Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | Paid | My Orble | Login

Training and Certifications

May 15th 2009 00:32
Should you use some "down time" to get additional training and certifications?

This varies greatly from job to job, but getting a certification can be a useful way to use your time when you’re not poring through job listings. There are a great number available, and not necessarily through your university or community college. Many certs can be done online or by self study. You’ll notice what certs might be mentioned in the online job listings.

Even non accredited courses from online sources, or your local community college or adult school can give your resume a boost.



43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Reference Letters are Golden

May 13th 2009 22:58
Preparation is important, and it’s a good first step in the job process.
The biggest challenge in the job search is psychological. Some of the steps required are difficult. Getting referrals is one of these.
In my current search, I contacted an employee from a former company to ask for a written referral. This is a guy I had hired as a student ten years ago, and I’m pleased that he’s now a manager. I had to write an email with my request, knowing that his first thought would be “hmm, looks like Mike is unemployed.”
I’ve also called former clients and asked about possible jobs. “ *You* want to work *here* ?” Also not too comfortable. Getting referrals means humbling yourself, and it’s not fun.

Getting referral letters is also one of the most critical parts of your job search.
If possible, you should have one written referral from each past employer. Here’s how I’ve done it:

1. Write an email containing the letter of reference that you’d like to receive. Keep it very factual. The email’s intro should have a phrase like “here’s an example of the letter I think is appropriate, just to get you started. Of course you can cut & paste and edit as you see fit.”

2. Swallow your pride and call them up.

3. While you’re on the phone, tell them that you’ve just sent the email. If they’re hard to contact, you can leave a voicemail to that effect.

4. The “starter letter” will help a lot. They’ll know what you’re expecting, and it’s much easier to edit something than to stare at a blank computer screen.

5. Follow up if they haven’t sent something in two days. They’ll easily forget.

Having made this contact, it will be easier when you’ll want them to give a phone reference after your interview.
References letters are golden at the time of your interviews. This may seem far off, but getting your letters may take some time.
39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Welcome to the New Job Champion!

May 13th 2009 00:11
Hello Job Hunters!
I have recently agreed to take over the JobChampion Blog by its owners.
I agreed to do this right away, as I liked the great posts by Jen, who started the blog.
I’ve also been advised that my earlier posts were a little dry, and written in a “how to” textbook way. This probably reflects the writing I do at work, which is dry (yes, I do have a job).
“Personalize your blog” they said, and so I will.

So … here's a few lines about me. I am looking for a job right now, due to expanding family and expanded health care costs (we’re having a baby in June – a sister for our 7-yr old boy).

I’m in sales – and proud of it. I currently sell to engineers who design electronics. My new job may be in this industry, or it may be in a new industry.

I feel that I’m qualified to talk about job hunting because I do have a lot of experience. I’ve been unemployed four times since 2000. In my management roles I have hired at least 20 people, and have had the unpleasant duty of firing a number of people. I’ve been on both sides of the “layoff conversation” several times. I've worked in several industries and in three different countries.
So, I’m committing to check this blog on most days, and posting every week.

I want this to be a blog where job seekers can come for some amusement and to exchange ideas as we work towards finding the new job in these times.
43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Job Hunt Objective - What's Realistic

May 12th 2009 17:46
One of the hardest things about job hunting in a bad economy is facing the fact that you might have to "settle" for a job that's worse than the one you had.

This is a reality that many of us delay. "Maybe a good job will come up next month"; and another month goes by


[ Click here to read more ]
60
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Job Hunt Plan - Example

April 30th 2009 19:03
The biggest battle for the newly unemployed is psychological. It's painful to be unemployed, and it's common to sink toward depression and pity. The best way to avoid this is to take action.
Before you start browsing through online job listings or calling your previous boss, it's a good time to think about your next job. Maybe it's time to change industries or careers. Maybe a change of location.

[ Click here to read more ]
48
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


First Step to Your New Job - Make a (Brief) Plan

April 29th 2009 23:10
So, you've been advised that you're laid off. You've delivered the news to your spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, and your Mom.
Now you feel lost - like a ping pong ball in a basketball court. There are some jobs out there, right? How do I find them? Who do I talk to? How do I get through?

[ Click here to read more ]
47
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (2)Comments (2) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Laid Off - Now What?

April 29th 2009 18:22
"We regret to inform you that because of the current economic situation your services will be terminated effective immediately. We will contact you directly should this situation change, but we don't expect to rehire in the near future."
Boom.

[ Click here to read more ]
38
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


How to Get That Job!

April 29th 2009 18:10
Welcome to JobHunter.
This guide will give practical steps to get you that new job.
Job hunting is painful, boring, humbling and icky


[ Click here to read more ]
34
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: JobHunter - Category: No Category
   


Finding a Job in This Economy

February 10th 2009 01:40
Finding yourself unemployed in a bad economy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Here are a few recommendations.

1. Do something. A potential employer is going to want to know what you did during the period between jobs. When I’m hiring, I would rather see someone who continues to work even if it’s at Walmart or McDonalds than who sits at home doing nothing. Not only does it show that you have the right work ethic, but it also helps boost your morale since you’re not spending all your time thinking about being unemployed


[ Click here to read more ]
49
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Jen - Category: No Category
   


Unemployment During the Holidays

December 26th 2008 16:03
Being unemployed during the holidays can be extremely difficult especially considering that most employers hold off on hiring until after the new year. However, this doesn’t have to be the end of the world for you. I advise people during these crisis to consider this an opportunity. Not only can you review your past employment history but consider what it is you want in the future.

I realize that beggars can’t be choosers, but when you lose your job – for whatever reason – this is the best time to consider if you are in the right field. It’s never too late for a new career even if it’s on a different track. If you are already unemployed, look at options to go back to school. Why not? Your income is pretty much gone anyway. In fact, if you go to your local unemployment office, you will probably find that the government provides funds to help you with retraining


[ Click here to read more ]
142
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Jen - Category: No Category
   


More Posts
May 2009
4 Posts
April 2009
4 Posts
February 2009
1 Posts
Older Posts
51 Posts dating from June 2008
Email Subscription
Receive e-mail notifications of new posts on this blog:
[ View Blog Summary ] [ Create A New Post ]

JobHunter's Blogs

45 Vote(s)
0 Comment(s)
5 Post(s)
Moderated by JobHunter
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]