Successful job hunting: the importance of your local paper

In this day and age of the Internet, it can be tempting to ignore the old tried and true method of scouring the local classifieds section when looking for a job. You might think that online job search engines are the best way to find a job, and in many cases you would be right. Posting jobs online is a heck of a lot cheaper and less time consuming than placing ads in the paper, so it is definitely true that searching for a job online is an essential part of looking for employment. However, there are a few good reasons not to count out your local newspaper as part of your job search.

First of all, a look through the newspaper can give you a good picture of the overall job market at any given time. If there are lots of ads posted in widely varying fields, the market is probably pretty good. Employers are hiring, and there are positions available – and this, of course, enhances the odds that you yourself can land one of those positions. If there are not very many ads in the paper, then you may be facing a tight job market – in which case it can be good to adjust your strategies accordingly.

Second, looking through the paper can give you some ideas of specific job titles that might be available in your area. For example, if you have a degree in a field such as journalism, there are a number of titles that you can consider yourself qualified to apply for. You could be a “journalist,” a “reporter,” an “editor,” a “writer,” a “columnist,” and so on. Due to the structure of the majority of Internet Web sites, it can be a little harder to pull the same type of information from browsing job sites as you can pull from browsing your newspaper. Since the newspaper information is all consolidated in one spot that is easy to look over, you can make notes of the different variations of job titles that you can apply for and then later type those job titles into a job search engine.

Third, despite the fact that we are living in a very digital era, do not underestimate the fact that there are still a significant number of businesses out there that do not have a Web presence. This may depend partly on the type of job you are seeking, but if you’re working in a field, for example, that you might land a job with a small business, there’s a chance that some potential employers do not have a Web site or a large digital presence. These sorts of companies might still use the local newspaper as their primary means of announcing open positions – in which case you will not learn of their openings by using the Internet and will thus miss out on a good potential opportunity.

Last, but not least, the local newspaper can offer you some help in your job search beyond the ads in the actual classified section. You should be on the lookout for information in the rest of the paper that might tip you off as to potential openings. For example, if you see an announcement in the paper that there’s a new business opening, consider whether your skills might be matched to the positions they’ll be hiring for – in which case shooting off your resume might get you a jump over other applicants when they later post their open positions. In addition, you might see announcements of career fairs or other events where employers might hire on the spot or schedule interviews. The Internet is indeed a wonderful thing, but it can never completely replace your local paper if you’re aiming to work locally.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Online job hunting guide

There are four main ways to approach your online job hunt. The most common method is to use an online job search service. Of these you will typically find two kinds - those offering jobs you can apply for, and those which offer jobs in an auction format. The old stand-by of newspaper classified ads is also available in many forms online. There are local papers offering classifieds and metro papers that access nation-wide classifieds. These are the fastest ways with the highest volume of opportunities.

There are also online trade magazines which have classified sections with job listings. The fourth way is to directly look up websites for businesses your think you would like to work for and see if they have a link for job opportunities. Sometimes this link is on the home page, but often you will find this information in “about us”. This method of searching can be slow, but it can be incorporated in your other surfing and requires very little effort. It also reveals more desirable opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere.

The first three all share many methods. Use any search engine to find your site, whether you are looking for a job hunt site, newspaper or magazine geared to your industry. Many search engines have a link to job searches on their home page. Once you access the site you want to use, you will normally be given the opportunity to enter your job search criteria. This is where you win or lose on your hunt.

Sometimes you will be asked to specify a location, industry, or position. The key is to start broad. If you have definite requirements, such as location, stick to that. When it comes to keywords, try everything. Start out using your keywords one at a time. Get a feel for what kind of results each word brings you. Some engines do not work well with multiple keywords. Also, try your keywords in areas that do not seem like the primary area for the job you seek.

As you use this method to test the water, you will quickly discover that slightly different methods work better with each site. Some sites will email job opportunities to you based on your criteria. Some allow you to post your resume for employers to find you. To maximize your results further, bookmark the jobs that appeal to you, print them out if possible, and keep a log of which ones you have responded to and the date.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

A freelancer's guide to job hunting

The job of a freelancer is unlike any other. The calculated and scheduled life you may have once had takes a back seat and instead your work hours will be dependent on the jobs you get. Freelancing has its shares of woes - including the relentless hours you put in just to make enough money to get by. But there are many stories of successful freelancers who make a decent income and even earn six figure salaries. With hard work and persistence you too can have a fulfilling career as a freelancer.

Be the Expert You Are (or Want to Be)

Freelancing is all about making a career out of something that you not only love doing but are also good at. Honing your skills and talent is a definite must in the freelance business. It is important to be educated and know as much as you can about your field whatever it may be. Read books, go to conventions, and join organizations tailored to your field. Becoming an expert in your desired field is the first step that will give you that slight advantage over others who may be new to the industry.

You should have a deep understanding of the market or businesses you plan on freelancing or consulting for. Find out what it is they are looking for. What strengths do you have that they can benefit from? And remember, a business will only hire outside workers to do jobs or fix problems they can not do themselves.

You are Your Business

Designating a place in your house or apartment to be your office is essential. In the freelancing business, the job searching never ends. Have sources available to you that can aid you in your job search such as access to the internet, trade books, magazines, and newspapers.

Constantly keep your eyes and ears open to possible projects. Do not be surprised if you end up spending a lot of time on the internet. Search engines and websites are great sources that have the latest job postings. Spend a few bucks on newspapers and industry magazines which usually have specific sections for freelancing and work opportunities. You have to be willing to take the time and do the research needed in finding jobs that are tailored to your line of work. The jobs are there for the taking - you just need to find them.

Network and Sell Yourself

You have to sell yourself, your work and your knowledge. No one else is going to market you. You have to be willing to be very vulnerable in seeking out jobs, writing outlines, proposals or queries, and sending out your resume to as many prospects as possible. The more territory you cover, the more chances you will have in landing a job.

More likely than not people will hire individuals they know over others whose work they are unfamiliar with. Go to conferences and build a network team of colleagues and mentors. Those who have been successful in your freelancing career field will always have advice. Plus, they can be a great asset in referring you to potential employers.

Remember to always have plenty of resumes and business cards handy with you at all times. You never know who you might bump into that might actually need your expertise.

Have Realistic Expectations

It can be really easy to quit freelancing if your financial means are not met. Find out how much freelancers make in your field and from there create a realistic budget on how much you expect to earn. This insight can lessen your anxiety on trying to make money so you can focus on acquiring more gigs.

When starting out, make sure you either have additional financial assistance or some extra cash in the bank because in the freelancing world, you never know how long it will take for you to get that check. Do not expect to automatically make a lot of money in the beginning of your career. Some companies may offer to pay cash or a check up front while others have an undetermined turnaround time.

If you have extensive experience or a degree in your field, you can consider setting your own rate based on how much you think your work is worth. This is another reason why being an expert in your field is very important. Contractors will hire and pay more to those whom they feel know what they are doing.

Perseverance is a Must

Successful people are not born, they are made. In any aspect of your life, especially your career, the need to continue through setbacks and not give up on your goals is essential. Some think that starting out is the hardest aspect of freelancing, but the truth is that the key to being successful is perseverance.

Rejection and failure are necessary evils in the freelancing business. In this tough solitary business the only person held responsible for your own success is you. Sometimes your success is determined in how you handle your failures.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Should You Opt for Extreme Job-Hunting Tactics?

There is no doubt that the job market is tougher to squeeze into than ever. For some, finding a job has turned into a month-to-month, or even year-to-year process. When you are out of employment for an extensive amount of time, you may feel tempted to take some extreme routes to get your foot in the door of a company, but is this something you should really consider?

What Are Extreme Job-Hunting Tactics?

Extreme job-hunting tactics are those that have probably never crossed your mind before. Okay, well maybe they have. Let’s test this theory. Have you ever thought about writing up a sign on a huge piece of construction paper that displays your name, phone number, and skills, then walk up and down your city’s downtown? Well then, have you ever thought about taping copies of your resume all over the outside of your car?

If you have thought about doing either of these then you may have been a sanely desperate job seeker ready to work. However, if you have actually done either of these then you are an extreme job hunter – and someone who may be a bit insanely desperate. At least this is what some think of those who have taken on similar strategies to find work. Now the real question is does this really work?

Should You Take This Route?

Depending on the career you’re looking for, it may not hurt to take this route. For instance, a cab driver living in New York taped his resume to the back of his cab’s passenger-side seat in case any occupants were looking for help. While his attempt was bold, it still was subtler than other tactics and could actually work.

But it’s good to keep in mind that there’s no proven track record showing that extreme job hunting works. Essentially, you will probably hear about the rare cases where the bold individual was able to snag the job of a lifetime only to become a successful businessperson and millionaire (everyone’s dream, right?). But this is by no means the norm. Most employers aren’t going to take you seriously if you stand on the corner with your resume taped to your chest. Instead, they may toss you some change and keep walking by.

So How Can You Find a Job?

The tried-and-true ways to find work include applying the traditional way and networking. While the economy is going through a tough time, leaving many employers at a stand-still when it comes to hiring, there are still jobs available. This means, if you’re qualified, you can get hired. Tweaking your resume, building a professional presence online through social networking, and stepping away from the computer to network in person can help get your foot in the door. If you take all of these steps, you are more likely to find a job faster than participating in an extreme job-hunting strategy.

So are you ready to get out there and snag the job you want? Then don’t wait another minute. Get started on your resume and cover letter, catch up with your old contacts for networking purposes, and update your online profiles. You’ll get that job you want in no time flat.

By Heather Eagar

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Job Hunting - Your Job Between Jobs

Ronald Reagan once quipped: "A recession is when your friend loses their job. A depression is when you lose yours."

We're either dipping or narrowly skirting a recession, and getting good job hunting skills (or refreshing your existing one) is becoming a growing priority for millions of Americans and Europeans.

(A brief aside about lies, damned lies and statistics - while Americans worry about 5-7% unemployment rates being the sign of a recession, in Europe, the usual rate is closer to 10%, due to different measurement metrics and having more people on the dole. Conversely, it's much harder to let an employee go in Europe, where holding a job is considered a fundamental right.)

First things first - look at your expenses each month. Then look at your income from unemployment insurance (if available), and at the burn rate on your savings. The longer you can spend job hunting before feeling the financial pinch, the happier you'll be with the outcome. And while you're job hunting, also look at doing some freelancing in your field if you can - many job types, such as copy editors, writers, and spreadsheet gurus, can make decent money on the side doing freelancing work.)

Next, there are fundamental basics of job hunting. Make sure your resume or CV covers the high points of your experience and is easy to read. Make sure that your cover letter explains, succinctly, why you’re the best candidate for the job, and every time you get a nibble on a resume, send an interview thank you note. (Here's a trick - write the thank you letter the same time you write your cover letter, update it with the name of the person you're interviewing with, and have it printed, and in a stamped envelope to drop off in the mail box on the way out of the interview.)

Next, be prepared to work at finding a new job. Expect to make 40-50 telephone calls per week, and to send out at least 15-25 resumes or CVs per week. Be diligent in following these up. While you're aiming for making a high quality contact, this is a numbers game. Conversely, don't fixate on one job and get depressed if you don't get it. Again, the numbers game rules.

Flexibility is also key in job hunting - be willing to take on contract-to-hire positions, or work through a placement firm. Be willing to relocate. Focus on the upside, and maintain your full flexibility as a prospective employee.

If times are slow, consider taking an extra class or two, or getting a certification, to help you get an edge up in the job market. More and more, employers are forced to look at certifications to avoid charges of discrimination - you might as well get them and use this to your advantage.

Finally, be on the lookout for posted and non posted jobs. Even when times are good, fewer than 20% of all jobs get publicly posted. Talk to people in companies and work with them to find jobs that aren't publicly posted. Likewise, assume any job listing online is getting hammered with resumes and act appropriately.


By Catherine Jones

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Make Job Hunting Job One

By Scott Brown

Many facets of life require discipline: getting up every morning to go to work, paying your bills, putting gas in your car, and countless other things. However, many people consider looking for a new job as a hassle that can be addressed whenever the mood strikes them.
Many Americans today have an ‘it can wait’ attitude, and their career search suffers as a result. Finding a job, just like putting food on the table and keeping a roof over your head, requires discipline and extreme effort to accomplish.
People who join the military get a taste of discipline during boot camp and basic training. However, even those folks often lose a considerable amount of their discipline when they enter the civilian working world. If you have the discipline to work out every day or to get up and go to work, then you have the discipline to find a new job and find it quickly.

Look Everywhere

The discipline required to find a good job starts with looking diligently for the right employment opportunity. You have to look continuously, and when I say continuously, I mean during every free minute that you have.

Finding that perfect job means spending part of your lunch hour at the library doing research into the types of employers that are most likely to hire someone with your background and skill set. It also means spending a minimum of one hour a night surfing job boards. And that is just the beginning.
Once you have disciplined yourself enough to spend all your free time looking for new employment, you can begin to divide your job search time into specific tasks. One important aspect of looking for work is to make new contacts. One way to do this is by sending your resume to placement agencies that work with people in your industry and letting them know the type of position you are seeking.

Networking and Beyond

Never underestimate the power of networking: Nearly half of all jobseekers get their jobs through referrals. Begin by networking with your friends and family for ideas and inspirations. Then extend your network to include those acquaintances whose spouse might work for a good company, or that person you met at church who works for a company that might be hiring. No matter what the source, you need to take advantage of any contacts you may have.
Another element of a disciplined job search is looking at all possible sources for a job. This might include multiple job boards, several newspapers, and many different company websites. It never hurts to send a resume to a company that is not hiring, because they will generally keep your resume on file for six months or more.
Finally, it’s worth your time to browse the phone book and Internet, calling places where you might like to work. I have actually gotten a job while the market was terrible by blindly calling software companies to see if they needed help.

Stay Positive and Focused

Disciplining yourself to find that perfect job also includes maintaining a positive attitude – even in the face of rejection. I have sent out hundreds of resumes without a response, but continued sending out my resume until I landed a job.
Unfortunately, looking for a job is not like going to McDonalds. You can’t just pull up to the drive-through and select your new job from the super value menu. To make this meal truly satisfying, you have to start from scratch and follow the recipe (advice from experts) as closely as possible.
If you approach getting a new job or advancing your career as one of those events in life that require perseverance and discipline, you will succeed where others fail. If you are able to dedicate any and all free time to finding that perfect job, your efforts will be rewarded. So, put your nose to the grindstone and accept the fact that finding a new job is going to take a lot of work, extra effort, and your utmost discipline.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

 

Ways to Earn Extra Cash While Job Hunting

By Siri Anderson

So, you're looking for a job. You're not alone, and right now it's safe to bet that it'll take a little longer than usual before you score the permanent job position you want. What are some ways to earn extra cash in the meantime, pay the bills and maybe have a little fun to boot?

Before you start a part-time job, make sure that you know what you're looking for in terms of permanent work so that your side odd jobs don't create a conflict. Balance is the key, and if you are doing side jobs to make money, make sure they help your future career path.

Restaurant and food service work. Whether you're serving up chilled martinis or burgers and fries, waiting tables is often considered one of the best ways to earn extra cash - and there's a reason for that: the industry offers some of the most flexible part-time jobs, and with tips you can earn well over minimum wage. Most shifts don't conflict heavily with regular office hours, which is helpful for making business contacts and attending interviews during the day. Job prospects are considered excellent due to the high employee turnover that is characteristic of this industry - but don't forget that competition can be stiff at upscale establishments where the tips are the highest. Waiter/waitress median hourly wage = $14.50 (including tips)

Retail jobs. If food service isn't for you and you just need a side job that makes money to fuel your job search engine, then working in retail could fit the bill. Employment growth for these jobs usually reflects the expansion and contraction of the economy, so right now, it might be a little harder than usual to land a position. Despite that, retail job opportunities are still considered good because of the high level of turnover in this sector. Furthermore, warehouse, clubs and supercenters are supposed to have excellent prospects as their popularity is strong with bargain-hunting consumers. Sales clerk/cashier median hourly wage = $8.16

Temp agency work. Companies are wary about hiring directly at the moment, creating many temporary job opportunities. "Employers are looking for flexibility," says Eric Buntin, of Randstad US, a staffing company. However, they are still looking for plenty of entry to mid-level temp positions that, with a little patience on your part, may turn into a full-time job. "It's important to be flexible, but be clear with the agency about your long-term and short-term plans, so they can help you meet your goals," advises Buntin. "Some contracts could be just for a week, then become one month and eventually lead to a hire." Salaries vary widely depending on the industry and your experience level, but the potential is there to earn quite well while you're waiting for a permanent offer. Entry level temp work (healthcare) median hourly wage = $8.00; Experienced contractor hourly wage = $35.00**

Recreation workers. Sharing your knowledge of creative arts or sports and recreation can be a fun way to earn extra cash, and this job sector offers an unusually large percentage of part-time and seasonal employment, leading group outings or activities. Work environments range from community centers to summer camps. This is considered a tough field if you want to get into it full-time, but for part-time, job openings are good, stemming from the large number of people who leave the field each year. Recreation worker median hourly wage = $15.03

Test prep instructors and tutors. Opportunities in educational support are growing, many of which are part-time job positions, usually scheduled during evenings or weekends. If you've done well on standardized tests and have a passion for helping others succeed, you can earn $100/hour teaching GMAT prep courses. If test prep doesn't sound like a fit, students from elementary school through college are often in need of tutoring or extra help with homework assignments as well. Test prep instructor wage = $100/hour*; Tutor = $13.40

Need more flexibility? Find odd jobs for fast cash near your home.

If you're looking for more casual ways to earn extra cash, you can get a long way by using a little creativity, according to Robin Ryan, Seattle-based career coach and author. In her years of coaching people toward the right position, she's seen many innovative and entrepreneurial spirits earn extra cash with side odd jobs they develop themselves, from mowing neighbors' lawns after finishing their own, to planning birthday parties for their children's classmates.

"One woman was cooking dinner for her family one night and thought to herself, why not offer to cook for other families in the neighborhood," Ryan recalled. She ended up having a number of families willing to pay for meals a couple of times a week. For just a little extra prep time in the evenings, this turned a side odd job into extra cash.

"Also, if you have clothes that don't fit anymore, furniture, or that terrible gift that your aunt gave you for Christmas - sell it!" Ryan advises. Sites like Craigslist or Ebay are easy ways to earn extra cash, or you can rally a few neighbors to have a larger garage sale to increase your inventory and your earnings to few hundred dollars in an afternoon.

Whichever route you choose, part-time work is important. "A serious job search takes about 20 hours per week," according to Ryan, "any more than that is just spinning your wheels - job searching is slow. Fill the rest of your time with something that produces results. Psychologically, this helps a lot."

Claiming Unemployment and taxes:

If you're collecting unemployment, you may be wondering how a side job will affect your claim. Legally, you must report all earnings, which will then be subtracted from your unemployment check until you exceed the amount of your benefit. Sometimes it is just a partial deduction from you benefit, so it's best to check with your state's unemployment office for full details on how to report your earnings.

Regarding taxes on self-employment or odd jobs, you usually don't have to report earnings of $400 or less. The IRS gives complete information in publication 501 about federal filing requirements.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

6 Myths About Job-Hunting During a Recession

By Cherie Berkley

The job market is tight. Competition is stiff. But, if you are one of the thousands tasked with getting a new job in this poor economy, all is not lost. Hopefully, you can move more quickly from the unemployment line to a job offer once you get past these six common myths about job-hunting during a recession.

Myth No. 1: No one is hiring during a recession.

Layoffs are happening, but some employers - even those laying off workers -- are still hiring. Companies often eliminate full-time employees with budget-busting benefits only to replace them with contractors or consultants to save costs. Additionally, "green" jobs and health care jobs are among those still actively populating want ads. And, the pay is respectable. For instance, Payscale.com shows the median annual salary of an environmental engineer with 3-5 years experience is $60,672.

Myth No. 2: The Internet is the best place for finding jobs in a recession.

The Internet is an efficient way to survey jobs among many companies, but personal interaction is still the smartest way to find a job during a recession. Truth is, employers are bombarded with thousands of resumes from the Internet. Therefore, the chance that your new boss will choose your resume out of a pile of prospects is slimmer than ever. Instead, focus on finding a position, apply for it, and then do some research and connect personally with a hiring manager in the company to follow-up. Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn, also offer a great way to connect with targeted employees on your company dream list. These connections are golden because they can give you insider info about unpublished positions and help you sail past HR "blockers." Personal recommendations go much farther in landing a job during a recession than random resumes.

Myth No. 3: Searching companies in hiring freezes is a waste of time.

Like many situations in life, hiring freezes are not absolute. Savvy networking, the right face-to-face meeting, and the ability to sell skills critical to the prospective company can be the perfect formula for lighting a fire under an employer in a hiring freeze. Behind closed doors, hiring managers are told to make exceptions for spectacular candidates that can show them the money, especially in a recession when every dollar counts.

Myth No. 4: Expect a salary cut during a recession.

In hard times, companies value astute problem solvers more than ever. While employers may trim the fat elsewhere, there is always room in the budget for salaries of top-tier talent. However, in a competitive job market, there is a bigger burden to prove you are worth a higher salary, John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, says. Ultimately, companies want their talent investments to pay off -- and stick around. "If an employer goes to the expense, time, and effort to find a qualified candidate, it wants the person to stay," Challenger adds. The last thing an employer wants is for a prized candidate to temporarily accept a lower salary than her previous salary and say "hasta la vista" once the job market recovers.

Myth No. 5: Companies are not interested in hiring people over age 55.

There are several reasons Challenger, Gray & Christmas disputes the adage that older employees are unemployable. In a struggling economy, employers value seasoned workers' shorter learning curves (aka: less money invested in employee training) and their ability to do the work of several younger, less-seasoned workers. Separately, like a fine wine, experienced employees who are surgeons, accountants, attorneys, engineers, and IT professionals get better with time. Clients gravitate to more experienced employees in these professions. This adds up to more cha-ching for employers.

Myth No. 6: Experience and advanced degrees guarantee a job during a recession.

While experience and education have their plusses, they aren't guarantees to landing a job during a recession. In a deep job recession, experienced and degreed people come a dime a dozen. "It is very important to sell your world experience, your concrete accomplishments, and expertise; things that make an impact on the company rather than just your knowledge," Challenger says. Research what skills the employer values most in order to tailor your sales pitch accordingly, Challenger adds. And, because the market is so tight, though you are experienced, someone with more experience is likely applying for the same job. Take time to create your brand image and sell, sell, sell!

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

Job-Hunting on the Sly

How to Tap Your Network Without Tipping off Your Boss

 by Caroline M.L. Potter 

Even if you have a job, you may be in the market for another one.

Your current employer may be in dire straits, or you may simply be seeking new challenges. But in a challenging economy, there are a lot of eager professionals gunning for any position -- including your present one. And because most employment is at-will, you may be fired for looking for a new job.

Use these tips to alert your network about a job search without alarming your employer.

Don't Go into Broadcast Mode

Even though you want your network to know you're looking for work, Liz Ryan, founder of AskLizRyan.com and author of "Happy About Online Networking: The Virtual-ly Simple Way to Build Professional Relationships," urges job seekers, "Do not use LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter to indicate that you're job hunting!"

The same goes for mass emails. She states, "People process information differently and they may think they're being helpful by forwarding a message when, in fact, they're being indiscreet." Someone could reach out, inadvertently, to someone connected to your boss and blow your cover.

"Remember, too, that gossip is a valuable currency today," she says. If news of your search falls into too many hands, you cannot control how it is spread. "You can't put such a currency in people's hands and expect them not to spend it."

If you ask for a helping hand, ask your associates to run possible leads and introductions by you before pursuing them. The same goes for recruiters. You don't want anyone acting on your behalf without your approval, as you risk exposing your search to your current employer.

Stay Top of Mind All the Time

Because your network is your most powerful resource for finding another job, you must make sure everyone in it understands what you do and what types of opportunities you're pursuing. Says Ryan, a former human resources executive, "The best possible thing you can do for a search is enroll your job-search army! Meet with them. Talk with them. Ask about their lives. Find out how you can help them. This will get them thinking about you in an up-to-date way."

And if your network isn't big enough, she says that growing it is easiest when you have a job. She notes, "Employed job seekers have a HUGE advantage over unemployed people because they can reach out to anyone in their industry, invite them to coffee, and get to know them without asking for anything." These people may not respond to you when you're unemployed. The same is true for those already in your network.

"If you let a connection lapse, you may encounter apathy when you ask for help," Ryan adds.

Be Ready with References

If you're looking for a job while you have one, you probably don't want to use your boss or a current colleague as a reference. This is particularly vexing if you've held the same position for a number of years. Ryan, an expert on the new millennium workplace, advises, "We have to cultivate references all the time. Look to people who have left the company. Former clients. Even vendors. You may think a vendor wouldn't roll over on a client they serve, but they're pragmatic. You may be a good contact for them down the road." Individuals you know through volunteer activities and professional associations can also act as references.

Another great opportunity for references from your current boss and coworkers are LinkedIn endorsements. "Approach your boss in an 'up' moment, when you've gone the extra mile or saved something, and ask, 'Do you use LinkedIn? May I ask you for an endorsement? It would be fantastic because I'm thinking of becoming an officer in a professional association.' Or something to that effect." Once you have the endorsement, it's there for potential employers to see.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

5 Ways to Beat Job-Hunting Pessimism in 2010

by Tom Musbach

Job satisfaction held steady for workers in 2009, but pessimism and desperation plague many job seekers who remain grim about prospects for the job market in 2010, according to a new survey.

In an annual study of job satisfaction among U.S. workers, Yahoo! HotJobs found that 38.3% are "very satisfied" with their jobs and are not looking to change jobs, compared to 38.5% last year.

Most of the workers who said they were very unsatisfied and looking for new jobs were employees who had been hired within the last year. Those recent hires also reported applying for jobs below their qualifications (34%) or accepting a lower salary (30%).

"For employers, the news about unsatisfied recent hires is a warning sign," says Chris Merritt, general manager of Yahoo! HotJobs. "These are the people who could leave once the economy turns."

A Sluggish Recovery?

But nearly half of job seekers don't expect the economy to improve in 2010, according to the survey. When asked how long it would take to find a new job today, about 40% of respondents expected the process to take six months or longer.

"Improvements in the job market may not be that evident in the labor market statistics until 2011 or later," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "However, job seekers should not assume that simply because unemployment figures continue to hover in the nine- to 10-percent range that no one is hiring."

In fact, nearly a third (32%) of managers and recruiters who took the Yahoo! HotJobs survey expected to increase hiring activity in 2010.

Staying Competitive Today

To maximize your chances of landing a job this year, Challenger and other experts recommend the following tips:

Network. Join professional groups, and stay in contact with former associates. Spread the word about your job hunt. Tell everyone in your network about your situation and the type of opportunity you're seeking.

Cast a wide net. Look beyond your usual industry; many of your skills may be transferrable. Use job-listing sites like Yahoo! HotJobs, but also examine industry-specific sites or company sites for your target employers, and don't forget alumni career resource sites, if possible.

Customize each resume. Tailor your resumes to the job description, which will also provide useful key words. Take your time with each resume, as it is the first impression you make on the hiring manager.

"Not tailoring a resume is a huge mistake, because employers want their particular needs and problems addressed," says Lauren Milligan of ResumeMayDay.com. "Tailoring a resume shows that you have researched the company, or at the very least, read their job posting. Not tailoring it is a huge hurdle to overcome because other candidates will have been insightful enough to do this and will gain a competitive edge over you."

Don't get overwhelmed. If unemployed, commit to action every day. Your job search should be like full-time job. Carve out a specific time every day to focus on doing it well. Set small goals for yourself and measure your progress.

Reach out to your support systems. A lengthy job search can take a toll on your self-esteem and increase a sense of pessimism. To combat this, make an effort to connect with the people you care about. Their support will help you maintain a positive attitude.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy

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.

careers, Jobs Indonesia, Indonesia Vacancy