Career Advice

Your 2013 job-search guide: April – June

By Susan Ricker,

Your New Year's resolutions may have disappeared before you turned the calendar to February. But if your goals for the year included finding a job, there's still plenty of time to make this resolution happen.
Earlier this year, we created Your 2013 Job-Search Guide, with a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of actions to take in your hunt for employment. Here's an overview of the year's timeline:

Q1 (January -- March): Devote the first few months of the year to getting organized -- organize your thoughts, organize your application materials and organize your contacts.

Q2 (April -- June): A few months in, you should be going full-steam ahead with your job search. Your days should be filled with applying, following up, networking and (hopefully) going to interviews. If you're a college student, get a head start in your professional job search by tapping alumni, using your school's career resources and making initial contact with companies of interest.

Q3 (July -- September): At around the mid-year mark, take a step back to review what's working and what's not in your job search. It's not too late to course-correct to ensure that you reach your goals during the back half of the year.

Q4 (October -- December): During the last few months of the year, take advantage of the season. Network at holiday parties, consider seasonal job opportunities and take the time to thank those who have helped you professionally throughout the year.

If you missed the first quarter of the year, you can quickly catch up. If you're on track, it's time to put your organization and research to good use. Follow these steps to plant seeds in your job search, and by summer you could see several job opportunities crop up.

Q1 catch-up
The year's first quarter focused on getting organized and laying groundwork in your job search.

Put your goals in writing
Conduct an audit on your application materials
Reconnect with contacts made during the holidays

Once you've figured out your career goals, as well as what skills and experience you will need to make them happen, you can take action. Also be aware of employee expectations in your particular industry. Are there training sessions you can sign up for to improve your résumé? If you need more tailored help, reach out to contacts from the holiday season or revisit your connections on professional networking sites.

Q2: Take action
Now that you've organized and updated your job-search materials such as your résumé, contact information for references and any professional networking profiles, it's time to put that hard work to good use.

Set weekly goals to stay on track: To prevent yourself from getting off schedule, set realistic, weekly goals. How much time can you devote to searching for jobs, researching companies and writing cover letters or application materials? How many jobs per week will you apply for?
Capitalize on current hiring trends: Many employers are now hiring contract or temporary workers, and nearly one in four employers plan to transition some contract or temporary staff into permanent employees in the second quarter, according to a recent CareerBuilder survey. This can be a great opportunity to add more work experience to your résumé and potentially find a permanent job. Your education may also improve your odds of being hired: Some of the top-hiring industries are targeting specific bachelor's degrees. Also try using social media in your job search.
Use your updated materials and customize them further: Personal branding is a hot job-search topic and can help set you apart from the competition. The idea is to sync up your work experience, career goals and personality into a neat package to present to employers. Whether you try it or not, do make sure you're customizing your materials you send potential employers. Find ways to tailor your résumé, cover letter and any work samples or other materials to the personality of the company, including specific qualities of the company in your cover letter and why you're interested; also pull keywords from the job description and include them in your materials to make it past applicant tracking systems.
If you're a college student, stay ahead of the competition: Start strong in your career by utilizing all resources available to you. Network with alumni, get advice from a trusted professor or course adviser, attend career fairs and make an appointment at your school's career resources center. Also be sure to avoid these 10 common job-search mistakes recent college graduates often make.

Source: careerbuilder

How are you supposed to answer "What are your weaknesses?"

By Anthony Balderrama,

Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you're tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees. You have to assess abstract qualities that can't be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question to applicant after applicant.

Still, interviewers need to be told something: "What is your biggest weakness?" is not a good question. It just isn't.

Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to distinguish one applicant from another. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. The question is an admirable way to achieve this. However, this question isn't the same as asking, "Name three difficult situations and how you've overcome them." That question asks you to think critically about your performance, talents and problem-solving skills. Asking you to identify your weakest professional trait is like asking, "Why should I choose someone else for this job?"

Yet, it's a staple that you should assume will come up in every interview. Rather than tell the interviewer, "Well, that's a dumb question and I refuse to answer it," you do have a legitimate ways to respond and look better for it. And no, stating that your biggest flaw is being a perfectionist is not an acceptable answer, either.

Honesty, with a twist

"'What are your three strengths and three weaknesses?'... is a classic, but not too many people know how to answer this," says Kenneth C. Wisnefski, founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company specializing in search engine optimization. "As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative, motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these attributes into specific 'personal statements.'

Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.

"I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, 'My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.'"

This answer leads with a strength that employers want -- initiative -- and still acknowledges that you're not perfect. In fact, you can overextend yourself. Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you're being honest. Plus, employers are still requiring workers to "do more with less," so you show that you are prepared to multitask.

Honesty, with progress

When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you had a weakness and then eliminated it entirely will come across is insincere. Debra Davenport, author of "Career Shuffle," believes citing examples are the best approach.

"My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant's image -- and in a manner that doesn't make the candidate come across like they've been coached by a Hollywood PR person," Davenport explains. "Many candidates are on to this question and so have developed fluff answers such as, 'My co-workers have told me that I sometimes take my work too seriously,' or 'I can never seem to leave the office at 5:00 -- I guess I just love my work too much!'"

Employers aren't buying it, she says.

"A better response might be, 'I've had some challenges with work-life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn't good for me, my family or my employer. I've taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I'm also committed to my overall wellness. I eat right, exercise and maintain healthy boundaries for myself.'"

The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you've thought beyond the answer. You've actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven't completely overcome the weakness.

"[It] lets the employer know that this candidate is emotionally mature, self-directed and takes care of himself or herself ... and possesses a high internal locus of control -- a very positive attribute."

Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes

However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of "Creating Job Security Resource Guide," recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk.

"If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meeting their needs for the position you seek."

Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you'll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question.

Source: careerbuilder

Is accepting a counteroffer ever a good idea?

Debra Auerbach,

When an employee resigns, it's common for the employer to counter with another offer in order to persuade the employee to stay. It takes a lot of time and money for a company to find and replace valuable staff, so unless the decision is mutual, the company will want to do what it can to retain the employee. Given today's tough job market, who wouldn't want to be in a situation where two companies want you? Yet the counteroffer can often create more problems than it can solve.

When human-resources professionals and recruiters were asked whether accepting a counteroffer is ever a good idea, most replied with a resounding "no." A few cases were made for taking a counteroffer, but only if done so for the right reasons and in the right way.

"Recognizing all situations are unique and there is no 'one size fits all' answer, the potentially departing employee needs to consider a number of things when faced with this scenario," says Fred R. Cooper, managing partner at Compass HR Consulting.

Why accepting a counteroffer may backfire

You may lose trust. By telling your employer you've either been offered or accepted another position, you're essentially saying you've been unhappy. So even if your company does counter, how can it trust that you won't eventually stray again?

"By resigning, you've severed the bond of trust with your company," says Judi Perkins, career coach and founder of Find the Perfect Job. "It's like catching your partner cheating. There will always be that bit of doubt. You'll eventually leave the company, but next time it will be on their terms, not yours."

Elene Cafasso, president at executive coaching firm Enerpace Inc., agrees, saying, "You could be seen as a 'short timer' and be passed up for promotions, the best projects, etc. Your current employer may just counter [the] offer to keep you around long enough to get your replacement identified and trained."

You can burn bridges. Just as threatening to resign can leave a bad taste in your current employer's mouth, going back on an offer you accepted from another company can sour its view of you as well. Even if your acceptance was oral, it's still viewed as an agreement between you and the company. If you decide to stay put but things don't get better, you've burned a bridge with a company that may have been a better fit.

"If the hiring company has released the other candidates and announced your imminent arrival -- that you then renege on -- you just ruined your reputation with [a] top-rate company in your industry," Perkins says.

Your problem won't necessarily be solved. "If the person accepts the counteroffer and stays with their current employer, there is better than an 85 percent chance that the person will leave the company within six months," says Alan Fluhrer, CEO of recruiting firm Fluhrer & Bridges. "This is due to the fact that the underlying issues have not been resolved."

It shouldn't take a counteroffer to get what you want. It's rarely a good idea to look for a new job for the sole purpose of using it as a bargaining tool with your current company. Not only does that send the wrong message, but it shouldn't take you threatening to leave for your employer to see your value. "What does it say about your current employer if you have to basically blackmail them to get a fair salary, recognition and/or opportunities for advancement? Why would you want to stay?" Cafasso says.

You accepted the original offer for a reason. If you've accepted an offer from another company, you've likely done so after much contemplation and for a variety of reasons. Some may have to do with issues you're having at your current company, while others may be because you see opportunity at the new company. Cooper suggests thinking about the situation like this: "With this new job, I've made 'the cut': I'm the one they want. I've researched the company and its culture and it is someplace I want to be. I want this new opportunity for all the things offered and more -- it provides the financial, emotional, cultural and/or other things missing in my current employment."

When a counteroffer is worth considering

"Obviously each situation is different, but certainly accepting a counteroffer can be very appropriate, if it addresses the 'itch' that caused you to look at alternatives in the first place," says John Millikin, clinical professor of management at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business. "People tend to listen [to executive search calls] when they are unhappy with current assignments, feel blocked on advancement, have issues with their own management, etc. A successful counteroffer needs to address these concerns, as well."

When it comes to burning bridges with the company from which you accepted an offer, Millikin says there is always that chance. "You can, however, mitigate some of that by simply being as transparent [with the hiring company] as possible. If you were candid about why you might leave, it is easier to tell a convincing story about how your current employer truly addressed the concern."

Addressing the issues head-on

While the answer to whether you should accept a counteroffer isn't black and white, perhaps the best approach is to address the issues you're having at your current company before they get so bad they drive you to leave. If you tell your manager and nothing improves, then you'll never wonder whether things would have gotten better. You can move on to your next opportunity without looking back.

Source: careerbuilder

The 8 weirdest work stories of 2012

Plus 3 stories to make you smile.

By Anthony Balderrama,

Source: careerbuilder

Want That Job? 6 Body Language Tips

By Janine Driver,

Reading and understanding body language is critical to your success in a job interview. Nonverbal communication equips you to understand what interviewers are thinking, helping you tweak your body language to get them to like you ... and offer you the job!

1. The wet fish versus the bone crusherThe handshake tells a story about each of us. Do you shake hands softly? Do you come in from the top and deliver a "bone crusher"? Aggressive people have firm handshakes; those with low self-esteem have limp, "wet fish" handshakes.

A great handshake is a three-step process:

· Make sure your hands are clean and adequately manicured.

· Ensure hands are warm but free of perspiration.

· Execute your handshake professionally and politely, with a firm grip and a warm smile.

2. The eyes have itWhat's considered an appropriate amount of eye contact may vary in different countries. In North America, 60 percent eye contact is a safe figure -- one that can give hiring managers a feeling of comfort about you. More eye contact than this and you may seem too intense; any less and you risk appearing uninterested.

Eye-contact tips:

· When you meet the interviewer, look her right in the eyes, then think to yourself, "Wow, so great to finally meet you!" This will make you smile, and she'll pick up on your positive mood. When we look at someone we find interesting, our pupils dilate, a phenomenon the other person instinctively picks up on.

· During a job interview, keep your eye contact in the upside-down triangle area of your interviewer's face: from the left eyebrow, to the nose, back up to the right eyebrow.

Warning: Staring at a person's lips is considered sexual, while looking at their forehead is considered condescending.

3. Get it straightPosture is an important thing to master on an interview: Get your posture straight and your confidence will rise with it. Next time you notice you are feeling a bit down, pay attention to how you are sitting or standing. Chances are you'll be slouched over with your shoulders drooping down and inward. This collapses the chest and inhibits breathing, which can make you feel nervous or uncomfortable.

4. Get a "head" of the gameWhen you want to feel confident and self-assured during an interview, keep your head level, both horizontally and vertically. Also assume this position when your goal is to be taken seriously. Conversely, when you want to be friendly and in the listening, receptive mode, tilt your head just a little to one side or the other.

5. Arms lend a hand, tooArms offer clues as to how open and receptive we are, so keep your arms to the side of your body. This shows you are not scared to take on whatever comes your way.

Quieter people tend to move their arms away from their body less often than outgoing people, who use their arms with big movements. Keep gestures within the frame of your body, or you'll risk being seen as out of control. Avoid the negative action of crossing your arms during the interview.

Here are two common perceptions of hand gestures:

· Palms slightly up and outward: open and friendly

· Palm-down gestures: dominant and possibly aggressive

6. Get a leg up on the competitionOur legs tend to move around a lot more than normal when we are nervous, stressed or being deceptive. As a result, try to keep them as still as possible during the interview. You should not cross your legs during a job interview, as it creates a barrier between you and the interviewer and may lead to fidgeting. When you cross your ankle at the knee, this is known as the "figure four," and is generally perceived as the most defensive leg cross.

Source: careerbuilder

5 Factors to Consider Before Relocating

By Selena Dehne,

In an ideal job market, you would find the job of your dreams right under your nose. You'd have a hefty paycheck, great benefits, flexibility and you'd wake up every day loving the work you do.

The reality is you'll probably spend several weeks -- even months -- scouring the Internet and chasing job leads just to find a few openings worth pursuing. Even after all of your efforts, the jobs you find may fall short of meeting all of the criteria to be the right opportunity for you.

People in such situations may never come across their dream job because they've limited themselves in the job market. They've narrowed their search to local job openings and have no idea that their dream job is actually in another city or state.

Many people, however, would be willing to pursue those opportunities if they were aware of them. According to a study from CareerBuilder.com and Apartments.com, conducted by Harris Interactive, 59 percent of employees say they'd be willing to relocate to another city for a new job and 44 percent say they'd be willing to relocate to another state, province or region for a new job.

"Depending on your career goals and where you live now, your best chance of finding work and achieving a rewarding career may be in another city or town," says Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, co-authors of "Today's Hot Job Targets."

They warn, however, that relocating for a job isn't the best option for everyone. In their book, they encourage people to consider the following five factors before making the decision to relocate.

Continued growth

There are no guarantees in today's ever-changing job market. An occupation may experience booming growth one year and then come to a stand-still or decline a few years later. For example, jobs in the finance, insurance and human service clusters are now expected to grow significantly faster than previously expected, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, job projections are less optimistic than they were two years ago for occupations in the manufacturing, retail and wholesale sales, and service clusters.

To help determine whether relocating is worth the effort, Farr and Shatkin suggest researching a particular occupation and its field or industry first. They say, "Before moving to another area, investigate whether local economic trends are expected to remain favorable. You may be able to find projections of job openings at the Web site of the state department of labor or office of employment security."

Opportunities in your field

Many occupations flourish in some locations, but are rarely offered in others. For example, job seekers interested in the public relations field would have much more luck landing a job in densely populated areas like New York City than in areas populated by only a few thousand people.

Farr and Shatkin recommend visiting www.acinet.org to compare job opportunities in various cities. This resource shows people the state-specific economic trends for each occupation, followed by links that let them compare wages in different regions of the state; compare wages across states; or compare employment trends across states.

Networking

Having an intricate network of contacts is one of the biggest advantages people can have in their job search and careers. These contacts are excellent sources of job search advice, job leads and referrals. In most cases, a person's network is usually made up of contacts living in the same area. Although a change in location doesn't mean the contacts are no longer useful, it does mean the person relocating will need to work hard to develop new contacts that can support them in their new location.

Farr and Shatkin suggest, "Investigate whether your targeted area offers opportunities for you to network quickly. Perhaps there are local branches of social, religious or hobby-centered organizations to which you now belong or where you would fit in readily."

Your résumé

Farr and Shatkin also warn that a person's résumé may not be as impressive in one location as in another. "Employers in many regions may not be as familiar with your previous employers or the school or college you attended."

They recommend that job seekers contact the job placement office of their school or college to find out whether or not other people have found employment in their target area. This strategy isn't as necessary for job seekers from schools with a national reputation or seeking jobs where on-the-job training is all that's required.

Culture shock

Before moving to a new location, people should be aware that there's a good chance the culture will be different than where they currently live and work. It's important for people to visit their target area before actually moving there to see if they feel comfortable there.

Farr and Shatkin remind job seekers that, "Given these concerns, the ideal strategy for relocating is to get hired for a job in the new location before you move -- but this can be very difficult to do. A compromise strategy would be to set up temporary, bare-bones living quarters in the new location, find employment there and then settle into your new location."

Source: careerbuilder

Are you a good fit for a small company?

If you're job hunting, one way to potentially increase your chances of success is to look for a position with a small business. Many applicants focus their efforts on large companies, because they either are attracted to the idea of working for a household name or believe these companies have more openings. Yet pursuing employment opportunities with smaller companies can be a wise move.

Before you begin sending your résumé to every small employer with an opening, however, make sure you'd be a good fit for the company. Small businesses often have very defined corporate cultures, and working at a mom-and-pop shop can be different than working at a larger company.

The ideal candidates for roles with small businesses often have these traits.

An entrepreneurial mindset. By definition, small and midsize companies have fewer people to tackle projects, oversee initiatives and move things forward. As a result, employees need to be self-starters who can work on their own and think creatively about business solutions.

The ability to collaborate. It's hard to get any job if you aren't a team player, but in a small business, your ability to work and get along with colleagues is absolutely essential. The most effective employees can advance their ideas, but not at the expense of working relationships.

In addition, you should possess excellent listening skills and an upbeat personality. When you're working with the same tight-knit group every day, a negative attitude can easily affect the entire team.

A willingness to do it all. If you're a veteran of a large employer, you're probably accustomed to having someone in IT address your computer issues and asking the department's administrative assistant to order more office supplies. At a small company, however, you may not be able to call upon these same resources. Are you comfortable attending to all tasks, both large and small? And are you willing to help others who need a hand?

A focus on customer service. Every client counts for a small business. You'll need strong interpersonal skills to provide great service and ensure customer satisfaction. A small company may not be a place in which you'd thrive if you get annoyed by the small or "irrational" demands of clients.

A passion for the job. Small employers seek employees who don't merely punch the clock. They want people who show a true interest in and commitment to the bigger picture and understand the correlation between individual effort and the company's overall success.

Working for a small business offers many rewards, including autonomy, the opportunity to make large contributions, a chance to assume significant responsibility and often a family-type atmosphere that may be hard to find elsewhere. If you possess the right skills and mindset, working for a small business could be an excellent career move.

Source: careerbuilder

Hundreds of Applications and Still No Job?

By Anthony Balderrama,

Here's how every job seeker secretly hopes his or her search will go:

8:00 a.m. You see an ad for the job of your dreams: close to home, makes use of your skills, offers the right pay.

8:05 a.m. You apply for the job.

8:07 a.m. The hiring manager, out of breath, calls you. "We must have you. The CEO said to pay whatever you ask for -- we need you on our team ASAP!"

8:10 a.m. After you give your demands (a high salary and access to the company jet), you're faxed the job offer.

8:15 a.m. You head out the door to your first day of work.

In reality, the process takes a few weeks or months longer, and you probably won't get every single perk you want. Along the way, you don't hear back from the companies you think are perfect matches for you, and it takes weeks to get an interview after sending in your application.

You probably spend a few days (at least) wringing your hands over whether or not you'll ever find a job. No matter who you are and what industry you're in, anxiety is just part of the process. But everyone has a different breaking point, and after so many résumés, you're bound to start asking, "I've sent out hundreds of applications -- why isn't anyone hiring me?"

Here's a checklist for you to review so you can either put your mind at ease ("It's not me; it's them") or revamp your searching technique ("Well, it might be me"). Maybe the factors slowing down your job hunt are not under your control. But it doesn't hurt to double-check.

1. LocationBefore you start blaming yourself for not getting any leads, take a look at your surrounding area. Not all cities have the same job market. A dearth of construction jobs in a northeastern suburb might be the polar opposite of the situation in a southwestern boomtown. Whether or not you want to or can relocate for your job is a personal matter, but you should consider the unemployment rate of your region when assessing how your hunt is going.

2. Which jobsWhen you look at how many applications you've sent out and how many you've heard back from, you might want to divide the list into two columns: jobs you expected to get and jobs you applied for on a whim.

Many job seekers decide to send out applications for jobs they know they're not qualified for, whether they just want a paycheck or they think it would be fun to try a completely unrelated field -- even though they know the odds of getting a call are slim. These Hail Mary passes are perfectly acceptable, but don't consider their failures to be, well, failures. The jobs that align with your experience, education and skills are the ones that should be the gauge of your success.

3. The résuméHere's where a lot of things go wrong. That one piece of paper, digital or hard copy, causes a lot of problems. Here's a quick rundown of what you should check:

· Is your contact information (including your name) listed so the employer can call or e-mail you?

· Did you target the content to the job posting? Use the same phrasing, list experience that correlates to the requirements and give specific examples of achievements that will intrigue the employer.

· Did you attach the résumé as a document in an e-mail? For security reasons, many employers won't open attachments, so your résumé might go unread. In addition to the attachment, paste it in the body of the e-mail to be safe.

· Was there a cover letter attached to it? No cover letter can mean no consideration for some hiring managers.

4. The interviewIf you've been called in for interviews already, then you're doing something right. Not getting a job after interviewing doesn't mean you blew it -- it means you made the shortlist, but someone else might have been a better fit. But it never hurts to review your performance.

An interview is often a chance for the employer to see if you fit into the company culture. Are you too rigid for a casual environment? Are your verbal communication skills good enough for your position? Hiring managers also use this opportunity to learn about you in a way they can't through a résumé. They want you to elaborate on your experience and answer any questions they still have.

To make a good impression, preparation is key. You don't want to sound rehearsed, but practicing your answers to questions, your handshake, how you'll sit in the chair and anything else you're likely to encounter will help you. If you can avoid being the deer in the headlights, you'll be able to focus on the quality of your answers.

5. AppearanceNot to be superficial, but presentation means a lot. From the layout of your résumé to the wrinkles in your interview attire, your professionalism is being judged. How are you presenting yourself to employers?

Don't start your cover letter with, "Hey!" and don't end it with a smiley-face emoticon. Your résumé shouldn't be full of ClipArt butterflies and smiley faces. And you should leave some white space between sections so that the entire page isn't a single paragraph of text. The hiring manager needs to see a job candidate who takes the job seriously, even before you're called in for an interview.

During an interview, you should dress appropriately. That doesn't mean trying too hard -- say, a tuxedo for an administrative assistant's job -- but it does mean dress for the environment and look like you spent time preparing. If you're told the environment is business casual, then you don't need a suit, but you still need to iron your pants.

Source: careerbuilder

What Not to Wear to an Interview

Top 20 Wardrobe Malfunctions

What is the worst outfit ever worn to a job interview? For a career services director at the University of Chicago, it was the applicant who sported a Madras tie as a belt and a patterned cotton hat. Other contenders, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey of hiring managers, include candidates with dirty fingernails, micro-miniskirts, t-shirts with offensive slogans and even bare feet!

No one needs 'Queer Eye's' Carson Kressley to tell them that wearing shoes to an interview is a good idea, but could you be guilty of one of these top 20 fashion faux pas?

1. Carrying a backpack or fannypack instead of a briefcase or portfolio: Some image consultants suggest women ditch their purse, too!

2. Sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck: Be sure to remove all your "transit gear" and tuck it in your briefcase before entering the lobby.

3. Too-short skirts: Forget what some of those gals on 'The Apprentice' are wearing. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.

4. The wrong tie: Ties should be made of silk, no less than three and a quarter inches wide with a conservative pattern. Image consultants say the best colors are red or burgundy.

5. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing: With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising or computer programming, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray.

6. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man)

7. Earrings on men: In fact, men should avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or metal watch.

8. More than one set of earrings on women

9. Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos

10. Ill-fitting clothes. Few people can wear things straight off the rack. Spending a little extra to have your garments tailored is a worthwhile investment.

11. Long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. Nails should look clean and be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer wondering how you keep from stabbing yourself.

12. Unnatural hair colors or styles. Remember, Donald Trump was a billionaire well before he began wearing a comb-over. If you're balding, try a close-cropped cut like Bruce Willis or Matt Lauer.

13. Short-sleeved shirts, even worse when worn with a tie

14. Fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). Women should stick with neutral color hosiery that complements their suit.

15. Men whose socks don't match their shoes, or whose socks are too short and leave a gap of flesh when they are seated

16. Rumpled or stained clothing: If interviewing late in the day, try to change to a fresh suit beforehand.

17. Scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals

18. Strong aftershaves, perfumes or colognes: Many people are allergic to certain scents. For a subtle fragrance, use a good quality bath soap.

19. Belts and shoes that don't match: Shoes and belts should be made of leather or leather-like materials and the best colors for men are black or cordovan.

20. Telltale signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed!

Don't be a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. Plan and lay out what you're going to wear several days before the interview, so you'll have time to shop or get garments pressed and cleaned.

Save "innovative" or revealing garb for the club (or your couch) and strive for crisp, clean and professional. Remember, you want the interviewer to be listening to what you're saying, not critiquing what you're wearing.

Source: careerbuilder

Mishandling Salary Negotiations

By Kate Lorenz,

Many people think that once they have landed and aced an interview, all of their work is done. But, sometimes deciding whether or not to accept a job offer can be just as stressful and time-consuming as getting to that point in the first place. One point of contention is salary negotiation. This process can be overwhelming, particularly for job seekers without a great deal of experience. Negotiating a fair and practical salary is a critical step in the job search process, and one that can be navigated smoothly if you know what to do -- and what not to do. Beware of common mistakes.

Not doing your homework.
Before you go to an interview, you need to determine your desired salary range. It is impossible to do so if you do not know your industry. Research typical salaries for someone with similar experience in your industry. There are a wide variety of resources available that can help you determine median salaries and ranges for your position and years of experience. Without doing this, you will be virtually unarmed to present a case for the salary you request.

Neglecting to think carefully about your needs.
Just as researching your industry is important, it's also vital that you do a bit of self reflection. If you never stop to think about what income you need, you may end up taking an offer that leaves you pinching pennies. Before interviewing, ask yourself some important questions. How much do you need to pay your basic expenses, such as rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, and car payment? What kind of salary do you need to live a comfortable life that allows you to enjoy yourself? What is the lowest salary you will consider? How much do you need to be able to save for the future?

Laying all of your cards on the table.
Negotiating a salary is like playing a card game. You need to gauge the other person's intentions without giving away all of your secrets. While job applications and interviewers may ask you to name a salary requirement, always avoid providing a number. However, many prospective employees feel pressured into doing so in an interview. That's why you need to be prepared to answer the question: "What kind of salary are you looking for?" Try to use answers such as "I'm sure that if I do receive an offer, it will be fair and reasonable," or "I will consider any reasonable offer." If pressed for a number, give a range rather than a specific. The bottom of your range should be the minimum you must make, with the top being a bit higher than your ideal.

Forgetting about other benefits.
When you receive a job offer, it is important to consider the offer in its entirety. This means paying attention to the company's medical and dental plan, vacation package, retirement benefits, and other perks. If the company cannot meet your salary requirements, it may be able to make it up to you in other ways, such as stock options or additional vacation time.

Believing that you don't have the right to ask for more.
A company is not going to offer you the highest salary they'd be willing to pay right off the bat, and most companies expect candidates to come back with a counter offer. If you have done your research and have supporting information to back up your salary wishes, don't be afraid to let the company know that you would like something higher. However, don't make the mistake of playing hardball, thinking you are irreplaceable, or being unwilling to negotiate. If you receive a low offer, thank the company for the offer, let them know that you are excited about the position, and politely and respectfully request a higher salary. The worst the company can say is no, and you never know what will happen until you ask.

The bottom line is that salary negotiations, like anything else, need to be done respectfully and kept in perspective. But if you do your research, set your boundaries, and always know how to handle the tough questions, chances are you will end up with an offer that works for you and the company.

Source: careerbuilder

Bad Habits Can Be Good for Your Career

De-stressing After Work

Everyone has a bad habit or two (or six). Bad habits don't necessarily have to work against you. After a long day at the office, keeping all of your emotions in check and your work in focus, you could use a little de-stressing to wind down. Here are some bad habits that could actually work to your advantage if you work 'em the right way:

Playing Video Games
If you regularly settle down to devote hours of your free time to Halo, or you nestle into your wheelie chair on your daily lunch break to conquer a round of Minesweeper, you're probably a gamer -- or you're really good at hiding it. The truth is, a little time in fantasy land could be just what you needed. Dr. Kathleen Hall, founder of the Stress Institute and author of "A Life in Balance: Nourishing the Four Roots of True Happiness" recommends 10 to 15 minutes of online computer play to refresh and get you ready to work. Even video games can have a positive effect if you keep your play time to a minimum. Current studies show that certain games and game time can actually help kids concentrate.

Dressing Your Worst
There's the right way to dress for work and the wrong way, but when you're no longer there, you can wear whatever you want. Unless you've hit celebrity status and are under the constant eye of the paparazzi, ditching your work duds and slipping into something a little more comfortable can help create a whole new attitude to fit with your changed environment. It's similar to the effects feng shui can have on your office or your room. Feeling good in what you're wearing gears you up for what's next -- whether it's mowing the lawn, doing the laundry or taking a much-needed break.

Watching TV
Whether it is "Seinfeld" reruns, reality TV or ESPN filling your tube time, there's a solution: Keep it under an hour and everyone wins. Dr. Gary Solomon has not only studied the therapeutic effects of movies and TV shows, but he's even trademarked the term "cinematherapy." Solomon says that flawed characters in these shows enable you to dig a little deeper and see that not everyone's perfect. To give yourself a motivational kick, Solomon suggests viewing a movie along the lines of "North Country" or "Working Girl."

Swear It All Out
If you desperately need to let it all out without censoring yourself, take your day-at-work reviews to the most reliable confidant you have -- yourself. Keeping a journal or sketch book gives you the chance to say everything on your mind without the same consequences you may have telling a real person. If you've got your mind in the gutter, a mouth like a sailor or fear your book could get discovered, you may want to take your musings to an online journal. It eliminates the worries of where you left it and who could find it, with your own password to access it whenever you choose. Just remember to select the "private entry" mode when you write something you're not ready to share.

Gambling
You've whipped out the bills in your wallet so many times that you have actually gotten paper-cuts. Or maybe your dream vacation is a trip to Las Vegas with access to place "just one more bet" over and over again. Well, unless you have the funds to back that kind of desire without watching your life savings dwindle, you could be in trouble. Instead, take the money-losing part out and counter it with online gaming. A non-backed bet on the computer could even provide you with practice to learn more about it before you place your bets. If that's not your scene, try a friendly weekly game of poker with friends who live as frugally as you do. You could multitask by making your time with friends fun, educational and maybe even profitable.

Rocking Out Your Air Guitar
The song starts and you're center stage, guitar in hand, rocking out and singing every song like you own it. Only you don't really own it. In fact, center stage is actually your living room and the only instrument you have is the hairbrush you use as your microphone when you're not belting out your hair metal solos. Well, all the energy you pour into your private shows not only helps you memorize every note, it also releases endorphins, entertains and could even help you win some money. And if you practice enough, you could find yourself in the U.S. Air Guitar contest and be in the running to be an international air-superstar.

Source: careerbuilder

Get the Most From Your Downtime

By Jeff Schmitt

Woody Allen once said, "80 percent of success is showing up." On the other hand, that other 20 percent can make or break your career.

This is particularly true during downtimes. All year, we battle to create time. But what happens when our workloads dwindle? Too often, we use that time to surf, grab long lunches or gab with our peers.

There's nothing wrong with slowing the pace at times, but downtime is more than looking busy and slipping out early. It is a time to reflect, plan and position yourself to get ahead. To get the most from the slow times, consider the following:

ImagineAs children, we were warned about daydreaming. Our elders feared we'd miss something. In reality, the dreamers are the ones who create lasting change and set themselves apart.

Become that dreamer. Look at your day-to-day routine. What takes up your time, produces bottlenecks and redundancies, and stymies your morale, objectives and growth? Too often, we simply accept the status quo. It saves us from questioning our assumptions and effectiveness. Challenge this and rewrite the rules. Use your downtime to evaluate, test and implement solutions.

Don't forget the big picture. Think about emerging social and management trends (and the undercurrents driving them). How can you apply them to your operations, product development and branding? Focus on areas that can make your organization measurably more efficient and competitive.

Bottom line: Downtime is your chance to leave a mark -- and make a name for yourself. Take advantage of it.

Grow professionallyIn business, you adapt or starve. Your career is no different. Look at downtime as a chance to invest in yourself.

For example, enroll in your company's training programs, whether they're live, online or in audio sessions. Identify books or magazines that will deepen your perspective, creativity and motivation. Attend a course or seminar to stay current with industry developments and best practices. Capitalize on any little edge.

Similarly, visualize where you ultimately want to go in your career. Take an inventory of your skills and experience; identify where you fall short. From there, look for ways to fill the gaps. Shadow a peer holding the position you covet. Cultivate a mentor to keep you on track. Keep your résumé up-to-date -- you never know when opportunity will knock. There's a big difference between activity and productivity. Put a plan in place.

OrganizeClutter kills. Look at your electronic and paper filing systems. Is everything logical and easily accessible? Even more, think about your expected workload. You will always juggle various priorities. However, are there any steps or projects where you can get ahead? Such diligence will only save precious time, energy and focus later.

Participate in team buildingYou spend eight or more hours with your peers every day. That doesn't mean you truly know, trust or respect each other. Maybe you need something extra to pull you together. Consider taking a few days for team building activities, such as scavenger hunts or Outward Bound challenges. Use this time to foster those relationships and informal networks you'll need during the hectic times.

Complete long-term projectsWe all have a pet project that we tinker with sometimes. Why not use your downtime to finish it? Collect all your thoughts. Align your effort with larger organizational goals. Develop a step-by-step plan, replete with deliverables, benchmarks and deadlines. Afterwards, don't forget to publicize how your effort increased revenue, efficiency or customer satisfaction.

Similarly, seek out opportunities to market yourself internally. Conduct a presentation to raise your profile. Propose initiatives requiring collaboration with other departments to help you network (and pad your résumé). Most important, recognize those areas where your employer has a knowledge or skills gap. Commit yourself to filling it. It can only enhance your job security later.

Say 'thank you'Whether you work in the corner office or on the front line, gratitude is becoming a lost art. Too often, we are just too busy to give a heartfelt "thank you." Downtime allows us to do just that. Send a handwritten note to your customers or stakeholders expressing your appreciation. Make follow-up calls -- not sales calls -- to gauge the relationship and patch up any problems.

RelaxYou have been worn down by shifting priorities and strange hours. Take a break ... you've earned it. Recharge by taking a long weekend, exercising or just vegging out. Gather your strength and refresh your attitude. Downtime only lasts so long. Make the most of it.

Source: careerbuilder

An interview with a recruiter

Debra Auerbach,

In today's competitive job market, many job seekers would welcome additional job-search assistance. While some job seekers know exactly what they want to do or where they want to work, others need some direction. Recruiters can be a great resource, yet some job seekers aren't aware of who they are, what recruiters do and how best to work with them.

The following Q&A with DeLynn Senna, executive director, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, provides insight into the advantages of working with a recruiter.

Q: What does a recruiter at a staffing agency do?
Senna: First and foremost, recruiters help people find jobs. Staffing professionals identify matches for candidates with client companies, looking for a fit from both a skills and a corporate culture perspective. Because they have a thorough understanding of what their clients look for in applicants, recruiters make the job search quicker and more efficient. Through their networks, recruiters also are able to target specific companies where candidates would like to work. The services recruiters provide don't end there, however. For instance, they help candidates hone their résumés, prepare for interviews and manage salary negotiations.

Q: Why would a job seeker use one?
Senna: Recruiters can be candidates' eyes, ears and advocates in the job market. They often know of opportunities yet to be advertised and help professionals throughout the job-search process as an adviser, coach and confidant.

Meeting with a potential employer can be a daunting prospect for many people, but recruiters can help job seekers quickly build rapport with hiring managers. Recruiting professionals provide advice on interviewing with each contact, including questions to ask and not ask. In addition, recruiters have insight into current salary trends, what a company is likely to pay and how to navigate compensation negotiations.

Q: Does this usually cost the job seeker anything?
Senna: A reputable staffing firm will never charge a job seeker a fee.

Q: How should a job seeker prepare before enlisting the help of a recruiter?
Senna: Once you're ready to work with a recruiter, make sure your résumé and online profiles are current and they project the image you want people to have of you. Hone your elevator pitch about the type of position you want and why you are a good fit for it, and line up your references.

Q: What does the process of using a recruiter generally look like? How do they work with each other throughout the process?
Senna: The job seeker-recruiter partnership can begin a couple ways. In some instances, a recruiter, through her network, may reach out to a professional to discuss career opportunities. Other times, job seekers will register with the staffing firm. In both scenarios, the next step is for the candidate to discuss his career objective, and the recruiting specialist will then review the person's résumé to see if there is a potential fit with an opportunity at a client company. If there is, the job seeker will be invited for an interview, at which point the recruiter also will conduct a skills assessment and ask for references.

Throughout the process, candidates should keep their recruiter apprised of their search. For example, if you think you'd like to work at a specific organization, tell your recruiter, who may have a contact there and be able to secure an interview for you. Also keep in mind that this is a partnership. Stay in touch, letting your recruiter know what's working and what's not, and be open to her doing the same.

Q: How does a job seeker find a recruiter?
Senna: To find the recruiter that is right for you, research the staffing firms in your area, just as you would any employer. Review local business publications and websites, and tap your network for their recommendations. When evaluating your options, look for a firm that specializes in your field and has a history of success.

Q: What myths would you like to dispel about recruiters?
Senna: A recruiter is your job-search partner. This is not a simple transactional business relationship. Recruiters want to help you find a great job and can be a valuable resource throughout your career.

Source: careerbuilder

Mistakes Preventing You From Securing Employment Interviews

No matter how strong your skills or experience are, you won't land a new job without first securing an interview with a prospective employer. Job seekers often consider this step of the hiring process the most difficult -- and perplexing. After all, how many times have you considered your qualifications ideal for an open position only to never hear from the hiring manager about the résumé and cover letter you submitted?

If you're looking for an edge, make sure you're not falling into these common traps.

You only focus on the Googles of the world.

Companies that continually grab headlines and are highly recognizable can be exciting places to work. But so are many companies you've never heard of. Keep in mind that organizations that are household names often receive thousands of résumés for each opening. Consider exploring opportunities with small and midsize companies. They make up the vast majority of businesses in the United States and sometimes have trouble locating qualified candidates. If Google is your dream employer, don't give up the good fight, but also keep your eyes and ears open to other opportunities.

You don't follow directions.

Each company has a different procedure it asks applicants to follow for submitting employment applications. Some ask that you use a form on their websites while others prefer traditional phone calls or faxes. Make sure you understand what the prospective employer seeks by carefully reading the job listing. Then, follow the directions to the letter. If you don't, your application may never reach the hiring manager.

You need to revamp your résumé.

Sending out the same cover letter and résumé to all companies isn't likely to capture the attention of prospective employers. Hiring managers want to know why you're a good match for their specific business needs. So, take the time to research employers and customize your job search materials by explaining why you're interested in a particular position and how you could make a contribution to the company.

Your cover letter isn't enticing.

Think of your cover letter as an appetizer that convinces the hiring manager your résumé, the main course, is worth sampling. The best cover letters take select details from the résumé and expand upon them, explaining in depth how your talents and experience can benefit the prospective employer.

You don't reference keywords.

Companies that receive a high volume of résumés often scan applications using specialized software that looks for certain keywords to determine which candidates to call for interviews. More often than not, keywords come directly from the job description. Terms such as "Microsoft Office," "accounts payable and receivable" and "Cisco Certified Network Administrator" are examples. As much as possible, ensure your résumé and cover letter contain keywords.

Your application materials aren't perfect.

Submitting an application that contains typos and grammatical goofs is perhaps the quickest way to foil your chances of securing an interview. The reason: These types of mistakes show a lack of professionalism and attention to detail. So, make sure to carefully proofread your résumé prior to submitting it and ask a friend or family member to do the same.

You don't know who to send your résumé to.

Though it's fine to start your cover letter with the generic salutation "To Whom It May Concern," hiring managers pay special attention to applications that are addressed directly to them. If the job advertisement doesn't include the hiring manager's name, call the company and speak to the receptionist or a member of the person's department. More often than not, you can obtain the information fairly easily if you're candid about your reason for wanting it.

You don't have an 'in' with the company.

Using the name of a common contact to make the connection between you and the hiring manager is by far the best way to ensure your cover letter and résumé get optimal attention. So, keep in touch with members of your professional network; you never know who has a contact at the company you hope to work for.

You don't follow up.

One way to improve the odds a hiring manager gives consideration to your résumé is to follow up with him or her. According to a survey by our company, 86 percent of executives said job seekers should contact a hiring manager within two weeks of sending a résumé and cover letter. Often a brief phone call or e-mail reasserting your interest in the position and strong qualifications is enough.

You're not as qualified as you think.

The bottom line may be that you're simply not as perfect for the job as you think. Before submitting your résumé, take a close look at the job description and compare your skills and experience with those required for the position. If a job calls for five years of retail management experience, and you have only two, you might not be as qualified as other applicants. While sometimes it's possible to make up for skills gaps if you excel in other areas, hiring managers frequently have specific criteria in mind, and they use it to determine whom they call for interviews.

By avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your chances of landing a job interview. Often something small -- fixing a typo, for example -- makes all the difference.

Source: careerbuilder