Showing posts with label job search tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job search tips. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

5 Essential Tips For Fresh Graduate Job Seekers

by Peter Foo


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Every new graduate coming out of college should focus on the career building, thereafter. This is a process, which involves great efforts and hard work and it starts from seeking a job.

Here is how one can do it systematically.

- Resume Building

Start with your name and address in clear, bold format. Add your qualifications, right from the school education, in a systematic manner. While doing this all, fresh job seekers should highlight any special training received in college, even for non-circular activities or towards military training.

Mention your experience in a separate paragraph or format. This should include any formal or informal training received after finishing the college. This can form the first part of experience for all fresh graduates.

- Post Your Resume

There are several websites, which cater to the aspirations of new job seekers. Some of these sites also assist in making your resume in a professional way. Taking their help always helps. Although there can be many sites offering jobs globally, it is better to visit and join those sites that provide local jobs for the candidates in their area. Hence, all those wanting to find a job in Malaysia can visit some of the sites listed below.

jobo3.com.....
jobstreet.com
jobdb.com

While there, can be many sites based at Malaysia, which offer such services, It is better to visit and join all of them and post your resume there. However, among the three sites mentioned above, www.jobo3.com can give the results sooner than expected.

- Prepare for the initial test

Some employees have a procedure of eliminating the candidates in the initial round, by calling them for a test. The short listed candidates are then asked to attend the interview. This test is, most of the times, simple to know your aptitude and strengths, which you must have highlighted in your resume.

However, be serious to take this test, because no seriousness shown at any stage can prove harmful to you and your prospects. Prepare yourself for this test well in advance as the notice for it is sent a week or two before the test is scheduled. All fresh graduates need to be confident all along.

- Attend The Interview With Confidence

Once you are through the test, next big step is the interview itself. Be sure that you are your best on the interview day, both physically and mentally. All job seekers must remember to face the interviewer with self-confidence. This results in the exercise half done, successfully.

- Follow Up With Agency or Website to Know Your Status

Follow up with the website through whom the interview was arranged, like www.jobo3.com as they have been helping you until this point, all along.

We wish, fresh graduate job seekers, all the best to start their career by following the tips given above, systematically. However, there are many steps to be taken for meeting the final goal of all fresh graduate job seekers. We will discuss about these in coming articles.

How To Boost Your CV Writing Success For Free - Guaranteed

by EnglishCV


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Today I want to give you one special tip to boosting your job hunt success. Using this tip you can dramatically increase the number of employers that book you for interview. Simply keep reading to take advantage!

The secret lies not in obsessing about your CV but in paying greater attention to the cover letter. This is because the cover letter is the first thing employer see in your application. Hence it's absolutely crucial. If the cover letter doesn't convince employers you're a worthwhile candidate then you've wasted your time sending the application.

How then can you create a really persuasive cover letter? Let them tell you first of all that doing this isn't easy. It takes hours to get the approach right and weeks to find out whether you're succeeding. But once you've got the formula down the hard work will be worth it. You'll enjoy replies from almost every employer you contact.

Start by adopting the employer's perspective. Think to yourself: What information would convince me to invite a complete stranger to interview? How would this stranger present themselves?

Remember that you're attempting to both convince the employer you're a perfect candidate but also a good human being. Employers want candidates who can both do the work and contribute to a nice atmosphere.

Once you've noted down this information start to consider the context in which employers read applications. They probably don't have time to read every cover letter in detail. In addition they've probably got dozens of applications to read through.

How then might this alter the application you send? Do you risk boring the employer by writing a detailed cover or choose something more brief?

Finally you can begin sending out the cover letter to employers. Treat each application as though it's part of an experiment. Instead of hoping and praying for a response learn from what happens. If you don't get a reply it's because you've not persuaded the employer.

Think to yourself: How might I be more persuasive? What can I change to create a better response next time? Tinker with each batch of applications and you'll soon figure out what works.
Like I say though this approach takes a long time and a lot of effort. Without paying for a professional service though it's the best chance you've got.

Job Hunting Tips

by Jack Doe


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Are you a fresh graduate and planning to look for a job? Did you just recently quit your job and are looking for greener pastures? Are you unemployed and have little experience regarding ways to secure a job? Whatever your situation may be, it would be to your advantage to study the following tips:

Check your resume for mistakes

Before submitting your resume to a prospective employer, check your resume for corrections at least three times before handing it over. After researching about the job position, it is critical that you format your resume to match the needs of the company. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, you should put in detail your accounting experience on your resume. Typographical and grammatical errors are serious no-no's. It is also ideal to keep the length of the resume' to at least a page and a half long.

Taking the interview challenge

A survey conducted by a staffing and consulting firm based in California which corresponded with 1,400 chief financial officers concluded that candidates for employment made most of their mistakes on their interviews. Some of the mistakes they made include: arriving late, having little knowledge about the company and the position applied for, and having a superiority complex and behaving arrogantly. The body language of the applicant must also denote that he is confident yet not overpowering. He must maintain eye contact, have a strong handshake, and avoid looking defensive by the act of crossing the arms. Wearing the right clothes is crucial for projecting a confident stance. As they say, it is better to go to an interview over-dressed than being under-dressed.

Answer questions smartly

A common mistake of interviewees is that they tend to get tense and forget the questions that are given to them, which has the effect that they are not prepared for the interview. It is important to research about the company and the position applied for to prevent being side-tracked during the interview. If you do not know the answer to the questions being asked, it is better to admit you don't know the answer to the question and add that you can research about it. Look for the skills or expertise that the company is looking for so that when interview day comes and the interviewer asks about your strengths and core competencies, you will be able to match it to what they need.

Getting the necessary referrals

Having a referral from one of the company employees can go a long way toward landing an interview. A typical company may receive job applications in the hundreds and usually 35% to 60% of all job vacancies are filled by referrals. The odds of getting hired when you have a referral are very high if you have another 200 to 500 applicants vying for the same position. If you do not know anyone from the company that may give you a referral, it is a good idea to the alumni network of your college, trade groups, social networks, and professional associations. Remember, having a referral greatly increases your chances of getting the position.

On online application

With the current trend of technology and its merging with business processes, more and more companies are now requiring prospective applicants to submit their application online. Thus, first impressions are relayed not by your first appearance but by the quality and content of your e-mail. E-mails regarding job application should be polished and well-articulated. When applying on-line, use the following tips:

Complete your sentences and do not abbreviate.

Employers do not like when you send them application letters that seem to be too casual. It is important to make a letter that is both formal and well written. This gives a good impression regarding your capabilities and skills.

Get directly to the point

When writing an application letter, you must be concise and straightforward. Do not put a story on the letter just to get the attention of the employer, chances are he or she will just get irritated with you and this only reduces your chances of getting hired.

Consider potential issues that may hinder you from getting the job

Although there are instances wherein there is a lot of need for a job but the requirements for the position may entail training programs that may bar you from getting the position due to its highly competitive nature. Some require a lot of experian even at least 3 years of work experience. Some may have no barriers to entry but the job itself may entail a very routine work flow.

Getting the job you want may be a challenge but never lose hope. It is better to wait a while and get the job that you will enjoy rather than get a job as soon as possible but ending up dissatisfied and unhappy. Make the right decision then act on it.

9 More Job Searching Tips

by Jack Doe

job, jobs, career

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Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " And most of the times the answer is "How should I know? " There are only a few people extremely lucky knowing what the want to do with their lives.

If you’re not sure what to do, here’s a list that might help.

1. Know thyself.

Identify what really interests and excites you. Understand that these traits define you and use it to explore career choices and opportunities. Here is where you have to put a lot of thought. Most of the times it is far more than easy to answer the question " What would you like to do for a living ? " Most of the times it takes decades to identify who we really are. Doing something now later you might descover that you hated it or vice versa. Or maybe there is something out there that if you do it you would really love it. Try as many different things as you can. Is there a possible way to try every single legal job on the planet? Then do it. You might be really good in something but you hate it or you might not be good at all in something else but you really love it. Take advantage of both situations. Use all your abilities or try to descover what abilities are sleeping inside you. It is really hard to identify your self and it takes a lot of time.

2. Take a career assessment test.

There are a lot of career assessment tests available online. Find the time to take one. The test gives you a lot of insights about your core competencies and work preferences. But be careful because those tests are making your personal profile based on some generic questions that were not designed to get to know you as a person. A lot of factors are not included and the result will not be 100% correct. There is no possible way a couple of dozens of questions to figure out who you really are and what you really want. All I am saying is do the test but do not feel restrained to the test's results.

3. Ask others.

It’s actually quite difficult to see yourself as others do. It would be to your advantage to ask friends and family on your traits and skills. Your co-workers are also a good source of information. Knowing how they perceive you, what they like and don’t like about you and what skills or traits need to be changed can be helpful in determining your professional profile.

4. What moves you?

Would you be more interested in status or a six figure salary? Or both? Do you want to make a difference in your community and the world or just on your company’s net worth? What makes you to want to wake up in the morning and go to work?

5. Take charge.

In the ‘80s, when you worked for a large company, you usually could conclude that you would be working there for your entire career. In those days, the corporation drove your career path, advancing as it saw fit.

At the turn of the century, times have changed. In the span of your career, you would probably work for at least five companies. In most cases, you will probably work for more than five. Know which career track you desire, and make sure that track brings you to where you wish to go.

6. Determine the company fit.

With the current emphasis on streamlined and productivity-focused companies, the cultural and company fit are just as important as the professional goals. Consider the values and principles of the company and compare them with your own. It is important that you feel comfortable and fit in with company.

7. Free your mind.

The career path you choose is about change and more change. It includes expansion and new opportunities. All of these changes require a desire to journey and discover, well most of the times not literally.

8. Balance is the key.

A huge amount of time is devoted to your career when you are in your 20s and 30s. When you reach your 40s, your personal life might took a hit and you forgot how important is to you. Find a corporation that will provide you with a balance in your work and your life.

9. Don’t hang around.

If you’re not satisfied with the way your career is going, go do something. Always be in control of your career path to have a satisfying career. Do not fall in the trap staying somewhere because you are feeling secure even if you hate. If it is not for you then change it. Remember we only live once and we will spend our lives working so you don't want to spend the rest of your life doing something that you hate.

What To Wear For A Job Interview

by Jack Doe


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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Professional hairdo also counts

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Men must not use too much aftershave.

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

12. Any briefcase used must be in perfect condition.

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

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

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

Whether that perception is “fair” is irrelevant. Do you want the job or not ? Then do the things right and your chances for success are much greater!