Saturday, October 30, 2004

Advice for Completing Job Applications

My employer is a restaurant that, like many other places, requires prospective employees to complete job applications. One thing I've noticed all too frequently is that these applicants show up to fill out an application, but they do not have their own pen. They then ask if they can borrow one. Absurd!

Always go to a prospective employer prepared! I thought that went without saying, but I guess it had to be said again.

Thank you. I'm Dan Johnson, and I approved this message.

Dr. Bamster's Blog - Career Transition Discussion

I've never heard of Dr. Bamster, but apparently he or she has a new blog for 40-somethings. The blog invites discussion about job- and career-changing specifically for this age group, yet it also provides some great advice for everyone. Check out these posts, for example:

OK, 40-Somethings - I'm Listening to YOU!

Is This As Good As It Gets?

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

CrossRoads Newsletter and Career Development Center

CrossRoads Newsletter and Career Development Center: "The Likeability Factor ? Do You Have It?"

Meta Search

Meta Search is the ability for you to search multiple sites or search engines with a single query. This can be a timesaver for jobseekers.

JobFinder.com offers a free metasearch tool, as does StaffingLinks. There are other sites out there that also offer Meta Search for a fee, but as you know, the best things in life are free!

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

How to Be a Working Comic (book)

I was browsing through the library's catalog yesterday, and I found the book, . Comedians make it look so easy that I've thought of going to an open mic night at one of the comedy clubs around here.

The Amazon.com page contains editorial reviews and reviews from individuals.

Monday, October 25, 2004

Make Them Love You Before Your First Day

Note: I have not found permalinks available for MyYahoo! Daily Tips from HotJobs, so I am reprinting the entire article here. - DAJ

How to Make a Powerful First Impression at a New Job: Make Them Love You Before Your First Day

by Alexandra Levit

MAKE THEM LOVE YOU BEFORE YOUR FIRST DAY

Great work -- you've been hired by the company of your dreams!

But you still have work to do. Between your acceptance and the end of your first month on the job, it's critical that you make a stellar first impression.

Once you've done the appropriate paperwork for your acceptance, contact the hiring manager and recruiter. Thank them again for the opportunity -- and ask if they have any material to share that will better prepare you for your first day. From general company information to background reading on your position and projects, these documents can help you get up to speed before you get to the office.

Plus, by asking for advance reading, you'll show your manager how proactive and competent you are.

Want to continue wowing them once you arrive? This week, Job Tip of the Day shows you how to make a powerful first impression at a new job.

* Tuesday: "Dress for Success"
* Wednesday: "Nail Those Initial Interactions"
* Thursday: "Harness the Power of Observation"
* Friday: "Be on Your Best Behavior"

Alexandra Levit is the author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College: A Twenty-Something's Guide to the Business World" (Career Press 2004). Before starting Inspiration@Work, an independent marketing communications business, Levit worked for a Fortune 500 software company and an international public relations firm.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Career Search High Level Process Flow...

A well rounded career search strategy needs to utilize a number of different tools to be successful. In this diagram, I try to outline a high level proces flow for "Getting That Job".

Stephen Harris' JobStuff Career Search Diagram

Two of these tools may be new to you: WebSites and Blogs. I'll address these in an upcoming GetThatJob entry. In the meantime, keep in mind: creativity and leveraging all available tools will give you an advantage in the job seeking market.



Friday, October 15, 2004

Thanks for Noticing!

Insala Infolink, mentioned this blog in a recent article! Thanks!

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Ready to Get That Job? Re-energize your Campaign

Are you doing the same old thing in pursuit of that great new job? During my own journey through the "transition-zone", I re-energized my campaign on a frequent basis. Sound easy right? It is. First - stop and take a break and reflect on what worked well for you and what did not. Holidays are often a great time for this, as the job market slows as the holiday approaches and for days after.

Use this break time (or anytime) to try something new. Attend a different type of network event, where you might not know as many people. Take yourself out of the comfort zone.

And consider taking a quick holiday! Getting That Job is hard work - maybe harder than working at that job. You need to be focused and sharp to win that interview. The look of desperation or frustration will hurt you chances considerably. Walking away from your search for a few days is time well spent.

Next week we'll tear apart some resumes and get folks re-focused on PAR. To read ahead click here and here.

Stephen
JobStuff, a Blog for Your Career
Zerotonetwork, a Business Networking Blog


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Saturday, October 09, 2004

New to the team: Stephen Harris

Hello... I'd like to introduce myself - my name is Stephen Harris. I will be adding my entries to Dan's tremendous "Get-that-Job" Blog as a guest author. Look for my commentary, tips and ideas for the jobseeker every Tuesday.

For those of you that are in the career "transition-zone", I can relate. I've been there - was there - for over a year. During this amazing period of my life, I started a consulting group, learned how to network (thus my Zero to Network Blog), mentored other jobseekers, coordinated networking events (including a major charity event in Atlanta) and even became an executive recruiter. I am now gainfully employed as Director; Affiliate Marketing for DigitalGrit.com. My job related Blogs are my humble means of giving back for all the support I received when I was in your shoes.

My own blogs are listed below my name - and I am also a guest author on the Recruiters Blog.

I appreciate Dan for this opportunity to contribute to his Blog and to provide helpful tips & suggestions to you - the Job-Seeker/Job-Changer, so you can "Get That Job"!

Stephen
JobStuff, a Blog for Your Career
ZeroToNetwork, a Business Networking Blog
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Monday, October 04, 2004

When A Former Employer Comes A-Calling

Today I received a letter from a former employer, who has invited me and other "alumni" to a company reunion early next month. I was a bit surprised, considering the circumstances surrounding our parting ways.

Why would the company be doing this? They are promoting this event as "a great opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends." They are also asking invitees to bring a business card or fill out a contact info card to be entered in a free drawing.

I've realized that this is a great networking opportunity for the company to get contacts from potential clients. Who else knows about the company's capabilities better than its former employees?

That got me to think about how this opportunity can be used to my benefit as a job seeker? It might be too much for me to think I could land a position with my former company, but I still could network and discover other opportunities.