to others effectively, you may not come across as very confident. This is precisely why so many employers ask for individuals with good communication skills, often including public speaking.

The best way to display these skills:

    *
          •   Practice speaking, or answering interview questions in a mirror. This will get you used
              to speaking aloud and let you see the things you may be doing wrong.
    *
          •   Practice interviews with another person, so you can learn to keep cool when reacting to
              another person's comments.
    *
          •   Stay calm and ALWAYS MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. It's hard to disagree with a confident
              person. Once you SEEM confident, you hold all the cards.

4. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Along with being able to communicate your own ideas well, you have to be receptive to other ideas and work constructively with them. Companies need versatile team players: people that will work hard on their own and increase the depth and effectiveness of a group effort.

The best way to display these skills:

    *
          •   As in the case of critical thinking, it is a good idea to prepare a list of examples in which
              you were part of a successful team effort. These items may not be on your resume, but
              could come up in an interview.
    *
          •   When possible, reflect back on cases where you coordinated a team effort. It is one
              thing to work well in a group, but it is even better when you show that you can
              also lead and take charge of a group.
    *
          •   Don't be afraid to mention troubles within a team that you had to overcome. A group of
              people will not agree on everything 100% of the time. Being able to work
              through problems and succeed is paramount.

5. MULTI-TASKING SKILLS
Businesses are always happy to drive down costs, and the best way to do this is by hiring fewer individuals who can multi-task. It is often the case that one efficient employee can do the work of two typical employees. Employees are paid for the hours they work, and employers want to get the most out of what they pay. An employee that can complete multiple tasks at once is the solution.

The best way to display these skills:

    *
          •   When discussing previous positions held, include situations where you worked on
              multiple tasks at the same time.
    *
          •   Prepare a list of projects that required you to separate tasks into clusters that could be
              addressed simultaneously. Be ready to explain the thinking behind your separation
              system.
    *
          •   Show a willingness to take on many responsibilities. Any worker can pick up one or two,
              but if you can pick up more without getting spread to thin, you become a valuable asset.

CONCLUSION
The resume will always be around and serve as your primary means of communicating skills with a prospective employer. But remember that you are more than just a list of skills on a piece of paper. The interview lets the employer see whats not easily determined from a resume and also your chance to shine. Mastering the art of showcasing your "secret skills" will let an interviewer know you are person they need to hire.

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Don't leave anything to chance. Remember: you can't be too prepared!

by dress for success org

Congratulations! You have passed through the first screening and have an interview scheduled. By the time you get to this stage, you have already outlined your experience in your rsum and described your relevant work experience in your cover letter. Now it is time for the interview, which, as everyone knows, is a way for the employer to evaluate whether you are the right person for a job. In other words, will you fit in with the company's staff, values and goals? Of course, your objective is to show the employer that the answers to these questions are yes, yes and yes! But the interview is also a way for you to find out more about the company and determine whether or not it is a right fit for you. Use this meeting as a chance to see if this atmosphere is one in which you would want to work.

To help you prepare for your big day, we have some interview tips for you. Read the suggestions below for helpful advice on making the most of this opportunity.

A few days before the interview:

    * Learn as much as you can about the prospective employer by reviewing its Web site thoroughly, reading industry publications and talking to others who may know about the company's culture and what the firm may be looking for in an employee.
    * Review your rsum. Think about how your skills and accomplishments can be assets to the company.
    * Be prepared to answer these standard questions:
          o Can you tell me a little about yourself?
          o Why do you want to work here? What do you know about the company?
          o What are your strengths/weaknesses?
          o Why did you leave your last job and what have you been doing since then?
    * Also be prepared for off-the-wall questions, which are increasingly common. Don't be surprised if you're asked a questions such as, "If you could have lunch with someone famous, who would it be?" These questions provide information about your personality and how you think on your feet.
    * Practice answering interview questions out loud. You want your responses to sound confident but not rehearsed.
    * Prepare your own list of questions to ask the interviewer. Remember: this is your opportunity to learn more about the position and the company's culture.
    * Complete a list of two to three professional references, or people who can speak positively about your skills and work ethic. Just be sure to ask if they are willing to serve as your references before you give out their contact information.
    * Be prepared to complete a written application, which will likely ask for your contact information and the addresses and phone numbers of your previous employers.

The day before the interview:

    * Make plans for getting to the interview; know exactly where you're going and to whom you will be speaking. Allow extra time to get to your interview in case there are delays due to rush hour or weather.
    * Buy a subway, bus or train ticket, fill your car with gas; or re-confirm other transportation plans.
    * Decide what you will wear and check that it is clean, pressed, has no missing buttons, etc.
    * Make sure that you have at least two pair of new or as-good-as-new hosiery - sheer, off black or nude.
    * Confirm child care and any other plans that require you to depend on someone else. Have back-up plans in in case your primary ones fall through.

The night before the interview:

    * Check the weather forecast. Will you need an umbrella? Should you wear a coat?
    * Plan how you will wear your hair and makeup. You shouldn't try anything new, and your appearance should be appropriate for a professional setting.
    * Your fingernails should be conservative in length and color, and your polish should not be chipped.
    * Do as much of your morning preparation as you can for both yourself and your family.
    * Do something to relax, such as taking a warm bath or exercising.
    * Pack your bag for the interview. Remember to bring:
          o Photo identification for building security or your application
          o Directions to the interview and the exact address, including floor and suite numbers
          o The name and phone number of the interviewer in case you're running late
          o A few copies of your rsum and cover letter. Don't forget to prepare a list of professional references, too
          o A pad or paper and pen
          o Samples of your work if you've been asked to bring them or think you might have an opportunity to show them
          o The questions you have prepared to ask your interviewer
    * Eat a healthy dinner and go to bed early.

The day of the interview:

    * Go light on the perfume. If you smoke, try not to do so right before the interview.
    * Give yourself plenty of time to get to the hiring manager's office. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early. If you arrive earlier than that, take a walk or wait outside.
    * If you feel nervous, take a deep breath, counting to 10 as you do so. Then exhale slowly to the same count.
    * Once inside, observe your surroundings to get a feel for the workplace. Do you like what you see?
    * Turn off your cell phone, pager or anything else that beeps. The interview is too important to be interrupted.
    * Remember, the interview starts as soon as you step inside the building. Be courteous to everyone you meet because you never know who has a say in the hiring decision.

After the interview:

    * Send the interviewer a thank-you note within 48 hours of your interview. Use the opportunity to restate your qualifications and interest in the position.
    * Stay positive! Interviewing can be a lengthy process, especially if a company wants to conduct a second interview with additional staff members.

Interview DOs:

    * DO take out your pad of paper and pen so you can take notes.
    * DO be friendly. Give a firm handshake, make eye contact, smile and speak up. Try breaking the ice by engaging in small talk. For example, comment on the nice surroundings or a book you notice on the hiring manager's shelf.
    * DO tell yourself you deserve the job. (That doesn't mean they owe it to you. You must convince them.)
    * DO use the interview to describe your strengths and how they align with the requirements of the position.
    * DO be prepared to talk about your professional goals.
    * DO be enthusiastic, courteous and alert throughout the entire interview.
    * DO sit calmly. If you tend to gesture a lot when you talk, try clasping your hands in your lap.
    * DO ask for a business card so that you can send him or her a short and prompt thank-you note.

Interview DON'Ts:

    * DON'T bring a friend or child along.
    * DON'T
    * be insincere. Fake flattery shows. DON'T wear flashy jewelry (keep it simple and small) or a facial piercing.
    * DON'T speak negatively about former employers or colleagues. Focus on the positive aspects of your work history.
    * DON'T
    * start with questions about your salary or time off. These questions are only appropriate if you have been offered the position or the interviewer expresses serious interest in hiring you. DON'T
    * be afraid to express your interest in the position. It's okay to say, "I want this job. I know I could make a real contribution to the company." DON'T
    * slump, yawn or chew your nails or gum during the interview. DON'T
      panic if you make a mistake, trip over your words or even knock something over. Show how cool you are under pressure.

You made a great first impression during your interview; your hard work and preparation paid off and you got the job! Although you have your foot in the door now, there are still some important things to keep in mind as you begin your new job and acquaint yourself with co-workers, supervisors and your office environment.

The first day on the job:

    * Show both your supervisor and co-workers that you are polished, professional and take your new position seriously.
    * Remember the time you took to prepare your professional appearance for your interview? Do the same thing again. Make sure that your clothing is clean and pressed.
    * Be punctual and arrive early (but not more than 15 minutes early). As with your interview, leave yourself plenty of time to account for traffic or unexpected circumstances.
    * Before going to work your first day, learn as much as you can about your new company. Visit the Web site and review annual reports or brochures (if available).
    * During your orientation, take notes and do not be afraid to ask questions. Show how interested and motivated you are to do a good job. You are not the first employee who has gone through training! If you do not have a written job description, make your own. Write down your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly responsibilities.
    * Do not share key cards, office keys, disks and passwords.
    * Write down and commit to memory the mailing address, phone and fax numbers of your new company.
    * When you record your personal phone message, be upbeat and clear. Remember to say your name and your company's name.

The first week on the job...

    * Get to know your co-workers but avoid office politics. Be inquisitive, listen and be open-minded.
    * Do not complain or gossip about your old company or boss. A negative attitude is seen as very unprofessional.
    * Pay attention to the office schedule and expectations of what hours to keep. Leaving work earlier than other people, especially when there is a big deadline or project, could give the impression that you are not willing to make an effort. Whereas, staying late every night may not be best either; it could become something that's expected.
    * Make sure you are familiar with all the office equipment and how to use it.
    * Educate your children on phone etiquette and appropriate times to call, especially if you work in a cubicle or share a phone line with other people.
    * Always turn off your cell phone when you are in a meeting. If you forget, quickly apologize and silence the phone.

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Ready for a Career Change?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

If you are considering a career change, here are several suggestions you can keep in mind to help you achieve your new career goals.

Research:

Doing some research before you make a career change can save you a lot of time and energy. By knowing what skills you'll need, what the salary range is, and other information, you'll be better able to make an informed decision about the industry and what it takes to work in it. Try contacting an association that deals with the specific career you'd like to transition to. They will be able to provide you with plenty of information about what that career choice really involves. It's easy to glamorize a dream career but with some research, you can make a decision that will be based on facts. Other ways to discover more about a career include volunteering and finding a mentor in your new career choice. The insight you will learn can go a long way to helping you determine if this new career is right for you.

Education:

Once you've done some research into your new career, you'll be able to determine what sort of education you'll need. Can you apply the skills you have already, or will your new career require specific education? Where is the best training available? Can you get it in your local area or will you need to relocate?

Flexibility:

Are you willing to look at all aspects of your new career? What if it takes you longer to achieve your career goals than you first thought? By being flexible, you'll increase your chances for success in your career transition. Don't be solely set in a very specific career path because often, as we explore career options, we discover opportunities we never considered. Being flexible means seeing opportunities and adapting them to suit our needs. It also means considering the lifestyle changes that will be brought on by your career change.

Passion:

Changing careers should be about passion. What is the sense in changing careers if you aren't going to like it more than your current career? Changing careers isn't about making more money, pursing someone else's goals, or dreaming about job satisfaction. It's about passion and curiosity to see what else is out there that might bring you happiness and fulfillment.

By researching your career choice, you'll be prepared and you'll be able to determine if this new career really is your passion. By thinking ahead, you can help make the transition to a new career more easily. Remain flexible and open-minded, and remember to consider the education and lifestyle changes you'll likely need to make.

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Top 10 Online Job Search Tips

by CareerBuilder.com

While the popularity of online job boards puts millions of jobs at one's fingertips, it has also made the job applicant pool that much bigger. For this reason, national job search sites and the Internet as a whole have gotten a bad rap from some industry professionals as an ineffective job seeker tool; on the contrary, the Internet actually can be a great resource for job seekers -- they just need to know how to use it.

When it comes to a fruitful online job search, successful job seekers follow these 10 guidelines.

1. If you build it, they can come.

Instead of simply posting your resume on a Web site, take it one step further and design an easily-navigable Web site or online portfolio where recruiters can view your body of work, read about your goals and obtain contact information.

2. Check yourself to make sure you haven't wrecked yourself.

Google yourself to see what comes up -- and what potential employers will see if they do the same. If you don't like what you find, it's time to do damage control.

3. Narrow your options.

Many job boards offer filters to help users refine their search results more quickly. You should have the option to narrow your job search by region, industry and duration, and, oftentimes, you can narrow it even more by keywords, company names, experience needed and salary.

4. Go directly to the source.

Instead of just applying for the posted job opening, one of the best strategies to finding a job is to first figure out where you want to work, target that company or industry and then contact the hiring manager. Also, many employers' career pages invite visitors to fill out candidate profiles, describing their background, jobs of interest, salary requirements and other preferences.

5. Find your niche with industry Web sites.

Refine your search even more by visiting your industry's national or regional Web site, where you can find jobs in your field that might not appear on a national job board. More and more employers are advertising jobs on these sites in hopes of getting a bigger pool of qualified applicants.

6. Try online recruiters.

Recruiters will help match you with jobs that meet your specific skills and needs. Not sure where to start? Sites such as recruiterlink.com, onlinerecruitersdirectory.com, searchfirm.com and i-recruit.com provide links to online headhunters for job seekers.

7. Utilize video resume.

Video resume are just one more way to stand out to employers. Intended as supplements to -- not replacements for -- traditional resume, video resumeallow job seekers to showcase a little bit of their personalities and highlight one or two points of interest on their resume.

8. Run queries.

You run searches on everything else, from your high school sweetheart to low-fat recipes, so why not jobs? Enter a query that describes the exact kind of job you're seeking and you may find more resources you wouldn't find otherwise (but be prepared to do some sorting).

9. Utilize job alerts.

Most job boards have features that allow you to sign up to receive e-mail alerts about newly available jobs that match your chosen criteria. Or go a step further and arrange an RSS (really simple syndication) feed from one of these job sites to appear on your customized Internet homepage or your PC's news-reader software.

10. Get connected.

How many times have you been told that it's not what you know, but who you know? Thanks to the emergence of professional networking sites like LinkedIn.com, job seekers no longer have to rely on the old standby of exchanging business cards with strangers. These sites are composed of millions of industry professionals and allow you to connect with people you know and the people they know and so forth. (A word of caution: When you sign up for online social networking sites, you are in a public domain. Unless you are able to put a filter on some of your information, nothing is private, and it can be difficult to erase once it is posted.)

Careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Top 10 Ways to Be Happy at Work

By Susan M. Heathfield

Working at Google sounds very cool. I'd be the first to tout Google as a motivating employer: free food, engineers who are enabled to spend 20 percent of their time on their own projects, and a work environment that fosters play and creative thinking. At Google, Genentech and other Fortune magazine top 100 companies, employers provide the best workplaces. At the same time, perks that enable employees to spend all of their time at work exploit people and destroy work - life balance. So, even the best employer may not be best for everyone. These are the factors that will help you find happiness at work.

1. Choose to Be Happy at Work
Happiness is largely a choice. I can hear many of you arguing with me, but it's true. You can choose to be happy at work. Sound simple? Yes. But, simplicity is often profoundly difficult to put into action. I wish all of you had the best employer in the world, but, face it, you may not. So, think positively about your work. Dwell on the aspects of your work you like. Avoid negative people and gossip. Find coworkers you like and enjoy and spend your time with them. Your choices at work largely define your experience. You can choose to be happy at work.

2. Do Something You Love Every Single Day
You may or may not love your current job and you may or may not believe that you can find something in your current job to love, but you can. Trust me. Take a look at yourself, your skills and interests, and find something that you can enjoy doing every day. If you do something you love every single day, your current job won't seem so bad. Of course, you can always make your current job work or decide that it is time to quit your job.

3. Take Charge of Your Own Professional and Personal Development
A young employee complained to me recently that she wanted to change jobs because her boss was not doing enough to help her develop professionally. I asked her whom she thought was the person most interested in her development. The answer, of course, was her. You are the person with the most to gain from continuing to develop professionally. Take charge of your own growth; ask for specific and meaningful help from your boss, but march to the music of your personally developed plan and goals. You have the most to gain from growing - and the most to lose, if you stand still.

4. Take Responsibility for Knowing What Is Happening at Work
People complain to me daily that they don't receive enough communication and information about what is happening with their company, their department's projects, or their coworkers. Passive vessels, they wait for the boss to fill them up with knowledge. And, the knowledge rarely comes. Why? Because the boss is busy doing her job and she doesn't know what you don't know. Seek out the information you need to work effectively. Develop an information network and use it. Assertively request a weekly meeting with your boss and ask questions to learn. You are in charge of the information you receive.

5. Ask for Feedback Frequently
Have you made statements such as, "My boss never gives me any feedback, so I never know how I'm doing." Face it, you really know exactly how you're doing. Especially if you feel positively about your performance, you just want to hear him acknowledge you. If you're not positive about your work, think about improving and making a sincere contribution. Then, ask your boss for feedback. Tell him you'd really like to hear his assessment of your work. Talk to your customers, too; if you're serving them well, their feedback is affirming. You are responsible for your own development. Everything else you get is gravy.

6. Make Only Commitments You Can Keep
One of the most serious causes of work stress and unhappiness is failing to keep commitments. Many employees spend more time making excuses for failing to keep a commitment, and worrying about the consequences of not keeping a commitment, than they do performing the tasks promised. Create a system of organization and planning that enables you to assess your ability to complete a requested commitment. Don't volunteer if you don't have time. If your workload is exceeding your available time and energy, make a comprehensive plan to ask the boss for help and resources. Don't wallow in the swamp of unkept promises.

7. Avoid Negativity
Choosing to be happy at work means avoiding negative conversations, gossip, and unhappy people as much as possible. No matter how positively you feel, negative people have a profound impact on your psyche. Don't let the negative Neds and Nellies bring you down. Take a look at:

8. Practice Professional Courage
If you are like most people, you don't like conflict. And the reason why is simple. You've never been trained to participate in meaningful conflict, so you likely think of conflict as scary, harmful, and hurtful. Conflict can be all three; done well, conflict can also help you accomplish your work mission and your personal vision. Conflict can help you serve customers and create successful products. Happy people accomplish their purpose for working. Why let a little professional courage keep you from achieving your goals and dreams? Make conflict your friend.
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9. Make Friends
In their landmark book, First, Break All The Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently (Compare Prices), Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman list twelve important questions. When employees answered these questions positively, their responses were true indicators of whether people were happy and motivated at work. One of these key questions was, "Do you have a best friend at work?" Liking and enjoying your coworkers are hallmarks of a positive, happy work experience. Take time to get to know them. You might actually like and enjoy them. Your network provides support, resources, sharing, and caring.

10. If All Else Fails, Job Searching Will Make You Smile
If all of these ideas aren't making you happy at work, it's time to reevaluate your employer, your job, or your entire career. You don't want to spend your life doing work you hate in an unfriendly work environment. Most work environments don't change all that much. But unhappy employees tend to grow even more disgruntled. You can secretly smile while you spend all of your non-work time job searching. It will only be a matter of time until you can quit your job - with a big smile.

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How to Make a Potential Employer Fall in Love With Job Searchers

Do the Right Things Right
By Susan M. Heathfield,

See More About:

    * targeted resumes
    * cover letters
    * job searching
    * hiring employees

Looking for ways to impress a potential employer? Want to make your resume or job application stand out from the pack? During one two week time period, I reviewed 485 resumes and applications for 18 different positions. I interviewed 23 candidates and brought six back for a second, more intense round of interviews.

Believe me, I can tell you what rang my chimes. Some of this advice may surprise you. Some may even make you angry because it doesn't seem fair or right to you. I can't guarantee that all employers will agree with me, but why take a chance in this employers' market?

* Apply for jobs for which you qualify. My "no" pile of applications is increasingly made up of people who don't even remotely qualify for the advertised position. These job applications frequently consist of a resume in an envelope. Why waste the paper, the stamp and the time? If you find yourself applying because it's an area of work you might want to get into, or think you'd like, don't bother.

Unless you can make the stretch and fit between your qualifications and background and the described opening, you are wasting your time. Each application or resume gets less than five minutes of my time. You need to quickly qualify yourself as a potential candidate because the employer doesn't have or take the time to do it for you.

* Write a targeted cover letter that introduces your key qualifications and highlights your "fit" with the position for which you are applying. Address the letter to the person conducting the candidate search, when known. And, no, don't presume familiarity and write, "Dear Susan." Until I know you, my name is "Ms. Heathfield." Additionally, the cover letter needs to specifically address the available position. Spelling and correct grammar do count. So does the spacing of words on the page, an attractive overall appearance, and the "feel" of the paper. Online applications, which are the norm these days, must be targeted and formatted appropriately. Pay just as much attention to spelling, grammar, and appearance.

* Target the resume to the job. Would you like to know how many people are looking for a "challenging opportunity to utilize my skills with a progressive employer who will provide opportunities for growth?" Don't even ask; the answer will break your heart if this is how you routinely describe the position you seek in your resume. Even more importantly, in this day of instantaneous electronic publishing, no one needs to photocopy 100 resumes at an instant print store. Customization counts. Customization is everything when you are looking at substantially different opportunities, too. Say, you are looking for a training position or a marketing position. The identical resume won't sell your skills for either field.

* Lead with your strengths. What makes you different from 40 other applicants? On your customized resume, start out with the background and experience most important for the position you seek. The stage of your career is also highly relevant to the placement of information on your resume. If you are just graduating from college, lead off the first portion of the resume with your education and degree.

A seasoned veteran will start with an accomplishment summary and then list jobs, titles, companies and responsibilities chronologically. A network administration applicant should lead with his or her certifications (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and list software and hardware experience (Microsoft Exchange, SQL Server) before listing jobs and education. The key is to make it easy for the resume reviewer to see that you are qualified for the position. You want your resume in the coveted "yes" pile awaiting an interview or phone screening.

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Success at Work : Techniques : Taking Initiative

By Stephen Bucaro

Do you have to constantly nag at your kids to do things? Why can't they clean up their mess and get ready for school without being told? Now think about your boss at work. Does your boss always have to tell you what to do. Does your boss have to treat you like a child, or do you take initiative?

Employees who need to be told what to do are said to be "reactive". They do something only after the boss tells them to, or after the need to do something has been pointed out to them.

Employees who do what has to be done and solve problems before they arise are said to be "proactive". Bosses like employees that are proactive and willing to take initiative.

There are many advantages to taking initiative at work:

- By taking initiative you'll gain skills and learn more about your company and the market it serves.

- You'll be less bored at work because you won't be stuck in the same old routine.

But before we learn more of the advantages, let's consider some of the dangers of taking initiative at work.

- Is the problem or task within your area of responsibility? By taking initiative in an area that is outside your area of responsibility you could be trespassing on some else's turf. Before taking on a task outside your normal area of responsibility you should find out who's responsibility it is and involve that person.

If a fellow employee is swamped with work and you are facing a lull in work, ask them if you can help. But don't assume they will welcome your help. Some workers think greater job security is achieved by being behind in their work. They may feel that you are threatening their job security.

- By taking on an additional task, will your boss think you don't have enough work to do and you're looking for more? If this is a possibility, make sure your boss understands that the lull in your work is only temporary, or that you're taking on the extra task to avoid boredom and learn something new. If you're not careful, the extra task could become part of your job.

- Consider your company's culture in handling failure. Is it a "cover your ass" organization where people try to distract attention from their own failures by trying to focus attention on their coworkers failures? Has the company reprimanded workers who took initiative and failed in the past?

A company that punishes failure will stifle initiative and innovation. Workers won't want to do anything new for fear failure. If a company wants to increase initiative and innovation, they have to reward effort and embrace failure.

Despite these dangers, the rewards of taking initiative are great:

- You'll gain skills and knowledge about your company and the market it serves, making you a more valuable employee. When the economy recedes and the company needs to layoff workers, who do you think they'll keep? The individual who is more versatile in the different functions of the organization.

- You'll achieve more independence when you demonstrate that you have the organizations interests in mind and that they can trust your judgment in solving problems.

- You'll gain skills and market knowledge that will make you a more valuable commodity in the labor market. Workers who only do their own little job are not aware of opportunities outside their company.

There are dangers in taking initiative at work, but in an organization with a healthy culture, the the rewards of taking initiative are great.

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"Dressing up for the Success Interview"

by career sonline com

Prepare and practice for an interview. After the date and venue has been set, allow time for enough preparation for the big day. Remember that first impressions do last, so the way an applicant look really does matter. Employers could easily give the verdict based on the manner of dressing during the initial interview.

Better questions and service can be received if the appearance itself commands respect. It is important to consider the surroundings of the company granting you an interview. There is no reason to be over dressed or poorly dressed during this very significant day. In fact, it is a good rule of thumb to always dress appropriately for any situation. All to often appearance is glossed over. Some might say that the inner characteristics of the person matter more, but in reality, you only have one opportunity for a first impression. Make it count!

Although there are specific guidelines that can be followed, these does not apply to all states like New York for example, where people wear trendy up to extreme styles that are far away from the usual fashion rules common people know. The rule of thumb should be to wear something that could boost more confidence.

Below are the top ten do's and don'ts during an interview:

Ø Avoid wild colored nail polish before the interview. The same goes with long nails that could easily turn off some conservative employers. These should be neat and very tidy looking.

Ø Never wear jewelry that rattles and jiggles as you speak and move. Try not to wear two or more rings or earrings. Piercing aside from the ears is also a no.

Ø Professional hairdo also counts

Ø If you are a woman, wear closed shoes. Heels are very appropriate as this gives more confidence to an individual and sense of respect is also provided once they see the person wearing them.

Ø Again, for the ladies, never bare those newly shaven legs. If possible, use stockings regardless of the temperature. But make sure not to use fancy colored ones. Only use those made for neutral looking legs. These should also match the shoes.

Ø Remember that a good suit or dress brings more confidence as well. This will also allow more comfort and chance for the applicant to answer comfortably or with ease.

Ø Avoid short skirts for women. Wearing pants or leggings are a no, no during interviews.

Ø Wear the appropriate blazers just as long as they do not look fashion outdated. Do not use any leather coats or jackets.

Ø For men, the tie is still appropriate. Avoid using turtlenecks. If there is no suit and tie available, use a collared shirt or white long sleeves.

Ø Men must not use too much aftershave.

Ø Women should be using bags that are not too bright and conspicuous. These should be conservative and matching the dress.

Ø Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.

The way a person looks equal the message he is trying to convey. During the interview, this can either become a plus factor for the applicant or big loss. Know for a fact that the way an applicant should look must be appealing, fashionable but not loud.

Consider the latest trends in the area or location where the prospective job is located. One aspect that is a part of how employer picks a new hire is based on the physical attributes of the applicant. From the way the hands were shaken, keeping an eye contact, the way the posture was maintained, the smile was delivered up to the manner of dressing is being rated already.

Regardless of your personal career background, skills, and underlying talents, if the first impression was never striking enough to make an outstanding appeal to the interviewers, nothing else counts. This can be the potential employers’ initial interpretation of how an applicant will do on the job.

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Apprenticeships : Fantastic Learning Opportunity

by careers online com

Although apprenticeship is a fantastic occupational learning opportunity, it is not an option to be pursued lightly. Weigh your options and make an educated decision about the time and other commitments, before you jump into an apprenticeship program.

Learning a new, highly skilled profession requires an in-depth, hands-on, committed training experience. This is where the process of apprenticeship occurs. It fills-in the training gap in those places where supervision is needed and provides hands-on help and a solid understanding of how a specific process works. Apprenticeship is one of the most successful methods any person can use to develop new skills, especially in a highly technical craft.

For example, you don't become an electrician by pulling a few wires off your remote control car and hooking them up to the light switch in your house. Instead, you apprentice under an electrical expert to learn the most valuable, safest method for working with electricity.

So what is apprenticeship? It generally includes full-time, on-the-job experience where you actually learn to do "a job" while performing the required tasks. In this "hands-on" environment, you are placed under the oversight of a skilled trainer or journey-worker. A big benefit of on-the-job apprenticeship is having an income while you learn. At the same time you can also receive detailed training by taking specific, technical classes that are directly related to your new occupation. This training is often in-addition to your normal job duties, so be prepared for a large time investment.

By focusing heavily on hands-on work experience and detailed classroom study, long term success is the usual result for anyone truly dedicated to their occupation. Apprenticeship programs create some of the most highly-skilled, highly-paid individuals who work at their jobs anywhere in the world.

In fact, this method of training may be the oldest form of learning anywhere. Certainly it was used even by early Americans, including George Washington (surveyor), Benjamin Franklin (printer), and Paul Revere (silversmith). Actually, Congress enacted the National Apprenticeship Act in 1937. They did this to recognize the importance of apprenticeship in developing highly skilled workers in various trades, including manufacturing, public utilities, and construction. Later apprenticeship grew to include fire, police, safety, and other emergency related occupations.

Today, there are hundreds of different occupational apprenticeship programs and categories in and around the United States. Each state oversees and administers the specifics of their own program, but they are federally approved. Once you complete an apprenticeship training program, you will get an apprenticeship certificate which is recognized nationwide. It is also the credential you will find the most useful and portable within most industries around the country.

But apprenticeship isn't for the faint of heart. Even before your job and classroom training, you will have to apply, and you may have to wait until positions and opportunities are available. In fact, some programs may have waiting lists or they may only accept new applicants at specific times throughout the year.

Although apprenticeship is a fantastic occupational learning opportunity, it is not an option to be pursued lightly. Weigh your options and make an educated decision about the time and other commitments, before you jump into an apprenticeship program.

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Monday, October 4, 2010

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