Job Search Tips

Create a contact list for networking purposes. Think of the people you know - relatives, friends, professors, classmates, co-workers at summer jobs, and others. Call up old high school for an alumni directory and ask your parents for the holiday card address list.

Make more of an effort to meet with people, and use these conversations to ask their advice, to make them aware of your job search, to learn more about their jobs or their organizations, and to get the names of others who might be useful in your job search.
 
 Make sure your resume is targeted to the employers who receive it. Make sure your resume is easy to read and the most important details stand out. Make more than one resume if you are applying to more than one industry.
 
 You should have a copy of your resume with you at all times. It is also a good idea to have fresh copies of your resume prepared in case you are called to an interview at the last minute.
 
 Write down all the employers you contact, the date you sent your resume, any contact made, people you talk to, and notes about those contacts. Keep a notepad with you at all times - take notes as soon as you hear about an opportunity or when you leave an interview. Get into the habit of updating your database daily.
 
 Make a "to do" list every day.  This will help you organize your list of priorities and keep you focused on finding that perfect job.
 
 Link up with a friend who is also job hunting. Arrange to speak weekly and report on accomplishments, best practices, and future plans.
 
 Throughout your job search, you will speak with many people at different levels. You must be comfortable having conversations about yourself with other people. Keep in mind that you never know who may end up being useful to your job hunt.

 You never know who you'll meet in an elevator, in line at the coffee shop, or on the street. Know what your skills are and how to communicate them. You should be able to tell prospective employers and others you meet what you can offer. You should also be able to talk about how your skills relate to the industries that interest you.
 
 Remain current on any issues or developments in the field, read trade journals or professional publications, and read the newspaper. It is extremely impressive during an interview if you know about the latest merger or coup in the industry.
 
 Preparation is key to interviewing well. Friends, relatives, and career services counselors can help you formulate strong answers to questions you might not anticipate.
 
 Follow up with leads immediately.  If you find out about a position late in the day, call right then. Don't wait until the next day.
 
 Job hunting takes time and energy. Remain confident, but prepare yourself for challenges ahead. Don't get disgruntled if you are still looking for a job and it seems like everyone you know has an offer. Most students find their jobs after graduation, and even experienced job seekers often search for months before finding the right opportunity.
 

Managing Time in Job Search

The key to effectively managing your time while looking for a job is to develop a weekly plan. This includes setting specific goals and laying out a weekly plan. When your days are planned with specific things to do, your job search will become more productive.

 If you're searching while at work, you're limited as to when you can search for a job. Many companies  monitor their employees and some even go so far as to monitor online job web sites.

With proper planning, however,  you can get a good amount of work done during the workday. Looking for a job while you're working takes some sacrifice. use lunch breaks, and sometimes even vacation time to complete your goal.

Stay as organized as possible by keeping a list of goals within easy reach to make sure you're covering all the important areas.

A key to keeping your job search productive is putting in the necessary amount of time. As many career experts say, finding a job is a job, and you should plan on putting a similar amount of time into finding work that you would commit to a real job.



Cover Letter Tips

Your application letter is one of your most important job-search documents. An effective letter can get you a phone call for an interview, but a poorly written application letter usually spells continued unemployment. The difference can be a matter of how you handle a few key points. The following are some tips to help you develop effective application letters.

Give your readers some insight into you as an individual. Draft your letter to show how your individual qualities can contribute to the organization. This is your letter, so avoid simply copying the form and style of other letters you've seen. Instead, strive to make your letter represent your individuality and your capabilities.

Preferably, the person you write to should be the individual doing the hiring for the position you're seeking. Look for this person's name in company publications.  If the name is unavailable, phone the organization and ask for the person's name or at least the name of the personnel manager.

Your introduction should get your reader's attention, stimulate interest, and be appropriate to the job you are seeking. For example, you may want to begin with a reference to an advertisement that prompted your application. Such a reference makes your reason for contacting the company clear and indicates to them that their advertising has been effective. Or you may want to open by referring to the company's product, which you want to promote. Such a reference shows your knowledge of the company. Whatever opening strategy you use, try to begin where your reader is and lead quickly to your purpose in writing.

First Paragraph Tips. Make your goal clear. If you're answering an advertisement, name the position stated in the ad and identify the source, for example: "your advertisement for a graphic artist, which appeared in the Chicago Sun Times, May 15, 1998,..." If you're prospecting for a job, try to identify the job title used by the organization. If a specific position title isn't available or if you wish to apply for a line of work that may come under several titles, you may decide to adapt the professional objective stated in your resume.

Additionally, in your first paragraph you should provide a preview of the rest of your letter. This tells your reader what to look for and lets him or her know immediately how your qualifications fit the requirements of the job.

Organize the middle paragraphs in terms of the qualifications that best suit you for the job and the organization. That is, if your on-the-job experience is your strongest qualification, discuss it in detail and show how you can apply it to the needs of the company. Or if you were president of the Marketing Club and you are applying for a position in marketing or sales, elaborate on the valuable experience you gained and how you can put it to work for them. If special projects you've done apply directly to the job you are seeking, explain them in detail. Be specific. Use numbers, names of equipment you've used, or features of the project that may apply to the job you want.

One strong qualification, described so that the reader can picture you actively involved on the job, can be enough. You can then refer your reader to your resume for a summary of your other qualifications. If you have two or three areas that you think are strong, you can develop additional paragraphs. Make your letter strong enough to convince readers that your distinctive background qualifies you for the job but not so long that length will turn readers off. Some employers recommend a maximum of four paragraphs.

Refer to your resume. Be sure to refer to your enclosed resume at the most appropriate point in your letter, for example, in the discussion of your qualifications or in the closing paragraph.

Conclude with a clear, courteous request to set up an interview, and suggest a procedure for doing so. The date and place for the interview should be convenient for the interviewer. However, you're welcome to suggest a range of dates and places convenient to you, especially if you travel at your own expense or have a restricted schedule. Be specific about how your reader should contact you. If you ask for a phone call, give your phone number and the days and times of the week when you can be reached.

Be professional. Make sure your letter is professional in format, organization, style, grammar, and mechanics. Maintain a courteous tone throughout the letter and eliminate all errors. Remember that readers often "deselect" applicants because of the appearance of the letter.

Seek advice. It's always good idea to prepare at least one draft to show to a critical reader for comments and suggestions before revising and sending the letter.
 

Job Interview Tips

Interview for a job can be  incredibly intimidating, especially if you haven't done it for a while. And considering how important it is to the job search, it requires a strong effort.

Have a friend ask you some standard interview questions to see how you answer. It also helps to talk to yourself in front of a mirror so you can check out your body language and facial expressions. You should also record yourself answering questions so you can hear the pacing of your answers.

Update your interview wardrobe. As most companies operated under a casual dress code, fewer workers own the basics they need to wear if called for a job interview. If you do purchase something, an approach focused on the basics such as navy blue or gray, is best.

Selling yourself and your skills is the ultimate goal of any interview. Keep it simple. Don't overload your audience with too much information. Stick to your subject. To effectively communicate your skills, use examples. Be ready to tell some some stories.

Be positive, enthusiastic and upbeat. The first minute or two is crucial. Avoid rating yourself. Don't say," I am strong at this" or " I am light on this..."

Know your resume by heart. If the interviewer asks you about something on your resume, you should answer without hesitation.

Employers are looking for employees who put the company above everything else and go above and beyond.

Companies now recognize that most projects at works improve when the legwork is a group process. Being able to get alone with others is the only way to survive in business today. Other characteristics of a team player include the ability to appreciate other people's strengths and being able to forgive them for their weaknesses.

Although it's important to connect with your interviewer, it's important to not treat the situation casually. Do not address the interviewer by his or her first name unless you are confident that it's appropriate.

Don't over exaggerate. There are plenty of things you should avoid discussing. Avoid taking all credit for a job well done in a team setting. Overvaluing is a common mistake. Never talk negatively about a past or present boss, ever.

When recruiters ask, " Do you have any questions for me?" they are expecting you to use the opportunity to show initiative and ask well thought-out questions. The worst thing you can do is nothing.

Research the company's history, its niche in the marketplace, its competitors and the people in its leadership. The questions you ask should demonstrate your interest in these things.

A second interview can be a bigger challenge than the first.  Job seekers preparing for a second interview should research the company, its goals and its competitors. Come in with some good questions such as: " why is the position open?, what do you consider to be the ideal background for the position? try to get some feedback.

Most employers look for a solid individual. They want a team player who's  outgoing without being loud, assertive without being pushy, hardworking without being so overdriven that they alienate people.
 

Body Language Tips

Interview for a job can be  incredibly intimidating, especially if you haven't done it for a while. And considering how important it is to the job search, it requires a strong effort.

Have a friend ask you some standard interview questions to see how you answer. It also helps to talk to yourself in front of a mirror so you can check out your body language and facial expressions. You should also record yourself answering questions so you can hear the pacing of your answers.

Update your interview wardrobe. As most companies operated under a casual dress code, fewer workers own the basics they need to wear if called for a job interview. If you do purchase something, an approach focused on the basics such as navy blue or gray, is best.

Selling yourself and your skills is the ultimate goal of any interview. Keep it simple. Don't overload your audience with too much information. Stick to your subject. To effectively communicate your skills, use examples. Be ready to tell some some stories.

Be positive, enthusiastic and upbeat. The first minute or two is crucial. Avoid rating yourself. Don't say," I am strong at this" or " I am light on this..."

Know your resume by heart. If the interviewer asks you about something on your resume, you should answer without hesitation.

Employers are looking for employees who put the company above everything else and go above and beyond.

Companies now recognize that most projects at works improve when the legwork is a group process. Being able to get alone with others is the only way to survive in business today. Other characteristics of a team player include the ability to appreciate other people's strengths and being able to forgive them for their weaknesses.

Although it's important to connect with your interviewer, it's important to not treat the situation casually. Do not address the interviewer by his or her first name unless you are confident that it's appropriate.

Don't over exaggerate. There are plenty of things you should avoid discussing. Avoid taking all credit for a job well done in a team setting. Overvaluing is a common mistake. Never talk negatively about a past or present boss, ever.

When recruiters ask, " Do you have any questions for me?" they are expecting you to use the opportunity to show initiative and ask well thought-out questions. The worst thing you can do is nothing.

Research the company's history, its niche in the marketplace, its competitors and the people in its leadership. The questions you ask should demonstrate your interest in these things.

A second interview can be a bigger challenge than the first.  Job seekers preparing for a second interview should research the company, its goals and its competitors. Come in with some good questions such as: " why is the position open?, what do you consider to be the ideal background for the position? try to get some feedback.

Most employers look for a solid individual. They want a team player who's  outgoing without being loud, assertive without being pushy, hardworking without being so overdriven that they alienate people.
 

Interviews Dos and Don'ts

Do plan to arrive on time or a few minutes early. Late arrival for a job interview is never excusable.

If presented with an application, do fill it out neatly and completely. If you have a personal resume, be sure the person to whom you release it is the person who will actually do the hiring.

Do greet the interviewer by their name. Ensure that you know the correct pronunciation.

Do shake hands firmly.

Do wait until you are offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright in your chair, look alert and interested at all times. Be a good listener as well as a good talker. Smile.

Do look a prospective employer in the eye when you converse.

Do follow the interviewer's leads but try to obtain a full description of the position and duties expected early so that you can relay your appropriate background and skills.

Do make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a factual, sincere manner. Keep in mind that only you can sell yourself and make the interviewer aware of the potential benefits that you can offer to the organization.

Do always conduct yourself as if you are determined to get the job you are discussing. Never close the door on an opportunity. It is better to be in the position where you can choose from a number of jobs, rather than only one.

Don't smoke, even if the interviewer smokes and offers you a cigarette.

Don't answer questions with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Explain whenever possible. Describe those things about yourself which relate to the position.

Don't lie. Answer questions truthfully, frankly and as much to the point as possible.

Don't make derogatory remarks about your present or former employers.

Don't 'over-answer' questions. The interviewer may steer the conversation into politics or economics. These topics can be controversial; it is best to answer the questions honestly, trying not to say more than is necessary.

Don't enquire about salary, holidays, bonuses, etc at the initial interview unless you are positive the interviewer is interested in hiring you. However, you should know your market value and be prepared to specify your required salary or range.

 

Thank You Letter

Interviews are not over when they're over. A thank you acknowledgement should be sent as soon as possible after an interview. A thank you letter may be sent to each interviewer or, if the firm has one, to the recruitment coordinator with a note to pass along your thanks to those with which you spoke during the interview. When writing more than one firm member, try to personalize each letter by altering at least one sentence in the letter. It can be time consuming, but it may pay off. If you are sending a single letter which thanks everyone you met, take the time to give the names of those you interviewed with and make sure you spell their names correctly.

The purpose of this letter is to show appreciation for the employer's interest in you, reiterate your interest in the position and in the organization, review or remind the employer about your qualifications for the position. If you thought of something you forgot to mention in the interview, mention it in your follow-up / thank-you letter. Demonstrate that you have good manners and know to write a thank-you letter. Follow up with any information the employer may have asked you to provide after the interview.

Generally, a thank you letter has three basic parts: Start by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to talk with you. It is generally a good idea to include the actual date on which the interview occurred. Reaffirm your interest in the firm by pointing out particular issues brought during the interview that appeal to you. Try to personalize the letter by referring to some topic or common interest you discussed during the interview. Close the letter with another word of appreciation, an offer to provide more information and a statement that you look forward to hearing from them.

Resist the temptation to sell yourself by reiterating your resume strengths. Keep it short and to the point. If you receive a call back interview, you should send another thank you letter.

Thank-you letters can be hard copy typed, handwritten or e-mailed. Hard copy are most formal and are appropriate after an interview. Handwritten are more personal, and can be appropriate for brief notes to a variety of individuals you may have met during on on-site interview. E-mail is appropriate when that has been your means of contact with the person you want to thank, or if your contact has expressed a preference for e-mail.

Before your interview ended, your interviewer should have informed you of the organization's follow-up procedures — from whom, by what means, and when you would hear again from the organization. If the interviewer did not tell you, and you did not ask, use your follow-up / thank-you letter to ask.

If more than a week has passed beyond the date when you were told you would hear something from the employer, call or email to politely inquire about the status of the organization's decision-making process. Someone (or something) or an unexpected circumstance may be holding up the process. A polite inquiry shows that you are still interested in the organization and may prompt the employer to get on schedule with a response. In your inquiry, mention the following: name of the person who interviewed you, time and place of the interview, position for which you are applying (if known), and ask the status of your application.
 

Finding Out Who's Hiring

Ask if your school has job postings. Inquire at your school about work/study programs. Look for "Help Wanted" or "Now Hiring" signs in windows. Check the want ads in local newspapers. Check out the information desk at shopping malls. For example, Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center has information on who's hiring at the Customer Service Desk in the Food Court. Get in touch with an employment agency that handles part-time or temporary help. Make sure there's no charge for the service. Call a large company where you'd like to apply and ask for the Human Resources Department. Ask if they have any job openings for teenagers. Find out where to go to fill out an application. Explore Internet websites that have job postings.

Filling Out an Application

Be honest. Fill it out completely. Don't leave any questions unanswered. Complete the application in pen, with blue or black ink. Use your full name as it appears on your birth certificate or driver's license. Use a dictionary or spell-checker to avoid misspelling. Take your time; print neatly. Be specific about the date you can begin working. Be accurate as to which days and times you are available to work. Choose your references carefully. Always ask their permission first. If you have a resume, staple it to the application. Note: To apply for a job, you must have a social security number. If you're under sixteen, you'll need to get a work permit. You can obtain one from your school.

Creating a Resume

Keep the resume clear and simple, only one page in length. Put your name, address, and telephone number in bold print. Use headings like Education, Experience, Interests, Awards, and Personal. Put the headings in bold print or underline the words to highlight them. List job experiences, beginning with the most recent. Don't forget to include jobs like babysitting, yard work, volunteer work, and community service. Brag about yourself!

Going In For The Interview

Bring to the interview: Pen with blue or black ink, Date book or calendar, Application, if you haven't already returned it, Hours you are available to work, Letters of recommendation, if any,  Resume, if you have one,  Your alien card if you are not a United States citizen

Good attitude!

Be on time. Look your best. Have good hygiene. Dress conservatively. Don't wear perfume. Don't chew gum. Don't bring a beeper or a cell phone. Try to relax. Shake hands and introduce yourself. Smile. Make eye contact. Take your time answering questions. Answer in full sentences. Be honest. Express your thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed.
 

Summer Job Tips for teens

The following is a list of some of the best places to look for Summer Jobs:

Local merchants: local stores often need good help and not just in the summer.

Small businesses: most towns have a number of small business offices.

Corporate offices: many have established summer jobs and internship programs, but often these are the most competitive.

Stores at the mall. You probably have a favorite store you like to shop at in the mall, and now you may be able to get a job there.

Hotels and resorts: summer time is a busy season for most hotels and resorts.

Tourist attractions: most states have tourist attractions that especially need help during the busy tourism season.

Golf & Tennis clubs: They are usually looking for part-time help.

Grocery stores: Grocery stores are usually close to home and very convenient convenient.

Fast food and restaurants: local restaurants always need good help.

Parks and recreation departments: city, state, and national parks and recreation departments often develop special summer programs, and thus have job opportunities.

Local government summer job programs: often various government agencies sponsor different kinds of summer youth work programs.

Summer camps: you can work as a counselor and get paid while being at camp.

Working for yourself: There are all sorts of jobs/businesses you could develop for yourself in your neighborhood, including baby-sitting, lawn or yard care, dog walking or vacation pet care, errand-running for busy people, washing cars for neighbors, and teaching older people how to use computers or the internet.
 

Tips For Teen's Parents

When teens are considering taking on part-time jobs to put extra money in their pockets, parents should consider the following:

Limit the hours your teen works. Research shows that students who work about an hour a day actually do better than students who don't work. Yet, students who work more than three hours each day tend to have lower grades than other students.

Maintain high standards for school work. At this age, school must be his main job and first priority. Teens are building the base of knowledge, skills and experience upon which their future careers will depend. If good grades come easily, however, the benefits gained from a high-quality work experience could be valuable without hurting school work.

Help them choose a high-quality work experience. Work experiences can teach time management, responsibility and professional skills. But these kinds of benefits are often found in more high-quality school-to-work programs or pre-professional jobs--not at most burger joints. Choose wisely with an eye to future interests and careers.

According to the National Consumers League, some of the worst jobs for teens include: Driving and delivery, working alone in cash-based businesses and late-night work, cooking with exposure to hot oil and grease, hot water and steam, and hot cooking surfaces, construction and work at heights, and traveling youth crews.


 

Employment Tips For The Disabled

Application Process:

During the application process, an applicant will want to present qualifications and experience related to the position. Since it is the employer's right to set the essential functions, establishing the expectations of the position is an important part of the application process. Job descriptions and position announcements are documents that convey this information.

Once an applicant knows the employer's expectations and the essential functions of the job, the individual's abilities and functional limitations related to the job must be evaluated. At this point, an applicant must evaluate his or her ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable accommodations are modifications to the facility, changes in the job process, and assistive technology that allows a person to perform at the expected performance standards.

Interview Process:

Once an interview has been scheduled, a person should be prepared to describe how he/she would perform the essential functions of the job. The interview process is a tool used by the employer to determine if the applicant is qualified for the job and whether the individual will be a good fit. An employer cannot use the interview or the application process to inquire about a potential disability.

Medical Disclosure:

Medical disclosure includes voluntarily disclosing the medical information and employer inquires and exams.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that an individual does not have to inform the potential employer about medical history until a conditional job offer has been made.

Recourse Under the ADA:

One of the basic rights of an individual under the ADA is to file a claim of discrimination based upon disability. Inquiring about medical history before a conditional job offer or screening out a person because of a disability may be considered discrimination.

Resources to Consider in your Local Area:

The Division of Rehabilitation Services (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or Bureau of Rehabilitation) can assist individuals with disabilities in finding employment and obtaining training to facilitate employment opportunities. The Job Service or Employment Security is your state's employment agency.

Strategies to Consider in Seeking Employment:

Use personal contacts to find out about possible job opportunities. Personal contacts could be friends, family, former co-workers or employers, members of your religious organization, local community members such as doctors, physical therapists, counselors, members of professional organizations or social clubs, etc.

Use a direct approach by going from one employer to another. You may need to visit or telephone many places of employment about present or future job openings.

College, university, or vocational-technical school placement offices offer job placement and career development services.

The public library may be able to provide employment information.

Independent Living Centers may provide employment leads and job club services to individuals with disabilities.

Classified ads found in the newspaper, local bulletin boards or professional magazines may be useful.

Advocacy and support groups may provide employment assistance.

Public and private employment agencies circulate resumes and match appropriate job candidates.

Job banks provide computerized listings of jobs that you can be matched up with nationwide.

Use the Internet to find employment opportunities. Local libraries usually have computers to access the Internet.

Volunteer activities can sometimes lead to paid employment and can provide good work experience to include on a resume.

These strategies may help to find a job. However, these suggestions are not all inclusive. Following is a list of specific resources which may be helpful in seeking job leads, placement, training, or assistance in the employment finding process such as resume writing and interviewing techniques. Temporary staffing agencies may be one answer to people with disabilities finding employment opportunities. Temporary staffing agencies work with people with disabilities in the same way they work with people without disabilities. These services provide job seekers with opportunities to build a work history, experience different types of jobs, and increase their employment marketability and earning potential through enhancement of skills.
 

Job Fair Tips

Before you attend a job fair:

Get a resume together that focuses on the profession you are interested on.  Make sure you dress appropriately for the level of position you are targeting.

Investigate and identify employers who will be attending the job fair. You could tailor your resume in advance.

Questions you prepare and ask employers should be developed to also inform the employer of your knowledge about the organization and industry.

During the job fair:

Arrive early and warm up. Employers are more likely to listen to you when they're not tired.

Keep yourself organized and focused! Noise will be an issue for you unless you remain focused. The area will be packed with participants vying for attention.

Turn the cell phone off.

Have something to write with and on as you will want to take notes along the way.

Have enough resumes on hand.

Limit your carry-on luggage

Knowing which organizations are of most interest to you will help you rank them according to the order of importance to you. Start with those of most importance to you and then with those of secondary interest to you.

Job titles are obsolete. Focus on skills required and job related functions, not job titles in evaluating who is of most interest to you.

Utilize the opportunity to collect business cards from everyone you meet. Make brief notes on the back regarding important points you want to remember about the employers. This will be helpful in your thank you letters and future follow-up.

Do follow up with thank you letters! Most employers will expect you to express your interest by following up with them.

If rejected, ask yourself what you can do to prevent rejection from other employers. Do not allow it to distract you or become less confident.

After the job fair:

Analyze your findings. Read and prioritize the handouts according to your career goals.

Follow up your leads with tailored cover letters and resumes within one week. Take advantage of any notes you made during the event.

Continue your other job search efforts. Make a note on your calendar to follow up again in two weeks if you haven't heard from the employers you contacted after the event and the, move on.
 

Online Job search Tips

There are three stages to online job search:


1. Preparing For Your Job Search:

Make a decision on what job is right for you. Since the computer is your main tool make sure you are at ease with it. Install anti-virus software on your computer and keep it to the latest type.

Find out more information on the job you are planning to search for.

Find information on the locations and employers that you are interested in.

Set up your resume to include three types: print, e-mail, and online.

Set up an e-mail account.


2. Implementing Your Job Search

Chose the few sties you would like to use. If the employer you are interested in has a website, pay a visit because it may possibly have jobs openings listed.

Follow-up on the jobs you applied for online. Send your resume with a cover letter to the employer through paper mail and call to be sure they received it.

Remember, most jobs are not posted online, so do spend some time with an off-line job search.

A personal portfolio web site should be arranged. Do this by renting space on a web server.

Follow the places you have left a resume because this will help for your next job search to remember which sites worked the best. It will also help to delete your resumes once your job search is over.


3. End Job Search While Maintaining Your Job Search Network

Make sure to shut down your online job search in a way that your can reopen it for your next job search.

A main issue in online job search is protecting your privacy. Make sure the site has a privacy policy and be sure to read it.

Be particular about which sites you post your resume.

Unless you are using the cyber-safe form of your resume, if possible, choose to regulate access to your full resume.

Maintain accounts of when and where you posted your resume on web sites.

Do not use resume sharing services.

Your Social Security Number, bank account number, and mother's maiden name should be kept from people coming to you for an impending job.

If your instincts tell you not to supply the information they are requesting, don't. 
 

Volunteering Tips:

Research the causes or issues important to you. Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly.

Consider the skills you have to offer. You may want to look for volunteer work that would incorporate these aspects of your personality.

Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain exposure to a new situation. Consider seeking a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new.

Combine your goals. Look for volunteer opportunities that will also help you achieve your other goals for your life. For example, if you want to lose a few extra pounds, pick an active volunteer opportunity, such as cleaning a park or working with kids. Or, if you've been meaning to take a cooking class, try volunteering at a food bank that teaches cooking skills.

Don't over-commit your schedule. Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your life, so that you don't exhaust yourself, shortchange the organization you're trying to help or neglect your job.

If you are unsure about your availability, or want to see how the work suits you before making an extensive commitment, see whether the organization will start you out on a limited number of hours until you get the feel of things.

Nonprofits may have questions, too. While most nonprofits are eager to find volunteer help, they have to be careful when accepting the services you offer. It is in the organization's interest and more beneficial to the people it serves to make certain you have the skills needed, that you are truly committed to doing the work, and that your interests match those of the nonprofit. Furthermore, in volunteer work involving children or other at-risk populations, there are legal ramifications for the organization to consider.

Virtual volunteering.  If you have computer access and the necessary skills, some organizations now offer the opportunity to do volunteer work over the computer. This might take the form of giving free legal advice, typing a college term paper for a person with a disability, or simply keeping in contact with a shut-in who has e-mail.

 The following is a list of organizations that usually offer some volunteer opportunities: Hospitals, Libraries, Churches, Day care centers, Neighborhood Watch, Public Schools and Colleges, Halfway houses, Community Theaters, Drug Rehabilitation Centers, Fraternal Organizations and Civic Clubs, Retirement Centers and Homes for the Elderly, Meals on Wheels, Church or Community-Sponsored Soup Kitchens or Food Pantries, Museums, Art Galleries, and Monuments, Community Choirs, Bands and Orchestras, Prisons, Neighborhood Parks, Youth Organizations, Sports Teams, and after-school programs Shelters for Battered Women and Children, Historical Restorations, Battlefields and National Parks.

 

Government Job Tips

There are countless federal, state, county and state jobs available.

Government job search should start about one year from the date you would like to be hired. This is because finding a government jobs takes much time and can be discouraging. You could encounter long delays in hearing from employers or no reply at all to your resume.

Contacting the Government agencies that draw your attention in is the best way to find a government job. This is particularly vital when applying for jobs in agencies where it is not necessary to publicize their jobs.

Investigate the government agency or department you are applying to prior to calling an employer or going to a job fair where government hiring officials will be present.

Nearly all civilian positions in government are competitive. You must compete with other candidates in open competition to acquire a government job.

First choose what kind of job you would like. While a number of Government job titles are clear-cut, some entail interpretation and others are exclusive to the Government agency.

The application process for government jobs is more complicated than in the private sector. First, you are obliged to read the vacancy announcement, which explains the job opening and has specific application directions. Read cautiously, paying consideration to major duties, job descriptions, areas of consideration, qualifications required, and knowledge, expertise, and abilities. Answer each question as clearly and concisely as possible.

In most cases you are able to apply online. If you are not sure of the details of a job announcement, call the HR office listed in the job posting and ask.

Government hiring process may not have the same sense of urgency as you do. After an interview, you should expect to be contacted by the government in a month. Attempt no less than two follow-ups to figure out what is occurring.

 

International Job Tips

To build an international career, it requires careful planning, time, and dedication. You need to build a host of international experiences before you are sent on an assignment or project outside of the country.

There are many benefits with an overseas work experience: It is a chance to gain in-depth knowledge of another culture and of yourself, a way to improve foreign language proficiency, or as preparation for an international career.

Start early - While you are a student, get involved in any internship abroad, or as soon after graduation.

Volunteering is an easy way to get required experiences -  Volunteering abroad is the best option for working in developing countries or for social causes anywhere. Many volunteer positions do pay, at least room and board.

With international volunteer organizations, typical locations for volunteer works include Central America, South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Another way to build international experiences is to teach English abroad. As the English language is considered the international language for commerce, diplomacy, and higher education, native English speakers are considered precious resources in a non-English speaking country.

 

International Networking Tips

Always keep an address book up-to-date and on-hand.

Select with whom you network if you are at an international conference on aid relief. Your time is limited go for the international contacts first.

Attend meetings, seminars and conferences.

Learn a 2nd or 3rd language.

Be visible when you attend functions and always wear a name badge.

Do everything in your power to actively meet or introduce yourself to, people in your field of expertise. Write a letter, send an email etc.

Enroll on forums on the internet. Post your views regularly, leaving your contact details.

Get involved with all the relevant International organizations and affiliations within your area of interest. These could include universities, embassies and government agencies.

Hand out business cards to everyone you meet and enclose one in your correspondence.

Networking should start while you are still on training or attending University.

Join committees and associations.

Research other countries and their customs and cultures.

Learn a couple of polite phrases in relevant 'other' languages but make sure your source of information is accurate. For example get involved in organizing events:.

Write an article and submit to journals and article directories in your field.

Write a blog and publish it on the internet.

Include friends and associates of anyone you come into contact with, wherever possible.

Be patient and courteous at all times.

Respect the culture of the people you deal with in the same way that you expect your culture and beliefs to be respected and enjoy the opportunities that are ahead of you.


 

Freelance Job Tips

A freelancer or freelance worker is a self-employed person working in a profession or trade in which full-time employment is also common.

Fields where freelancing is especially common include journalism and other forms of writing, computer programming and graphic design, consulting, and many other professional and creative services.

The advent of the Internet has created new opportunities for freelancing, particularly for software developers from countries with low average salaries. A number of websites have become bustling marketplaces for farming out software development projects to freelancers at rates generally considered rock-bottom by Western standards.

Freelance practice varies greatly. Some require clients to sign written contracts, while others may perform work based on verbal agreements, perhaps enforceable through the very nature of the work. Some freelancers may provide written estimates of work and request deposits from clients.

Payment for freelance work also varies greatly. Freelancers may charge by the day or hour, or on a per-job basis. By custom, payment arrangements may be upfront, half-half, or upon completion.

 

Additional Freelancing Tips

To be  an effective freelancer, the following strategies must be followed:

Learn to market yourself and your ideas - As a freelancer, you will continually need to meet new people, and it's important to make a good first impression.

Carefully select your assignments to ensure that they  derive maximum benefit from the relationship. Select projects that will emphasize your strengths, showcase your talents and enhance your repertoire of skills.

Before starting a project, familiarize yourself with your client, and make sure you understand clearly what he/she wants to accomplish.

Be disciplined.  Manage your own time, education and finances

Be flexible. Be prepared to compromise and adapt to a client's needs.

Consider developing specialized experience - Freelancers experienced in specific industries can bring added value to creative project assignments for similar businesses.

Learn to accept disappointment - even rejection - gracefully. Not every creative project you pursue is the right "fit."
 

Job Adaptation Tips

Starting a new job is never easy. You have a lot to get used to - a new boss, new co-worker and a new culture. The followings are tips to help you adapt to a new job:

Your experiences during the first few months at a new job can also affect your long-term performance, whether you're a workforce veteran or just out of college. For recent college graduates, the work world looks different than the world of education.

Being new includes learning how to approach your work, your boss and co-workers, and becoming adjusted to a new  work culture.

The first step to succeeding in a new job is adapting to the organization's culture (the way of operating, working and interacting. Avoid making judgments on your new workplace, especially during the first few months.

Among the most important relationships you will cultivate at your new job is the relationship with your new boss. Start it off right by establishing a pattern of good communication. Do your best to cultivate a good rapport with your boss, but remember to keep your interactions respectful and professional.

Build a great reputation by impressing your boss with a willingness to do more than expected. It will help in the long run.

Figure out what you need to do to be successful in your career. Map out a plan for the next year, then the next five  years and the next 10 years. Then make it happen.

 

Job search in economic downturn

When there is an economic downturn there are job hunters that are really not comfortable competing for the few available jobs. Skills that are useful when employed are somewhat different that the skills that will help you get through in the case of an emergency. If you are looking for employment for the first time in many years here are some employment hunting tips that may make the transition less painful.

The most valuable tip in any job search is to take the time to honestly analyze your motivations for working. In addition, you should answer the question as to what sort of work really inspires and motivates you. Once you have fully answered and analyzed these questions can you make a focused job search.

Start with making a series of lists that completely outline what you expect from a job along with your requirements. Outline your strengths and skills along with your interests. From this type of analysis and knowing what you want and what is important to you will move you a long way toward finding the right job.

If, for example, you are given a number of months notice that your job is being eliminated don't wait until the last minute to start job hunting. Many will wait until days before the layoff hoping against hope that the decision will be reversed. Use all the time wisely and it will pay dividends. Typical job searches take from a few weeks to many months so the earlier you start the sooner you'll find the right job.

One underutilized job hunting skill is to create your own job after you've analyzed the employment situation and determining you can provide a service that the potential employer needs.

If you can create an unadvertised position by demonstrating to the employer a potential need you've uncovered a job that didn't exist before. Since you will probably be the only applicant your chances of getting the job are excellent. Moreover, if you analysis is correct and the employer is reticent you can offer to work for a short period as a temporary employee. Then after you've proven yourself the job can be made permanent.

Getting ready for a Layoff

It's always a good idea to plan ahead for potential financial emergencies before they strike.

The following tips can help you prepare for Layoff

1. Establish an emergency fund. Set aside enough money to cover your basic living expenses for three to six months. This should give you the ability to pay your rent or mortgage, buy food and repay debts. Consider socking this money away in an online-only, high-yield money market account or a short-term certificate of deposit.

2. Live within your means. Try hard not to spend excessively on items and services you donate truly need. This will make it even easier to build up that emergency fund once and for all.

3. Use credit cards with great caution. Especially if you have a hunch that a layoff might be looming, be extra careful with credit. A credit card can keep you in denial about your true financial situation. Accumulating debt will only add to your stress and you don't need any more stress, whether you lose your job or not.

4. Talk about money with your partner. Even when things are going well, it's common for one partner to be completely unaware that the other partner has different financial priorities and goals. A layoff  or the specter of a layoff  can put the spotlight on such differences and lead to terrible fights. To avoid this, talk honestly and set goals together about how to cope in the coming weeks and months.

5. Tackle high-interest debt. Before a layoff ever strikes, make sure you are not letting debt hang around for months on a high-interest credit card. Transfer that debt to cards with lower interest rates, or consider paying it off with money from a small closed-end loan from your bank or credit union. Then over the next three months or so, you can concentrate on paying back that lower-interest loan.

6. Network, network, network. Always make a point of getting to know as many people as you can in your line of work. By having plenty of friends and contacts in your industry, you'll stand a better chance of finding work quickly if you lose your job.

7. Line up a line of credit while you're still employed. If you own a home and you can see that a job loss might be coming, consider opening a home-equity line of credit and keeping it open. Do not tap into the line of credit at all; just know that it's there in case a real emergency hits. Some lenders  but not all  charge an annual maintenance fee in the $75 to $100 range for keeping a line of credit open, but that can be worth it for the peace-of-mind factor.

Recession-proof Businesses

Some businesses seem to strengthen in times of recession. When the economy starts to slow, people start looking around for ways to cut back on expenses, and they give up the frivolous items in favor of the basics.

Despite the recession, the health care industry is swelling with opportunity. Health care is more expensive than ever, and the health care community provides more services than ever.

As we said, people don't cut back on their intake of food just because a recession is underway. Instead, they will cut back on the fancy stuff and take a renewed look at how the basics can be made to satisfy their need for variety.

A fresh fruit and vegetables always look good. If you have at least a small plot of land you can grown enough food to make a surprisingly good living.

Death is another part of the life cycle that isn't going to stop for a recession, and a well-run funeral parlor will weather the economic storms.

Debt collection is another area that remains steady in good times or bad. If you like telephone work, you can develop a clientele that will rely on you to collect on overdue bills through the courts.

Plumbing, electrical, roof repair, termiting and other vital home repair functions will continue to thrive in periods of recession. If homeowners put off maintenance and repairs, it only means that ultimately they will pay a higher price for a greater amount of work.

In bad times, there are always ways to thrive, if you are perceptive and agile. Never feel that because a recession is under way that there are no opportunities open to you.

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