Job Search Tips: Clarify the Position and Check Time Zones

Job Search Tip of the Day:
By
Marshall J Karp MA NCC LPC
Career Counselor

Job Search Tip of the Day: Sometimes, when you are being interviewed, you might
want to start off clarifying that the position you applied for is the position that you are
being interviewed for. Maybe the employer just wants to talk with you and the
possibilities or maybe it was just an accidental mix-up. Things happen and you just want
to make sure you are there for the right job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Do not run around telling employers to hire you because
they can get reimbursed from the government for training or a tax credit. That just does
not work well and you should be presenting your skills and abilities. The times those
incentives might help, maybe, is when interviewers on the edge of a decision and the
right program is presented in the right way.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Good sign in a job interview, they are asking you softball
questions as they are looking for reasons to hire you. Bad sign in job a interview, they
are asking you complicated questions as they are looking to eliminate you.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Employers use personality and psychological profile
assessments as a measurable and quantifiable predictor of performance. The bad news
is some are actually very precise and accurate and all you can do is take them, do the
best you can, and hope you are a profile match. The good news is there are many
employers who still hire by a gut feeling and intuition.

Job Search Tip of the Day: These cold snowy winter nights when you absolutely
cannot get out are the perfect time to work on your computer skills. You could improve
your typing, learn software programs, run though online tutorials, edit videos, watch
technology videos, etc. You just never know how useful this could be when it comes up
in job interviews.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You might want to go hunt down and dig up those copies
of your employee evaluations. Presented in a packet along with your resume and letters
of recommendation, those evaluations are good evidence for just want sort of employee
you will be. Prospective employers like written documentation things like that.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Your job hunting days should be spent finding places to
call, calling the places, and setting up meetings. You set up any meetings that you can,
whether places are hiring or not, so you become part of someone's network.
Somewhere along the way, will be the person who can use you.

Job Search Tip of the Day: This is a good habit, you need to get a card and email
address from everyone you meet, then email them a thank you, it was nice meeting you
message. You just never know the impression this may make on someone at the time

and how this might help bring you to their remembrance at some future critical
networking job hunting time.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In the world of job hunting, meeting new people is just a
fact of life. You may think there is no reason to do this, but in reality, you are putting
yourself out there on the open market and exposing yourself to potential buyers or
referrals to buyers. Remember, your goal is to get at least one meeting a day,
preferably two.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Ever forget to confirm what time zone you are in versus
what time zone your telephone interviewer is in? Some of you have experienced the
sheer moment of panic and awful realization with the call from the interviewer right on
time and you are not. It seems like a little thing, but do not forget about the time zones
when setting the telephone interview appointments.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There is an old job hunting saying that goes, never turn
down the opportunity for an interview. You may have no intentions of taking the job
even if it were offered to you, but there are positive reasons for you to go. Perhaps
down the road, another time, make a connection, even just the practice and more are
the rationale to go anyway.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There is certainly a place for LinkedIn profiles, blogs, and
your own website in your job hunt. Directing the employer to your social qualifications
media while you have them on the phone can enhance the contact by adding something
visual to an otherwise auditory experience. This is just another step to take to help to
keep you in mind.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Building rapport with an interviewer can be as simple as
asking about something that you have observed about them. It could be a picture on
their desk, a certificate on the wall, a trophy on a stand, a fishing rod in the corner, etc.
People love to talk about what they are interested in and a shared enthusiasm could be
the start of a working relationship.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When answering job interview questions: 1) target/focus
your background to the position/duties, 2) give measurable results, and 3) finish - relate
and tie-in your example to the position/person/company. This is how you knock your
answers out of the park.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When asked about your salary expectations you can: 1)
Give a figure or 2) Do not give a figure and both are legitimate salary strategies. My only
caution with Number 2 is the tough times as there are many qualified people out there.
My suggestion is to start off with Number 2, but be ready to adjust back with a figure,
depending on the employer's tone or vibes.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Young people do not hide behind your hair in a job
interview as you are supposed to be maintaining eye to eye contact. Also, having to

keep flipping hair back is distracting and can really take away from the precious time
and attention you really need.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Working a professional conference in your job hunt
requires patience as the temptation is to get your resume to as many people as you
can. Sincere interest and caring may be a better strategy, so catch-up with
acquaintances, make new contacts, listen to what they have to say first, then bring up
what you are looking for. Sometimes it is quality not quantity.

Job Search Tip of the Day: The percentage of temp to hire conversion is very low, so
only consider temp or sub work if you are in a position to do it. Looking at every
assignment as a opportunity, working as hard as you can, and getting along with
everyone will improve what chances you have. You will be paid for what work you do,
but try not to get your hopes up and count on getting hired.

Job Search Tip of the Day: The temptation in a long hard job hunt is to start looking for
desperation ways out, such as commission sales. You can make a lot of money if you
are the sales type, but if you are not, you could end up spending quite a bit of your own
time, cash, and resources. Unless you have a sales background, it might be best to just
continue on with finding a job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Why not show a video or PowerPoint to present something
visually interesting as a major selling point? Depending on your field, you might want to
use an IPad, laptop, or mini projector for an interview presentation. The old movie script
writing saying is do not tell them, show them, and it just might help to make your
interview entertaining as well as informative.

Job Search Tip of the Day: The essence of sales is find out what the customer wants
and give it to them, the same can be true with interviewing. You could start off asking
the interviewer questions as to what they are looking for and what needs done, then
target your responses accordingly. Just be sure to ask if you can ask questions first,
some will be fine with the, a few may not.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Parents, not every child is college material and a degree is
no longer a guarantee of a good job. The best way to support your child may be to help
them develop career goals and a plan to get there. Getting some career counseling can
help them assess what they are best suited for, come up with realistic goals, and
evaluate their career options.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Those of you who are struggling with low esteem and
questioning your worth could be suffering from a general lack of respect. This may
caused by measuring your career against a perceived lack of interest in your resume.
Just another reason to network as peers and colleagues may show you worth and
respect along the way to help encourage you along.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Even though you should never use statistics as a primary
source of career or training decisions, you could use them as secondary corroborating
reasoning. Information interviewing real people in the field and asking their opinions
about the labor market is still the best source of decision making information. Numbers
that line up just add depth to the decisions.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, when you continue to suggest places that are
hiring to a person with no follow-through, it is time for a talk. In a non-threatening way,
you need to ask how come they are not heeding your verbal gestures of help/concern.
Using non-judgemental listening might be your best tact for both of you to get on the
same page and hopefully, move them along.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When you need a new job but need to keep your present
job, resist the temptation to go in your office, close the door, and make job hunting calls
on company time. Hard to do, but make your calls before and after work hours, break
times, and lunch time. You just do not want burn noticed into a full time panic job hunt or
chancing a bad leaving reference.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When you are at a loss to answer an interview question, it
is perfectly appropriate to ask for a moment or two to collect your thoughts. Blurting out
the first thing that comes to mind may not always be the best strategy. It is far better to
think an answer through keeping in mind who or what you are dealing with.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Employers use the same approach looking at your
LinkedIn profile as they do your resume. The great care that you take in trying to grab
the employer's attention with the resume should be the same reasoning with your
LinkedIn profile. Both your resume and your profile might only get a quick look, so you
better have your best representing you with that glance.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I do not know of specific companies who look for, recruit,
and hire felons. Employers do not hire ex-felons, they hire people with the skills and
abilities needed to do the job. Just make sure you are marketing yourself as a qualified
person, not someone who may be a potential liability.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Young people, do not overlook technical training for
manufacturing careers. There are areas experiencing trained technical/machine
operator shortages. It may not be as glamorous as a high tech or healthcare career, but
it might be much more practical for some of you to make a good living.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In a job search situation, getting interviews is the key as no
interviews, no job offers. If you are getting interviews, then press on with what you are
doing and you may be almost through this. If you are not getting interviews, then you
might want to change things up and set up information interviews for networking and
guidance, which could lead to those interviews.

Job Search Tip of the Day: One of the major reasons people are let go is not getting
along with others. This could be why employers ask the interview question, describe
your personality to me? They are looking to see if you will be a good fit and the best
answer would be to describe your positive character traits and hopefully match up well.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Working a job and looking for a new job does bring up the
problems of discovery and disclosure, when should you tell your employer? You could
let them know you are leaving eventually, but one never knows how long this will take or
you could keep things to yourself and just give your two weeks notice. This is a difficult
dilemma and there are pros and cons either way.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You can start off asking if employers hire people with
skills, degrees and positives, but you cannot start off asking if they hire ex-felons and
other negatives. I know you want to find out up front so you are not wasting your time,
but you are making a horrible first impression. Is it any wonder every place is telling you
they are not hiring?

Job Search Tip of the Day: When applying to a posting cold, you must get your
material noticed. In descending order: 1) have a contact/network deliver the resume and
vouch, 2) walk-in, present well, and hand your resume to them, 3) call them, give your
30 second speech, and call attention to your resume, and 4) leave a voicemail of your
30 second pitch and call attention to your resume

Job Search Tip of the Day: When working a professional meeting for opportunities and
leads, you could put the word out to everyone that you are looking for a job. Conversely,
you could meet people, ask questions, get to know them, and get their business cards
to follow-up at later time. One strategy is quantity and the other is quality, but both have
their advantages.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You can get as technology oriented as you want with very
sophisticated software, but you cannot go wrong with a good old fashion to-do list.
Throughout your day, write down your ideas and at the end of your day, write down the
things you need to get to the next day. Not only do you need these reminders, but
crossing off the items can be self-accomplishment steps.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Young people, you need to get the your school's career
service office immediately and get assistance with your job search and internship
opportunities. The week before graduation is way to late to expect the magic to happen.
The sooner you begin to work with those career professionals, the better your chances
of getting a job when you finish your education.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If your job hunt is not going well and you are thinking about
starting a business as an option, getting a business started and keeping it going is much
more harder and more complicated than you might imagine. You might want to test the
water with some contract work to see if the market is there, but if being in business was
easy, everyone would do it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Such a nice feeling in an interview or information interview
when, besides quoting company information, you start discussing career information
about the interviewer from their LinkedIn Profile. It is almost like you have their resume
in addition to them having yours. LinkedIn is such a practical job hunting tool and I
continue to encourage you along in using it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There are times in your job hunt where you start to
develop some emotional security that this situation will work out, then you get the news
that you did not get the job. Your feelings are common to everyone, your mind reels,
and it is okay to cry. The turnaround time is crucial, you do what you can the rest of that
day and today is a new day.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When things work well, when you have a good phone call
or meeting, remind yourself to continue to do what you did. Conversely, if you made a
mistake, think about what you might do different and better next time. Self-analysis
every step of the way during your job hunt and continuing to learn while you go along is
vital to your ultimate success.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When you are applying through a third party company
recruiter, you still have follow-up options. You could attempt to contact the recruiter
about your status/information and it is a good sign if they respond to you. If you have
contacts at the company, you could ask them to put in the good word for you and try
whatever else you can to get through the screener.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview question: What is
your weakness?, if you really want to stand out from the competition, then come up with
your own answer as opposed to some standardized answer. Hiring personnel have
heard all the canned responses before, so individualize yours and speak from the heart
about how you overcame a a work related challenge.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You do need to keep putting the word out that you are
looking for work, but it is amazing the number of well-meaning people who make all
kinds of claims on who they know and what they can do for you. I'm not denying that, in
some way, they are trying to encourage, but you really need to take what is said with a
"we'll see" attitude and continue on with your job hunt.

Job Search Tip of the Day: To those of you on mandated government job hunting
programs, there is a difference between meeting your job search contact requirement
and getting a job. You may be getting your weekly required contact amount, but unless
you are real lucky, getting a job involves going way above and beyond that. Are you just
making contacts or are you doing whatever it takes?

Job Search Tip of the Day: Answering the salary question on online applications is
problematic as you must commit to a salary figure or it will not let you move on to the
next page. A strategy could be to have a pay range for the position, then use the

average for your answer. You can explain your reasoning at the interview, but you now
have a new range with your application figure being your new low.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Bad job hunting days are inevitable. Everyone has one of
those days where nothing goes right and you just cannot get to what you wanted to get
to. Just tell yourself, tomorrow will be a better day.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Little things can mean alot. You have to be easy to be
gotten a hold of in your job search, so make sure your phone numbers are correct and
your voicemail works. Employers will call you once, some twice, but they will move on
and your opportunity may have come and gone and you might not even know about it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Painful to say, but the perfect job does not exist. Even
more painful for some of you to hear, but this is not the type of economy where you
have the luxury of holding out. These are times when you may have to step somewhat
out of your comfort zone and hope that good economic times will come around again.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are looking for job target direction, write out a list of
your preferred job duties and skills that you would like to use every day. When you are
done, you have just written your ideal job description. The only problem now is what is
the job title(s) and you will need to do career research to figure that out.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Even though you practice interview questions, there is
always something new every day. Someone told me that at an interview they were
asked: "Tell me a joke?". Your guess is as good as mine as to the motive behind that
one, but at least give them: "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Job Search Tip of the Day: It's a shame that I have to say this, but I'm going to say it,
watch your fly trap in all communication with a perspective employer. No cussing! Not
everyone approves of cussing! One slip of the tongue and you could be eliminated from
consideration by your first impression as the person with the foul mouth.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I'm not saying to never go over your boss's head. I have
known this last ditch strategy to work a few times and I have known the situation to go
from bad to worse a few times. All I'm saying is, if you decide to do this, you better have
another solid job escape plan lined up before your try it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: At the end of the interview, I always like my job hunters to
ask the question: Could you describe the ideal person for this position? Hopefully, you
will hear that your qualifications fit nicely but if not, at least you have another chance to
sell yourself in case you are off target.

Job Search Tip of the Day: He who hesitates is lost. As soon as you find out about an
opening, you better get on it. I have seen many a lost opportunity with job hunters who
are too exacting and time consuming with getting their things or thoughts in order.
Sometimes, you have to balance speed with the situation at hand.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As strange as it sounds, ducking the salary question in a
job interview is one of several legitimate salary negotiation tactics. When asked what
your salary requirements are, you could answer a question with a question like: can we
discuss the job duties more (if you need the information)? Or, you could ask: what did
you have in mind to pay?

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you really do not know what jobs to look for and target,
write down your perfect job description using elements from you experience, training,
skills, and personal life. Now you have your goal and you will have to do
career/occupational and plenty of creativity to come up with the job title of your goal.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Sure, you have put in on-line applications, but have you
activated them? Chances are they are laying dormant until you take the responsibility of
waking them up and getting them to work for you. How you do this is by re-contacting
the employers and asking them if they have looked over your application and if they
have any questions.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are asking expert after expert their opinion on your
resume and you still think your resume is the problem, maybe it is not the problem.
Maybe you are asking the wrong question? Maybe you should go ask the experts how
to make the best use of your resume?

Job Search Tip of the Day: They (whoever they are) may do things the same way, day
after day, year after year merely because that is just the way they do things. If you have
a better way, take a shot and present it to them (whoever them are). The worst they can
tell you is that is not how we do things here, but perhaps and maybe someone (whoever
that special someone is) really wants a better way.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As far as answering the interview question, How long will it
take for you to make a contribution, the employer is not talking about taking up an office
collection. The interviewer is asking how long it will take you to become profitable and
learn the ropes? Your best answer is that you are a fast learner and can be productive
within a short time.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Now you have to look for work, all the options are gone,
and the harsh reality of the situation sets in. Start by taking small steps like, applying on
line, going to job fairs, getting some help from government programs, and others. Your
goal will be to grow and take bigger steps like networking, warm calls, and cold calls to
improve your chances of success.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are going to send a resume with a cover letter, pay
close attention to the job details in the ad. You will want to target and focus your
skills/experience/training to the duties in the posting. This is the best strategy and
chance of getting a response contact for a job interview.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When researching positions with multi-location
corporations, make sure you look at all the job openings everywhere as opposed to only
the closest to home ones. These could give you valuable clues for the kinds of
positions, skills, and backgrounds the local branch could potentially use.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As long and difficult as the job hunt gets and if you really
are not making progress, it may be sign that you are not working hard enough. I know
the natural tendency may be to ease off because it seems like you are not getting
anywhere and it is so frustrating, but making more quality contacts faster will always
give you a better chance of getting back to work sooner.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You may have a primary person at a business that you
really want to talk to, but always have a fallback plan of not overlooking anyone as a
potential inside contact. Given the opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation with
someone on the inside may yield valuable hiring, gate keeping information, and maybe
even results.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you think you have come to the end of the road and do
not know where to apply to, try googling an Employer Locator. Just put in your location
and the kind of field that you are looking for and it will give you a listing of employers in
your area. Perhaps, you will find businesses you never thought of or knew about to help
you keep going.

Job Search Tip of the Day: To you relatives and friends of someone unemployed, do
not wait to be asked for help, just go. This is a devastating emotionally time where they
can use all the help and friends they can get. A visit, call, or email of support and
encouragement can mean more than you know to a struggling person and/or family.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you want to make a bad first impression, then ask about
the salary at the start of the interview. I know you really want to know what the position
pays and whether this is worth your while to pursue, but you just cannot do this. This is
a real turn-off to employers and could put you in a nonrecoverable hole. It is best to wait
until the end of the interview on this one.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Just so you know or forgot, your local library is still useful
in these technological times. Libraries are a great source of career, job search, labor
market, and company information. Just see the reference librarian for assistance and
ideas.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Proportionally, your ratio of sending thank you notes
should far exceed your sending cover letters. This pre-supposes that most of the time
you are phoning and meeting with people, and sending all thank you notes. If you are
disproportionately emailing cover letters and resumes to the internet without much
response, you might want to reevaluate your strategy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Parents, college financial planning is not sending your
children off to school based entirely on accumulating massive student loan debt. First,
the majority do not even finish and second, many are not finding jobs or jobs in their
field. In any event, the student loans must be paid back and there is no getting out of
them, so don't do it and develop some other plan.

Job Search Tip of the Day: My heart really goes out to you people working a job, but
know the layoff is coming. It is very difficult to go in to work every day knowing you are
already gone. All I can encourage you to do is job hunt when you can, do not throw in
the towel and do something stupid, and leave with your head held high that you did your
job up until the end.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Have a list of your selling points or a resume by the
telephone, in the event you get an unexpected interview invitation call. You could be
busy, rushing around, into a million things and the phone could ring at the worst
possible time. At the least, you could read off your list and say something useful rather
than babbling and regretting it later.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you can make job hunting your full time job, so much the
better for you, but I like to see people put in at least a solid and productive five hours a
day. The job search is grueling, so apply yourself and work hard during those hours,
then live your life and do whatever else you have to do, guilt-free.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Are suffering a job related repetitive motion and stress
injury? Are you cycling through doctor visits and time off, only to return and it continues
to worsen? You really should talk to a career professional about exploring your
occupation options and maybe doing something else now before this becomes a
permanent injury with constant lifelong pain.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Watch out for being taken advantage of and getting
dumped on by friends and family, which takes away from your job hunting time. Their
thinking could be, you're not working, so could you do this or that for me? When
possible, you really have to say no and tell them that you do have a job; your job is
finding a job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It is possible, and you would not be the first, to go to
holiday get-togethers, make a new or old contact, and start a discussion that leads to a
job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Fundamental career counseling questions are: when did
you lose the fire, when did you lose the enthusiasm, when did you lose the fun? If you
want to recapture that old long forgotten feeling of when you enjoyed going to work, you
need to go back to when you had it and when you lost it to help figure out how to get it
back.

Job Search Tip of the Day: This is an example of a trick interview question; How much
salary do you feel you are worth? The focus is not on pay but on self-confidence - self
worth. You will want to split the response in two with letting the employer know that you
have a great deal of confidence towards the position, then use your preferred salary
negotiation strategy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Ways to help an unemployed friend, relative, person: call
them and ask how's it going, send them a thinking of you card, invite them to breakfast
or lunch, give them a twenty, take them some groceries, tell them everything will be all
right, pass along any openings you hear, vouch for them to an employer, pray for them,
bring them up for prayer, do something.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I know you want something to feel good about but watch
yourself emotionally when a job opportunity arises. A basic counseling premise is the
more you pump yourself up, the lower you will fall with even more hurt if things do not
develop. The more emotional pain, the less you will want to do this, so guard your
feelings as best as you can during this time.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It is important when you get those flashes of job hunting
creativity about people, places, or positions to make sure you write them down,
especially in the middle of the night! It really does help that you left yourself some
reminders, something tangible, at times when you struggling with what to do or where to
go next.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you left on good terms, do not overlook following up with
your former employer. You could start off with how's it going or just networking and
putting the word out there, but people have struck up conversations leading to returning
to previous places. Hopefully, they thought very highly of you, enough to take you back.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Take a hard look at your resume and, be honest with
yourself, ask yourself, is this worth the money that I want? If you can show the value,
keep using it. If you have your doubts, I would find some professional to help and ask
them specifically how you can show your worth in your resume.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Contrary to some amount of belief out there, employers do
not hire people because they feel sorry for you. A proper job hunting introduction does
not entail telling the contact how bad your situation is and how much you need a job.
Come on, let's show some self-respect, look them in the eye, and act like professional
to professional.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When asked in interviews, "What will your former employer
say about you?", you really do not want to say, "I don't know." Failing to know for sure
what the reference will say, you will want to certainly up-play your positives and, if the
case, down-play, but mention, possible difference of opinions. "I don't know" just seems
evasive like you might be hiding something.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If good unemployment report numbers motivate you to
keep going as a new job is closer, then that is a good thing. If the numbers contribute to
magical thinking that you can ease off or continue to lay back and wait, then you have
missed the point. Practically speaking, the reports might influence your feelings, but
they should have no effect on your actions.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When it comes to utilizing a career counselor, school
career office, government agency, temp service, etc., ask for verifiable participant job
securement numbers. If they give you documented numbers, then you know your
chances of success. If they do not give you numbers, then they may still be useful, but
either way you can set your level of expectation accordingly.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Maybe the interviewer has already made their choice and
you can just tell this is just a drive-through job interview. Times like this, you could ask:
Have you made your decision on who you are going to hire? Yes or no, your strategy
must become; do not throw in the towel, do not go down easy, fight to the end, and
make their planned decision difficult for them.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It sure does help to have some positive influence to be
there for you when you are going through a long, miserable and grueling job hunt.
Finding some businessperson willing to give you advice, or even finding a mentor for
feedback, can really help you stay on track and somewhat simplify the enormous task at
hand.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Damage control - recovering from a bad interview. You
can have a good cry and beat yourself up emotionally for few days, but go through your
after interview follow-up routine anyway. There is always a chance that you did just
enough, or you got very lucky, and things will work out but I would continue with your
job hunt.

Job Search Tip of the Day: How can you even think about blowing off the interview? It
is outrageous and irresponsible that you got an invite and you either accidentally on
purpose forgot about it or you are just not going? At least have the courtesy to make a
cancellation call and scratch the place off your list in the future if you ever need a job
again, talk about burning bridges.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Nothing can be more agonizing in a job hunt than to return
home to find someone called for you, but a name and message was not taken. Stress to
everyone that this is important and prep them to ask: May I have your name please?
and May I have your number please? If the caller chooses to not leave any information,
at least your family member tried.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Do you know about joining LinkedIn groups to help with
networking? You can find local, state, and national groups plus associations,
professions, and alumni groups. Once you have the names and places, you can start
your email and phone contact attempts.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Making career decisions based on the mass media is like
guessing the weather from a sealed room. You get distorted viewpoints by listening to
the nightly "experts" and no wonder unemployment and underemployment is so
rampant. Focus on what your parents, instructors, and career guidance professionals
say first and do not focus on the evening news for career advice.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, there is no law that says a company is required
to list a detailed job description and the salary for the position. Fuming about the
fairness could be a sign that you just simply do not know what to do. Admitting this is a
weakness and getting some training/instruction could help you develop a strategy on
dealing with this.

Job Search Tip of the Day: FYI, some company human resource professionals want a
salary figure on the application or you will not go on and some do not require a salary
figure and will not necessarily hold that against you. Either way, your chances increase
if you thoroughly communicate your related background. Bottom line, you will need to
choose a salary disclosure strategy and go with it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Regarding the interview question, why are your applying
for this job?, if you have a personal reason that drives you, some family or life
experience, tell them about this. It is always good to let the employer know that this is
more than just a job to you and consider it as expressing your life mission statement.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Before you decide on a training or retraining field, you
really want to talk to at least five employers in that field and ask them if this is a growing
field and what the hiring prospects look like when you are done. This is the only way to
make any sort of educated decision and if you get a negative report, you better come up
with another plan.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It certainly is possible to get a job offer between now and
the end of the year, so continue to work as long and as hard as you can in your job hunt
during this holiday time. However, to be realistic, most of what you do for the next two
weeks will be to position and set yourself up for the hiring after the first of the year.

Job Search Tip of the Day: in regards to answering the interview question, What was
your greatest failure?, you really need to turn this negative into a positive. Take
responsibility for your part, explain your intentions, and tell them what you learned so it
will never happen again. Usually, failure is acceptable as long as you were trying and
giving it your best.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When you are going through school, you will feel better if
you stop focusing on the labor market with the lack of openings and start focusing on
making contacts. By all means apply for posted openings, but networking, volunteering,
and internships are what are really going to better your chances of getting a job in your
field.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Three ways that I know of to get into a upper level (for you)
position, know the right contacts, interview and follow-up better than anyone, and/or
have the background to back it up. Having all three really betters your chances, but all
three could be within your control or at least part of a workable longer range plan.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You will make it easier for your government employment
worker to refer you to jobs and give recommendations if you will take their suggestions
and do what they say. The flip side is equally true, the less cooperative, the more
difficult you make it for them to represent you to employers. Do the smart thing and
follow their instruction, if you really want help.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Nothing profound, just let me encourage you to stay with it
and go as long as you can with your job hunt today.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Take the weekend off, when there is nothing you can do,
there is nothing you can. Try to spend your time with your family and focus on what you
have and not what you do not have. Some of you are running into job search fatigue
and the time off should help and do you good.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Think of things that you are thankful for and do not let
today go by too fast. Tomorrow will get here soon enough. Hope you have a Merry
Christmas Day

Job Search Tip of the Day: This is not a lost job hunting week, so do not put off your
efforts until next week. Anything you do now will just help you get a jump on the
competition who is taking the week off. You can start setting things up now for after the
first of the year.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If some of you are wondering why you are not getting
interview calls, look no further than your writing skills. All employers think about is how
well your spelling and grammar errors, based on your application, resume, and cover
letter, will represent their company. Getting some feedback and/or using the spell
checker just might improve your chances.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It is sad but true that most of the online job postings that
you might be applying to are already filled. People probably have people in mind and
just might be advertising the opening for any number of other reasons. Go ahead and
apply if you see something that suits you, but you are so much further ahead with
networking and contact developing.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It is obviously nice when you know the answers to
interview questions, but sometimes you just do not have the answer. At times like this, if
you do not know the content, at least describe a plan for the process of how you would
get the content. There are employers out there who do not expect you to know
everything and chances are, you will still be okay.

Job Search Tip of the Day: With telephone interviews, engage the interviewer visually
and experientially, besides just talking. Email them any documents or pictures of your
work, refer to them, and tell interesting stories about them. Making this an entertaining
presentation experience rather than just answering the interview questions may better
your chances of moving on to the next step.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I know this is difficult for some of you, but when you are
meeting employers or interviewing, look them in the eye when they are talking. Eye
contact is so crucial as the speaker perceives that you are listening to them, giving them
your attention, and giving them respect. Little things like this mean more than you know.

Job Search Tip of the Day: A new year and a time for new beginnings. Resolve to
either start fresh at getting a new job or get some help so as not to repeat the same
mistakes as last year.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview question, why do you
want to work here, what do you do if you do not want to work there but you need the
job? Telling the employer you need the job because you need money sounds
desperate, but you do have to be honest, too. The best you can do is find some part of
the position or place that you do like and tell them about that.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Good news, you have not made any permanent mistakes
with your job hunt. Things can be fixed, you can learn new things, try different
approaches, even apply to places that you failed with before. Perhaps, the people you
encountered there have moved on to other jobs, so it is worth a shot.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, if you have any school plans that involve
sizable student loans, then my suggestion is to go make another plan. Some of you
people do not fully realize the burden of monstrous debt until it is upon you. There are
ways to get degrees and get through school without incurring massive student loan debt
and you need to explore these options.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Young people, please work on your writing skills,
preferably in high school, but especially when you are in college. Employers should not
have to be proofreading your written material for spelling, punctuation, sentence
structure, and grammatical errors. Excellent writing skills will put you unbelievably
ahead of your job hunting competition.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Not getting to something when you know you should can
be very stressful, too. You are either worrying about not doing your cold call
contacts/networking or you are fretting over doing cold calls/networking. I encourage
you to force doing the contacts as at least you are doing something productive and
proactive which might help alleviate the stress.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In life, you fall when you lose your balance and with your
career, balance is essential too. A combination approach to maintaining contacts,
continuing education, volunteer work, association activity, etc., is a good passive job
hunting strategy and plan. All work and no balance can cause you to fall hard in times of
economic turmoil.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Unfortunately, there is no magic training field that is in
such high demand that one is practically guaranteed a job. Those opportunities have
presented themselves, but there is no way to predict where the lightning will strike. The
critical step is to develop a solid career training plan and not base your career on the
magic factor, though it would be nice.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you find you cannot stay focused with your job hunt
working out of your house, maybe it will be worth your gasoline expense to drive to a
social service agency employment center or library. Sometimes, there are just too many
distractions around to really concentrate and going to a business office setting can help
you stay on task.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Rejection is to be expected, but rudeness can really sting.
Here you are out there trying and it is tough enough without someone really
disrespecting you. Do not let them get to you and keep in mind, there are decent
encouraging people out there, too.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Some of you have unrealistic emotional expectations of
the interviewer following up speedily and offering you the job with immediacy.
Understand, you cannot expect other people to be as excited or as desperate as you
are. Employers have their own schedules and you need work with their time frame, not
try to force yours.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, employers look at job hunters in two ways and,
inadvertently, many of you are coming across as part of the problem. All along the way,
you had better be showing employers that you are part of the solution. If you really do
not know how to do that, you better get feedback from a career or employment
professional, maybe in person or through internet forums.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You do need to keep putting the word out that you are
looking for work, but it is amazing the number of well-meaning people who make all
kinds of claims on who they know and what they can do for you. I'm not denying that, in
some way, they are trying to encourage, but you really need to take what is said with a
"we'll see" attitude and continue on with your job hunt.

Job Search Tip of the Day: To those of you on mandated government job hunting
programs, there is a difference between meeting your job search contact requirement
and getting a job. You may be getting your weekly required contact amount, but unless
you are real lucky, getting a job involves going way above and beyond that. Are you just
making contacts or are you doing whatever it takes?

Job Search Tip of the Day: Answering the salary question on online applications is
problematic as you must commit to a salary figure or it will not let you move on to the
next page. A strategy could be to have a pay range for the position, then use the
average for your answer. You can explain your reasoning at the interview, but you now
have a new range with your application figure being your new low.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Bad job hunting days are inevitable. Everyone has one of
those days where nothing goes right and you just cannot get to what you wanted to get
to. Just tell yourself, tomorrow will be a better day.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Little things can mean alot. You have to be easy to be
gotten a hold of in your job search, so make sure your phone numbers are correct and
your voicemail works. Employers will call you once, some twice, but they will move on
and your opportunity may have come and gone and you might not even know about it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Painful to say, but the perfect job does not exist. Even
more painful for some of you to hear, but this is not the type of economy where you
have the luxury of holding out. These are times when you may have to step somewhat
out of your comfort zone and hope that good economic times will come around again.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are looking for job target direction, write out a list of
your preferred job duties and skills that you would like to use every day. When you are
done, you have just written your ideal job description. The only problem now is what is
the job title(s) and you will need to do career research to figure that out.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Even though you practice interview questions, there is
always something new every day. Someone told me that at an interview they were
asked: "Tell me a joke?". Your guess is as good as mine as to the motive behind that
one, but at least give them: "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Job Search Tip of the Day: It's a shame that I have to say this, but I'm going to say it,
watch your fly trap in all communication with a perspective employer. No cussing! Not
everyone approves of cussing! One slip of the tongue and you could be eliminated from
consideration by your first impression as the person with the foul mouth.

Job Search Tip of the Day: At the end of the interview, I always like my job hunters to
ask the question: Could you describe the ideal person for this position? Hopefully, you
will hear that your qualifications fit nicely but if not, at least you have another chance to
sell yourself in case you are off target.

Job Search Tip of the Day: He who hesitates is lost. As soon as you find out about an
opening, you better get on it. I have seen many a lost opportunity with job hunters who
are too exacting and time consuming with getting their things or thoughts in order.
Sometimes, you have to balance speed with the situation at hand.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As strange as it sounds, ducking the salary question in a
job interview is one of several legitimate salary negotiation tactics. When asked what

your salary requirements are, you could answer a question with a question like: can we
discuss the job duties more (if you need the information)? Or, you could ask: what did
you have in mind to pay?

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you really do not know what jobs to look for and target,
write down your perfect job description using elements from you experience, training,
skills, and personal life. Now you have your goal and you will have to do
career/occupational and plenty of creativity to come up with the job title of your goal.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Sure, you have put in on-line applications, but have you
activated them? Chances are they are laying dormant until you take the responsibility of
waking them up and getting them to work for you. How you do this is by re-contacting
the employers and asking them if they have looked over your application and if they
have any questions.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are asking expert after expert their opinion on your
resume and you still think your resume is the problem, maybe it is not the problem.
Maybe you are asking the wrong question? Maybe you should go ask the experts how
to make the best use of your resume?

Job Search Tip of the Day: They (whoever they are) may do things the same way, day
after day, year after year merely because that is just the way they do things. If you have
a better way, take a shot and present it to them (whoever them are). The worst they can
tell you is that is not how we do things here, but perhaps and maybe someone (whoever
that special someone is) really wants a better way.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As far as answering the interview question, How long will it
take for you to make a contribution; the employer is not talking about taking up an office
collection. The interviewer is asking how long it will take you to become profitable and
learn the ropes? Your best answer is that you are a fast learner and can be productive
within a short time.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Now you have to look for work, all the options are gone,
and the harsh reality of the situation sets in. Start by taking small steps like, applying on
line, going to job fairs, getting some help from government programs, and others. Your
goal will be to grow and take bigger steps like networking, warm calls, and cold calls to
improve your chances of success.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are going to send a resume with a cover letter, pay
close attention to the job details in the ad. You will want to target and focus your
skills/experience/training to the duties in the posting. This is the best strategy and
chance of getting a response contact for a job interview.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When researching positions with multi-location
corporations, make sure you look at all the job openings everywhere as opposed to only
the closest to home ones. These could give you valuable clues for the kinds of
positions, skills, and backgrounds the local branch could potentially use.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As long and difficult as the job hunt gets and if you really
are not making progress, it may be a sign that you are not working hard enough. I know
the natural tendency may be to ease off because it seems like you are not getting
anywhere and it is so frustrating, but making more quality contacts faster will always
give you a better chance of getting back to work sooner.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You may have a primary person at a business that you
really want to talk to, but always have a fallback plan of not overlooking anyone as a
potential inside contact. Given the opportunity to strike up a friendly conversation with
someone on the inside may yield valuable hiring, gate keeping information, and maybe
even results.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you think you have come to the end of the road and do
not know where to apply to, try googling an Employer Locator. Just put in your location
and the kind of field that you are looking for and it will give you a listing of employers in
your area. Perhaps, you will find businesses you never thought of or knew about to help
you keep going.

Job Search Tip of the Day: To you relatives and friends of someone unemployed, do
not wait to be asked for help, just go. This is a devastating emotionally time where they
can use all the help and friends they can get. A visit, call, or email of support and
encouragement can mean more than you know to a struggling person and/or family.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you want to make a bad first impression, then ask about
the salary at the start of the interview. I know you really want to know what the position
pays and whether this is worth your while to pursue, but you just cannot do this. This is
a real turn-off to employers and could put you in a nonrecoverable hole. It is best to wait
until the end of the interview on this one.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Just so you know or forgot, your local library is still useful
in these technological times. Libraries are a great source of career, job search, labor
market, and company information. Just see the reference librarian for assistance and
ideas.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Proportionally, your ratio of sending thank you notes
should far exceed your sending cover letters. This pre-supposes that most of the time
you are phoning and meeting with people, and sending all thank you notes. If you are
disproportionately emailing cover letters and resumes to the internet without much
response, you might want to reevaluate your strategy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Parents, college financial planning is not sending your
children off to school based entirely on accumulating massive student loan debt. First,
the majority do not even finish and second, many are not finding jobs or jobs in their
field. In any event, the student loans must be paid back and there is no getting out of
them, so don't do it and develop some other plan.

Job Search Tip of the Day: My heart really goes out to you people working a job, but
know the layoff is coming. It is very difficult to go in to work every day knowing you are
already gone. All I can encourage you to do is job hunt when you can, do not throw in
the towel and do something stupid, and leave with your head held high that you did your
job up until the end.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Have a list of your selling points or a resume by the
telephone, in the event you get an unexpected interview invitation call. You could be
busy, rushing around, into a million things and the phone could ring at the worst
possible time. At the least, you could read off your list and say something useful rather
than babbling and regretting it later.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you can make job hunting your full time job, so much the
better for you, but I like to see people put in at least a solid and productive five hours a
day. The job search is grueling, so apply yourself and work hard during those hours,
then live your life and do whatever else you have to do, guilt-free.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Are suffering a job related repetitive motion and stress
injury? Are you cycling through doctor visits and time off, only to return and it continues
to worsen? You really should talk to a career professional about exploring your
occupation options and maybe doing something else now before this becomes a
permanent injury with constant lifelong pain.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Watch out for being taken advantage of and getting
dumped on by friends and family, which takes away from your job hunting time. Their
thinking could be, you're not working, and so could you do this or that for me? When
possible, you really have to say no and tell them that you do have a job; your job is
finding a job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Normally, you want to start off the interview by giving your
thirty second sales/elevator pitch, however, you really should ask: Would it be all right if
I tell you about myself first? Probably they will say: sure, go ahead, but once in a while
you have an interviewer with their agenda. Best to adjust, listen, and get your pitch in
when you see an opportunity.

Job Search Tip of the Day: While one to one job interviewing is more linear (straight
progression) in some peoples' minds, panel interviewing can be much more stressful
and non-linear (a real ball of confusion). Actually, the same rules and training apply to
both, just make sure that you maintain eye contact, listen, and present to the person
asking the question.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Some of you may want to consider self-employment as
your way back to work. Some of you may have business opportunities already, while
others may want to develop a business plan and go to your local Chamber of
Commerce for help in getting started. The bottom line, do not just sit there, do
something!

Job Search Tip of the Day: The employers asks in job interviews, "If you got the job,
how long would you stay?” to find out THE position stability. It is entirely appropriate to
flip this around towards the end of the interview and ask, "What is the long term outlook
for this position?” to find out YOUR position stability.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Young people, please watch out for a know-it-all attitude in
job interviews. For some of you, coming across like you know everything might be a well
meaning sales attempt, but it could be the problem. You really want to try to relax, ask
questions about the job, listen, communicate your abilities when you get your chance,
and convey a respectful attitude.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Actually, telephone interviews should put you in a
favorable position as the interviewer cannot see you. As such, you should not only prep
beforehand, but you should have notes in front of you of what you want to say and what
you want to ask. You really want to make full use of your home field advantage.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Regarding follow-up, it is a good sign when you check
back and they are glad you contacted them. I am not saying that if you check back and
they do not respond, it is a bad sign, they could be out or busy, but give them awhile
more and try again. However you should be continuing on with your job search, just in
case.

Job Search Tip of the Day: On application forms, you can yellow highlight your directly
job related qualifications. Why? First, color does grab attention. Second, this shows how
your background ties in to the position. Third, hopefully, this will help your application
stand out from the stack.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Some of you, there are people around you who really care
about you, really want to help you, really have some good ideas, and really might know
what to do. Maybe you ought to really listen to them, especially if they have a job and
you don't.

Job Search Tip of the Day: The opposite of not saying enough is saying too much,
which is rambling. It could be nerves or it could be who you are, but unbeknownst to
you, you have lost the interviewer and they are probably thinking what they will be doing
next after the interview. Practice and rehearsal are essential to keep your answers to
thirty seconds, have a point, and stay in contention for the position.

Job Search Tip of the Day: The Wait is horrible time. You've been interviewed; you've
done everything that you could; now you wait for the phone call. The mood swings are
incredible from the exhilaration of hope to the deepest depression of despair. If the offer
comes, then you celebrate. If the offer is not to be, then you go have a good long cry
and get back to the job hunt in the morning.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Relocating for a job offer raises tremendous personal
logistical questions, but at least is a sure thing. Relocating just to find a job and job hunt

is a real gamble and there is no certainty in this. It really is best to explore every other
possible avenue as this is most definitely an option of last choice.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, my preferred salary strategy is to have a range.
The high end would be the most you could realistically expect and the low end would be
what would comfortably pay your bills. This is your answer to salary interview and
application questions.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As to you older unemployed individuals and career
changer, there are many generational differences these days, job hunting included. How
you look for work today could be vastly different from how you have ever looked for
work before. To increase your chances of success, be willing to adjust to change and try
some different things in your job search approach.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I don't always send thank notes, but when I do, I prefer
snail mail thank you notes. Stay job hunting, my friends.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview questions: what did
you dislike about your last job; generally, you can say anything that you want, as long
as it does not pertain to this job. The wrong answer will may get the employer thinking, if
you did not like it there, then you probably will not like it here

Job Search Tip of the Day: Fold your resume in half and look at it. Newspapers place
their most compelling content on the upper half of the front page for a reason as an
enticement to buy the paper or read the story. What are you displaying above the fold?

Job Search Tip of the Day: You could ask, towards the end of the job interview, what
the salary and benefits are, but, honestly, the best time to ask is when they offer you the
job. Think about it, what does it matter what the job pays if they give it to someone else?
Seriously, the money only matters if it is in your pocket and not in someone else's.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If nothing else, should you leave a voicemail message? I
think probably the best use would be to make a follow-up just to remind them that you
are available and interested. As far as a warm or cold call introduction, you could, but I
think it is better served to draw their attention to an email or snail mail.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Those labor market graphs and statistics that show that
there are more people than jobs can give the impression that there are not enough jobs
to go around. Probably, the numbers are counting the advertised job openings on any
given day, however, the vast majority of openings and potential openings are not
advertised. These hidden openings are to be found via networking, contact
development, perseverance, and creativity.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you were let go from a job and if you are asked why you
left your last job in an interview, you better be honest and end it with a positive. I really
think many employers can tell if you hiding something and you stand a better chance

with the truth than by being evasive. Find a career or employment professional to help
you if your circumstances are such that you really do not know what to say.

Job Search Tip of the Day: A word of warning, do not share your hidden job leads with
anyone. I have known of people who say too much to friends and family and they ended
up with the job. You really do not want to be increasing your own competition.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, I have found three reasons why people are
unemployed: 1) lack of job search technique fundamentals, 2) Some degree or element
of choice, and 3) Long nasty job hunt. Which one are you?

Job Search Tip of the Day: Applications may have a Special Study/Research Work
question and so many people leave that blank. Some of you might want to think about
the research papers that you wrote or the project teams that worked with in college.
Some of these could well be job related and add to your qualifiers, while all along you
might have long forgotten them and taken them for granted.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In written or verbal communication, you better be
conveying to the hiring chain that you have their interests first and foremost. The
employers really need to feel that you are there to help them with their concerns and
challenges. It may well be that if they can sense that you are there to help them get
what they want, you will get what you want - a job. In times past, it was called, The
Golden Rule.

Job Search Tip of the Day: A word of advice, never go off to school based on catching
a career trend of the day, the labor market demand could move on to something else by
the time you are done. However, if the career trend's demand area is hot and you are
finishing up, this is most certainly an area you can use to your advantage and target.
You may be at the right place at the right time.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If whatever you are doing is getting you interviews, find
and good. If not, do not rely on any single method for getting interviews, but try multiple
strategies, such as: following-up, networking, warm calls, cold calls, school placement
offices, one stop centers, community job clubs, talking to everyone you know, talking to
former instructors, talking to former employers, and so on. Find something that works
for you.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If your goal is a government job, you can take your
chances with the front door approach with filling out the application and taking a Civil
Service test, but the backdoor approach of having the inside contacts seems more
effective to me. With election season approaching, now would be the time to go to your
political party headquarters to help elect your candidates and develop your networks.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Making and using a job hunting business card is not a
necessity, but there are advantages to it. First, you always have it on you, which means
you can pass them out everywhere. Second, it has your contact information so they can

call you. Third, it has some of your background on there as a reminder. Lastly, it might
be a way to stand out as not many of the competition uses them.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In answering the interview question, "Why should I hire
you?", your answer should consist of your strengths, skills, experience, training, and/or
anything in your background as to why you believe you are best for the position, as job
related as possible. Merely saying, "Because I would be an asset to your company," is
basically a one word answer with no evidence to back up your claim.

Job Search Tip of the Day: That old saying of leave no stone unturned is so true in a
job hunt. Try everyplace and don't over look anything! The rock you just happened by
and didn't turn over may well have been the one you should have looked under.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Calm down, take a deep breath, try to relax, take it one
thing at a time, keep going, don't quit, don't be afraid, keep picking yourself back up,
don't get down, keep trying, make that next phone call, talk to that next person, keep
moving, take that next step, work your plan, focus on your goal, survive, push on, you
can do this, you will land on your feet, you will enjoy life again, you will smile again, you
will be a better person, everything will be all right.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Is it possible that you are holding yourself back? Are you
harboring bitterness and anger over your job loss? Could this be leading to a self-
defeating mindset? Maybe it is time to move on and if you really can't, talking things
over with an employment or career professional might help.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Strange days. It used to be, you were expected to learn
everything on the job when you came out of school, now it seems you are expected to
know everything to get a job. Your best strategy is, you better keep up on your field
through formal or self-learning in the time you are off.
Job Search Tip of the Day: Generally, I have encountered two different mindsets with
job hunters. Mindset Number One: I need a job, I've gotten jobs before, I will get a job.
Mindset Two: I can't get a job because .... Mindset One seems to be the predominately
successful during these troubled times. There are always exceptions, but you Mindset
Number Twos, do what you have to do to get going.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I am not denying that there are legitimate money making
opportunities out there, but unfortunately, there are also people out there who prey on
the unemployed. If something sounds too good to be true, if you are definitely not a
salesperson type, or if money is wanted up front for promises, use extreme caution and
check it out carefully. Yes, you could make millions, but you could also lose everything.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview question, "Tell me
about yourself?” it is best to keep your response professional and achievement
oriented. Do not get into irrelevant personal information; you are wasting precious time
and opportunity. Above all else, your answer focus needs to be job/position related.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Job hunting progress is measured not in how many
resumes or applications you put in, but how many people are you talking to and, more
importantly, how many leads or potential openings are you finding. Consistently talking
to the right people and finding openings that are not advertised yet is the standard you
want to measure yourself by.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Let me give all the encouragement I can to those of you
who have decided to start doing networking, warm calls, and cold calls. I know it seems
like not only are you being told "No" but the doors are slamming in your face. Can't say
the more you go the easier it gets, but I will say that you will adapt, make the proper
adjustments, and get through this. Keep going.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When there is something wrong, you go to the doctor and
the doctor runs tests to find out the cause. If there is something wrong with your job
hunt, you may need to go to a job search or career professional and see what the
problem is. Having a proper assessment could determine if there is something wrong
with your job target, job search technique, or interview skills and what to do about it.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Have you ever thought of practicing panel interviews? I
believe more companies are doing more several interviewers on one interviewee
evaluation, which necessitates more skill development on your part. To help become
desensitized to panel interview fear, and possibly make one to one interviewing easier,
try to find several people to shoot questions at you.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I think it is useful information if you can find out what
competition you are up against. In that light, you could ask at the end of the interview,
"How many people are you interviewing for this position?" Obviously, you will want to
hear that you are the only one, but the answer you get will give you the percentages
and odds, like a 50/50 chance or one out of five, or whatever.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There is the concept of multiple job offers, which I have
seen happen on a quite a few occasions. This comes about when you stay at your job
hunt day after day, never waiting for the dust to settle. The only problem with this could
be a severe case of bad timing, but, generally, I would rather too many people want me,
and timing aside, this is a pleasant problem to have.

Job Search Tip of the Day: It is of the utmost importance to have an organized system
to keep track of your networking, warm call, and cold call contacts. You must have
some sort of reminder system of when to check back and follow-up with contacts and it
could be a simple as notes on a calendar. Just do not trust and believe that the
employers, who said they would call you, will call you.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Great interview closing question: What else do I have to do
to convince you to hire me? What you want to hear is they have no objections, which
unfortunately doesn't mean that you have the job; it just means you spiked the interview.
However, this does give you one last opportunity to see what they are thinking and
counter any objections.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Contrary to popular belief, there is no law that says a
company can only give out dates and position title for reference information. Actually, it
is more like a company by company policy. To avoid last moment unexpected and
unpleasant surprises, I suggest you call your former company(s) and ask human
resources, "What are you going to say if someone calls in for a reference on me?"

Job Search Tip of the Day: Getting some advanced training is an option to consider
when you are unemployed, but I think the motive is important. Are you taking a training
program just to get a job or are you taking training to make sure you never end up in
this situation again? So do your best and work hard at your training and try to keep a
longer term goal as your focus.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You may well help your confidence in presenting yourself
with giving your thirty second pitch or answering interview questions if you will just
practice them several times. I recommend five times minimum, out of your mouth, and
preferably ten times. Oh, and stay sharp on them, too.

Job Search Tip of the Day: As much as you have trained in job search and interview
responses and as much as you have carefully rehearsed and practiced, there comes a
time when you may want to go off script. Sometimes in some situation, you just get an
overwhelming feeling to say what you really mean and be who you really are.
Sometimes you just have to go with that intuition or gut feeling.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview question, "Can you
work under pressure?” the right answer is not "Yes", it is "Yes, for example ..." and you
have to give an example of a pressure deadline you had to meet, preferably related to
this job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Not trying to be rude and just being honest, but some of
you are looking and acting like tired old men or tired old women when you are out
applying for jobs or interviewing. I know it is hard and you may feel that way, but they
don't hire tired old men and tired old women. Watch your personal appearance, posture,
attitudes, and, above all else, show some energy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: My heart goes out to you people experiencing personal
tragedies and having to find a job. Job hunting is stressful enough without adding on
any number of health and/or family concerns. Really, there are people who have been
there and understand and I hope you are able to find them and get some help and relief
in your time of need.

Job Search Tip of the Day: A word of warning. Some of you may think you made a
terrible mistake because you got the wrong degree when there may be nothing wrong
with your degree. Before you bite the bullet to spend the time and expense of getting
another degree in the hopes of getting a job or a better job, please get some
professional career counseling to help you make an educated decision.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to answering the interview question, "How long
would you stay here?” generally, don't give dates, don't say until you retire, don't say for
the next twenty years. You do want to be positive and optimistic, though, and tell them,
"I hope a long time. I hope things work out for both of us and we are together a long
time."

Job Search Tip of the Day: You really do need to have a realistic and measurable plan
for your job search or career, and then work your plan. If some unexpected opportunity
presents itself, of course you go off plan and explore it, but if you don't know what to do,
you get back to your plan.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Some of you may be able to make your job hunt some
degree easier. Large companies are still looking for top people and some have
recruiting or talent acquisition departments, where they may encourage communication
and actually talk with you. Google to see if they have an in-house recruiter or when you
contact a large company, ask to speak to the recruiting department.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to the interview question, "What did you do on
your last job?” they are not asking you what you did on your last job, they are really
asking you "What have you done that relates to this job?" If your last job relates to this
job, fine. If your last job does not relate to this job, briefly answer the question, and then
tell them about any experience or training that does relate to this job.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There are some good people out there you find along the
way. Maybe they can't hire you, but usually when you least expect it, they give you
words of respect, advice, and encouragement. Though not as good as a job offer, these
are precious moments that can possibly refresh you and help keep you going.

Job Search Tip of the Day: There may not be any moral victories in pro sports, but
there are in job hunting. Every getting to talk to hiring authorities, every employer call
back, every interview invitation, and every interview means you are doing the right
things, small victories that leads to getting an eventual and inevitable offer.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Regarding filling out application forms, the lines that ask
for: SPECIAL TRAINING/SKILLS, don't think, I don't have any and skip over this. You
need to pack those lines full of whatever training and skills you do have, preferably job
related. That might be the only place on the whole application that you have a real
chance to sell yourself and you need to take advantage of the opportunity.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Some of you have taken some specific instruction to the
extreme. You were told by someone in charge, "If we want you, we will call you," and
you have generalized that to mean every employer to the extent that you are afraid to
leave the computer. Now be respectful if you have been told that by someone, but don't
apply that to every employer. You do need to take some calculated chances with your
warm and cold calls in your job hunt.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Social networks can be helpful in your job search, but don't
just put your profile on Linked In or Google+ and wait for calls. They may be useful
tools, but tools are what you make of them. You need to market yourself by joining
groups, participate intelligently in discussions, and let people know who you are. And,
when people checkout your profile, connect with them and follow-up on them.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Strange, but sometimes, interviewers are not listening to
you in job interviews, they are too preoccupied thinking up the next question to ask. If
they aren't listening to you, you really are not getting a full opportunity. To counteract
this, make sure you repeat your best selling points several times, if you must. Maybe
repetition is the key to learning.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You know about hiring interviews, but there are also job
search interviews. Hiring interviews are initiated by the employer, but job search
interviews are initiated by you. These are talking to employers whether they have an
opening or not, so they at least know you when they do. Job search interviews lead to
hiring interviews.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Job hunting is like everything else in life, it needs to be
learned. If you feel you are floundering and drowning, it is not that you can't, it's you
don't know how. You need to get some help from someone who knows how and get
through the learning curve.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You can't force employer phone calls and interview
invitations. Interview invitations happen from doing the little things right day after day,
time after time. Just keep making your calls, meeting people, and tapping your networks
and the interviews will come.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Comes a time at the end of an interview when the
employer says, "Do you have any questions?" Generally, the wrong answer is, "No, I
don't have any questions, you've answered them all." You need to ask some questions,
so go in with a list of two or three questions, at least.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Anything that could potentially affect an employer and his
business, they have a right to know about. During interviews, there is a time and a place
to bring up negatives. Just make sure you get all your positives out there first before you
bring up any negatives and then let the employer decide.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you are curious as far as multi-page resumes, I see a
need for two different documents. The first, generally, is your one page resume and the
second can be a multi-page background summary. Lead with the one page and if they
request more information, give them the several page document, too.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Confidence in a job interview comes from prior
preparation. The better prepared you are in terms of yourself, company, and employer
research, the better you will feel, respond, and react in the interview.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In regards to the interview question, "What do you know
about us?” the wrong answer is, "I don't know anything about you, what do you do?" In
this day and age of the internet, you have no excuse for not knowing what they do. Do
your homework, tell them you read their website, and tell them what you know about
them.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Job hunting locally is difficult enough, but long distance job
hunting is so much more complicated. Realistically, you will have to travel to the place,
meet employers while there, and keep in touch with them when back home to better
your chances.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Using Temp Agencies is a matter of expectation. If your
expectation is you need money, you will be paid for whatever work you do, expectation
met. However, if your expectation is a temp assignment will lead to getting hired on, you
will probably be disappointed. Contrary to popular opinion, there is actually a very small
temp to hire rate.

Job Search Tip of the Day: A job interview is, basically, a meeting. You would take
your yellow pad and notes into a meeting and it is okay to take notes and reminders into
an interview. So, go ahead and prepare a cheat sheet, if you need it, but seriously, it will
look like you are just well prepared.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Always remember and keep telling yourself, one day at a
time, one step at a time, one thing at a time. Thinking too far down the road can drive
you crazy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: This may sound strange, but when you do happen upon a
job opening, don't tell anyone! I mean anyone! It is really in your best interest to not
increase your own competition.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Job hunting is like gardening. You have to plant the seeds
(make your contacts), water and fertilize everyday (follow-up and check back), and reap
the harvest (get interviews). How does your garden grow?

Job Search Tip of the Day: Making a going back to school/training decision based on
what's in the want ads is not a very organized, methodical, or scientific approach to
getting a job and is a very risky strategy.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Make sure that you check out the job hunting books that
are out there. Many write about how to do this and there is no need for you to reinvent a
wheel.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Don't be too quick to call it a day. You might be amazed
who you could be talking to 4:30 on a Friday afternoon.

Job Search Tip of the Day: When answering the interview question, "Why are you
applying for this job?” the wrong answer is, "Because I need a job." The right answer is,

you need to communicate to the employer that this is what you really want to do and/or
this is where you really want to work.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Even though you've done the best you could with company
research, and you've tried to use your networks, there are time, lots and lots of times,
you may have no other choice but to cold call contact a company and give it your best
shot.

Job Search Tip of the Day: If you have been at it for several months and you are not
getting interviews, it may be time to try something different. If you don't know what to do
different, get some help, ask people for advice, ask people on Linked In or Facebook.
Just don't continue doing what may not be working.

Job Search Tip of the Day: You really want to stay away from the competition and, in
that light, don't overlook smaller cities in your job hunt. Some of these small towns have
businesses that you don't know about and your competition may not be aware of.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Job hunting solely by putting in application forms is a very
non-productive job search method and wastes precious job hunting time. Stop asking
for applications and only fill them out when absolutely necessary. On the other hand,
get that resume into as many hands as you can.

Job Search Tip of the Day: In participant surveys, employers were asked if they have
ever hired someone they liked over someone with better formal credentials. In two
years, the results were 50/50, some do, some don't. The point is, go ahead and apply
for that job, you stand a chance.

Job Search Tip of the Day: Use your networks and contacts to find out about turnover.
Turnover is people moving around or moving on. Catching upcoming turnover early can
put you in prime hiring position

Job Search Tip of Day: Balance your daily job hunting activity. I like to see at least a
50/50 mix of person to person and online contacts. Beware getting way out of balance
on your online contacts.

Job Search Tip of the Day: This is a strange one, but a big problem with getting a job
is the competition out there. If you want to better your chances, the higher the level you
are applying for, the less competition. Conversely, the lower the level you are applying
for, the more competition. Don't lower your sites. Hang in there.

Job Search Tip of the Day: I'm all for honesty in job interviews, but did you know there
is a difference between being honest and being too honest? Being too honest can really
hurt you, sometimes.

Job Search Tips: Clarify the Position and Check Time Zones

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