Job Searching Tips During War Time

1. BE AWARE, NOT OBSESSED
With so many 24-hour news television channels providing non-stop war coverage, it is easy to lose yourself in current events. No matter what the political climates may be, keeping a strong focus on your job search is the best way to find a job. Here are a couple of items to consider if you are suffering from a lack of focus: 

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• •  SET LIMITS. Although you could probably devote your entire life to watching the news, it
      does not mean that you should. Allow yourself a specific amount of time to read
      articles or watch news coverage relating to the war. If you have boundaries set, you will
      know exactly when you have stopped focusing on your job search and can correct
      the problem immediately.
• •  SET GOALS. One of the best ways to get work done and keep track of your progress is to
      write down goals for yourself. Crossing off tasks as you get them done boosts
      your spirits and seeing a list of the tasks you have not completed will keep you focused.
      Whether the goals are for the month, the week, or the day, having a list helps.

2. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP
Businesses often move more slowly during times of war. They often reduce spending and postpone hiring decisions. This means your job search may be unexpectedly extended. Maintaining a positive attitude and staying productive become even more important. You are the expert on how to keep yourself motivated, but if you still have trouble, consider these thoughts:

• •   BE REAL. You know the difficulties of finding a job. You know the complications that
      come with war. Don't expect a miracle to happen. The quickest way to lose
      your motivation is to fall short of your own expectations. Give yourself a fighting chance
      by making your expectations realistic given the current situation.
• •   STAY CONSTRUCTIVE. Job offerings can be especially sparse during wartime. Even if
      you cannot spend all your time actually applying for jobs, that doesn't
      mean you cannot use your time wisely. Edit your resume, improve your cover letter,
      do more networking- just stay busy.
• •   TAKE BREAKS. An important part of keeping yourself motivated is keeping yourself
      sane. If you don't take the time to let your mind focus on other (less stressful)
      tasks, you risk becoming slow and inefficient.

3. CHARGE AHEAD
Since companies are more standoffish during times of war, the job hunter must take control of the wheel. Now more than ever, you need to be aggressive. This may be difficult to do given what is going on in the world, but is the only hope you have for finding work during troubled times. To maintain an aggressive attitude and a fighting spirit, remember:

• •   PERSISTENCE, PERSISTENCE, PERSISTENCE. Recruiters may be less focused on
      hiring, so you need to remind them that you are in the market. Letters or
      emails are the perfect choice. As long as they are not too frequent (about once every
      2 weeks), letters will serve as a reminder, without being an annoyance.
• •   TACKLE INTERVIEWS. Other people looking for jobs will also have trouble focusing on
      a job search. If you have maintained your motivation, interviews are the
      perfect opportunity to outshine your competition.
• •   LEARN THE COMPANY. It is especially important to read up on company backgrounds
      to impress recruiters. If you can show recruiters that you are still taking
      the time out to learn the business, you will be a step ahead of the other job seekers.

4. WATCH YOUR MOUTH
Even if the war does not come up directly during an interview, it is still a prevalent issue and is on everyone's minds. That means that during small talk before or after the interview, the topic may come up. Despite what anyone might tell you, the interview starts as soon as you walk in the door. It does not end until you walk out the door. So, if the war comes up during small talk:

• •   STAY NEUTRAL. Don't let politics become a part of the interview. This does not mean
      that you need to lie; it just means you should be diplomatic. Unlike the rest of
      your job search, this is not a situation where you should be aggressive.
• •   MOVE ON. Don't dwell on the topic for too long. As long as you are discussing the war,
•     there is a chance you may slip up, say something harsh, and get yourself into trouble.

Tips For Writing Thank You Letters

It is proper business etiquette to send thank you letters, but many people overlook this matter of courtesy. A thank you letter can make you stand out from the other candidates competing for jobs, and in this tight job market, it is wise to consider every tool that will give you an advantage. 

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To be effective, a thank you note should be sent before the hiring decision has been made, so it is best to mail it as soon as possible after the interview. When you send a thank you letter, you give the interviewer a chance to remember you (imagine having interviewed 10-15 candidates for a position, and then trying to distinguish each one after the interviews and trying to remember the specifics about each person). It is your opportunity to mention any important information you forgot to discuss during the interview.

A thank you letter allows you to explain, restate, or clear up any potential misunderstandings. In addition, you can redirect your marketing campaign by focusing on something that you learned during the interview and re-emphasizing your strengths, accomplishments, and skills. Sending a thank you letter shows the interviewer that you are a professional who is concerned about details. In the end, the thank you letter is your last chance to leave a good impression!

There are several situations that require a thank you letter:

• •   After an employment interview
• •   When someone provides you with job search assistance such as referring you to an
      employer, providing a network contact, or speaking on your behalf to a prospective
      employer
• •   After an informational interview, company visit, or other career exploration activity

Try to follow these hints when writing thank you letters:

• •   Keep your letters short and simple - usually one page is enough.
• •   Help the interviewer remember you by referring to specific points discussed in your
      interview: show that you were listening and mention something that will
      refresh the interviewer's memory of you
• •   Be sure your letters are professional, for example: typed, no errors, on quality paper, etc.
• •   Send your letter within one day - do not put it off!
• •   Emphasize your qualifications, especially those that are most relevant to the position
• •   Provide any information that was overlooked during the interview or that which was
      specifically requested by the interviewer
• •   Express your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position
• •   Remember, very few people bother to send thank you letters - this can be your edge!

Generally, your thank you letters should include the following information:

First paragraph:

• •   Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (mention the date).
      Remind him/her of the position for which you interviewed.

Second paragraph:

• •   Restate your interest in the position and the company/school/organization. Mention
•     something you learned from the interview or comment on something of importance
•     that you discussed. Again, emphasize your strengths, experiences, skills,
•     accomplishments and slant them towards the points that the interviewer considered the
•     most important for the position.
  

Learn How To Succeed At Career Fairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn How To Use Recruiters In Your Job Search!

FACT
Even for the most able job seeker, the job search can feel like a lonely process. You find yourself in a whirlwind of sending resumes, writing cover letters, juggling interviews all while networking at every opportunity. You do all this in order to the land the job of your dreams. But you don’t have to do it on your own. If you choose, you can have your very own agent (at least of sorts). This person is a recruiter. Using the right recruiter can help you to both better manage and improve the results of your job search. 

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WHY USE RECRUITERS? THE ADVANTAGES?   #1 - THE POWER OF CONTACT:
As a part of his or her job, the successful recruiter has developed relationships within many different companies. Through these relationships, the recruiter gains an understanding of what the employer is looking for. This is knowledge that he can pass on to you as you prepare for interviews. Recruiters also have access to people that they have placed in other positions. From these people, the recruiter can gain an accurate picture of the work environment. This is valuable information for the job seeker for whom work atmosphere is an important consideration.

#2 - GUIDANCE COUNSELOR:
While the average person may go on 6 job searches in a lifetime, the experienced recruiter has been on hundreds if not more. What this means is that he has tremendous experience in finding the right job. He is an excellent source for your job search questions. In addition, recruiters who specialize in placing newer candidates (those with less than 3 years experience) often give tips on items such as improving resumes and interviewing.

#3 - HIDDEN JOB FACTOR:
Sometimes the best job opportunities are not posted for the general public. The needs of the employer may be too specialized to be described in a 3-line job posting. Or the employer may not have time to waste in sorting through hundreds of resumes that could come flooding in by placing an add in the paper or on the internet. In these cases the employer must rely on other sources to obtain the right person for the job. These sources often include trusted recruiters.

#4 - ABSOLUTELY NO COST:
Most recruiters are paid by the employer once the employee has completed a certain tenure at the job (usually less than 1 year). Considering all the advantages mentioned above coupled with the lack of financial outlay, using a recruiter is something any serious job seeker should consider. 

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY WORK WITH RECRUITERS
#1 - COME PREPARED:
The successful job seeker does his homework. Before you meet with a recruiter give serious thought to items such as what you require in a new position and what types of companies interest you. If you are planning to interview while still on the job, think about when you can meet with prospective employers as well as when you can talk to the recruiter. Come ready to discuss all these things. Don’t forget to have your resume updated and your references prepared. You want to be ready to act when the recruiter presents a good opportunity.

#2 - BE UPFRONT:
Clearly communicate your needs and preferences to the recruiter. This includes items such as salary, relocation, benefits, advancement opportunities and anything else that is important to you in your job search. Your being upfront will help the recruiter to match you with opportunities that you would genuinely be interested in. Remember may opportunities come across a recruiter’s desk. They won’t know what is right for you unless you tell them. In addition, be honest about your expectations of the recruiter.

#3 - BE HONEST:
Do not exaggerate your skills or accomplishments. The recruiter is representing you to prospective employers and you want him to represent your true ability and experience. If the recruiter believes that you are not being forthright, he may discontinue the relationship. One of the recruiter’s most valuable assets is his relationship with the employer. Dishonesty might jeopardize your chances of getting the job, the recruiter’s reputation with the employer and your relationship with the recruiter.

#4 - BE PROFESSIONAL:
Don’t save your good behavior for the job interview. Show the recruiter that you are a talented and intelligent professional who is bound for success. Your interaction with the recruiter strongly influences his impression of the type of person you are. This in turn has a direct impact on the job opportunities that he sends your way. Remember, part of the recruiter’s advantage is that he has built relationships with people of influence at various companies. By sending an unqualified candidate to a job interview he risks damaging his credibility with the employer; therefore it is unlikely that he will do so. 

Email Tips For The Job Seeker

Most people take the power of email for granted. For most people that is okay, but for job searchers, your email form and content is an expression of yourself. Its IMPORTANT that you cover the email basics. 

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FACT
The days of job searching using postal mail are vanishing. Some experts even say initial telephone correspondence during the job search process is being replaced by e-mail or "electronic mail". Mainly because its easy, inexpensive, and you can reach a large audience with a few keystrokes.

During the job search process you may be using e-mail more than you imagined. Before you know it you will be e-mailing recruiters, employers, previous co-workers, sending resumes back and forth, etc.

The following eight tips will help make sure that your e-mail looks professional and get the attention of the reader.

8 Tips To Make The Most Of your E-Mail

#1 - OBTAIN A SEPARATE (job search only) E-MAIL ACCOUNT:
Use this e-mail address on your resumes and for corresponding with recruiters, contacts and prospective employers. Do not give this out to your friends and family or your favorite on-line shopping sites. The purpose of this career only account is to help you stay focused on your job search. By setting up an e-mail account for only career purposes you minimize the potential for distraction.

#2 CHECK YOUR E-MAIL REGULARLY:
This means at a minimum three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening). It is highly recommended that you log on more often as recruiters often use this medium to inform you of potential leads and possibilities. Ignore this rule and you may find that your golden opportunity has passed you by.

#3 - ALWAYS RESPOND PROMPTLY:
How would you feel if you left someone a phone message and he/she did not respond promptly? Offended because he/she did not take the time to respond back? Worried that maybe the message never made it to him/her? It’s no different with e-mail. The rules of common courtesy still apply. Whenever possible, reply within the same day. Make sure that you respond to all e-mail with-in 24 hours at the latest. Do this even if only to say that you received the original e-mail and will need more time to do what is requested.

#4 - UTILIZE THE SUBJECT LINE:
The subject line is the first thing that a person sees when he/she checks his/her e-mail. Make it worthwhile. Best practice is to summarize the overall purpose/objective of the e-mail in the subject line. “ACME Brick position” will work. However, “Follow-Up: ACME Brick Fin Mgr Position” is better. Keep in mind that the person that you are e-mailing may receive dozens of e-mails each day. When short on time, he/she will scan the subject lines of his/her e-mails and answer the ones that seem most important first.

#5 - SPELLING AND GRAMMAR RULES STILL APPLY:
Poor spelling and grammar can make you appear at best careless and at worst poorly educated. Neither characterization is appealing when worn by the job seeker. Read over and spell-check each e-mail before you send it. If you don’t have access to spell-check, then utilize the services of a friend or your trusty dictionary. The extra few seconds won’t break your schedule and might make all the difference in your job search.

#6 - KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET:
Think back to all the English papers you wrote in high school. Now make sure that your e-mail correspondence does not look anything like that (except as mentioned in the previous point). E-mail is a casual and direct form of business correspondence. As a general rule, try and keep your e-mail under a page. Do not waste time with fancy words or flowery phrases. Make your point using the smallest amount of words reasonably possible. Remember that your target audience is often short on time. If they open up your e-mail and it looks like an essay, they may become frustrated and not bother to read it at all.

#7 - FORGET BEING CUTE:
Never forget that you are looking for a job. Save the smiley faces, colored fonts, exclamation points, etc. for your friends and family. For the most part, they do not belong in your job-search e-mails. Also, e-mails may be informal business communication, but do not throw all rules of etiquette out the window. Always be courteous in your writing.

#8 - Your Sign-off:
You should close each e-mail with a proper sign-off. It may be as simple as “Thanks-Jeff Smith”. Often times, it is useful to include contact information as well as any certifications in your sign-off. Many e-mail services (i.e., MS Outlook) have an auto signature function that allows you to set up a customized sign-off that can be inserted at the end of your e-mail. 

Tips You MUST Know To Survive A Layoff

FACT
Losing a job is one of the most stressful life events. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. With this in mind, you will need a good action plan in order to recover as quickly as possible from a job loss. The following eight tips will help make sure that recover from a layoff sooner than you think. 

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#1 - DON'T PANIC:
You may have lost your job but you have not lost everything. You are a skilled individual and will work again. Do not ever lose sight of these two simple sentences. Do not let yourself fall into a spiral of negative thinking. Think back to all the other people that you know of that have lost jobs in the past and are now successfully employed.

#2 - REFLECT AND RECOVER:
Step back and clear your head. Anger and fear are two of the most common emotions experienced after a job-loss. Neither is conducive to clear thinking or good decision-making. Take some time to talk through your feelings of loss with friends and family members. If this does not help, consider the services of a professional counselor. Sort through your emotional baggage or else risk dragging it with you on your job-search.

#3 - ORGANIZE YOUR FINANCES:
Take a serious look at your spending habits. List out your monthly expenses into 2 groups- absolutely necessary and optional. If you have already been laid off you should limit your spending to the first category. If you are still employed but fearing what the future may hold, start cutting back in the second category. A general rule of thumb is to keep the enough cash to cover at least two months worth of expenses in the bank for emergencies. If you have not had a chance to do so as of the time of termination, you still have options. Don’t forget that most companies offer a severance package to laid off employees. In addition you can also contact your local un-employment agency regarding unemployment benefits.

#4 - INSURANCE:
Just because you have lost your job does not mean that you and your family have immediately lost all insurance coverage that you had while you were employed. It just means that now you are responsible for paying for it all by yourself. Under COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) generally you can remain on your former employer’s plan for up to 18 months as long as you pay the premiums. Remember that there are time limits for signing up for COBRA. You can get more COBRA information from the human resources department of your former employer.

#5 - UPDATE YOUR RESUME:
Take account of all the skills and responsibilities that you acquired on your last job. Make sure that you include these on your updated resume. And remember this is not the time to be modest; be proud of your accomplishments. If you are unsure on how to lay out or word your resume, then you can find many examples of successful resumes on the Internet or in your local bookstore. Definitely have a friend or family member review your resume. Remember that a good resume can often make the difference between being granted an interview or not. Take the time to make your resume shine.

#6 - ACTIVATE YOUR NETWORK:
Do not be ashamed that you have been laid off. Tell everyone that you think can help that you are looking for work. This does not mean that you should cry on the shoulder of anyone that will listen. What this does mean is that you should be prepared to tell friends, family and even acquaintances that you are looking for work, what types of skills you have and the types of jobs that you would be interested in.

#7 - CONSIDER USING A RECRUITER:
Consider using a recruiter. Recruiters a.k.a. headhunters can help you to better manage and improve the results of your job search. Using a recruiter has many advantages. These advantages include their having already established relationships with many employers and their having access to hidden job opportunities. In addition many recruiters will offer tips on how to improve your resume and interviewing skills. Best of all most recruiters are completely free to the job seeker. They collect their fees directly from the employer. 

Tips To Minimize Job Hunting Stress

The job hunt is not an easy process and being in between jobs just adds more stress to your life. Who needs that? While you may not be able to get rid of all the stress, you can eliminate a lot of it.

These 6 tips will help you get rid of unnecessary job search stress. 

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1. GET ORGANIZED
You should NEVER be stressed because you cannot find something. This goes beyond keeping track of resumes and cover letters. Other essentials like diplomas, certification certificates, and forms of identification should always be easily accessible. Most people agree that the creation of an employment portfolio is the best solution. One easy to access container of all your essentials will relieve pressure when searching for information or gathering materials prior to an interview.

2. STICK TO A SCHEDULE
The most successful job seekers admit that finding a job is a full time job. Just being busy creates a stressful atmosphere. Creating and maintaining a schedule lets you visualize what you need to get done and when you need to get it done. Often times we create stress in our minds. A schedule quantifies how busy you actually are not how busy you think you are. Moreover, you can monitor how well you follow your schedule to determine how efficiently you use your time.

3. TAKE A BREAK
All work and no play can make you a dull person, and make you go crazy. Under excessively tense conditions, recreation plays a vital role in maintaining composure. The beauty of the schedule is that it not only lets you see when you need to get work done, but also when you don’t need to get work done. Fill your free time with fun, relaxing activities that take your mind off worries. Finding a job is a full time job, but it should not consume 24 hours of the day 7 days a week.

4. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND
People also create stress by not evaluating where they stand with a prospective employer. They tend to assume that they are not in good standing with a company or interviewer, which only creates more tension and worries. Take time to stop and think about correspondences and other interactions. Pay attention to the tones people use as they write or speak. Reflect on the impressions you make from a phone interviewer. A second round of interviews probably means you made the cut and are in the running for the job. Serious contemplation of these types smaller things will remove uncertainty, thus remove worry.

5. AVOID REPITITIVE STRESS
You can improve efficiency and free up time, but recognizing opportunities to reuse work you have already done. This does NOT mean using generic cover letters and interview questions. However, having templates that can be modified to custom fit companies and situations is worthwhile. The key is to reduce the amount of work you have to do, without sacrificing the authenticity of the impression you leave. An employment portfolio can make this recycling even easier. Just remember that everything you say or write to a possible employer should reflect your personality and your thoughts on working for that particular employer.

6. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
As it comes down to the wire, the most stressful part of a job search for many people is the most confrontational part of the process: the interview. An interview is, in some respect, an employer’s way of testing you. Just like you studied for tests in school, you can study for interviews. This is more than just doing background research on a company. Think about possible questions the interviewers might ask you and think about how you would respond. Many people find it helpful to actually go through mock interviews with friends or family. Find a preparation method that works for you. Whatever it may be, use it. If you can eliminate the anxiety of an upcoming interview, you will perform better and feel better. 

Keeping A Job Search Confidential

4 TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOUR JOB SEARCH CONFIDENTIAL

1. ONLINE CLOAKING
Online job banks and resume sending services have made it incredibly easy to deliver your resume out to hundreds of companies with just the click of a button. That click could potentially send your resume to your own boss. A poorly run internet job search can have severe repercussions in your current job. When using these types of services, extra precautions must be used.

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For your own benefit, consider these especially important safeguards:

*
• If possible, find out which internet career services your current employer's human
resources department uses. You can keep your search a secret by avoiding
the chance of having your resume end up on your boss's desk.
*
• Be skeptical of internet services that ask for too much information. In reality, they need
little more than a name, an email address and a user name. If an internet
job search site demands you reveal more information, there is a good chance that site
will automatically send your information to other parties without your permission.
*
• Always Read An Internet Site's User Policy.

2. BASIC COMMON SENSE
Choosing to conduct your job search at work is a very dangerous game. Not only do you run the risk of being caught, you are also neglecting your actual work. An employer does not want to pay you to slack off. To keep your job search a secret and to keep your current job, you must keep the job search out of the office.

It is especially important to take the following precautions:

*
• Do not give out any work contact information. If you must be in contact with recruiters or
possible employers at any time of day, use a cellular phone. That way you
can step out of the office to take the call.
*
• This also includes email addresses. Employers could be monitoring your emails for
security purposes. Set up a professional looking email address specifically
for use in your job search. This will also keep you organized.
*
• Do not schedule interviews during office hours. Coming in late to work can cause
suspicion. If necessary, use vacation time for interviews.
*
• Avoid using a reference from your current job. Unless you can absolutely trust this
person, you run the risk of being exposed. Moreover, if they are
contacted during work hours, news of your job search can spread around your office
unintentionally.

3. NETWORKING HAZARDS
One of the most powerful tools in a job search is word of mouth. Knowing the right people is an invaluable resource, and networking is the only way to meet the right people. Whether you network at a job fair, convention, or happy hour, getting your name out on the market is important. At the same time, it is very hard to broadcast your information while trying to keep your job search a secret, especially when interacting with people in the same industry.

Consider these tips when networking for a job:

*
• Don't use business cards that have your current company's logo and information.
Consider printing personal business cards for use in your confidential job search.
*
• Find out where your contacts work before talking about your job search. It's a small
world, especially when looking for work in a particular field. You
never know when someone could be a partner or client of your current boss.
*
• Also find out if your contacts are looking for work. Your cover could be blown if your
contact ends up becoming your boss or coworker.
*
• Closely analyze a contact's personality. When the job market is tight, people become a
little more willing to backstab their way into new positions. A person
who knows your secret may expose you in an attempt to steal your job. BE CAREFUL.

4. HONESTY WORKS
Recruiters and interviewers have been in the game for a while, and they have seen their fair share of confidential job searches. Telling a recruiter or interviewer that you are trying to keep your search a secret is not the end of the world; in fact, it is far from it. Not only will they understand, recruiters often assume that searches are confidential. So do not be afraid to tell the truth.

It is very important that you take these particular steps:

*
• Stress that your search is a confidential. Do not just hope that a recruiter assumes so.
There is no need to be shy or worry about being overbearing when it
comes to this subject.
* * • Demand a written job offer before giving a recruiter permission to contact your current
* employer. It is completely reasonable to want to protect your own
* security. You should question any employer that refuses to give you an offer before
* talking to your current employer, because they are knowingly putting your career at
* stake.

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Benefits of Temporary Jobs

To many people, a temporary position does not sound very appealing. Some consider temp jobs to be unskilled labor, tedious work, or just a waste of time. People with this negative attitude towards temporary positions all share one common characteristic: THEY ARE WRONG. Temp jobs are not a waste of time. Besides providing income, temp jobs can be used as valuable career tools.
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This article discusses the many benefits of temporary positions. Once you recognize the advantages of temp jobs, you can then begin to use them to enhance or build your career.
These four topics that will be covered:
1. Money Matters
2. Resume Reinforcement
3. Temp to Impress
4. Career Sampling
1. MONEY MATTERS
Let's be realistic, money is important. No matter how many times you say, "Money isn't everything," you can't change the fact that money matters. There is no shame in taking on a job to obtain needed cash. No matter how negative your attitude towards temp jobs is, it is impossible to deny that they are often a good source of income.

• •   Good jobs don't just grow on trees so that people can come and pick the one they like
      best. When no viable alternatives exist, temporary positions are a fantastic
      way to earn money.
• •   Temp jobs are ideal for students. When you have class during the week a steady job
      can be hard to get, but a temp job might only be for a day. Also, temp jobs often fit
      in well with an evening or weekend class schedule.

2. RESUME REINFORCEMENT
If you are currently out of work, chances are you suffer from a disease that often strikes the unemployed: resume decay. When out of work for an extended period of time, people often concentrate their efforts solely on finding a new job. Unfortunately these people fail to recognize that their free time should also be used for strengthening their resumes.
Temporary positions give a person the opportunity to strengthen his/her resume through experience and education while also providing a source of income.

• •   Temporary positions are a fantastic way to gain experience within a particular industry.
      When full time positions are tight, a temp job may be your best chance at
      learning industry basics. Moreover,you will already be an experienced worker when a
      full time position becomes available.
• •   Temp jobs are a quick way to pick-up new skills or to heighten skills you already
      possess (typing, filing, book-keeping, etc.). More importantly, as a temp
      you may be required to use various professional software. Proficiency in current
      software applications looks great on a resume!
• •   If you are not working full time or are not in school, your resume may look sparse. A
      recruiter evaluating your resume may assume you did nothing during this
      time. Temporary positions are good for filling these time gaps in your resume.

3. TEMP TO IMPRESS
Despite what many people think, a temporary position is NEVER a carefree, zero responsibility job. Though things may be slightly more relaxed as a temp, there is a secret that most people don't realize: a temp job may lead to much more.
If you are working with others or report to a manager, you are being evaluated. People all around you are making mental notes about your knowledge, skills, personality, friendliness, diligence, and behavior. Use this to your advantage:

• •   Occasionally, a temporary position turnsinto a position that needs to be filled
      permanently. Even if you are not explicitly told that your job is temp-to-hire,
      you may have shot at the permanent position if you impress the right people.
• •   Temp jobs give you the opportunity to meet and rub elbows with individuals in a
      particular industry. You never know if a co- worker might someday be in charge of
      recruiting or make a recommendation for a new employee.
• •   Often times, as a person develops their career map he or she realizes that they are far
      off course. This perfectly normal, but it also means that getting on the
      right road will require a change of direction.

4. CAREER SAMPLING
It may seem obvious, but never lose sight of the fact that a temporary job is temporary. This gives a person much more flexibility than one would have in a permanent position. No matter how horrible the job may seem, you can rest easy knowing you are not stuck in one place. More importantly, people often don't know what industry or career they would like to pursue. Temping gives an individual the option to sample a wide array of jobs. It is the perfect way to gain insight into a job or field

Tips On Moving From Temp to Perm Hire

1. PERFORM AS A PERMANENT
Whether you are a temp or a full-time employee, you get paid for one reason and one reason alone: to get work done. Every employee is responsible for doing his/her assignments correctly and on time. Temporary workers often operate under the misconception that their work is different from the work of a permanent employee. 

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Temps that give every job their best effort, impress companies the most. If you hope to become a permanent employee, then you should act like you already are one. The quality of your work must be just as good, if not better, than everyone else's.

2. BURN THE MIDNIGHT OIL
A temp job usually means an 8 to 5 workday, but living by the clock won't impress your supervisor. If you want to land a permanent position, you must exhibit a willingness to work. A little overtime can say a lot about your diligence. Time is money, so make these time issues a priority:

• •  Never come in late or leave early, even if it is just by a few minutes. A supervisor will
      assume any habits you have as a temp would continue after becoming permanent.
• •  Before leaving for the day, check that your boss has everything he/she needs. This
      shows that you are willing to put in the extra time and effort to get things done.

3. DRESS TO IMPRESS
The quality of a temp's work should be no different from that of a full-time employee. Similarly, the appearance of a temp should be no different from a full-time employee's either. Somehow, people begin to believe that a temporary position is a license to dress down.

If you want to be considered a professional, dress the part.

• •  Always ask what the office dress code is before starting.
• •  Never stray away from the dress code, even if you think nobody pays attention to your
      appearance.

4. ADVERTISE YOURSELF
As you fight for that permanent position, the best advantage is to have people on your side. People in temporary positions often have the "get in, get out, don't make a sound" attitude. That's fine if you are a cat burglar, not if you are trying to get a job.

Your chance of moving into a permanent position depends on your chemistry with co-workers:

• •  Get to know as many people as possible, even outside of the deptartment. Make your
      name, face, and good attitude recognizable to everyone you can.
• •  Don't be afraid to discuss work or small talk with full-time employees. You need to be
      comfortable with your co-workers.
• •  Make good friends. When it comes time to fill a permanent position, it doesn't hurt to
      have the people in charge fighting for you.

5. SHOW COMPANY CONCERN
Part of advertising yourself to people is letting them see your outlook on work and life. This means more than just a being friendly to people. It means being genuinely concerned with how the office runs and the future of the company. If you aren't interested in the company, why should the company be interested in you? Keep the following in mind:

• •  A smiling face and positive attitude help foster teamwork and a pleasant workplace.
• •  Voice concerns about the future of the company. Let others know you consider yourself
      part of the team and want to see everyone succeed.
• •  Never be phony. It's easy to spot, impossible to forget, and incredibly unappealing.

6. TRAIN YOURSELF CONSTANTLY
One of the biggest problems with hiring new employees is training them. As a temp, you have the advantage of beginning your training early. Learn as much as you can quickly and try and learn it the first time around. If you can do this, your supervisor will take notice. Learning quickly doesn't come easy, so keep these things in mind:

• •  Learning is the most important thing; so if push comes to shove, don't be afraid to have
      people repeat themselves. More generally, never be afraid to ask a question,
      it shows you want to learn.
• •  Go the extra mile. Even if a particular task isn't part of your duties, take an interest in
•     learning it. The more you can do, the more appealing you become. 

How To Answer The TOUGHEST Interview

TIP #1 - MENTION THE DOWNSIDE OF A SKILL.
This strategy is successful because you actually answer the weakness question by showcasing a skill. For example "I am very committed to customer service. Sometimes this leads to my spending quite a bit of time with customers. At times this causes me to fall behind in other areas."

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TIP #2 - SHARE A WEAKNESS THAT YOU ARE WORKING TO OVERCOME.
This tactic is successful because it shows that you are committed to self-improvement. An example of this is “I am not really comfortable presenting before an audience. I have joined a public speaking group in order to overcome some of my nervousness.” Another example is "I currently only speak English. I recognize that the world is getting smaller day by day and I am studying Spanish in order to be better prepared for the future."

TIP #3 - USE A WEAKNRESS THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE JOB.
While it is usually preferable to answer with the downside of a skill or a weakness you are working on, sometimes, the best tactic might be to use a weakness that is unrelated to the job. This way you can honestly answer the question while not casting doubt on your ability to fulfill the job requirements. Examples include "I am a terrible cook" or "I cannot dance." This strategy is useful if you are trying to inject a (quick) humorous story into the interview regarding some mishap related to the weakness.

TIP #4 - DO NOT PRETEND TO BE PERFECT.
It is never a good idea to answer this question by saying you have no weaknesses. Everyone has weaknesses. By saying you have none, you will appear arrogant.

TIP #5 - DO NOT GIVE A CANNED OR COMMON ANSWER.
This will make you will seem phony and insincere at worst and unimaginative at best. An example of a very over-used answer is "I am a perfectionist." Say this or something similar and be prepared for the interviewer to (inwardly) roll his/her eyes and subtract points for originality.