When looking for employment opportunity, it is important to take a day or two out of the week to make personal appearances. Why is this so important? Because you are able to make contact with the employer/hiring person and show them the person behind the resume. While applying online is valuable, it is very important to dress up, make a personal visit and introduce yourself and your resume to the employer that you would like to work for.
I have heard so many stories of individuals looking for work on the internet but have not got an interview until they actually make a personal appearance. Good luck with your job search!
December 18, 2011
December 1, 2011
Can Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin Really Get You a Job?
Greetings!
I encountered a great article that I thought will be great to share with you. Simply click on link below.
Can Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin Really Get You a Job?
Thank You.
I encountered a great article that I thought will be great to share with you. Simply click on link below.
Can Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin Really Get You a Job?
Thank You.
November 21, 2011
Two great questions...
(1) While in college, should I work or just focus my entire time on studying?
This is an awesome question! Remember that the answer to this question will be based on a steady work load and good performance. My advise is study and work in your desired field. Now days, it is important to have the education and experience to work in the field of your choosing. If you are the entrepreneur type of person, track record and experience is key when building rapport and branding yourself.
A student that is enrolled in a Bachelors of Psychology program and aspire to be a School Psychologist, will be recommended to work or volunteer in a school or children center where they are able to gain experience working with children. This opportunity will also allow the student to have contact with the School Psychologist and ask if there are volunteering opportunities with him/her.
(2) I do not know where to look or how to start. Where should I seek advise?
The best and most valuable response I can give is the following: Visit you college Career Counseling / Career Advising Department. This department will help you construct a resume, provide leads on how to and where to look for employment, internship or volunteer opportunities, and advise you along the way until graduation. This is one of the most important departments I suggest you should build a positive relationship with, visit regularly and take advantage of all the resources they provide. The Career Counseling / Career Advising Department also provides interview practice sessions, personal development workshops and may even host career fairs.
This is an awesome question! Remember that the answer to this question will be based on a steady work load and good performance. My advise is study and work in your desired field. Now days, it is important to have the education and experience to work in the field of your choosing. If you are the entrepreneur type of person, track record and experience is key when building rapport and branding yourself.
A student that is enrolled in a Bachelors of Psychology program and aspire to be a School Psychologist, will be recommended to work or volunteer in a school or children center where they are able to gain experience working with children. This opportunity will also allow the student to have contact with the School Psychologist and ask if there are volunteering opportunities with him/her.
(2) I do not know where to look or how to start. Where should I seek advise?
The best and most valuable response I can give is the following: Visit you college Career Counseling / Career Advising Department. This department will help you construct a resume, provide leads on how to and where to look for employment, internship or volunteer opportunities, and advise you along the way until graduation. This is one of the most important departments I suggest you should build a positive relationship with, visit regularly and take advantage of all the resources they provide. The Career Counseling / Career Advising Department also provides interview practice sessions, personal development workshops and may even host career fairs.
November 15, 2011
Información mas importante que debe incluir en su resume
Después de tantos consejos de empleo, decidí hacer una completamente en español para miembros de la comunidad latina que leen este blog. De antemano les quiero dar las gracias.
El tema de hoy que me gustaría hablarles es acerca de que es la información más importante que debe tener en su resume u hoja de vida. Muchas veces he visto que la información más importante que debería estar arriba, es puesta de último o como parte de la descripción de una posición que sostenía. Recuerde que sus habilidades y cualidades es importante ponerlas en una posición donde el empleador pueda ver con facilidad ya que en muchos casos solo le dedican no más de 1 minuto.
Si es cierto que el resume u hoja de vida debe tener su nombre, número de teléfono, correo electrónico, experiencias, educación, etc. Pero es muy importante que incluya "fully bilingual in English and Spanish". Es importante poner esta información en alguna de las partes posteriores de su resume. Si es posible, incluya una parte que lee "skills" donde el punto inicial es "fully bilingual in English and Spanish".
Al seguir este simple consejo, subirá sus probabilidades de conseguir empleo.
El tema de hoy que me gustaría hablarles es acerca de que es la información más importante que debe tener en su resume u hoja de vida. Muchas veces he visto que la información más importante que debería estar arriba, es puesta de último o como parte de la descripción de una posición que sostenía. Recuerde que sus habilidades y cualidades es importante ponerlas en una posición donde el empleador pueda ver con facilidad ya que en muchos casos solo le dedican no más de 1 minuto.
Si es cierto que el resume u hoja de vida debe tener su nombre, número de teléfono, correo electrónico, experiencias, educación, etc. Pero es muy importante que incluya "fully bilingual in English and Spanish". Es importante poner esta información en alguna de las partes posteriores de su resume. Si es posible, incluya una parte que lee "skills" donde el punto inicial es "fully bilingual in English and Spanish".
Al seguir este simple consejo, subirá sus probabilidades de conseguir empleo.
November 1, 2011
Dress for Success
You have been looking for a job for now three months and have finally landed a job interview. The big question is what should you wear?
Before answering this question, I would like to tell a short story. I once walked into a wireless store to get my cell phone serviced. When I looked around, I noticed that all the men were dress in a nice shirt and slacks and the women in a nice dress or blouse and skirt. Although everybody looked really professional and put together, I could not help notice that one individual was dressed in a nice brown suite with a yellow shirt, brown lined tie and shiny black shoes. When I saw him the first thought I had was "Oh he must be the manager" so I walked over to him to talk about the issue I was having with my phone. After about 5-10 minutes into the conversation, I noticed his name badge said sales associate. At this point, I found myself complimenting him on his professional attire. I even mentioned confusing him with the manager. He then laughed and said it happens all the time and explained why he dressed up so well every day. He said
A few suggestions on what to wear:
Women (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):
• Solid color blouse
• Pants or skirt suit.
• Pantyhose – although I prefer shear, solid is acceptable. This should be solid (with no pattern or lines), in colors black, dark grey or flesh toned.
• Conservative hair style.
• Makeup rule is less is best. Light foundation, powder, eye liner, lip gloss.
• Nails should be clean, groomed and polished (clear or French nails in recommended)
• Like makeup, jewelry rule is less is best. A simple earring (not long, big or super shinny). Personally I prefer no necklace. But if have to you can use a simple necklace.
• Clean, pump shoes that matches the suit.
• Go light on the perfume.
Men (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):
• Solid color shirt
• Two piece suit. If the dress code is not as dressed up, you wear slacks and a blazer.
• Clean, polished shoes
• Clean cut hair
• No jewelry
• Silk tie
• Make sure all facial hair is groomed and trimmed
• Go light on the cologne
These are just some suggestions. Remember after researching the organizations and knowing what their dress code is, then you will be able to know how you will dress to impress.
Good luck on your next interview!
Before answering this question, I would like to tell a short story. I once walked into a wireless store to get my cell phone serviced. When I looked around, I noticed that all the men were dress in a nice shirt and slacks and the women in a nice dress or blouse and skirt. Although everybody looked really professional and put together, I could not help notice that one individual was dressed in a nice brown suite with a yellow shirt, brown lined tie and shiny black shoes. When I saw him the first thought I had was "Oh he must be the manager" so I walked over to him to talk about the issue I was having with my phone. After about 5-10 minutes into the conversation, I noticed his name badge said sales associate. At this point, I found myself complimenting him on his professional attire. I even mentioned confusing him with the manager. He then laughed and said it happens all the time and explained why he dressed up so well every day. He said
"Every day is an opportunity to put your best foot forward. Why should I not do my best to form a great first impression? I love that when people see me they think I am the manager. That actually is my motivation to dress for success everyday."Remember when I said in a previous post that it only takes 10 seconds for a first impression to be made? Well I can tie that concept together with dressing for success. When getting call for an interview, the tip is to always dress conservatively and know what the attire of the organization is. This means that it is very important to visit the organization before the day of the interview to observe how the people are dressed.
A few suggestions on what to wear:
Women (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):
• Solid color blouse
• Pants or skirt suit.
• Pantyhose – although I prefer shear, solid is acceptable. This should be solid (with no pattern or lines), in colors black, dark grey or flesh toned.
• Conservative hair style.
• Makeup rule is less is best. Light foundation, powder, eye liner, lip gloss.
• Nails should be clean, groomed and polished (clear or French nails in recommended)
• Like makeup, jewelry rule is less is best. A simple earring (not long, big or super shinny). Personally I prefer no necklace. But if have to you can use a simple necklace.
• Clean, pump shoes that matches the suit.
• Go light on the perfume.
Men (all conservative colors ei. Black, brown, navy, grey, dark red):
• Solid color shirt
• Two piece suit. If the dress code is not as dressed up, you wear slacks and a blazer.
• Clean, polished shoes
• Clean cut hair
• No jewelry
• Silk tie
• Make sure all facial hair is groomed and trimmed
• Go light on the cologne
These are just some suggestions. Remember after researching the organizations and knowing what their dress code is, then you will be able to know how you will dress to impress.
Good luck on your next interview!
October 20, 2011
Experience, Experience, Experience.
This advice is not only for college bound individuals but for those that are working in a field that is not their field of interest or is making a career change but do not know where to start. When making a decision on where to start your career path it is always best to first do a personal inventory on what field or industry you are interested in working in. Then research that field and see what job titles you can hold (regardless of what point of your career you are at), then start your job search. Why do I say this? Because often times, individuals take jobs for the wrong reasons (to pay bills, because they were desperate to work, they do not want to have job gaps, a friend got them the job therefore they took it, etc.) without thinking that perhaps they will be wasting not only their time but also the time of the employer.
A few things to have in mind before accepting a job:
1. Research the organization and make sure that its values go in tune with yours. I went to a workshop not too long ago and the presenter suggested we write down values (diversity, work/life, friendship, etc.) then research an organization to respect and display those values.
2. After finding organizations that go in tune with your values, look to see what is the chain of command when it comes to positions (if you are a female, it is always good also to see if the higher positions are only held by men) and if this organization is local, nationwide or worldwide. This will help you determine if there is growth in the organization and if you will be able to move around in different areas to obtain greater knowledge.
3. Read through the job description and make sure it is what you see yourself doing for the next 5+ years. If possible read to understand and if there is something you do not understand make a note to ask the interviewer to provide further details.
4. If possible, volunteer for the organization to see if it is a place that you can see yourself at for the next 5+ years. If you have any doubt I suggest you move on to another organization.
5. At the time of the interview, greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake then look around as you walk to the location where the interview will take place. Look around to see if you are comfortable with the environment. One of my tips is to visit the restroom. I believe, often times, a nice restroom means a nice office space.
6. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, this will be your time to conduct a mini interview for them. Always having in mind that the interview is not only for them to know if you are a fit candidate for the position but if they are a fit candidate for you to come every day and employ your time for the next 5+ years. This is also the time to ask about growth and development.
Having the right experience is one of the best ways to move up the ladder. If your desire is to be a Clinical Psychologist or a School Counselor, what good will it make for you to work at a Law firm? It will be best to work at an organization where you are able to work amongst clinical psychologists or school counselors and move up as your knowledge increases.
Just food for thought!
A few things to have in mind before accepting a job:
1. Research the organization and make sure that its values go in tune with yours. I went to a workshop not too long ago and the presenter suggested we write down values (diversity, work/life, friendship, etc.) then research an organization to respect and display those values.
2. After finding organizations that go in tune with your values, look to see what is the chain of command when it comes to positions (if you are a female, it is always good also to see if the higher positions are only held by men) and if this organization is local, nationwide or worldwide. This will help you determine if there is growth in the organization and if you will be able to move around in different areas to obtain greater knowledge.
3. Read through the job description and make sure it is what you see yourself doing for the next 5+ years. If possible read to understand and if there is something you do not understand make a note to ask the interviewer to provide further details.
4. If possible, volunteer for the organization to see if it is a place that you can see yourself at for the next 5+ years. If you have any doubt I suggest you move on to another organization.
5. At the time of the interview, greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake then look around as you walk to the location where the interview will take place. Look around to see if you are comfortable with the environment. One of my tips is to visit the restroom. I believe, often times, a nice restroom means a nice office space.
6. When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, this will be your time to conduct a mini interview for them. Always having in mind that the interview is not only for them to know if you are a fit candidate for the position but if they are a fit candidate for you to come every day and employ your time for the next 5+ years. This is also the time to ask about growth and development.
Having the right experience is one of the best ways to move up the ladder. If your desire is to be a Clinical Psychologist or a School Counselor, what good will it make for you to work at a Law firm? It will be best to work at an organization where you are able to work amongst clinical psychologists or school counselors and move up as your knowledge increases.
Just food for thought!
October 12, 2011
Don’t get discouraged: Never Stop Applying
Whether it’s a college or job, the key to success is to never stop applying.
College: When looking to further your education, it is important to research, gather the necessary documentation requested and apply. Depending on what program you are looking to enroll in, the acceptance process can be very challenging. SAT testing for bachelors program, GRE for masters program, letter of intent, entrance test, high school and/or previous college scores can all be factors that are taken into consideration. Such factors at times are the very reason why an acceptance letter is not sent.
Throughout my years of counseling friends, family and even myself, I have notice that the main key in getting into the program of your dreams is to not get discouraged. Just because one or two colleges did not accept you is not reason to stop or decide to attend a college that does not live up to your standards, keep applying.
Career: In these trying times that we are facing, it is very important to keep this concept in mind. Don’t Get Discouraged: Never Stop Applying (you can even change applying with trying) should be the motto of a person that is actively looking for employment in their desired field.
Attend networking events, career fairs and workshop, update your resume often, join LinkedIn and apply, apply, apply on the internet or in person.
College: When looking to further your education, it is important to research, gather the necessary documentation requested and apply. Depending on what program you are looking to enroll in, the acceptance process can be very challenging. SAT testing for bachelors program, GRE for masters program, letter of intent, entrance test, high school and/or previous college scores can all be factors that are taken into consideration. Such factors at times are the very reason why an acceptance letter is not sent.
Throughout my years of counseling friends, family and even myself, I have notice that the main key in getting into the program of your dreams is to not get discouraged. Just because one or two colleges did not accept you is not reason to stop or decide to attend a college that does not live up to your standards, keep applying.
Career: In these trying times that we are facing, it is very important to keep this concept in mind. Don’t Get Discouraged: Never Stop Applying (you can even change applying with trying) should be the motto of a person that is actively looking for employment in their desired field.
Attend networking events, career fairs and workshop, update your resume often, join LinkedIn and apply, apply, apply on the internet or in person.
September 29, 2011
What to do while seeking employment?
What to do while seeking employment? This is a question I often get. There are a few ways you can use your time wisely and benefit from it. My answer for this question is:
(1) Seek employment. Certainly!
(2) Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to keep your skills actively in use and obtain new ones. Don’t know how to get started? Visit www.volunteermatch.org to get started!
(3) Educate yourself: One of the best things to do while seeking employment is to go back to school. Why not work on that bachelors, masters or doctorate degree you have been dreaming about?
(4) Join a professional organization in your field: This is a wonderful way to keep up with changes in your career field while not being in the workforce. Most professional organizations, have local chapters that meet on a regular basis, hold annual conventions where a large amount of resources are at your disposition and have a job bank where you will be able to search for opportunities in your field.
(1) Seek employment. Certainly!
(2) Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to keep your skills actively in use and obtain new ones. Don’t know how to get started? Visit www.volunteermatch.org to get started!
(3) Educate yourself: One of the best things to do while seeking employment is to go back to school. Why not work on that bachelors, masters or doctorate degree you have been dreaming about?
(4) Join a professional organization in your field: This is a wonderful way to keep up with changes in your career field while not being in the workforce. Most professional organizations, have local chapters that meet on a regular basis, hold annual conventions where a large amount of resources are at your disposition and have a job bank where you will be able to search for opportunities in your field.
September 19, 2011
Interview
One important part of obtaining the job of your dreams is genuinely showcasing yourself at the time of the interview. Often times, interviewees feel that they should portray a character who they feel is who the employer wants. What they have not stop to think about is employers first scan through resume to choose the right fit not only for the position, but for the organization, department, team and clients.
Before the day of the interview, research the organization. Read and comprehend their mission and vision statement and values. Find out what type of services they provide. Are they local, nationwide or worldwide? Who are their target clients (or customers)? Were they featured in any magazine, newspaper or internet article? If possible, know the name of the person you are interviewing with. Know the position you are applying for (job responsibilities and requirements).
A few tips to ace the interview:
- Dress to impress: Remember it takes just 10 seconds to form an opinion about someone. In those ten seconds, not a single word needs to be exchanged.
- Be yourself: Employers bring you in to meet you in person and know who you are.
- Sell yourself: A resume will never show your true skills. At the time of the interview is the perfect time to show your skills and demonstrate why the employer should seek no further candidates because they have the chosen one in front of them.
- Ask questions: An interview is not only for employers to know if you are a good fit. It is actually the time when you ask questions, based on what you researched, to make sure they are a good fit for you as well.
- Smile: Basic rule.
- Be confident and believe in yourself: Confidence is the unsaid skill and requirement that employers like. If you do not display confidence with them, how will you be with their clients?
- Strong hand shake: Whether it is at the beginning or the end of the interview, at the time to shake the interviewer’s hand, exercise a strong handshake. With a handshake alone you can gain a level of respect. I consider this like those 10% attendance points that you get while in college. Those points that you call the easy points.
With these simple tips, I am sure you will obtain the job of your dreams. Good Luck!
Before the day of the interview, research the organization. Read and comprehend their mission and vision statement and values. Find out what type of services they provide. Are they local, nationwide or worldwide? Who are their target clients (or customers)? Were they featured in any magazine, newspaper or internet article? If possible, know the name of the person you are interviewing with. Know the position you are applying for (job responsibilities and requirements).
A few tips to ace the interview:
- Dress to impress: Remember it takes just 10 seconds to form an opinion about someone. In those ten seconds, not a single word needs to be exchanged.
- Be yourself: Employers bring you in to meet you in person and know who you are.
- Sell yourself: A resume will never show your true skills. At the time of the interview is the perfect time to show your skills and demonstrate why the employer should seek no further candidates because they have the chosen one in front of them.
- Ask questions: An interview is not only for employers to know if you are a good fit. It is actually the time when you ask questions, based on what you researched, to make sure they are a good fit for you as well.
- Smile: Basic rule.
- Be confident and believe in yourself: Confidence is the unsaid skill and requirement that employers like. If you do not display confidence with them, how will you be with their clients?
- Strong hand shake: Whether it is at the beginning or the end of the interview, at the time to shake the interviewer’s hand, exercise a strong handshake. With a handshake alone you can gain a level of respect. I consider this like those 10% attendance points that you get while in college. Those points that you call the easy points.
With these simple tips, I am sure you will obtain the job of your dreams. Good Luck!
September 5, 2011
Looking for a job in Higher Education?
When looking for a job in higher education, it is always good to visit the higher education (website or directly) that you are interested in. If you would like to see what is in other regions, that is states and cities, you can visit www.higheredjobs.com. This site allows you to post your resume, search by category, location and/or type. This site will increase your opportunity to be exposed to various colleges and consequently allow you to obtain the job of your dreams.
August 29, 2011
Resume Tips
Before sending in your resume for a posted position, make sure it reflects the necesary skills needed and requested. Often times we send in our resume without carefully reading skills and qualifications. If a job posting is not clear, then research position on sites like www.oneonline.org for example.
That is my resume tip for today.
That is my resume tip for today.
August 25, 2011
Important recommendation
If anything, the best advice I can give you today is the following:
GOOGLE YOURSELF!
Why? Because it will allow you to see what the world thinks and know about you. Google-ing yourself often is a great way to experience up front what image do people have of me? What is their first impression?
You will be surprised! You can be interesting, progressive, a great achiever, socialite, but on the other hand, you can also be un-interesting, un-progressive, inappropriate, un-existent.
When last have you Googled yourself?
GOOGLE YOURSELF!
Why? Because it will allow you to see what the world thinks and know about you. Google-ing yourself often is a great way to experience up front what image do people have of me? What is their first impression?
You will be surprised! You can be interesting, progressive, a great achiever, socialite, but on the other hand, you can also be un-interesting, un-progressive, inappropriate, un-existent.
When last have you Googled yourself?
Do employers really check social networking sites?
I start this blog out with this important question because it impacts everybody across the board. From students in junior high, a senior that is looking to get into their dream college to an adult seeking employment.
If you had the opportunity to know who someone is before meeting them, would you take it? I know whenever a person talks to me about someone I do not know I am curious to Google them to see what I get. This is the same situation with employers. Social networking sites are the perfect arena to know firsthand what a person is about. Facebook for example is like a door into a person’s life. If controlled properly it could be the winning ticket to your dream job.
A few tips to "clean up" your social media page to have it work for you:
1. Do not post any offensive photos of yourself.
2. Do not post inappropriate third party photos.
3. Watch your language. You would not curse at work.
4. Customize your social media site to represent who you really are and what you are looking for. This means for example, if you are seeking employment as a school teacher and have no photos of yourself interacting with children or nothing about your profile says your love and passion is to work with children then there is an in balance.
5. Use proper language and spelling. A lot of slangs, inappropriate language and short hand writing are unacceptable.
6. Disable tagging (facebook). This way you will be able to control what photo is up loaded.
Please at the time of posting a photo or commenting something; ask yourself will this hinder my future success? What if the recruiter for the organization I always dreamed about saw this picture, will he/she pick up the phone to contact me to make an offer?
If you had the opportunity to know who someone is before meeting them, would you take it? I know whenever a person talks to me about someone I do not know I am curious to Google them to see what I get. This is the same situation with employers. Social networking sites are the perfect arena to know firsthand what a person is about. Facebook for example is like a door into a person’s life. If controlled properly it could be the winning ticket to your dream job.
A few tips to "clean up" your social media page to have it work for you:
1. Do not post any offensive photos of yourself.
2. Do not post inappropriate third party photos.
3. Watch your language. You would not curse at work.
4. Customize your social media site to represent who you really are and what you are looking for. This means for example, if you are seeking employment as a school teacher and have no photos of yourself interacting with children or nothing about your profile says your love and passion is to work with children then there is an in balance.
5. Use proper language and spelling. A lot of slangs, inappropriate language and short hand writing are unacceptable.
6. Disable tagging (facebook). This way you will be able to control what photo is up loaded.
Please at the time of posting a photo or commenting something; ask yourself will this hinder my future success? What if the recruiter for the organization I always dreamed about saw this picture, will he/she pick up the phone to contact me to make an offer?
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