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What Are the Worst Questions Job Interviewers Ask?
Tweet Share on Facebook April 15, 2013 CommentJob seekers can find plenty of advice on what not say in an interview and how to blow their chances, but let's turn the tables and talk about some of the worst questions that interviewers ask candidates. Interviewers, after all, are not infallible—some of them are quite bad. Here are seven of the worst questions they commonly ask.
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A Key Career Decision: Choosing a College or Graduate School
Tweet Share on Facebook April 15, 2013 CommentYour career can be heavily affected by which college or grad school you attend. Of course prestige matters, but so does the probability of your graduating, as does how much you're likely to grow in writing, critical thinking, etc. Those abet nearly any career. And if you're picking a career-prep program like law, medical or business school, the training's practicality is crucial.
But how do you find out those things? And how do you do it when you, like millions of applicants, only have until May 1 to make your decision? This should help:
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The Current Kerfuffle Over Unemployment
Tweet Share on Facebook April 11, 2013 CommentWe've had such bad news for so long regarding the unemployment rates in the United States, but it seems like we finally may be getting some respite. The unemployment rate for the country fell to 7.6 percent in March, which is the lowest we've seen it since December 2008.
In February 2013, we saw an increase of 236,000 jobs across multiple industries. The fact that 48,000 of those were in construction seems to indicate that the real estate market may also be improving. Does that mean we are on the path to recovery?
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Ways to Do Recon For Your Next Performance Review
Tweet Share on Facebook April 11, 2013 CommentReview time can be scary, especially for those who are unsure of where they stand. If you're not receiving regular feedback from your superiors, the performance review can come as a shock to the system. You may have to face some difficult realities. On the other hand, you may find that you're indeed the rock star you hoped to be. Whatever the outcome, it always helps to conduct some physical and mental preparation ahead of time. Here are five tips to make it easier.
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How to Send a Networking Email That Won't Be Ignored
Tweet Share on Facebook April 10, 2013 CommentIf you want to ask a stranger or a distant acquaintance for networking or career help, the first step is writing an email that won't be ignored. Many of the people whose help you'd most like are busy and often get more email than they can respond to. And since emails from strangers often go to the bottom of the list, it's important to craft an email that they won't be inclined to ignore.
Here are seven ways to write a networking email that gets a response—and hopefully the action you want.
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Tough Love Tips for College Seniors Entering the Job Market
Tweet Share on Facebook April 10, 2013 CommentGraduation is a time for celebration. It also induces stress resulting from uncertainty about which career path to embark on, the pressure to land an enviable job, and even the fear of living at home without a job.
The good news is that this year's graduates are predicted to fare better than those graduating in previous years have. According to a recent Job Outlook survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to hire 13 percent more new college graduates than they did last year from the Class of '12. The bad news is we are still in a competitive job market. It is going to require more work and effort to land that first job out of college. Spraying and praying your résumé all over isn't enough.
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5 Poison Pen Phrases to Ban From Your Thank You Notes
Tweet Share on Facebook April 10, 2013 CommentYou know it's a good idea to write a thank-you note after an interview, but a lot of people fail to take this basic step. While unlikely to make an employer totally reverse an opinion about you, when done well, thank-you notes can help you stand out from a crowd of applicants. Consider that a lot of employers interview numerous candidates, many of whom gave similar answers to a series of basic questions. If you want hiring managers to remember you favorably, write a knockout thank-you note; it may make a difference.
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The Pros and Cons of a Virtual Résumé
Tweet Share on Facebook April 9, 2013 Comment"I thought I was posting a good résumé on normal job board sites," relates Kevin Amarose, "but all I got were lots of pitches from sketchy multilevel marketing companies wanting me to pay them money for a shot at making money."
Amarose was like most people who think that they're doing things right, but due to their inexperience, they aren't really sure what "right" looks like.
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How to Write a Smart and Succinct Resignation Letter
Tweet Share on Facebook April 9, 2013 CommentWhen it comes down to quitting a job, there's a tactful way to do it, and then there's the way that tends to burn bridges. Writing your boss a resignation letter is always appropriate if you want to leave on good terms with him and co-workers.
Keep your letter short and sweet. Even if you harbor resentment toward the company or your supervisor, focus on the positive, and leave the emotion out of it.
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5 Strategies to Find a Job When You're Unemployed
Tweet Share on Facebook April 9, 2013 CommentIn such a competitive job market, it's not uncommon for professionals in any industry and at any pay grade to find themselves out of work. Nonetheless, there is no way around the fact that the lack of steady income and stimulation that accompany unemployment can be incredibly stressful.
However, the worst thing you can do while unemployed is spend your days sulking in a bathrobe, dwelling on how bad the situation is while drowning your sorrows in a bowl of Cocoa Puffs.
To avoid that unfortunate scenario, here are a few strategies to help fight the uphill battle into a new job.
