Why Your Job Search Is Not All About You

Kaitlin Madden, CareerBuilder writer

We all get calls from telemarketers. Their generic, impersonal sales pitches typically yield responses like:  "Really? Why would I let you spend 10 minutes telling me about your vacuuming services?  I have a vacuum cleaner in the closet." Click.

Chances are you have received this type of call. And chances are you have hung up before you even know what the caller has to offer.

Were the vacuum company to peek in your window for a few hours (creepy -- but go with me here) they'd find out you were a single parent with three kids, two shedding cats and a bad case of seasonal allergies. With this new background information, the call might go something like:

"Hello Ms. Murphy!  Since you're so busy you barely have time to vacuum these days, I'll send my professional cleaning service to your home. In addition to saving you time, our filter-equipped vacuums will get rid of the pet hair on your furniture and decrease the amount of airborne allergens in your home!"  Since the telemarketer just solved three of your most pestering problems, you're probably more inclined to listen to his or her sales pitch.

Vacuum cleaners and allergies aside, applying to a company without targeting your application to its needs is a lot like making a random courtesy call. Employers aren't going to pay attention to you unless they know what you can do for them.

Solve a problem, land a job

"You have a job for one reason: to solve a company's problem," says Debra Benton, author of "Lions Don't Need To Roar" and "The $100,000 Club."  "You do not have a job because you need or want one; that is irrelevant to the marketplace."  That means you need to stop focusing on what your strengths are and start focusing on how your strengths can help the company you'd like to work for, Benton suggests.

Putting it all out there -- strategically

Rich Dukas, president and CEO of Dukas Public Relations, says that targeting your cover letter to address the needs of each company you apply to is the only way to get noticed. "Specificity rules," he says. "I am impressed when a candidate spends the time to learn about our firm and tells me in a cover letter and interview how they would directly contribute to our business. Generic cover letters don't cut it."

Using employer-centric language when applying to a position can also help, Benton advises. "Every part of your communication should be them-oriented instead of you-oriented, from the first word in your cover letter," she says. "Instead of writing, 'Dear Mr. Smith, I'm interested in a job at XYZ ...' your letter should start with 'Dear Mr. Smith, You have an exciting position at XYZ that I'm interested in ...'.  Just making the first word 'you'  versus 'I' is the start of a myriad of ways to be company-oriented."

Tina Chen, director of operations at Carlisle Staffing in Illinois, says today's tough job competition makes it especially necessary to focus your job search on the needs of employers and how you can make their organization a better one.  "Employers are no longer just looking for 'qualified candidates' but rather those who will go above and beyond to justify their seat, so job seekers really need to stay ahead of the curve and lay their best assets on the table," Chen says.

The bottom line:  Employment is a relationship

Although it is important for your communication with a prospective employer to stress how your skills can meet its needs; employment is ultimately a relationship, and you still need to keep your own interests in mind.

"Take a step back, assess the potential employers that you would like to work for, do your homework and decide if there could be a  long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. Look at it as 'job dating.'  In order for the relationship to work, both parties have to bring something to the table," Chen advises.

Kurt Weyerhauser, managing partner at Kensington Stone, an international search firm in California, also compares employment to a long-term relationship. "It's like a marriage of sorts," he says. "Most of us who are married realize that we wouldn't be married if leading up to the wedding it had been all about –'me' or, for that matter, all about my spouse's interests. The key is to understand that while your primary interest is you, it's not your sole interest." 

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Making Your Résumé E-Friendly: 10 Steps From 'The Quick Résumé and Cover Letter Book'

Michael Farr, Career and Job Search Author

It is important to provide a short, clear and concise electronic résumé! Some scanning systems and databases stop reading résumés after a certain number of lines, often after about one and a half pages, so be sure that your most important information appears early in the résumé.

You can easily take your existing résumé and reformat it for electronic submission. Here are some quick guidelines to do so:

1. Open your regular résumé file and select the Save As command on your toolbar, usually located under the file menu. Select Text Only, Plain Text or ASCII as the type.

2. Close the file and then reopen it to make sure you are working from the new text-only version. You'll see that most graphic elements such as lines, images and bullet point symbols have now been eliminated. But if they haven't, go ahead and delete them. You may use equal signs in place of lines or borders and replace bullet points with plus symbols(+), asterisks (*) or hyphens (-).

3. Limit your margins to no more than 65 characters wide.

4. Use an easy-to-scan sans-serif type font, such as Courier, Arial or Helvetica.

5. Eliminate bold, italics and underlining if any remain after saving as text-only.

6. Introduce major sections with words in all uppercase letters, rather than in bold, italics or underlining.

7. Keep all text aligned to the left.

8. Instead of using bullets, use a standard keyboard character, such as an asterisk.

9. Instead of using the Tab key or paragraph indents, use the space key to indent.

10. When done, click Save or OK. Then reopen the file to see how it looks. Make any additional format changes as needed.

Now test your electronic résumé by e-mailing it to a friend who uses a different Internet Service Provider. For example, if you use AOL, send it to a friend on Yahoo! or Hotmail. Also try sending it to someone who works in a large company to see how it transmits via their résumé into the body of the e-mail rather than sending it as an attachment. That way, they will be able to tell you how it looks when it shows up in their e-mail system and whether it is legible. After getting their feedback, make any adjustments necessary to fix it.

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Simple Steps to Shape Up Your Résumé

Robert Half International

Writing a résumé is a lot like hitting the gym: It requires initiative, energy and dedication, and, at times, it can be daunting. In the long run, however, the hard work pays off and allows you to put your best foot forward with prospective employers.

Why don't you try engaging in an exercise routine that will improve your career prospects: a five-step résumé-writing workout. You may not have the muscle tone to show for it, but you'll have an impressive tool to use in your job search. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to your field, you can follow the same simple regimen.

Step 1: Establish an objective.

While a gym buff's main goal may be to lose a few pounds, a job seeker's ultimate aim is to get hired. Start by including an objective on your résumé. It should spell out your career goals and your qualifications for the role. Although it is an optional element, an objective allows you to tailor your résumé to the job opening. Make sure what you include in this section is targeted to the company and the job for which you are applying. Your objective might look something like this: "An entry-level position at a magazine that gives me an opportunity to apply my background in English and my three years' experience as editor of my college newspaper."

Step 2: Shift into high gear.

If you expect to see results, whether you're working on your calves or your résumé, sooner or later, you've got to pick up the pace. Since the work history section is the most important element of your résumé, it's the best place to step it up. Most employers prefer that applicants list their work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with their most recent jobs. Be sure to include the position, company, location and dates of employment. Use action words to describe your accomplishments and specifically demonstrate how you made a positive impact on the company. For example, it's not enough to say, "Grew territory revenue in excess of corporate goal." A statement such as, "Grew territory revenues 25 percent in less than six months, exceeding established goal of 15 percent," will impress employers more.

Remember that one size does not fit all on your résumé. If you're applying for a variety of roles, what you highlight should relate specifically to each unique job opening.

If you have been out of the workforce for some time or are looking to make a career change, consider grouping your work history under functional categories instead of chronologically.

Step 3: Eliminate extraneous activities.

Even the strongest athletes run out of steam when they overexert themselves. Avoid exhausting yourself, and the résumé reader, by weeding out information that does not directly relate to the job at hand. For example, if you are currently in a finance role and a big fan of the circus, there's no point in mentioning your affinity for the flying trapeze. Or if you want to show off a particular skill that isn't included in the work history section, such as familiarity with a certain software application, list the training courses you've taken or certifications you've received. Just don't go into detail about personal hobbies that don't directly relate to the job.

Step 4: Don't forget the final stretch.

Feeling the burn while working out is one thing, but waking up in pain is another. Smart athletes know it's important to conclude their exercise routines with some final stretches. After you've written your résumé, you should give it one last look for grammar and punctuation errors, misspelled words and typos. Format the document so it's easy to read and appealing to the eye. Use boldface type for section headings, employer names and jobs titles, and leave ample white space so it doesn't look cluttered.

If you submit your application via e-mail, prepare the file as a plain-text document so it can be read on any computer system. Remove all formatting enhancements, such as underlining or boldface, and replace bullets with asterisks or dashes.

Step 5: Request a quick once-over.

If you've worked hard to develop well-defined abs, you shouldn't be afraid to show them off. Similarly, before submitting your résumé, show it to a few friends or professionals in the field and ask if they think it successfully highlights your background and skills. A pair of fresh eyes also can spot any errors that you've overlooked.

Writing a résumé can be challenging, but it shouldn't make you break out in a sweat. Approach the task like you would a workout: Break it down into small steps, take your time and give each one your all. With a little effort and willpower, you're bound to strengthen your chances of landing the job you seek.

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What Employers Think When They Read Your Résumé

Robert Half International

If you're like most job seekers, the hiring process can sometimes make you scratch your head in confusion. For example, how many times have you come across the "perfect" position, quickly submitted your résumé and eagerly anticipated the hiring manager's call ... only to hear nothing from the company?

Unfortunately, the frustrating reality is that the majority of résumés you submit will elicit little or no response from potential employers. Much of the time, the situation is out of your control: The position may have already been filled by the time you inquired about it or simply wasn't as good a fit as you thought. That doesn't mean, however, that there's nothing you can do to improve your odds of being called for an interview.

Following is an inside peek into the questions hiring managers ask themselves when evaluating résumés. By understanding potential employers' thought processes, you can craft stronger application materials.

Can the applicant fill my need?

Admittedly, it's an obvious question. After all, a firm looking to hire a computer programmer isn't going to call you for an interview if you only have a background in human resources. But even if you possess the necessary experience, if your résumé isn't targeted to the specific company and opening, your qualifications could seem equally unrelated. Tailoring your résumé to the position involves positioning your skills and experience in a way that shows the hiring manager that they align perfectly with the opening. So, rather than submit the same generic résumé for every job you pursue, look at each opening and create a customized résumé. Sure, it takes a little more time, but it's worth it.

If you are applying for a programmer position, for example, the company will want to see previous employment in the information technology industry; knowledge of Java, XML or other computer languages; and evidence that the applications you've helped develop have benefited former employers. In this case, you would downplay your three years as a busboy in college as well as your brief stint as a telemarketer.

Throwing everything against the wall and seeing if something sticks isn't the right approach; a hiring manager is more likely to discard your résumé than wade through it in hopes of finding relevant information. Use numbers perhaps by pointing out that your program enabled the sales team to collect more than 5,000 leads per month which are likely to stand out in a sea of words and grab a hiring manager's attention. Research the company and re-read the job description several times to make sure you are stressing all of your most relevant qualifications.

Will the applicant remain with my firm for the long term?

The hiring process is lengthy, complicated and expensive. An October 2004 study by the Employment Policy Foundation found that replacing just one worker costs businesses an average of $13,355. Because of high turnover costs, hiring managers seek employees who are not likely to leave the company soon after accepting an offer. They'll look to your résumé for proof of a stable work history.

If you have job-hopped in the past, consider submitting a functional, rather than a chronological, résumé. A functional résumé is organized around your skills, experiences and accomplishments, not the specific roles you have held at various points in your career. You also can use this format to downplay employment gaps; but be prepared to explain them during an interview.

In addition, hiring managers look for assurance that you are dedicated to your profession. If you belong to a professional association, possess certifications or take professional education courses, list this information on your résumé. But make sure everything is relevant and current. You may have a certified financial planner designation, but it means little if you have not renewed your certification in four years.

Is the potential employee professional?

Imagine trying to convince someone to buy a product by providing them with a description of it but not allowing them to see or test it. Sounds hard, doesn't it? In essence, that's your challenge when submitting a résumé. A hiring manager will use just a few sheets of paper to determine if you are professional and can communicate well. So, make sure your résumé is free of typos and grammatical mistakes and that it is easy to understand. Because hiring managers may receive hundreds of applications, they'll eliminate you from contention for the slightest infraction.

And if they have a question about your work history, they don't have the time to call you for clarification. Have a friend, relative or member of your professional network read through your résumé with a sharp eye to spot any errors you might have missed. Afterward, ask the person to summarize its contents. Can he or she accurately recall your past positions and responsibilities? Can the individual name your career highlights? Is the person able to tell the type of job you seek? If not, you're probably not getting your message across as clearly as you can, which means a hiring manager may not be as impressed with your application as you'd hope.

The hiring process can be opaque, but one thing is clear: A well-written, targeted résumé gives you the best chance of being called for an interview and, ultimately, landing the position you desire. Before you submit your next application, think like a hiring manager to ensure your résumé doesn't get lost in the crowd. 

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7 Ways to Improve Your Cover Letter and Get Your Application Noticed

Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing

Don't underestimate the power of a cover letter. When  well-written, attractively designed and customized for the recipient, a cover letter is a powerful tool that can practically scream, "Interview this candidate immediately!"
But when they are thrown together using little to no consideration, personalization or creativity -- as cover letters often are -- letters are as ineffective in the job hunt as blank sheets of paper.
"This is a major misstep when job searching," say Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark, co-authors of "Cover Letter Magic." "You should take advantage of every opportunity there is to stand out from other candidates."
Enelow and Kursmark also say that writing a cover letter can be more fun than job seekers realize. "With the right perspective and a positive attitude, you'll find that it affords you great flexibility. There is no one set format in which they must be written. There is no one style in which they must be presented. In fact, there are very few rules at all, and because they are so flexible, cover letters allow you to positively present just those skills, qualifications, achievements and credentials you want to bring to the recipient's immediate attention."
There are a variety of ways job seekers can get creative with their cover letters and bring them to life in ways they never considered. In their book, Enelow and Kursmark suggest a few of these techniques:
1. Find out what your target employer's slogan, catch phrase or mission statement is and brainstorm ways to include it in your cover letter's introduction. This technique will quickly capture the reader's attention, demonstrate that you are familiar with the employer and stand out from other candidates' one-size-fits-all cover letters.
2. Add a table or two-column section that closely connects the employer's requirements to your qualifications and professional achievements. This strategy will quickly provide the employer with concrete evidence that you're a good fit for the job and worth learning more about.
3. Begin with a thought-provoking quote relevant to the position, the employer's goals or your target industry. Many people love to read, share and ponder quotes. Including one in your cover letter can be a quick and effective way to engage the reader.
4. Feature a strong headline near the beginning of the cover letter. To keep it brief, yet powerful, address one of the employer's key concerns or spotlight your expertise or an attribute that will be particularly appealing to the employer.
5. Develop your own slogan or mission statement and include it near the top of your cover letter. This technique will enhance your career brand and stand out much like a headline would. To draw even more attention to the phrase, place it inside a graphic element that is attractive and appropriate.
6. Add a "P.S." to the end of your cover letter. Often, it's the first thing a person will read.
7. Include testimonials about you in the body of your cover letter or in an attractive sidebar. Testimonials will emphasize your skills and achievements and support claims you make about your expertise and why you're the best candidate for the job.

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Preparing for Your 2010 Job Search; 5 tips to get you ready

Robert Half International

job search

The good news: You have a job. The bad news: You'd like to find a new one, and the current state of the economy has undermined your efforts.

You don't have to wait out the storm. You can take steps to prepare for your job search. By laying the groundwork now, you'll be well-positioned once the job market recovers, giving you a valuable edge.

Following are five tips to get you started:

1. Update your résumé. The most essential element of any job search is an up-to-date résumé. If you haven't touched your résumé in awhile, dust it off and make sure it highlights your most recent skills, areas of responsibility and accomplishments. Taking a little time over several weeks to work on this document is better than rushing to complete your résumé all at once. Keep in mind that this draft of your résumé will serve as a starting point. You'll want to customize it to each position for which you apply.

2. Keep your profile current. Your professional profiles on networking Web sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook serve as an informal résumé for recruiters, who are more frequently using these sites to locate talented candidates. Make sure your profile is complete and current. Also, consider taking advantage of the extra features many of these sites offer. For example, LinkedIn allows you to secure recommendations from members of your network for display on your page. Adding a few to your profile can help you stand out from the crowd.

3. Put your best digital foot forward. In a competitive job market, a polished professional reputation -- both online and off -- can make or break someone's chances of landing a coveted position. As a result, it's important to get a sense of your digital footprint, or the presence you have on the Web. Building a strong reputation online, or remaking a poor one, can take some time.

Start by searching for yourself on several search engines. If you discover unflattering information, such as an embarrassing picture from a college trip to Mexico, remove it or ask the person who posted the information to do the same. You also should adjust your privacy settings on social networking Web sites to ensure that personal details or photos are available only to the people you select.

4. Make new friends. The best time to expand your network of business connections is when you don't need a job. Reaching out to new contacts now allows you to nurture the relationships. Maintain regular communication with your contacts and offer your assistance as necessary. When you launch your own search and you're in need, they'll be willing to return the favor.

5. Prepare your references. You'll need several people with whom you've worked to sing your praises to prospective employers when your search begins. So why not start identifying and reaching out to these contacts now?

Although most hiring managers ask to speak to three to five individuals, you'll want to prep more people than this. Like your résumé, your reference list should be customized for each opportunity. That means you'll want to be able to call on people who can speak to several different aspects of your career -- for example, your work ethic, management skills or ability to work with diverse audiences.

Check in with former managers and peers to ask if they would be willing to recommend you if contacted by a hiring manager. If it's been awhile since you've connected with a potential reference, arrange to meet for coffee or lunch, or send a note along with an article you think the person would find interesting. Let each person know you'll contact him or her if a prospective employer has requested your references.

Although you can't control the economy, you don't have to be a passive observer. By preparing for your entry into the job market now, you'll be ready to take advantage of new opportunities as soon as they arise.

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Feel Like Giving Up on Your Job Search?

5 ways to shake things up

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 36 percent of unemployed people -- or 5.4 million -- had been without a job for 27 weeks or more in September 2009.

Whether you're out of work for five days, five weeks, five months or five years, any period of unexpected unemployment can be frustrating -- especially when it seems to go on forever. Although the economy seems to be showing signs of recovery, any job seeker who has been out of work for a long time will tell you: It's still not easy to find a job.

"Even though there are positive indicators, companies aren't adding jobs now at the rate they cut jobs over the last year," says Noah Blumenthal, best-selling author of "Be the Hero: Three Powerful Ways to Overcome Challenges in Work and Life." Despite that, Blumenthal reminds us that economic activities are cyclical. "Every boom feels like it will last forever and so does every bust. But none of them do. Know that things will turn around. The jobs will come back."

Laura Torres, a 28-year-old development associate in Boston, knows firsthand about being frustrated with a job search. She was laid off in December 2008 and didn't find a job for about nine months.

"The most frustrating aspect was not feeling totally in control of the process -- particularly once you started interviewing at a job," she recalls. "Obviously you can play the game and even play it well, but your fate is still up to a small group of people. The agonizing wait between the interview and the follow-up is eerily reminiscent of trying to date someone who 'just isn't that into you.'"

Elena Sokolow-Kaufman, 30, who works at small nonprofit in Massachusetts, also had a frustrating job search. After being unemployed for a little more than two months, she reached a breaking point.

"I had sent out a lot of résumés and had a few interviews for specific job opportunities, but nothing seemed like it was moving forward. At the time I was going on a lot of informational interviews, and at that point I started to feel very burned out," she recalls.

If you do reach a breaking point like Sokolow-Kaufman, Blumenthal says it's important to switch things up and try something new in your job search. Doing so will reinvigorate you and help you stay motivated.

"When you've been searching [for a job] for a long time, it can wear you out. You need to do things to keep you excited about your job search so that you keep going," he says. "The most important thing you can do is keep yourself eager, motivated and energized to continue the search."

To revitalize her efforts, Sokolow-Kaufman says she started a blog, in addition to working on her search in coffee shops with friends who were in the same position.

"It helped me a lot to feel less isolated and was a good reminder that many other people were in the same boat I was in," she says.

Torres also took measures to revive her job search by narrowing her focus in order to find a job she really wanted. In the meantime, Torres challenged herself by applying for jobs outside of her interests or background.

"I never got interviews for these jobs, but it helped me think outside the box a little," she says. "I also sometimes just had informational interviews with people whose careers were markedly different from mine. Again, this was to broaden my horizons a bit and give me more perspective."

If you (and your job search) are stuck in a rut, here are five ways Blumenthal suggests to rejuvenate your job search and mix things up a bit:

1. Go online

"You've sent out more résumés than you can count. But have you tweeted? It's a social networking world. Build your online connections on services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Then use that platform to make value-added observations about your line of work and job searching. You never know where your electronic connections can lead," he says.

2. Separate yourself

"Hiring managers and recruiters receive tons of résumés. Some are better than others, but frankly, none of them stand out. You need something else," he says. "Try writing an article or two about your field. Print them up on glossy paper with a nice graphic design. Add a professional bio, and put it all together in a nice folder. Now, instead of sending a résumé, you're sending a press kit on you. That stands out."

3. Have fun

"I know a woman who once sent her résumé folded up and stuffed inside of a baby sneaker. Her note said she was sure to be a 'shoe-in' for the job," he recalls. "If you are bored with your job search, it will show in your materials, your applications and your interviews. So have some fun." (And yes, the 'shoe-in' did get the job.)

4. Set a big goal

"You've already met 100, 200, 500 people? Set a goal to meet and have one-on-one conversations with 100 new people this month. Is it possible? Can you do it? Use Facebook. Go to professional meetings. Ask 10 friends to introduce you to 10 new people. It doesn't matter if they are in your field. This is the "Six Degrees of Separation" game. Meet up and let the new connections take you where they will," he says.

5. Go to work

"Volunteer at a local charity or political organization. You have the time, and this helps you in so many ways," he says. How? It feels good to help; you're using your skills; you're meeting new people; you're getting off the couch and out of the house; and you will build your stockpile of stories. "When you meet people or interview, the connections you make are through your stories. What better story to tell than something that happened while you were helping make the world a better place?"

Ultimately, Blumenthal reminds job seekers to treat their job search like a job, and like a project that has a long-term objective.

"Do what you would do if this were such a project. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments along the way. Appreciate what you love about this job. After all, you can work in your pajamas, set your own hours, work from Starbucks and pick your kids up from school."

Bing: Positive quotes for inspiration & motivation

Bing: Using social media to find a job

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The Secret to Finding a Job Now

Five reasons to use a staffing firm

CareerBuilder.com

What if I told you that I knew how you could find a job without having to dig through hundreds of job postings, wait for weeks to hear back from an employer, negotiate your salary or blindly walk into an interview ... and you could do it all for free?

I bet you'd say, "Where do I sign up?" I would answer, "With a recruiter."

Headhunters, recruiters, staffing agents -- call them what you will -- are here for one reason and one reason only: To help you and employers find a match in long-term employment.

Unfortunately, recruitment, a $92 billion industry, is virtually untouched by job seekers. Forty percent of job candidates are unable to name a single staffing firm from memory and only 20 percent have used a staffing firm in their most recent job search, according to a recent study by CareerBuilder.com and the Inavero Institute for Service Research.

Instead, job seekers are utilizing other resources in their search for employment. The average candidate uses up to four different sources in his search and only 4 percent of people turn to recruiters as their first method, according to the survey. Eighty percent of job seekers use online job boards as their first resource.

Let's take a look at why job seekers aren't using the efficiencies of staffing firms.

The perception gap

The staffing industry bears a heavy load of misconceptions, the one of the most common being that recruiters cost money. Eight percent of job seekers are under the impression that there will be costs to them if they utilize a staffing firm, according to the survey. Most recruiters are free to candidates, however, and it's very rare that the expense of a recruiter will influence an employer's hiring decision. In fact, Eric Harrington, president of Healthcare Solutions, a California-based staffing firm, says the money lost on a bad hire is about 10 to 20 times more than what a recruiter is paid to fill the position with a great match for the company.

Additionally, 10 percent of job seekers believe staffing agents only fill temporary positions. They feel as though they are only used to "fill a hole" rather than find gainful employment, according to the survey. In reality, it behooves recruiters to find clients long-term employees. Companies are considered clients to recruiters and they get paid by them to locate talent. If a recruiter consistently delivers unreliable, temporary candidates, it's unlikely he will help that client for very long.

A third false impression of the staffing industry is the experience job candidates take away from it. Twenty-five percent of survey respondents indicated that headhunters are unresponsive or don't follow up with them. Other issues they reported included thinking that they were not advocated for and that they were treated as a "warm body" or "product" by the staffing firms.

Though every job seeker's experience with a recruiter is different and varies by the people he or she works with, there are a variety of reasons why job candidates can benefit from using a staffing agent.

Here are seven reasons why you should use a recruiter in your next job search:

1. It's free.

2. Recruiters get to know you and put you in companies where your career can flourish. You can be honest with a headhunter in terms of your likes and dislikes when it comes to an employer. Since a good recruiter should know the ins and outs of a company, he or she uses these details to find a job best suited to you.

3. They can negotiate a higher salary for you. Recruiters have better knowledge of the job market and salary ranges for different positions. Generally, it's to the headhunter's advantage to obtain a higher salary for the candidate, says Kelly Smith, a corporate contract recruiter. Usually, recruiters are paid a fee based on the overall salary that a candidate receives, so they will work to negotiate a realistic salary for both parties.

4. They can get the inside scoop. Headhunters know their clients. They work with them over and over again so they know what the company is truly looking for in an employee, says Lori Marcus, principal for Quad656. They can prepare you for a company's interview style, tell you what types of questions interviewers may ask, inform you of its pet peeves, tell you where and why others have failed to get to the next step and how to get the information from them that you may need to make a decision as to whether it's the best fit for you.

Smith says recruiters can also give the candidate the dirt on a company's corporate culture as well as requirements for the job that may not be written in the job description.

5. You don't have to wait to hear back from someone. Some human resource departments are notorious for not getting back to candidates or for taking weeks to do so, Harrington says. Recruiters have immediate contact with hiring managers so you don't have to wait for anyone to contact you. They get you an answer one way or another.

6. Recruiters can identify opportunities that may not be advertised and that really exist. Recruiters have leads on positions you may never hear about otherwise, says Lindsay Olson, a recruiter and partner with Paradigm Staffing, a staffing firm that specializes in placing public relations and communications professionals. Some companies use headhunters to fill confidential positions that they don't want to post publicly. When you hear of a job through a recruiter, you know there is actually an opening.

7. You can get feedback and guidance from recruiters before interviews. When you meet with a recruiter, you can get specialized pointers before going on interviews, says Jodi Smith, a human resources professional and etiquette consultant. From advice on purchasing a different tie, perfecting a firmer handshake and better eye contact, to specific feedback on how to phrase answers and helping you identify your strengths and weaknesses, candidates can polish their image and be prepared before meeting with a hiring manager.

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Internet Tips and Tricks to Help You Land Your Next Job

CareerBuilder.com

There's a wealth of career information on the Internet, and these resources are just a mouse-click away for any job seeker.

But as comprehensive as sites like CareerBuilder.com are, there are other resources on the Internet you can use to land a new job. Here are a few tips and tricks to help maximize your job search on the Web.

1. Career assessment tests

Career assessment tests can be engaging and fun, and the results can give you important insight into your working style to help you find the best fit.

For example, CareerPath.com has a number of helpful career tests, including a color test that gauges your reaction to colors and suggests potential career paths based on the result. Take note of any keywords that appear in your test results and use them as search terms.

2. Network, network, network

Most career experts encourage job seekers to expand their networks. You can connect with other professionals via Web sites like BrightFuse and LinkedIn, and even a personal contact on Facebook can provide an important connection to an opportunity.

Alumni groups with an online presence can also be a great place to network, since the focus of those groups is their eagerness to connect with fellow graduates.

If you're not sure where to start, sign on to a networking site. Search for current or former co-workers and managers and invite them to join your network. Engage your network by sending messages and giving other users recommendations or kudos for the positive experience you had with them.

3. Research your prospective employer

If you're competing against other candidates with equally impressive skills, education and experience, you really need to break ahead of the pack. One way to do that is to know your prospective employer.

Start with the company's Web site; look in the "About Us," "Media" or "Press Room" sections. To be fully informed, you'll want to check out other sites with detailed information.

"Use online news sites to understand which companies are doing well or expanding," suggests Patrick Madsen, the director of professional career services at The Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. "Reading through articles and generally knowing where the world is going can open potential new doors and windows."

Madsen also suggests that job seekers research information sites like Hoover's, Vault.com or Careerbeam to learn about companies.

4. Person to person

Do an Internet search on yourself. A recent CareerBuilder.com survey found that one in four hiring managers are researching candidates online. If there's any information out there that could hurt your chances of being hired, you need to be aware of it.

Once you've landed an interview, you can also research the person you'll be talking to. Madsen recommends doing a simple Google search on the interviewer's name, as well as checking Facebook or LinkedIn to see if he has a profile there. The interviewer may also be featured on the company's Web site.

Mark Moran, founder and CEO of Dulcinea Media in New York City, says this step is vitally important. "I've interviewed perhaps 500 people in the last five years, and I can tell you most of them failed to get the job because they did not use the Internet to research me, the company or our industry."

5. Brave the cold

It's ideal to use sites like CareerBuilder.com to reply to job postings from employers actively seeking candidates in your field. But you can also use the Internet to do a "cold" search on companies that are in your field.

Career expert Chris Russell, the founder of the Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, recalls his initial job search. He researched companies in his area (none of which were actively hiring) and compiled a list of 80. From there, he identified a contact at each company. Russell launched his own "direct mail" campaign and soon had seven interviews. One of those companies hired him.

The twist to the story? Russell's job search was in the pre-Internet days of 1993. "The Internet would have made my campaign a much easier one if I had access to it back then. Today, there is so much information on the World Wide Web it can be daunting," he admits. "But if you know where to search, you can end your job hunt that much faster."

6. Back to basics

Some important basic tips to remember when using the Internet to land your new job:

- Make sure your e-mail address is professional; a handle like "partyguy2002" will give employers a negative perception of you before you've even started.

- Don't rely on spell check alone to capture any errors in e-mails, cover letters and résumés. The difference between the word "shift" and a common curse word is only one letter.

- Be sure to have text-only versions of any documents, so they can be easily sent or submitted to employers.

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Should You Fake Your Job References?

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

Every day, William Schmidt gives job seekers with a not-so-great job history, a gap on their résumé or even a criminal record, a second chance. How does he do it? He fabricates job references to cover up their sordid pasts.

Schmidt is the founder of CareerExcuse.com, a Web site that says it will fill any gap on your résumé by acting as your past employer. It will go as far as creating a new company with an accompanying phone number, logo, Web site and LinkedIn profile. He says the site is designed to "help our subscribers meet the needs of the modern day job market."

"Many of our subscribers tell me how a bad reference from a previous employer is akin to having a criminal record and is preventing them from providing for their family. All they ask is for a second chance," Schmidt says.

While Schmidt says he feels good about the service he provides for job seekers, naturally, not everyone shares his opinion. After all, not only is it unethical to lie about anything on your job application, but some argue that it puts those who have legitimate references at an unfair disadvantage.

"It's like using a professional photographer, who helps you look your best, versus using someone else's photo. One is enhancing your appearance, while the other is blatant misrepresentation," says David Wright, author of "Get a Job! Your Guide to Making Successful Career Moves." "People do make mistakes and bad choices. Winners learn from the mistakes while losers try to cover them up, hide them or keep making the same mistakes over and over while expecting different results."

Is the economy to blame?

Many people can agree that finding a job today is difficult and that not having anyone in your corner to toot your horn could be detrimental. Schmidt said he got the idea for his company after perusing posts on Twitter, where he said he saw many users asking strangers for references.

"We understand that there are over 12 million workers who have been fired or let go from former employers in the last eight years. With six applicants for every job today, anyone with a blemish in their career can be left out," Schmidt says.

Lauren Milligan, résumé expert and job coach for ResuMayday, says that it's sad that job seekers would think they had to fake their references, but that she can see how the poor economy could lead to making desperate choices.

"If a candidate was previously turned down because of a lack of reference, that otherwise honest person may decide to unethically stack the deck in his or her favor," she says. "It's kind of pathetic that anyone would have to [use a service for a reference], but perhaps it could be that 'rock bottom' that turns around bad behavior."

Is it worth it?

Some job seekers may think they need to use a fake reference because they were fired or need to cover a gap in their employment history. Experts say that paying someone to do that for you is likely a waste -- especially since many employers ignore the references you give them anyway.

"Having consulted on hundreds of hires, I don't care about the three personal references the candidate has given. Anyone can find three people that will swear they can turn water into wine," says Barry Maher, career consultant and owner of Barry Maher & Associates. "I check everything else I can. And not just the last job, which may be a service that will vouch for them, but the job before that and the one before that, all the way down the line."

Checking references all the way down the line has also become much easier with the advent of social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, which provide a place for you to list your employment history. Employers aren't stupid -- if a few things don't match up, they'll catch on pretty quickly.

"The good thing about social networking is that the world has become a much smaller, accessible place. The bad thing about social networking is that the world has become a much smaller, accessible place," Milligan says. "Within a few minutes, I believe that anyone with a mid-level of expertise in LinkedIn or Facebook (combined with an elementary-level [Internet] search) could identify fake information. Hiring mistakes are so costly; due diligence can really pay off in a company's recruiting process."

And while employers cross-reference information that candidates provide them, including references, services like CareerExcuse.com have an answer for that, too.

"CareerExcuse.com uses [social networks] to our advantage," Schmidt says. "As a matter of fact, it is the Internet and the reliance of the Internet by human resource managers that make our services work so successfully."

Consequences of your actions

Every action has a consequence, including providing a fake job reference to a potential employer. Although you may not get caught, you'll likely have to deal with trying to cover up your lies and forever worrying about if you'll get caught.

"Liars are always going to use lies to try and put themselves at an advantage over honest people," Wright says. "This may be effective in the short run, but over time, honesty wins out because eventually lies do get found out, and liars are exposed for who they really are. As in a great quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln: 'You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.'"

The truth will set you free

If you feel the need to use a fake job reference, try these three tips from our experts instead:

1. Turn your negatives into positives

"Nothing builds credibility like exposing your own negatives. You can turn them into positives, selling points, even bragging points," Maher says. He gives the example of Clyde Thompson, who "provided us with all the reasons why we may not want to hire him; all the ones that we probably would have brought up on our own once he was out of the room, and a few more we might never have come up. Clyde presented his unemployability in a light made it appear that he'd be a more reliable employee. And his honesty gained him a massive amount of credibility."

2. Don't give up

Before giving up and resigning yourself to having no references, Milligan suggests scouring LinkedIn and Facebook to try to reconnect with former colleagues. Or, consider if you've volunteered anywhere, played on a sports team or been a member of industry associations. Reach out to peers from these organizations for a reference.

"References don't only have to come from supervisors or co-workers," she says. "Perhaps company clients or vendors would have a few good things to say about you."

If you still can't find anyone to give you reference by the time an employer asks for one, Milligan suggests saying, "Unbelievably, I wasn't able to connect with any of my former supervisors or co-workers after ABC Co. shut down unexpectedly. Thanks to social networking, I'm in the process of trying to find people, but it just hasn't panned out yet. In lieu of that, I would assure you that I wouldn't have been able to achieve (insert career success here) if I wasn't good at my job and I fully expect to create more successes like that one, for you."

3. Tackle the issue head-on

Instead of trying to sweep the issue under the rug, be the first one to address it, Wright suggests.

"If you know you've got something bad that would probably show up on a background check, it can help to be proactive, particularly when you've established some degree of rapport with the hiring manager," he suggests. "Tell them that you want to be upfront with them -- you made a mistake in the past and they'll probably find out anyway, but you'd rather them hear it from you first. By being proactive, you have the opportunity to position it better as well, emphasizing your strengths or how you overcame that experience."

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5 Jobs for Internet Enthusiasts

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Are you an online enthusiast? The dictionary doesn't have a definition for it just yet, but if it were to exist, I suspect it would look something like this:

Internet enthusiast (n): 1. One whose hand has molded to fit the contour of the computer mouse; 2. One who feels energized by the glow of a computer screen in much the same way a fresh cup of coffee makes most people feel in the morning; 3. One who dreads going to sleep because he or she is unable to go online for eight hours.

Is this you? Do you hate the fact that your job gets in the way of your Internet activity? Perhaps you don't let that stop you from surfing the Web during the day and you pray the boss won't catch you. Whatever the situation may be, you might be better off in a different job. Say, a job where you're paid for your love for everything online.

Maybe you need help weaning yourself off of the computer, but until your friends and family stage an intervention, you should consider one of these Webtastic jobs:

Branding consultant

Branding is a buzzword that's worked its way into the permanent lexicon. Companies, organizations and even individuals want to have a brand -- an identity that customers instantly recognize and respond to positively. Much of that branding is formed online, via ad campaigns, press and customer interaction. Branding consultants help companies identify what type of brand they want and then they help create it and keep it consistent through all outlets. They know the likes and dislikes of their target audience, so they try to be in front of them as much as possible to get exposure and gauge their reactions. The placement of banner ads, the spread of viral videos and other places you see a company's advertisements are the results of branding consultants' efforts.

Public relations director

The world of PR is busy and ever-changing. In fact, what you do as a public relations specialist or director depends on the organization in which you work. What is the same everywhere is the need to monitor what type of media attention you're getting and employ damage control if necessary. Directors give interviews online, in print, on radio and on TV to speak on the company's behalf. They stay on message so that the company presents a unified, cohesive voice at all times. Directors also monitor what publications and critics, both online and offline, are saying about the company and are prepared to respond to all inquiries that might come their way.

Recruiter

The Internet has been changing industries for well over a decade now, as most people recognize. Recruiting has also experienced a shift, mostly due to networking sites. Sites where people can post their education history, work experience and skills are ripe for recruiters who need to find new talent. By logging on to a social network, they have access to thousands of potential employees at the click of their mouse. Of course, good recruiters want the right candidate, so they spend hours scouring different networks to find the most qualified individuals.

Social media consultant

Social media are still relatively new in the business world, as is this position. In some companies, a social media consultant is a busy, high-level job. In others it's a part-time gig suited for an intern. What you can be certain of is the need to find new ways to engage customers online. Companies need someone to set up and maintain accounts on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and any other social media site that pops up. The social media consultant might work for a public relations director or alongside a branding consultant. Whatever the case, this person need to keep the content fresh, monitor user feedback and create a persona for the company -- all through the click of a mouse.

User operations analyst

What one thing do advertisers and site owners want to know more than anything else? How online users behave. The pages they visit, how far they scroll down a page, how many clicks they are willing to make to find information, and anything else that gives insight into how users navigate a site. User operations analysts monitor how users interact with the site and they also answer users' questions or listen to their feedback to see what they want in a site. The analysts then share their information with the site owner.

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6 Ways to Search Smarter, Not Harder, for a Job

Debbie Shalom, Amazing Resumes and Coaching Services

You don't need a Ph.D. to conduct a successful job search. Achieving your career goals requires an organized strategy and disciplined approach. Below are six tips to help you search smarter, not harder.

Sell your value.
What makes you unique? How will your strengths, skills and accomplishments solve prospective employers' problems? Determine your "unique value proposition" and make it an integral part of your personal marketing plan. Consider every document (résumé, biography, business card) or face-to-face meeting (networking, interview) as an opportunity to communicate your value and address strategic business needs.

Energize yourself.
Searching for a job can be exhausting if you do not have a plan to re-energize yourself. Staying motivated and on task is easier when you develop a practical plan and stick to it. Arrange a daily schedule that is feasible and fits into your lifestyle. Determine how many days and hours a week you will invest in your search and create a document to track your progress.

Activate and build your network.
A strong network can provide you with job leads and information to access the hidden job market. Research shows that more than 60 percent of all jobs are found through networking. Everyone you know or meet and every situation you encounter is an opportunity to grow your network. View every family member, social or business acquaintance as a potential member of your network.

Research your options.
The Internet is an excellent place to begin your research. If you want to know more about specific industries, average salaries or educational requirements, visit sites such as http://www.bls.gov/, http://www.cbsalary.com/ or http://www.hoovers.com/. Employers' websites are another source of valuable information; there you can learn more about key decision-makers, products and services. If you want to speak to someone within a specific company, try searching for him or her on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Brightfuse or Ning.

Customize your job search strategies.
You will increase your chances for success if you focus on personal preferences. Select two or three strategies that fit your personality and lifestyle, and build your job search around them. If you like to meet new people, volunteer for an organization or apply for work at a temporary agency. If you are introverted or shy, contact others through social networking sites or alumni associations. Other job search channels you can try are job boards, networking groups, job fairs and trade shows.

Harness your creativity.
Market yourself with imagination. Five years ago, job applicants would print their résumés on colored paper to get an employer's attention. Today, employers want to hire qualified applicants who know how to present their value. Producing project portfolios or video résumés are two original ways to showcase your candidacy.

Whichever method you choose, conduct your job search in an organized, targeted and creative manner. And remember the adage, "Success is the end result of creativity and all of the hard work around it."

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Best Places for Entry-Level Jobs; Where is the best potential for salary growth?

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Entry-level jobs are most workers' first forays into the professional world. Few of us went from unemployed to high-ranking employee overnight. In fact, unless your family name is displayed on a skyscraper, an entry-level job is unavoidable.

Although employers decide which positions in their organizations are entry-level, they usually define them as jobs requiring two years of experience or less. These positions can come with various education requirements, ranging from some schooling up to completion of a bachelor's degree, depending on the industry.

In their book "200 Best Jobs for College Graduates, 4th Edition," Laurence Shatkin and Michael Farr list some of the best entry-level jobs available. Shatkin and Farr looked for jobs with a high concentration of workers between 20 and 24 years old. They looked beyond what the starting salaries are and sought careers that have potential for growth and higher salaries in the future.

Of course, entry-level jobs aren't merely for the early 20-somethings, so don't think the list can't apply to you if you're outside of that age range. For example, many workers are switching careers in this economy because their industry isn't thriving. Many veteran workers realize that they've spent years in the wrong field, return to school, get a degree and find themselves starting over again.

For anyone looking for an entry-level position, we wanted to make your search a little easier. We took some of the best entry-level jobs, according to Shatkin and Farr, and determined where the best salaries are offered, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Here are eight entry-level jobs with high earning potential, their average beginning salaries and the areas that offer the best long-term pay.

Computer hardware engineers - $48,750

Missouri

New York

California

Washington, D.C.

Massachusetts

Actuaries - $48,750

New Mexico

Pennsylvania

Indiana

Colorado

Delaware

Sales agents, securities and commodities - $30,890

Connecticut

New York

Tennessee

Massachusetts

Washington, D.C.

Network systems and data communications analysts - $40,100

New Jersey

Virginia

Minnesota

Maryland

Washington

Agents and business managers of artists, performers and athletes - $30,780

New York

Massachusetts

Tennessee

California

Nevada

Logisticians - $38,280

Washington, D.C.

New Jersey

Maryland

Massachusetts

Alabama

Chemists - $36,810

Washington, D.C.

Maryland

Delaware

New Hampshire

Massachusetts

Market research analysts - $33,310

Washington state

Delaware

Massachusetts

New Jersey

California

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7 Steps to Sustain Energy and Enthusiasm During Your Job Search

Selena Dehne, JIST Publishing

Ideally, everyone would view the job search as an exciting and invigorating opportunity. In reality, the process can be stressful, exhausting and emotionally draining, particularly when coping with rejection, financial hardships or uncertainty about the future.

It's important to realize that job searching doesn't have to be a negative experience. Richard Deems and Terri Deems, co-authors of "Make Job Loss Work for You," say people can take several small steps toward a faster, more rewarding job search.

"Candidates who are out on the streets talking and meeting with people are those who maintain their energy and confidence," they explain. "On the other hand, those who sit back at home and merely mail out their résumés are often those who get discouraged. The feedback they get during the job search comes from receiving either no response or some form of a rejection letter. With each rejection letter, the body cringes and shrivels a little bit more."

In their book, the Deems father-and-daughter duo offers some additional tips to help job seekers boost their drive during the job search:*

Set up some kind of "office" where you can direct your job search

Make this a place where you can take calls, handle correspondence and keep track of your research and other information. A separate room (such as a spare bedroom) works best, but even a corner in the basement can help.

You will need a desk, chair, phone, computer, Internet access, space to file materials and information, and space to work. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does need to comfortable and provide you with the privacy needed to direct your plan for action. When you are in this space, you are "at work."

* Maintain your normal schedule. Don't sleep late. Get dressed each morning just as if you were going to be out talking to people -- because you probably will. One successful person with whom we worked sat down at his "office" every morning at 7:30, coffee in hand, and read the local and national newspapers, just as he had for 10 years prior. His reaction: "It really helped!"

* Participate in some kind of physical fitness program. Some people jog, walk, play golf, lift weights, dance or do other forms of exercise. The important thing is that you're doing something. Remember, exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety and enables you to think more clearly. Exercise also releases body chemicals that help keep depression away. If you're a bit overweight, the extra exercise can help reduce the pounds and simply help you feel better about yourself.

* Watch your diet and eat right. Eat balanced, reasonably sized meals. Excessive coffee can increase tension and appetite. Excessive alcohol can dull your thinking ability (plus add weight). Excessive sweets and sugars can increase tension and irritability.

* View your activity as fulfilling your "job requirements." Except now your job is to find a new position in another company as quickly as possible.

* Set weekly and daily goals in terms of contacts to make and research to conduct. Keep a record of your activity. People who devote four to eight hours to their job search per day get new jobs faster than those who devote only a few hours each week. Take time on Mondays to set up these goals, and time on Friday to review your progress.

* Maintain your physical appearance. First impressions are important, and you will want to look good. For some, this may mean buying a new interviewing wardrobe. An investment in an interviewing wardrobe can often have a tremendous payback in terms of higher salary in the next position. If finances are a major concern, look for the recycled-clothing shops or job search "closets" that exist in many cities.

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6 Steps for First-Time Job Hunters

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor



Congratulations, you've done it! You made it through college, have your degree in hand and are finally ready to make your mark. You are now in the real world and it's time to get your professional life started.
If you are in the middle of this crossroad, it can be scary, exciting, confusing, overwhelming or all of the above. Following are some steps to make a successful college-to-real world transition.
Step 1: Pinpoint Your Direction.
After four (or five, or six) years of college, you are completely certain about what you want to do, right? If not, now is the time to determine what your strengths are and identify what kind of careers suit you. Are you someone who loves to be around people? Or are you happier crunching numbers or creating computer programs? Consider all of your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes and interests when thinking about your career plan. Read about fields that interest you and talk to others who are doing jobs that you find interesting. Focus your direction on positions and fields that match your interests and talents.
Step 2: Do Your Research.
It is vital to learn as much as you can about the companies that interest you and to consider all of your options, says Pam Webster, a recruiting manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. She should know: Enterprise is the nation's largest recruiter of college graduates.
"You should be open-minded about opportunities in companies and industries you might not have thought of before," she says. Once you have identified companies that you want to target, Webster suggests looking at their Web sites, reading news articles and talking to current employees to learn as much as you can. "You also need to look at a company's stability," she says. "Is the company going to be there for the long term?"
Step 3: Assemble Your Toolkit.
It is important to have the right tools for any task. The tools needed for a job search are a résumé, cover letter and a portfolio of your work. Take the time to develop a résumé and cover letter that clearly convey your strengths and experience. Here are a few tips to remember:

Think about the type of résumé you need. A functional résumé, which highlights your abilities rather than your work history, is a good choice for first-time job seekers.

Focus on accomplishments and results you have achieved, rather than simple descriptions of experiences.

Use action words in your résumé and cover letter to describe your experiences, such as "initiated," "produced" and "managed."

If you are low on practical work experience, look to your part-time work, school activities or volunteer positions. "Evaluate all of your experience and translate how it applies to any job you might apply to," Webster says.

Step 4: Network.
One of the most important tasks in any job search is networking. Take advantage of any resources you have, including your school's career placement office, friends who graduated before you and are already working, friends of your parents, former professors, and neighbors. Send e-mails to ask if your contacts know someone who can help you. Pass your résumé around and ask others to do the same. Call your contacts to see if they know someone who works for a firm you are interested in joining.
Step 5: Play the Part.
If you want to join the professional world, you need to act -- and look -- the part. Buy a business suit and wear it to all of your interviews. "Make sure your e-mail address and voice mail greeting are appropriate," Webster says. That means if your e-mail user name is "crazygirl2005," you might want to get a new account. Webster says you should also remember to be professional at home. "Be prepared for a phone call or a phone interview at any time," she says. The more you play the part of a well-trained professional, the more people will see you as a professional.
Step 6: Don't Give Up.
The real world can be a real challenge. Set realistic expectations and recognize that you will probably have to start at the bottom and work your way up. You will likely face rejection as you start looking for your first full-time job, but everyone goes through it. Just remember to be proactive, be persistent and remain confident that there is a great job out there for you!

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