September 2008 Topic - Finding a Job in todays economy

01.  Things to include in a resume
02.  Questions to ask while reviewing the resume
03.  How to fill out a job application
04.  Methods of searching for employment opportunities
05.  Tips for Job Fairs
06.  Narrowing down your job search

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As you can clearly see our economy has taken a turn for the worst. On top of all these problems we face unemployment rates increasing. In April 2008 the country's unemployment rate was 5 percent, four months later it rose to 6.1 percent. The theories for job loss can be argued many different ways. Some strongly believe it is due to over seas competitors.

Many companies can outsource to other countries for a fraction of the price. Employees overseas don't demand as much money or benefits as US workers. As a result, it is a lot more cost effective to train and hire out of the US. The other issue that is attributed to job loss is simply the economy. Many businesses are cutting back on workers due to lack of consumers. This is true for most companies including restaurants, retail stores and car dealerships. People are struggling financially right now and for that reason many of these companies are seeing a reduction in customers.

There are still businesses and organizations that are looking for workers. However, with the extreme unemployment rate growing, there will be numerous candidates, consequently the resume must be phenomenal. The goal when looking for a job is to prove that the respondent is a major asset to the growth and future of the business. The resume must entice the employer to want to meet the potential employee. A great deal of students and recent graduates fear that they will get rejected due to insufficient experience. This feeling is completely false. Employers take into consideration that the individual is working on their education and looks at other aspects of the resume.

It is generally encouraged to keep the resume brief. Research has shown that a resume has less than 20 seconds to make the right impression. Remember employers read an abundance of resumes everyday. The goal is to put as much useful information with out emphasizing too much. With that in mind it is imperative that the resume is easy to read and formatted correctly.

1.Things to include in a resume:

Positive personal traits.

Technical and computer skills in detail.

Any work or internships that would be relevant to the job being applied for.

Educational accomplishments including any certificates or special training.

Any accomplishments or awards you have received that are relevant.

Work history. This should include volunteer work if it relates to your desired position.

2. Questions to ask while reviewing the resume

1. Is my resume the correct length? There is not a set length for a resume however it should not be overwhelming. If you have been working for less than 5 years generally your resume should be 1 page. On the other hand if you have been in the job market for longer your resume may need 2 pages. Remember just make it easy to read and use key words to entice the employer.

2. Does my resume prove that I am the right person for the job? As I told you earlier you have 20 seconds to prove yourself. Sell yourself in the beginning of the resume. Forget the objective talk about your qualities and strengths that make you perfect for this job!

3. Does my resume explain my accomplishments in detail? Your resume should explain any accomplishments that are important for your desired job in detail. Do not be too vague or casual about it.

4. Does my resume explain the difference between responsibilities and accomplishments? Future employers know what most job descriptions entail. Your goal is to prove what makes you different than other applicants.

5. Did I edit my resume? Be sure to check your resume for any spelling or grammar inaccuracies. Having grammatical errors will reflect badly on you.

6. Is my resume easy to read? This is especially critical to the person reading it. Your resume design should emphasize your strengths with clarity. If your resume is difficult to read it will put in the garbage before the employer knows skilled you are.

7. Have you listed only relevant information? Don't list activities that are not applicable to the job you put in an application for. Never describe your marital status, age, race or other personal information.

3. How to fill out a job application

Personal Information to have handy:

Name

Address where you reside

Contact phone number

Proof that you can work in the US. For example social security number, green card, etc.

Criminal record such as felony convictions

Any certificates/degrees that you obtained

Education

High school that you attended and dates you started and graduated.

College and any majors that you obtained.

Other Information that you must supply:

The position you are applying for.

Available days and times that you can work.

Start date.

Contact information for previous employers.

Dates of employment of previous employers also your salary.

List why you left your previous employer. A good thing to write is seeking new job opportunities.

References who you have known at least 2 years that are not family members.

4. Methods of searching for employment opportunities

Online Job Search:
There are countless job search engines on line available to you. It depends on the kind of employment you are seeking as to which would be best for you. A few of the most popular include Monster.com, carrerbuiler.com. If you go to a major search engine such as Google and type in "find a job" countless numbers of options will appear.

Employment Agencies:
There are two main types of agencies that could help with job searches. The first is called a contingency employment agency. This agency is paid when the employer hires the applicant. This agency generally works with prospective employees who are looking for low and midlevel positions. They send a massive amount of resumes to the employer.

The second type of agency is referred to as a retained search firm. These firms have built a relationship with the employer. They are paid to find a candidate for senior level positions. The firm is compensated for expenses and also receives a percentage of the employee's salary.

Headhunters:
Headhunters are also referred to as recruiters. A headhunter will assist you on looking for a job. The firms work hand in hand with different companies. On the flip side, you can actually send your resume to a headhunter while you are job searching.

Temporary Agencies:
These organizations help find employees to work for companies on a temporary basis. Often time's companies need people to work during seasonal periods or when an employee is out for an extended period of time.

Help Wanted Ads:
Many times employers will advertise locally, such as the newspaper. They usually are looking for someone local to avoid having to pay relocation costs. The other big advantage to advertising in the community is that they are not overwhelmed with applicants.

Job Fairs:
They are a wonderful way to find jobs. Many colleges and businesses hold them annually. Job fairs can be overwhelming, yet below are some tips to make the most of the opportunities.

Tips for Job Fairs

Dress comfortable.
Lines are extremely long; therefore wear comfortable shoes so that you will not be in pain while waiting in line. At the same time you should look presentable and professional.

Bring multiple copies of your resumes.
Remember to have a few resumes in hand to give to future employees. Try to bring a briefcase to hold the information that you gather to appear professional.

Sell yourself in less than 60 seconds.
Brainstorm your powerful points, your objectives as to what you hope to accomplish in the company.

Make it to the job fair early.
Take into account time for parking, checking in and finding the best places to begin.

Network yourself.
Speak to people other than the companies at the job fair. Other attendees may be able to offer you opportunities.

Conduct yourself in a confident matter.
Greet people and chat with them. Act interested in the organization that you are meeting.

Follow up with contacts that you have met.
Once you leave and assess all the information you gathered while attending start contacting the people you met. The most valuable thing you can do is build relationships with other people in the industry you are interested in. Normally on business cards there is contact information. A quick email thanking them for their time is all you need to build a lasting impression.

Narrowing down your job search

Assess your Interest.
You will save yourself a lot of time by finding out what career you would like to be in. Think about things that you enjoy doing. To give you an example, if you like children think about teaching or working in a day care center. Most community colleges offer career tests for a minimal fee. These tests will be able to steer you in the correct direction.

Zero in on your job search.
Once you find out what area you will focus on use the search engines. Using keywords will help you find more jobs that entice you.

Investigate companies prior to applying.
This will be useful to you in a few ways. It will allow you to sound well informed should you decide to interview with them. Most importantly though you will get knowledge about that company to see if it is somewhere you want to work.

Master the interview.
You finally got the interview you have been waiting for. Now what do you do? These simple steps will take you a long way in the interviewing process. Dress professionally.

Be prepared to answer difficult questions, such as what your weaknesses are. Get ready for the interview. Know where the office is and the name of the interviewer. Stay calm. Fidgeting and moving around a lot will distract the interviewer.

Send a thank you note.
Within twenty hours of interviewing send or email a thank you note. This will show that you appreciated the interviewers time and interest in you. It also proves that you are professional and interested in the job. There are many applicants applying for jobs at one time this simple thank you letter will remind the interviewer of you. If you are not interested in the job it is suggested you write a note anyway. It is a nice gesture and plus, you never know when you may want to go back to that company for a different opening.

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Got a question? Then contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310 United conducts regular seminars on financial education, including "How to Budget", come along and join us. To reserve your seat contact our Education Team on 561-883-2398 Ex.310

Newsletter 09
Rev.1
September, 2008