Rabu, 27 Oktober 2010

Surviving a Prolonged Economic Downturn

By Sarah Weinberger

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   


Many people are facing dire times during a prolonged economic downturn, which started by and large in late 2007, although depending upon your specialty, the beginnings of the recession started in the '80s with the outsourcing of American manufacturing jobs to other countries. It was just a matter of time before white collar work got outsourced too. The politics of the situation, though, do not change the reality for many people. With bills to pay and many people out of work for two years or more with no unemployment benefits, philosophical discussions are a moot issue. Solving the problem is tantamount. For some, joining the military is an option, especially if you are younger, but for others that is not an option.
Although I cannot promise anyone a sure fire way that guarantees a job, I can tell you how to what the best strategies are, which will place you in the best possible position, so that you can get one of the few jobs, which are available. You do not have to work hard, but you do have to put in time and be smart. Okay, so let us begin.
The first thing that you should do is to discard old beliefs. Sending out five or so targeted resumes that you research and know that you are qualified for every couple of weeks does not cut the mustard anymore, so to speak. What you think of your qualifications is not as important as what the employer and recruiter thinks of your qualifications. Apply to anything and everything within plausibility of your field. You do not need to read the job descriptions. You only need to glance at it quickly. Your motto should be to throw enough things against the wall, so that not only will something stick, namely that you get an interview, but that you get hired too. You need to make a nuisance of yourself. Be heard. You should send out several hundred resumes every other day. In a month time period, you should have sent out several thousand. Yes, you can do that and not spend more than a couple hours a day on the activity. I will tell you how later in this article.
In most jobs, one does a varied number of things. For instance, many people in white collar jobs have to do a bit of project management, even if you are not the project manager (PM). Maybe you had to train people. Did you ever have to write something? What I am driving after is that you should explore working in a related field. It does not matter what you think of your skills, but what the hiring manager thinks. I say hiring manager, because you can work around recruiters. They are two dimensional in nature, as are human resource managers. By the way, being a human resource manager is another possibility.
Create one resume for each type of work. Mention every job that you had, but emphasize skills in the area that you want to push. Try to recollect back to your time and think if you did anything in that field, if even scarcely. If you did, play that up. Do a search on job boards and find industry buzzwords in the field. Research what they mean. You can do that by doing a Google search. Add those buzzwords, which you feel comfortable. Maybe you can study a bit those buzzwords and do some practice exercises with them, so that you know the lingo.
When the going gets tough, the tough should start working smartly and aggressively. Craft one cover letter for each job type. Be willing to accept a small decrease in pay, if you get into high-paying field for which you really do not have that many skills. You will be receiving remuneration for advancing your skillset and getting into a new line of work. Be happy. I did not say to sell yourself short. You should never do that.
When the topic of distance comes up, act like you have been to that location a zillion times. The answer should always be that the distance is not bad and that you can do that easily. What difference is it to anyone what the actual time is? You are not being paid for it, so why discuss that you will be on the road for an hour. Be firm and reassuring that the distance is not bad and that you are experienced.
Work every job board and be prepared to talk with recruiters and human resource personnel when they call. Never, and I do mean NEVER, discuss your job search and how it is going with anyone. It is not their business. When a recruiter asks if you have any pending interviews, be firm that you do not discuss your job search. Act like a manager and the one that is in charge. Take control of the conversation. That includes finding out what the job position is. Most recruiter will not initially give out this information, as they want to screen you to see if you have the skillset. They may ask you to describe your ideal job. Try to avoid getting angry or agitated. That only hurts you. Obviously, the answer is any job that pays and is close to home, but you cannot say that, sadly. Tell them what they want to hear. You must tell them that you want to work in that field for which they are calling. How can you do that? You do that by keeping track of which jobs you applied to and having the information at your fingertips indexed by company name and contact person. If someone is calling you, more than likely it is because you applied for the job.
I will give you a word of advice. Be very cautious about giving out your social security number and other key pieces of information. You do not need to fill that out on an initial interview. If it becomes serious, then provide it. If a company requests it for tracking purposes, such as with Bank of America, I would think twice. Companies like Bank of America do not care about you. They could care less. It is up to you to protect your own interests, just as they do their own. I would think twice about applying for those types of jobs. Maybe you want to if the situation is desperate enough, but I would still error on the side of caution.
Searching for a job effectively today cannot be done the old fashioned way. Employers and recruiters have tools to help them, you should as well. More than likely you have either a computer or a laptop. It is time that you get a software program which will help you do the chores related to finding a job. When checking into a software tool, your software tool should allow you to apply for jobs without opening a million tabs. It should assist you with your with resumes and a host of other things.
Be careful to not get flustered and throw up your hands doing a job search. Let us look at a common situation, where this happens. Remember, people will only see the end result, the final email, not all the hard work that went into applying for a job. Job boards are the most notorious, as far as being a pain in the rear. Even so called simple boards, like craigslist, are a pain to use. Take craigslist, in order to apply for a job, you must navigate to a job category and then open up jobs of interest on a separate tab. You then have to open up a new blank email form, one for each job, and then fill out each piece of information that goes into an email, one by one. You can easily spend ten minutes to send out one resume. The work does not end there, as you should keep track of this application, so that you can add information later on and retrieve information later on too. Yes, this part of the job search process is the most tedious and the most dreadful.
Be careful to not feel humiliated dealing with job boards, endlessly rewriting resumes, and especially talking with recruitment and employment contacts endlessly. There is also the matter of a long period of your life, not knowing when money will flow again, without money, seeing your life put on hold. That has an enormously damaging feeling to one's psyche. To avoid these issues, even with help, you should do things that reinforce your sense of self-worth. For different people that can mean different things. Spend a portion of each week reinforcing your self-esteem. That will help you in your job search, as nobody wants to hire a loser.
You should also note that the best time to apply for jobs is the first thing in the morning, so that people see your email when they first get in. If you send out emails on a Sunday or in the afternoon, it will get buried along with other people's email. Did you know that applying for a job on a job board merely sends an email to the person that took out the ad? This restriction puts more pressure on you.
Okay, I suppose that I do not have to tell you, but dress well and dress to impress, even if you are a college graduate. I do not say that lightly. I talk from experience. I was still at college, when I went for my first job interview. I asked my father how I should dress. He told me that I am a student and then will see me as such, so I should dress that way. Not having anyone tell me different, I listened to him. I was taken aside after the interview and given a talk to by the hiring manager about how to dress. Needless to say, I did not get that job. Speaking of learning things through the School of Hard Knocks, and I hold a PhD from that university graduated with high marks, you should listen to criticism and accept it if it is valid, but reject it if you do not feel that it suits you. People say things to help you, but that does not mean that everything that someone says will help you. You know yourself best, but do not be prideful and reject good advice.
If you want to dress well and on a budget, I would recommend JC Penney, if you happen to have one in your area. They have great men's and women's professional outfits at great prices that anyone can afford. I would also check out Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Sometimes they have last year's outfits at reduced prices.
When the phone rings and you start talking to someone, if you do not know an answer, do not try to bluff anyone. That looks bad. Jot down the question for latter research, but for the moment just say that you do not know. The worst that can happen is that you blow the conversation, but will learn the question for the next person that calls. Many company's do a phone screen at first, so expect that.
More than likely, if you get the job, then you will get the offer within a day, most likely within a short time of the interview. When interviewers keep interviewing, then they did not like you. It is as simple as that, although they may interview other people and then get back to you, so you never know.
There is a job for everyone, just as there is that certain someone for everyone. You have to be persistent and stay in there. Keep up the education. If there is a long period of unaccounted for time in your resume, add in short block to account for the period. I would recommend adding in some sort of education. That can show people that your skills are still relevant.
The first step to finding a job is to stay focused and come up with a plan. Decide that you will apply to jobs. Do that like you would any other chore that you do every day. The most important thing is to not get discouraged and remember that you are a valuable person. Be creative.
By following these steps, you will see that the phone will start to ring and you will get interviews, both phone and onsite. From there, it is up to you. Be positive and smile at the interview. Do not forget to shake the person's hand.
Let me know your thoughts. I would like to hear from you. You can leave a comment on the blog or by sending an email via the site.

International Job Search

By Antoinette Tigar

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   

In this tight job market, you sometimes have no option but to 'take it where you find it'. This article gives an overview of the global market for expatriate 'contract work' in developing countries, isolated and high-risk environments.
There are three main types of overseas work:
1. Fixed Term Contract as an Expatriate.
2. Contract or permanent, with the aim of becoming a citizen of that country.
3. Overseas Assignment (secondment or transfer) whilst employed by your home company.
Work Permits
Most countries are capping the number of foreign nationals allowed to work there, and changing rules for Points-based entry. Before spending hours on the internet applying for jobs, check what types of skills are in demand. There are specialist emigration agencies and law firms that can advise you on the permit or visa that will enable you to live and work in the country you're interested in. Many of these also have useful (free!) advice on their website.
What kinds of jobs are available?
There is a huge variety of jobs, especially in a good economic climate. The recent world market financial crisis has dampened this prospect but it will pick up again. Everything from technical (engineering, electrical, mechanics) to management (HR, finance, training) and security-related work.
PRO's: Why should I consider working overseas?
• It builds good experience which can help you to get a job when you return home.
• In most cases, it pays very well, always in US dollars.
CONS: What are the main negatives?
• Most jobs are in places where no-one wants to go - either very isolated, high-risk or 3rd world environments.
• It is difficult to start a new life and career without a good support network, e.g. family and friends. You need emotional and psychological resilience - the loneliness and homesickness may result in poor concentration, or depression.
• Long distances and poor infrastructure means that travel to and from home (for rotational leave) can be exhausting and frustrating.
• Cultural differences play a bigger role than you may expect. It is difficult to make friends.
• The cost of living can be high - although accommodation may be supplied by the employer, food and extras can be exorbitant.
Client Feedback
"I recently arrived in Ghana to start a new contact and did some sight-seeing in Accra (capital) this weekend. They have a Woolworths, Shoprite/Checkers, Game Store, Mr Price Clothing and good pharmacies but it is all very expensive. One box of Breakfast All Bran Flakes = USD 12.00!"
What kind of salary can I expect to earn?
In most cases, Expat contracts include accommodation, food and travel (to country of origin and back for rotational leave) on top of the salary. Salaries range from US$3,500.00 to US$15,000.00 - obviously depending on the position.
What are the main criteria for overseas applications?
1. A qualification from a recognised tertiary or training institution.
2. Excellent health - full medical checks are mandatory.
3. Clean criminal record - you need a Police Clearance Certificate.
4. References plays an important role...have them lined up!
5. Credit record verification will be done for most senior and financial positions.
Useful CV hints
- Your CV should be 100 % correct in terms of dates worked at companies.
- If you're a senior professional with a lot of detailed information for your CV, have two documents - a 2-page Resumé which is sent first, and a detailed version which can be sent on request if the recruiter wants to shortlist you.
- Ensure you have all the international dialling codes for your contact numbers, including your referees. For international calls to South Africa, this is: +27-31-5723193 (Durban). Also include e-mail addresses for referees.
- Include your passport number, Visa status (e.g. whether you have a work permit) and any other passports you hold, in the CV.

Job Seekers - GET OUT

By Meredith Masse

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy   


If you're like most job seekers, you're spending your day searching job boards, sending your resume fiendishly to anything that looks close to what you might want to do and crossing your fingers that someone...ANYONE... will just call you in for an interview.
My friends, it's time for a change. First... So you're feeling a little... let's face it... unmotivated, maybe bordering on apathetic. It happens to all of us at one time or another so first, please know: YOU ARE COMPLETELY NORMAL. You're allowed to have your feelings, and I always encourage family, friends and clients alike to REALLY FEEL them. What you're going through right now is no fun to say the least. But I also would not be doing my job and fulfilling my mission if I were to let you stay there too long. So this is your official kick in the pants. Get up. No, really, right now. Stretch. Take three deep mind-clearing breaths. And set your mind to GET OUT. Out of your doldrums AND out from behind that computer. That's right: it's time to DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
"GET OUT? BUT WHERE?" My strongest recommendation for your "theme" for the next month:
GET OUT! Step away from the computer and get your face out there in front of people who can hire you, recommend you, refer you. Some ideas (and I and other readers welcome your comments below with more suggestions!):
CHECK THE CHAMBER. Does your local Chamber do ribbon cuttings for new members? You will find attendees to these events aren't the typical cast and crew of most networking events. Go and be ready to introduce yourself to all the new faces.
ATTEND GRAND OPENINGS. Keep an eye out for the businesses that are opening their doors at grand opening events. Again, not the usual cast of characters and a great way to meet the people from the surrounding businesses. Open houses, too. If you know of businesses holding open houses, go! For all the same reasons noted above.
GET SOME CLASS. Go to a computer class, a LinkedIn class, a class related to your hobby (art, cooking, wine tasting, pottery, quilting, golf, exercise, fly fishing...), something that engages your brain, helps you learn a new or keep up a skill, gets you into a space with others who are doing the same. The trick is you cannot be shy. Again, introduce yourself and start to make new connections.
"MEET UP." Love hiking? Speaking a foreign language? Check local "meet-ups" in your area to find like-minded people who enjoy the same activities you do. You'll have one thing instantly in common and may find that will accelerate the ice breaking to start talking about how you can support one another in other ways. You support them with what they need; they'll support you in your job search.
VOLUNTEER. Everyone and their grandmother will tell you that volunteering is a great resume builder and that volunteers often have the first "in" for positions as they are available. ("Duh," Meredith.) But I'm talking about volunteering for the sheer joy of helping someone (or some "thing," cause, crusade, etc.) else other than yourself. Go give to someone else selflessly for a day. Consider volunteering for a cause where you stay busy helping others and focus on their challenges rather than your own. Helping others gives you the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in the world. That alone will elevate your mood. And don't ignore those other volunteers. Have I said it enough? Introduce yourself and really connect with the other volunteers. You never know who they know.
GO TO LUNCH. Schedule lunch with former colleagues, community connections, employed friends and others who might know people you need to know who can help in your search. Buy them lunch (or coffee) in exchange for time to tap their expertise. Tapping into their ego in this way works. EVERYONE loves to be asked for their expert $0.02 and advice. Everyone. And it gets you out of the house. Be prepared with specifics you want to ask about. Make the most of your time and theirs. In the process you're starting to create champions and advocates for " Cause: You."
ASK. All this "getting out" is all very well and good, but make the most of it and ask people with whom you are developing these relationships for help with exactly what you need: introductions and referrals. Get specific: "I would love to meet anyone who works in XYZ industry, ABC company or holds 123 position in an organization. Do you know someone like that you could introduce me to?" Or "I saw an opening at ACME Company and remember you mentioning you knew people there. Would you help me be get my resume in front of some people there?"
FOLLOW-UPING. My friend TC (Very Direct Marketing) coined the term to replace that nasty "c-c" word we all hate (Cold-calling). As you GET OUT and build your "database" (little black book, contacts in your Blackberry, friends on Facebook, connections on LinkedIn), you have to stay in touch. Contact them at least once a month to stay top of mind (another favorite TC-ism) and remind them how they can hep you. This includes your best friend's mother, the manicurist at the salon where you get your hair done even if she doesn't do your nails, the guy at Goodyear who changes the oil in your car, your favorite bartender and her manager.
"WHY BOTHER?" BECAUSE NETWORKING WORKS. "But, Meredith, I hate networking." Maybe this will help motivate you to change your mind:
  • 75-85% of job openings are never published on those job boards you so love to spend your time on.
  • Even better, 70-80% of job seekers report finding their "next position" through networking.
Enough said?
"WHAT DO I NEED?" A eye catching - kick butt - top of mind resume! Even with all the social media in the world, you still have to have a resume. Consider it your personal brochure that answers, "What's in it for me if I hire you?" every hiring manager is asking. ( Resume help here! ) A decent 30-second "commercial" describing what you're looking for, what you offer and how others can help. Again, the more specific, the easier it is for people to know how to help you. Personal business cards. Yes, get business cards even if there's no company and title to put on them yet. Include all your contact information and consider using the space on the back of the card to put some "promotional" wording about why YOU are the best one for the job. VistaPrint.com has a nice selection of FREE business cards. You pay shipping. A little courage. I promise, with practice, it gets easier.
Again, step away from the computer. And when you do, report back here! Tell us about your successes. Recall your funniest snafus. Let us help you refine your networking techniques to help you land that job faster!

Online Search - The Best Way to Find Your Ideal Job Vacancy

By Jane Ye

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy  


Thanks to the continuous growth of the internet, finding a job vacancy of your own satisfaction becomes very easy in modern society. A simple mouse click can provide you a large number of job positions for selection.
It is true that there are many other methods to find a job vacancy. For example, you can find the employment job lists through the classified segment of the newspaper; however, it deserves time to do. What is more, the small prints make it a tiring thing to do and you are restrained for where you live. For those who want to find jobs overseas, this method is not so accessible. Even though you can get the newspaper of your requirement, you have to spend a lot of time to find the ideal job vacancy.
While if you find the employment job lists through internet, everything becomes easier. You are allowed to possess your own membership accounts, free or chargeable. Though the free account has more limitation t than the latter one, it is enough to complete your personal information that is essential in finding an ideal job. Now, there are millions of people are using this method to find their dream jobs.
The details that you are asked to complete in the employment website include the personal contact information, your education and employment history. For verification purpose, you may be also asked to add a photo. After everything is settled, you are able to begin the job vacancy search through their search engine. The searching results will come out based on the job type, area of expertise, location, country, etc. Then, what you need to do for the interested job is to click the apply button and the resume will be automatically sent to the related employer.
Searching a job vacancy online is really convenient and effective. Moreover, the website is 24-hours available for you. Wherever you are and whatever time it is; you can do the search work to find your satisfying employment job lists. Finally, good luck!

DA Promotion Board Vs Vacancy Promotion - Field Grade Officer Promotion Tips

By Charles Holmes

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy 


In the Army National Guard, Field Grade Officer promotions happen two different ways. They are known as: DA Boards & Vacancy Promotions. Let's cover them in a little more detail below.
Vacancy Promotions: In my opinion, vacancy promotions are the fastest and easiest way to get promoted in the Army National Guard. Here's how it works. Several months before you meet your minimum time in grade requirements, you should seek a position in the next higher grade.
For instance, if you are a Major, you should begin looking for a Lieutenant Colonel slot once you have been a Major for at least three and a half years. That way, when you meet your minimum four year time-in-grade requirements, you can submit a state-level promotion packet.
At this point, your state will convene a promotion board to review your packet. Once they approve your promotion, you will get a promotion order and your promotion packet gets forwarded to National Guard Bureau to begin your Federal Recognition (FED REC) process. The FED REC process takes 3-4 months (normally). Once your FED REC process is complete, you will receive a NGB (Federal) promotion order.
Since you are already in a position in the next higher grade, you will get promoted. That's how simple it is.
DA Promotion Board: Each year, the Department of the Army holds promotion boards for Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard Officers. Each promotion board selects a group of officers based upon their date of rank. For instance, the DA Promotion Board might review Captains with a date of rank between January 2005 and August 2006.
At this point, the Department of the Army identifies all officers that fall into that date of rank category. Prior to the start of the board, officers are notified via mail and/or email that their packet will be presented to a DA Promotion board on a specific date.
Next, officers have the responsibility to ensure their packet is updated and current. They must get a new DA Photo, ensure their DA Form 2-1 is accurate, and update their records to include awards, OERs, etc. Most promotion boards provide a checklist for the officer to follow.
On the day of the DA Promotion Board, the DA Promotion Board reviews the packet of each candidate to ensure they meet minimum Army education standards, civilian education standards, APFT and Height/Weight Standards, etc. They also review the DA Photo to validate that it is accurate and current. Finally, they review the Officer Evaluation Reports to evaluate performance and potential.
At the end of the DA Board, the DA Board publishes the results.
In one respect the Active Duty Army and Army National Guard handle promotions differently. In the Active Duty Army, you receive a sequence number when you are selected at a DA Promotion Board. Everyone is given a sequence number. A sequence number is similar to an Order of Merit List. The list starts with #1 and ends with the last officer on the list. When their number comes up, they get promoted. Also, the Army finds them a job in their next higher pay-grade.
Unfortunately, the Army National Guard handles things differently. First of all, you do not get a sequence number. You get a letter of selection for promotion, BUT you must still find a unit vacancy within your state. If you can't get a slot, you won't get promoted. There are many officers who were selected for promotion by a DA Promotion Board, but never got promoted because they couldn't find a slot.